8. Virgil
VIRGIL
T he dense forest behind the Black Pagan property was alive with activity, the roar of motorcycle engines blending with the murmur of conversation. Church had been called out here, but the reason was still a mystery to most of us. Bulldog, ever the strategist, had gathered the brothers, though it wasn't hard to guess it had something to do with the Old Ladies. I parked my bike, taking a moment to survey the scene. It wasn't my usual scene at all. Royal Bastards MC brothers stood in clusters, arms crossed, faces pulled into varying degrees of irritation.
I was new here, still getting the feel of things. Quiet, observant, just the way I liked it. I was slowly earning my place, but it didn't mean I'd been absorbed into the fold yet. And I still wasn't sure I wanted to be.
Bulldog waved me over from where he was standing with Saddle, Hart, and Brimstone. Their faces were grim, which wasn't unusual, the tension in their faces told me this was about more than just another job.
"Virgil," Bulldog nodded. "Good you made it. We've got a situation on our hands."
I raised a brow, staying silent. It was better to listen in this group than speak. Bulldog turned his gaze toward the trail behind him, a deep sigh escaping him.
"Old Ladies are at it again," he muttered, clearly unimpressed. "They want to turn this place into a haunted trail for Halloween. A big event for the community, they say. All for charity, and it's supposed to keep the heat off us."
Halloween events weren't exactly in our wheelhouse. This was a club built on brotherhood, blood, and a rough code of survival—not charity events.
Brimstone's face twisted in disgust. "Sounds like a shit show waiting to happen. Let me guess—my old lady was in on this?"
A scoff escaped Hart. "No surprise. Quiver's always had a wild air when it comes to this kind of thing."
"Yeah, it's her idea," Bulldog admitted, irritation creeping into his tone. "And Aiyana's too. As you all know we've had some issues with the local authorities and when I asked Aiyana for some assistance, I think I may have opened Pandora's box."
Aiyana Leon was Bulldog's Old Lady, she was also a detective for the Port Townsend PD with a link to the FBI.
From what I deterred, the RBMC had their own people infiltrated into the Police Department too. We hadn't seen much of Cipher lately, but I heard he was the member who had gone somewhat rogue. So I could see why Bulldog wanted to calm shit down especially when all eyes were on us lately.
"So you're taking the fall for this?" Hart asked, looking slightly perturbed.
"They think this'll smooth things over with the locals and make us look like decent fucking citizens. I have to admit, as much as I hate the idea. it doesn't hurt."
"Great." Brimstone rolled his eyes. "Just what we need. Dressing up for Halloween like we're part of the Rotary Club."
Saddle chuckled, though his expression was more resigned than amused. "You know it's never that simple. They get a wild idea, and suddenly we're knee-deep in decorations and suburban moms bringing their kids around."
Bulldog shook his head. "It's not up for debate. This shit's happening whether we like it or not. And yeah, I know it sounds like a nightmare, but it's for a good cause. Aiyana lined up this charity thing with a special needs school that Harmony's involved in.
"It's not unheard of. And besides, we're not fucking animals. The Scorpions can hold that goddamn title. So let's just get over it and figure this shit out. That'll keep the heat off our backs for a while."
Hart crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. "What about the clubhouse? There's stuff in there we can't have wandering eyes on. I don't like outsiders around our weapons and product, Prez."
"That's handled," Bulldog said. "We're sealing off the areas we don't want anyone near. Prospects will watch over it, make sure no one crosses into those parts. We can open up the rest of the property for the event."
The others exchanged glances. There was some tension in the air, but Bulldog wasn't giving them any room to argue. The Old Ladies had spoken, and it was clear this wasn't up for negotiation.
Hart's eyes flicked to me. "What do you think, Virgil? You up for playing haunted house decorator instead of hunting demons?"
I crossed my arms, still not sure what this had to do with me.
Halloween?
Community events?
That wasn't exactly what I had signed up for.
Before I could answer, Siege, our Road Captain, approached with a smirk, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'd say he can keep his title. These Old Ladies are the real demons in this situation."
I shrugged. "I'll stick with demons. Not really into the Halloween gig."
Bulldog's eyes narrowed. "We all pull our weight here, Chaplain. You'll help, and you'll do it with a smile on your face if it means keeping the peace. Got it?"
"Yeah, yeah," Brimstone muttered. "We get it, Prez. Just keep the damn glitter away from me."
The others chuckled, but I stayed quiet, my mind already wandering. I wasn't in the mood for banter, and truth be told, my thoughts were far from this haunted house nonsense.
They were on her .
Barythaya.
Her pretty face kept flickering in my mind, the way she'd looked at me when I had walked away that day. As if I'd torn her heart out. I could still feel her soft touch as she worked the needle into my skin, the scent of her—intoxicating, like some kind of drug I couldn't shake. I tried to push it down, but it was no use. She had a hold on me, and it was getting harder and harder to ignore.
It had been weeks since I last saw her. I'd watched over her that night at the hospital, and then I'd left and never did return. I was afraid Death would come back for her as promised, but it had left us alone, for now.
She got back on her feet in a few days and moved in with her friend Ray, which was a good thing. I'd been watching her too. Stalking her, really, but I couldn't help it. I felt bad leaving her, and I couldn't stay away.
I made sure she was safe. That she got to work safely, that she fell asleep in a warm bed every night, that she didn't hurt herself again. Because I'd be there for her this time. I wouldn't allow it to happen again.
I'd sometimes watch as her nightmares took over. I knew there was something more she wasn't telling me. And I desperately wanted to wake her those nights, tell her I was there for her, but I didn't dare. I kept away, afraid my demons would come back to haunt her again.
But each day that passed, the urge to get closer grew stronger. I wanted to protect her, to be near her, but something inside warned me against it. We both knew I wasn't good for her.
"You're zoning out again," Hart's voice cut through my thoughts. "Got something on your mind?"
Before I could respond, Brimstone smirked. "Or someone?"
I shot him a glare, but Brimstone wasn't one to let up. "It's that tattoo chick, isn't it? Barythaya? Don't tell me you got all twisted up over some ink?"
Saddle chuckled, joining in on the ribbing. "Never thought I'd see the day when Virgil, the stoic hunter, got tripped up over a woman."
I gritted my teeth, my jaw tight. They were pushing, but I wasn't about to break. I wasn't used to this kind of teasing, wasn't used to people prying into my life. I kept my cards close. Always had. But they weren't wrong—Barythaya had gotten under my skin in more ways than one.
"She's different," I muttered, the words barely escaping my lips.
"Different how?" Hart's brows lifted in genuine curiosity.
I didn't know how to explain it. Barythaya wasn't just some random woman. There was a pull between us, something dark and magnetic. She'd seen things, lived through things like I had. And that drew me in. I felt it the second I was near, and every time I left, I found myself craving more.
"She's... been through shit," I said, keeping it vague. "She gets it."
Brimstone raised an eyebrow. "And you think she's getting you? You talkin' serious here, or what?"
I didn't answer. What the fuck was I supposed to say to that? I wasn't sure what this was, but I knew it was more than just some fling.
"Leave him alone," Quiver cut in, her voice teasing as she approached. "It's cute. He's got a soft spot."
"Fuck off," I muttered, earning a round of laughter from the group.
Hart gave me a knowing look. "Why don't you invite her to this event? She might like seeing the club, getting a peek into your world."
Brimstone nudged me. "Yeah, bring her along. Give us a chance to meet the woman who's got you all wrapped up."
I gritted my teeth, the teasing started to wear on me. But Hart's suggestion lingered. It was a stupid idea, but maybe it was the excuse I needed.
After the group dispersed, I pulled out my phone, hesitating for a moment before typing out a message to Barythaya.
You free this weekend? The club's doing a Halloween thing for charity. Thought you might want to check it out.
I hit send and stuffed the phone back into my pocket. As I returned to the group, Brimstone gave me a knowing look. "You text her?"
I grunted in response, and he chuckled. "Good man. You know, we're just fucking with you. That's how we show we care around here. Don't take it to heart."
I grunted in response, wanting to quickly end this conversation.
But Brimstone continued. "Trust me, once you take that step, it changes things. No going back."
I wasn't sure if I liked the sound of that, but before I could dwell on it, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and stared at the screen.
I'd love to come.
My heart skipped—a ridiculous reaction, but I couldn't deny it. She was coming, and somehow, this haunted house bullshit had just gotten a lot more complicated.
Brimstone clapped me on the shoulder. "Looks like you've got a hot date."
I didn't respond, but the grin tugging at the corner of his mouth told me he knew damn well what this meant. As we discussed the logistics of the event, sealing off the clubhouse and ensuring everything was secure, I couldn't stop thinking about her.
This wasn't just a community event anymore. For me, it was something else entirely.