Chapter 5
FIVE
THEA
It’s time someone took him down a peg, and the one to do it is going to be me.
“Come on, sis, you know you want to,” Theo cajoles as he gives me a pleading look. “And it’s not like we’d be around each other all the time. So you don’t have to worry about me getting in your way.” His expression changes to a wicked grin. “And besides, sounds like you have something to prove to your old Major.”
“He wasn’t my Major,” I correct him with a scowl as I continue to fold the laundry beside me. I hate laundry, but my time with the Forces has drilled into me that it needs to be done and it needs to be perfect every time. Which is probably why I stupidly insist on doing Theo’s too. The idiot almost turned my clothes pink from a stupid red sock that was with the whites earlier when he was trying to help . And I know I threw those stupid socks out, but clearly, he went in and found them again. Or bought another pair. Either way, I chucked them again when he wasn’t looking.
“Whatever. He was something to you, which means you can be around him all you like now. And if I become a patched member of the MC maybe the two of you can figure out whatever the hell kind of chemistry between you is,” he reasons.
I pause folding his white shirt and stare at him incredulously. “What the hell are you talking about? There is nothing of the sort between me and him. He’s the man that told me I was weak, and I couldn’t amount to anything in the Army. He was harder on me than anyone else, even some of the men, and he wanted me to fail. I proved he was wrong. Everything else you saw was all in your head. And you being a patched member of the MC is exactly why I’m thinking of not taking it. I don’t need to be in your way, and it’s not like you want to work with your sister, or tell these guys who I am.”
“Are you kidding?” he exclaims, setting his beer down on the counter with a thud. He starts to wave his hands the more he talks. “I’m good, but you’re so much better, Thea. You were Special Forces, and most women don’t ever get into your line of work. I brag about you all the time to my buddies, and I’ll do the same with the MC. Honestly, you’re probably more suited to this line of work than I am, but I’m not so insecure that I can’t work with my sister. We’re family, but we’ve always been good at putting the line between work and personal. Besides, they probably won’t put us together anyway. And we both know you’re bored out of your mind without something to do. Are you really going to be happy with some kind of menial sales job or a nine-to-five office job? You’ll go crazy.”
“I could go and work as a cop,” I suggest. “I already have some connections there too.”
Theo shakes his head. “No, that’s not you. And you dealt with those assholes on your team. You don’t need to add a whole freaking police department to that list. Come on, how many times have we heard what female cops have to go through? And you wouldn’t be able to stand there and take it, either. You’d be miserable. Not to mention, if you were really interested in doing that, you’d have already started the process.” He gives me a pointed look. “Which means you’re in agreement with me on that.”
I hate that he’s right. Sometimes having a twin is a pain in the ass. “Fine, you’re right that I’m not sold on the idea,” I huff as I resume folding.
“Are you worried about the fact that there’s no other women?” Theo asks after a moment, his tone cautious. He knows the full story of what happened, and I can see the concern in his eyes.
I hesitate before answering. Is that what’s holding me back? I’ve been telling myself since we left that it was so I didn’t overshadow Theo or step on his toes while he’s trying to build a new life for himself. The problem with my life is that for a long time I overshadowed Theo because I was more studious, more focused, and seemed to get further faster than he did. Theo has never seen it that way, or resented me, but I know it bothered him that our parents never seemed to care as much about his accomplishments compared to mine. And I don’t want it to come off as though I’m trying to take over something else in his life.
Not to mention, he has a point about me being the only woman. That puts me at an instant disadvantage, and in this line of work, I’m going to be working with bossy, gruff men. The kind that often doesn’t like taking orders from a woman. And with everything I’ve been through, it’s not like I’m going to trust them instantly, and in this line of work, you have to. Because as much as I would love to be able to push it aside and try, I know myself well enough to know it probably won’t happen, even if I try my best.
“I won’t let anything happen to you, Thea,” Theo promises me seriously. “You’ll kick their ass first, and I’ll just finish them off.”
I let out a dry chuckle. “There wouldn’t be much to finish off when I was done.”
“Exactly!” He grins. “But you could at least leave me a little piece. And Eric said that even though there are no other women that work there, the MC has a bunch of women that come in and out that are with some of the men of the MC, or friends with them.” He lets out a sharp laugh. “Apparently, the men are scared of them, too. They call them The Coven, or something like that. So I have a feeling they’re used to some strong personalities.”
“But it’s different to be around that sometimes or in a relationship with someone than working with someone all the time,” I remind him.
“Now you’re making excuses. Look, how about you give it a trial run? See if it works. Then, if you don’t like it, no harm, no foul, and you walk away free and clear to find something else that works for you.”
I bite back a sigh. Clearly, Theo isn’t going to take no for an answer. If I really want to put my foot down on it, I can, but a part of me is tempted. I never considered doing private security before, but it’s definitely something I’d be good at. And my skills would be valuable, which is something I want. I don’t want to lose the piece of me I’ve worked so hard to build. And if I take a regular job, that part will definitely fade away.
Then again, the other part of me is reminding me to be cautious. I get a good vibe from the MC, even with Grayson being a part of them, but sometimes vibes aren’t enough.
Stop being a coward and stop being stupid. Take the job, see what it’s like and call it good.
I want to roll my eyes at the voice in my head, but before I can, there’s a sharp knock on the door. I glance at Theo sharply, and he gives a small shake of his head as he moves toward the door on silent feet. I don’t move, waiting as he looks through the peephole. Then he relaxes and turns a wicked grin toward me, before he opens the door and says loudly, “Sergeant Major, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Then he steps back to reveal Grayson standing there with two other men behind him, wearing matching cuts.
All three of them enter the apartment, and I see the two men in the back glance around quickly, smirk, and then look at me. Both give me a quick nod before they look back at Theo. “This our new Prospect?” one of them asks. His cut declares him as Bowie.
“It is,” Grayson says. He holds out a cut similar to his own to Theo, who beams excitedly. “Put that on, Prospect. From here on out, that’s what you’ll be referred to, and as of tomorrow morning, you’re on call for not only the business but us.” His deep voice is hard and firm. “You’re to do anything and everything that a patched member asks, is that understood?”
Theo nods and puts on the cut quickly. “Yes, sir,” he says respectfully. I almost expect him to snap to attention, but he manages to refrain.
“Viper is your sponsor, so he’ll give you the rundown in the morning when you show up for work,” Grayson continues. “You’ll refer to us as our road names as well.”
“Got it,” Theo says with a smile.
“Good. A room will be ready for you to move your things into tomorrow. You don’t need any furniture since anything you need will be in that room. Just bring anything of importance and your clothes. You got your bike out of storage?”
“Thea and I went and got it earlier, so I’m all set,” Theo assures him, grinning. “And thank you. I’m grateful for the chance.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prospect,” the other guy with them, Frost, says. “You haven’t seen the shit you’re going to have to deal with.”
“Or rather, who.” Bowie snickers softly.
“Are you talking about the Coven?” Theo asks. “Eric said they’re great and a lot of fun. I’m sure I’ll get along with them just fine.”
All three men look at each other, and I note the wariness between them. It’s my turn to smirk. Oh, now, isn’t that interesting? A group of bikers scared of a few women? Maybe I’ll take the job just to see what all this is about. “You’ll soon learn otherwise, Prospect,” Bowie tells him grimly.
Then Grayson turns and looks at me, and the feel of his gaze on mine is like a punch to the gut. Even after all these years, one look from him and my insides turn to jelly. I continue to fold the laundry as he watches me. “Sergeant Major,” I say politely. “I’d get up and salute, but we both know I wouldn’t mean it, and I’m kind of busy here anyway. Unless you’d like to help me, of course? You know, show us that sweet, gentle, feminine side to you?”
Theo chokes on a laugh, and I hear a soft snort from Bowie or Frost. Grayson steps forward, his expression dark and unyielding. But I don’t miss the look in his eyes that tells me he knows exactly what I’m doing, and he’d love to make me pay for it. Too bad for him, I’m not intimidated, and I just give him a cool smile, daring him to try. I’ve taken down men bigger than him, and I’m younger and faster.
“That stick certainly didn’t help work out any of that smartass in you, did it, Sutton?” Sniper returns calmly. “And don’t call me Sergeant Major. I haven’t been one of those in a long-assed time.”
“Oh, right, I forgot just how old you are,” I say with mock sympathy, his eyes flashing. “Then what should I call you? Maybe you’d prefer sir ? Or would you prefer Grayson? I could always call you Hudson, make you sound all distinguished. You just let me know, and I’ll see what I can do.”
“I like her.” Frost chuckles. “But doesn’t she remind you of a few certain someones?”
“Fuck, not another one,” Bowie groans.
“My name is Sniper,” Grayson tells me, ignoring the other men. “My legal name will only get your ass in trouble.” He gives me a sharp smile. “And I can still be very creative in my punishments.”
My gut clenches at that, and my mind instantly heads deep into the gutter, before I force myself to crawl out of it. “Then it’s a good thing I don’t answer to you, isn’t it?” I return sweetly. I put the last item in the basket and get to my feet. “And as lovely as this entire pointless chat is, I have things to do tonight, and dealing with your growly ass isn’t one of them. Sir,” I add sarcastically.
Grayson—no, Sniper now—steps forward, his eyes foreboding, and the wave of danger rolling off him should have me wary. Instead, it only invigorates me that he’s clearly affected by my words. So many times I saw him unflappable that seeing him this pissed is definitely a win in my book. When he’s only on the other side of the coffee table does he stop. “You’re treading on thin ice, little girl,” he tells me in a low voice. Low enough that I know that Theo, Bowie, and Frost can’t hear him. “Keep pushing me and you’re going to realize just how much you shouldn’t.”
“I haven’t been a little girl in a long time, old man,” I tell him with a low sneer. “And you don’t scare me, just like you didn’t then. Pissed me off, sure, but I became the exact thing I wanted to be. And if you can’t handle that, then I suggest you turn around and walk right back out that door and never come back because I’m not going to change. I would hate to have to make you look like a fool in front of your club brothers.”
I see the clench of his hands at his side out of the corner of my eyes. No doubt he’s trying not to reach out and strangle me. I hold his gaze, daring him to do it. I learned a long time ago never to back down with men like him, and that isn’t going to change now. Finally, he says in a tight voice, “You’re to report to the security office tomorrow with your brother. Your first shift starts at oh-eight-hundred-hours. Don’t be late.” Then he turns and stalks back toward the door.
“You don’t get to order me around anymore, asshole,” I snap at him, anger making my cool facade slip. He stops in front of Bowie and Frost, before looking over his shoulder at me. “And I won’t be taking any kind of job I don’t want.”
“But you want this job,” he returns sharply. “And we need another person. And since you’re too damn stubborn to do it on your own, I’ll make the decision for you. Just like I did a decade ago.” This time, his smile is cold and lethal, as I silently seethe when he adds, “And you’ll show up because we both know you’re not a coward. Not like you were back then, isn’t that right, Sargeant? So put on your big girl pants and prove me wrong, or don’t show up and prove me right.” Then he looks at Theo and says, “Prospect,” before he moves to the door, opens it, and strides out.
Bowie and Frost shoot me sympathetic looks before they silently follow him out and shut the door behind them. Theo doesn’t say anything as I quietly fume. I grab the clothes and storm back into my room to put mine away, leaving Theo to deal with his own.
I slam the drawers of my dresser and closet with more force than I should, but I can’t seem to stop myself. That man gets under my skin like no one’s business, and all I want to do is prove him wrong. Well, that and kick his tightwad ass from here to Timbuktu. How dare he come in here and order me around like that? And how dare he back me into a corner? Just like he did a decade ago.
“Thea,” Theo says softly in the doorway. I turn to look at him and see the concern on his face. “Look, I know what he said, but if you don’t show up, that’s not something for you to worry about. He’s not your boss, and he doesn’t run the security company so he can’t order you.”
“Oh, but he can,” I say with a humorless laugh. “Better brush up on your MC politics, Theo, if you’re going to join yourself with them. Sniper is their VP, which means that it doesn’t matter who runs those businesses, if he says something, Shadow and Viper will fall in line. It’s no different than the Forces or any other branch. There just isn’t the rigidity we’re used to. And if he tells them to expect me and I don’t show up, that will prove that I’m not trustworthy or reliable. And it could also negatively affect you. Because you have at least a year before they patch you, and in that time, any slight or fuck up bad enough on your part means they can get rid of you without a worry.”
“I’m a big boy, Thea, so you don’t need to worry about me.”
“Yeah, I know, and I know you’d survive if you didn’t have that piece, but we both know you want it. So I’m not going to get in the way of that. And he made sure to prick my pride before he left, and he knows I’ll show up. Even if it’s only to prove him wrong.” I shake my head and scrub a hand down my face in frustration. “So it looks like I’ll be joining you, even if it’s only to show that asshole he’s made a grave mistake in trying to force my hand.”
Theo’s face turns concerned. “Thea,” he warns.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt anything for you,” I assure him. “But I make no promises where your new VP is concerned. It’s time someone took him down a peg, and the one to do it is going to be me.”