Chapter 11
ELEVEN
THEA
It’s time to meet the Coven and figure out why the men are so scared of a bunch of women.
I get back to the office even more frustrated than when I left. The asshole I was guarding today was the kind of guy that if he were in the military and under my charge, I’d have taken him to the ground and proved to him that he wasn’t shit and made sure to embarrass him in front of all his buddies. I only had to do it a couple of times, but it was enough to get the point across.
The asshole, Chad Merrithew, is some wannabe celebrity influencer that spent the entire day with his phone in his hand walking around and talking about how he’s so famous he gets the hot bodyguard. When I pointed out the contract he signed stated I am not to be on camera, he got belligerent and sulky. Especially when I confiscated his phone twice and deleted the videos he was trying to post of me. He threatened to fire me, but the moment I headed for the door and reminded him he still had to pay for my services for the whole day no matter what, he realized I wasn’t going to be pushed around.
So the rest of the day he spent calling me uptight, or trying to get me in his videos without my face. However, as soon as my time was up, he lost all chill and tried to pin me against the wall to kiss me, telling me he knew I had a thing for him. I left the stupid bastard gasping for air on the floor without so much as a word, and then took his phone and deleted the video I knew he was trying to record. He was pissed, I could see it in his eyes, but I didn’t give a shit. I just hope that the next woman who might be around him will be strong enough to handle him. I’ll mention it to Shadow and see if he wants me to report it or not, but I would guess no. Bikers don’t really like to deal with cops after all.
I park my car out front and stalk inside, ignoring the curious look from Eric when he sees me. My shift is about done, and I desperately need to go home and relax. It’s Friday, which means I’m off for the weekend, and it’s the first one where I’ll have the apartment to myself. And while I love my brother, I’m excited for the quiet too. Not to mention, I need to clean and do all the boring shit that I’ve let slack this week, which isn’t like me.
I head straight to my desk to get to work on the report that needs to be completed, ignoring the looks that I get from everyone. I hear someone approach and glance over to see Bowie standing there. He’s one of the more quiet ones around here, but I’ve also figured out that he’s also the one in everyone’s business. He’s subtle about it, but I have no doubt that there isn’t much this guy doesn’t know or realize. “Problem?” he asks, leaning against the side of my desk.
“Not unless you count the idiot client I just left,” I tell him tiredly. “Oh, and I probably should tell Shadow he’s probably going to get a complaint call about me.”
“Why?”
I pause for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal to him. Though I guess he’ll hear about it eventually. “The asshole tried to pin me against a door at the end of the day and I put him on his ass,” I reply simply.
Bowie’s expression doesn’t change, but his eyes do. They go hard and cold as ice. “Did he now?”
“Don’t even think about it,” I warn him. “I’m perfectly capable of handling this shit by myself, and I did. I’ll let Shadow know, put it in the report, and leave it at that.”
Bowie nods, but I also have a feeling he’s going to be looking into the twerp too. “Fine. And any time that shit happens, call one of us in case you need back-up. And so you have a witness in case you have to beat his ass,” he adds with a wry smile. Then he walks away and I roll my eyes. Yeah, like I’m going to do that. All that will do is make it seem like the little woman can’t handle something and has to call in a man to do it.
No, thank you.
I type up the report quickly, and then I head toward Shadow’s office to let him know that I’m heading out. I knock on the closed door, and then pause when I see Sniper open the door. We stare at each other for a short second, and I see the hard look on his face. I adjust myself and look past him to see Shadow, Viper, Bullet, and Crypt in the room. “Sorry,” I say quickly when they all look at me. “Didn’t realize you were busy. Just wanted to let you know that I’m done and the report has been sent to you.”
Shadow nods. “Thanks. Any major problems?”
I shrug. “Nothing I can’t handle. It’s all in the report.”
“Hold on,” Shadow says, turning to his computer.
“I don’t want to hold up your meeting.”
“You’re not,” Sniper says tightly, and I can feel his gaze assessing me. Then I hear a low sound in his throat that has me looking at him swiftly. His hands are on my red knuckles. “What the fuck happened to your hand?” he demands, quickly snatching it before I can yank it away. I try to pull it away again, but he holds fast.
I am not in the mood for being grabbed again. Before he can react, I bring my other hand up and manage to get to one of the pressure points in his neck. He curses and drops my hand, glaring at me furiously. “You’re lucky it wasn’t your balls,” I tell him coldly. “And I’m done being grabbed today, so you can fuck off.”
His eyes darken at my words. “Who grabbed you?”
“Seems I’ll be paying a visit to our client,” Shadow replies darkly. Then turns to me, the same look on his face. “And what I want to know, is why you didn’t report this earlier today? He broke the contract multiple times, and him grabbing you is enough to have that fucker black-listed and paying triple.”
“Because I was perfectly capable of handling it myself,” I reply, ignoring Sniper’s low curse.
Shadow narrows his eyes at me. “So, what, you want to have to handle all that bullshit yourself, just because you don’t want help?”
“No, I don’t want your help because I can handle it myself,” I tell him shortly. “You really think that any client is going to respect me if you or any of the other men come running in to play hero and rescue me instead of letting me handle it on my own? No wonder you haven’t had any women working for you before. Now, I’m going to head home because I’m tired of men today. I’ll see you Monday.”
“You’re not going anywhere yet,” Sniper barks. “Shadow, what’s this fucker’s name?”
I don’t bother sticking around. Instead, I turn and stalk away, ignoring Sniper’s orders to come back. I just grab my shit and head out of the door. I don’t even glance at anyone else. Maybe this was a mistake. One bad day, one bad client, and they’re already acting like they’re the ones who have to save the day. Just like it was with my team. Or rather, so-called team.
I climb into my car, and I glance over when I see the door to the building open. Out walks Sniper, but I don’t stick around. Instead, I just pull out and drive away, heading for home.
The entire drive, my mind is swirling with anger, but also, doubt. Doubt that this is what I should be doing. I love it, despite how it started, but I can’t be part of something where I’m not valued as a team member, and at least respected enough to know that I can handle something. It’s like just because I’m a woman, all the things I’ve done, the ranks that I made on my own, they don’t exist. All they see is someone smaller and weaker, and that’s that.
You’re just mad. Don’t be rash.
I pull into the parking lot of my apartment building and groan, scrubbing my hand over my face. I hate this shit. In the Forces, there was no overthinking. I had to get shit done and hope to God I knew what I was doing, because all of this was time that couldn’t be wasted. My team was counting on me. Just like I was counting on them. And while this isn’t the same, it still feels like it did when I was with them and things were going to shit. They didn’t think I could handle it being a woman and wanted to swoop in and do it all and take all the credit. But I’m not allowing that to happen here. Not again.
Either they respect me, or they don’t. They hired me to do a job, and they need to trust me to do it. Plain and simple. And if they can’t, I’ll find a new job that will. Or maybe it’s time to move on and find something out of state that will be more up my alley. But none of that is going to get sorted today or even this weekend.
I climb out of my car and head up to my apartment. It’s time to get to work on forgetting all about it.
One thing about me, when I’m pissed or feeling a lot of emotions, I rage clean. The place is spotless by the time I’m done, and practically gleams with all the elbow grease I’ve put into it. I glance at the clock and realize it’s almost midnight. Shit. I didn’t mean to spend this much time, but it needed it, clearly.
I move to turn off the lights so I can head to the shower and get ready for bed, but I stop when I hear my phone ding. I groan when I see a message from Theo.
Theo: Did I leave my boots at your place? I only have my spares on and they’re not all that comfortable.
I roll my eyes. I swear that boy would lose his head if it wasn’t attached. But I already know the answer so I text him back.
Me: Yeah you did.
Theo: Would it be terrible for you to bring those to me at the bar? I’m bouncing tonight and these boots are killing my feet.
I stare at the message. He can’t be serious.
Me: I can bring them to you tomorrow. I just finished cleaning the apartment and am about to head to bed.
Theo: Please, Sis? You don’t want me to be in pain the rest of the night, do you? I’ll owe you one.
I groan. I really just want to go to bed, but I also know that if I don’t, he’ll be after me all night and then never leave me the hell alone about it. My brother is a pain in the ass that way.
Me: Fine. What’s the address? And you’re damn right you owe me.
Theo: Best sister ever.
He gives me the address, and I head into my room to change out of my ratty cleaning clothes and into a pair of jeans and a tank top. The nights are still hot this time of year, and I don’t need to be any more annoyed than I already am. I grab my keys, the boots, and head out the door.
It takes me about twenty minutes to get to the bar, and it’s busy, despite being late. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. There are a lot of motorcycles in the lot, along with every different kind of vehicle that you can think of. Including a sportscar if I’m not mistaken. It’s an interesting mix.
I find a parking spot and climb out after grabbing the boots. I head toward the front door, looking around but I don’t see Theo. The kid at the door has a Prospect cut on just like Theo, and he smiles politely as he asks me for my ID. “I know you’re Theo’s sister, but I’d get my ass kicked if I didn’t do my job,” he explains sheepishly when I hand it to him.
His cut declares him as Carson, and I don’t put him much over twenty, maybe twenty-one. He’s got such a baby-looking face that it’s hard to tell completely, not to mention his dark hair and dark eyes and pretty smile.
I smile back at him. “I get it. Do you know where he is? He asked me to bring him these.” I hold up the old boots and roll my eyes.
The kid smiles wider. “Yeah, he said something about wanting his good boots. He’s inside monitoring things but he’ll be back out any second.”
Of course, that’s the moment that the door opens and out walks Theo. He grins when he sees me. “Hey, Sis!” he cries, reaching out and pulling me into a quick hug before grabbing the boots. “You’re the best. Are you going to come in for a drink? You really should. All the women are here that they call the Coven and they’re a riot. Well, most of them. I guess a couple are pregnant or not around but the ones that are here are great. I see why Eric likes to talk about them so much now.”
I just blink at him and then at the other Prospect. “Is what they say about this Coven group true?”
“’Fraid so,” he replies ruefully. “They’re always getting themselves into trouble.”
“Then I think I should go in, don’t you?” I say with a grin. I wasn’t planning on staying, but well, what kind of opportunity can I pass up here?
“Enter at your own risk,” Theo jokes. “I’m inside tonight, so I can come over and help if you need me.”
I nod and follow him inside, and I’m immediately hit with loud laughter, the smell of something delicious, and music that is just loud enough it makes conversation somewhat difficult. It’s a nice bar, with darts, pool, a dance floor and stage, and plenty of booths, tables, and chairs. The bar is long, and currently, every stool is occupied. I also notice that all around the room are men with Devil’s Soldiers MC cuts. Though I don’t see one in particular, and after earlier, I definitely am okay with that.
I hear a loud whoop and turn my head to see Rose standing with a group of women near the dart boards, and I can’t help but smile as I take in the expressions of all the men around them. They look wary, and in one case, terrified. He’s young, though, so maybe he’s just not used to loud and happy women.
“That’s them?” I ask Theo loudly enough for him to hear.
He nods. “Yeah. That’s them. You should go and say hello. Viper’s over there too.”
I don’t react to that. After earlier, I don’t really want to talk to him or Shadow, or any of them. Instead, I head to the bar to get a drink. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
“What can I get you?” the bartender asks loudly when I find a space to lean. I order a beer. She nods and walks away, and I just nod when the guy next to me smiles at me.
“How you doing, baby?” he drawls, wearing a cowboy hat and a button up shirt that is far too bright for this time of night if you ask me. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a yellow or gold color, but he looks like he’s trying too hard to look like a cowboy despite giving off city-boy vibes. “Looking for a good time tonight?”
“Nope, just here for a drink,” I reply, careful to keep my tone polite but not inviting any further conversation.
“Too bad,” he replies casually. “I was looking for some fun, and you look like you need it. Or are you just always uptight?” Ah, there it is. The city-boy who doesn’t like to get rejected, and dropped the stupid attempt at an accent. I don’t bother answering him, instead, I grab my beer the bartender slides across to me, slap a bill on the counter, and turn to walk away. “Bitch!” he calls after me. Which of course garners attention from those around him, including a few of the MC guys. One heads his way and I have a feeling he’ll be out on his ass before long. The tension in the room grows just enough to feel it, but not enough to stop the party.
I don’t even look back, heading for the group of women who have also seemed to pick up on the tension and glanced my way. My gaze connects with Rose, and her face pulls into a beaming smile. “Thea!” she calls, waving her hand excitedly at me. “Come and join us.” The other women in the group smile at me as I make my way over. When I reach them, Rose moves forward and pulls me into a hug, and I have to fight not to spill my beer. I pat her back and then pull away. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,” Rose gushes, beaming. “I’ve been telling the girls all about you and how you’re going to have these boys whipped into shape in no time at the security office.”
There’s a loud snort from one of the women and I turn my head to look at her curiously. She’s wearing a cut that says Sage, Property of King, so I have to assume she’s one of the Old Ladies. She’s taller than me, at I’d say five-ten, with long dark brown hair, amber eyes, an exotic face and curves that I would kill for. She’s stunning, and she gives off a kind, welcoming vibe. She grins at me and says, “I was imagining you standing there with a whip in hand and trying to wrangle all these knuckleheads. I’m Sage.”
I grin. “Thea. I’m more of a knife person, but I’m up for anything.” I shake her hand.
“A woman after my own heart.” Another woman laughs, drawing my attention. She’s not wearing a cut, but she’s also stunning. Five-nine with dark brown, almost black, long hair that hangs down to her lower back in a thick braid, with honey-brown eyes and an exotic-looking face. “I’m Eden. My man’s Viper, and if you need to keep his ass in line, you do whatever you have to. And if that doesn’t work, just call me.” She winks. “I have a few tricks up my sleeves to make sure he does.”
A couple of the other women laugh. “I’m still surprised he hasn’t thrown out every knife and stiletto in your closet,” one of them remarks. She’s wearing a cut that declares her Property of Torque. She’s wearing a simple T-shirt, and if I’m not mistaken, she’s got a grease stain on her forearm. Her blonde hair is up in a simple bun, and her bright blue eyes are watching me with both curiosity and amusement. She’s lean like me, but there is no missing the definition in her arms or shoulders. This is a woman who does hard physical work. I like her already. “I’m Izzy,” she says, holding her hand out for me to shake.
“Nice to meet you. And why would he be throwing out your heels?” I ask Eden curiously, unable to help myself.
The women share a look of wicked delight. “Are you sure you’re ready for it?” another one of the women asks. She’s the smallest of the women, and not wearing a cut, but she looks like she fits in. I put her at five-one, and her hair is a mixture of dark purple and pink that shouldn’t work, but on her definitely does. It gives her an edgy, fun look, and add in the multiple piercings in her earlobes, and stud in her nose, she’s like an edgy Barbie. Her blue eyes are shining with delight as she waits for my answer. “And I’m Sadie, by the way. I’m here for fun tonight, but I’m not with one of the MC guys if you’re wondering. I like to do the tying down, not the one being tied down,” she adds with a toss of her hair that almost should be pretentious, but from her, it’s more dramatic.
I grin. “You’re going to have to fill me in on that sometime, but yes, I want to hear this. The men seem to be afraid of you all and have warned me to steer clear. Something tells me this is what they mean.”
“Oh, no, they mean what happens when we all get together.” Rose laughs. “But yes, they’re also afraid of what we can do individually too.”
Interesting. Definitely want to hear all about this now.
Eden launches into her story, and by the time she gets to the part where she accidentally, but not so accidentally, literally put her heel up some wanna-be rapist’s asshole, I’m entranced, horrified, and also immensely impressed. Damn, I wish I could have been there for that whole encounter. “Yeah, so that all happened, and now the guys never turn their back to me if they can help it.” Eden laughs.
I just hold my hand up for a high-five, making them all laugh as Eden smacks her hand against mine. “You’re going to have to teach me that move.” I grin. “Or, maybe, I should just bring a pair of heels to work and leave them on my desk as a warning.”
“Do it!” Rose cries excitedly.
“High heels are not standard issue for your work attire, Sutton,” a voice behind me says in amusement. I turn to see Viper standing there, grinning with a beer in his hand. “And the only one who scares me with those is my woman.” He reaches out and hauls a laughing Eden into him, leaning down to press a hard kiss to her mouth. It’s clear the man is deeply in love with her.
“I bet she could change your mind.” Eden laughs when he pulls away. “According to you, she has Sniper and Shadow level skills. So I bet she could make it hurt a lot worse than I ever could.”
Viper glances at me and grins. “I’d offer Sniper to you as tribute if you’re going to attack anyone with a high heel.”
I smirk at him. “Something tells me he won’t be happy you offered him up. He can’t stand me, remember?”
His grin turns wicked. “Is that right?” he asks slyly.
“What is the story of you and Sniper?” Rose interrupts, giving me a curious look.
“Yeah,” Sage says, moving closer, eyes bright with excitement. “He’s been a bear the last week or so and the guys have been avoiding him as much as possible. And something tells me, you’re the reason. So what’s the deal?”