Zephyr Chapter 11 #2
Next, we reviewed the guard duty schedule. Shifts were filled where we could. Now, we were on to a discussion about a rally that was happening in just over a week. It was one we intended to attend. Our plans had been made months ago.
It was a chance for the entire club to relax together and have a different kind of good time.
We could do some networking. The fact that it was in our home state made it even better.
Every year in early December in Gainesville, there was a combination bike rally and toy run.
It was truly amazing how much money was raised to buy deserving kids something under the tree for Christmas.
“Make sure you go through your bike maintenance and checklists. If there’s anything you need prospects to do, get the lists to them by the first of next week.
We roll out of here Thursday morning at eight.
Barring too many stops, road issues, or traffic, we should be in Gainesville by two, maybe three in the afternoon,” Icelander reminded us.
He had laid out our trip as was his job as road captain. Between Asgard and Gainesville, it was three hundred and fifty miles. Everyone nodded or muttered their acknowledgment that they heard him.
“Hey, is Everlyn coming with us?” Slayer asked when Icelander said nothing more.
“I want her to, but with what’s happening at work, I don’t know if she can or will.
She talked to her boss today about her resignation.
He thought it was due to what Reeves had been saying.
She explained it has nothing to do with that.
Rather, it was her decision to take over running Jeremiah’s company, as he requested.
She agreed to see the current project to completion, but won’t be taking any new ones on,” I explained.
“It’s a good thing the professional security guys will be working by then. That means the prospects can come with us. Surely, the professionals can handle it for four days,” Pirate said.
“It would be good for her to see more of the life we live. Try to convince her to come. If she’s yours, then she’ll need to become part of our club in every way.”
Raider added.
The way he said it made me ask something that had been nagging me since I first met Everlyn and even more since we’d decided to be together.
“When you say in every way, what exactly does that mean, Pres?”
Raider studied me in silence for a long time. I grew slightly nervous. Finally, he answered.
“You’re asking me if she should be told what we do in addition to the legit businesses, what we are, and about showing her the clubhouse.”
He made it a statement, not a question. I nodded. The others sat there saying nothing.
“If she’s who you want to make your shieldmaiden, then we can’t have her living with one foot in our lives and one foot out.
She’ll still have her outside business and friendships, but her loyalty has to be to the club no matter what.
When it comes to the illegal stuff, we’ll shield her and her business to the best of our ability from any fallout.
“As for her knowing what we are, she’ll eventually start asking when you don’t age and she does.
And if she wants children, that adds to it.
Lastly, if both are done, then, of course, she should know where the clubhouse is.
We may initially wait to enter her biometrics into the system so she can access it herself.
Or maybe not. It all depends on how she takes what you tell her.
“I know we haven’t run into this issue since no one has claimed someone in this group in centuries. We have to feel our way through this. But we are happy that you found her. We all deserve happiness.”
His speech didn’t lift the weight that sat on my chest. And I knew nothing would until I took the leap and told her.
It was a matter of timing. For bikers, the person they chose as their long-term, forever partner was called their old lady or old man.
In our case, we used the term “shieldmaiden” or “warrior.” I wanted Everlyn to be mine in the worst way.
“Okay, let me think about how to go about it and when. She’s who I want. I’ve never wanted to chance the heartbreak, but I can’t stop myself with her,” I confessed to my brothers and sisters.
“Everlyn is a wonderful woman. We want her to be part of this family. If you need help talking to her or convincing her, let us know,” Fenrir said.
The rest of the club nodded and murmured their affirmation that they felt the same.
“Thanks, I will.”
After that, I tried to pay attention as we discussed what was happening at each business and who was handling what among our civilian employees while we were gone.
The last item on the agenda was any upcoming deliveries on our various clandestine enterprises.
The chop shop regularly offloaded the vehicles it created for customers.
We didn’t steal vehicles, but if someone had a hot one to get rid of and we wanted it, we wouldn’t ask questions; we’d strip the VIN and other identifiers immediately.
The gambling was an ongoing effort. We were the hidden owners of a members-only club, Obsidian Venture, that was very selective about whom they admitted.
You had to have the endorsement of a current member.
It was at the high-end club that the gambling happened in a hidden room.
To the public, the club’s owner was Clark, a frontman.
He had the ideal looks and mannerisms for the job. He spoke well, wore custom suits, and was well-educated. What people didn’t see was that the guy was a shark, but he was our shark. He didn’t allow nonsense in the Obsidian. We kept him happy, and he ran the gambling hell like a well-oiled machine.
The counterfeit money was being produced in small quantities, but it was an excellent forgery. Norse reported that we were on track to have the shipment ready within a month, before the deadline.
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, Raider ended the meeting.
Everyone rose. They planned to hang out, have a drink or two, and socialize before heading to bed.
Usually, I’d join them, but not tonight.
I had Everlyn at home to take care of. And a plan to put into place that would determine whether she stayed or ran.
?
Everlyn and I had spent time talking after Thing.
We were now lying in bed after an intense session of sex.
She was still flushed, glowing. I knew it was the right time to give her my gift.
I rolled over and opened my side table drawer.
I removed the item I’d placed there days ago.
Rolling back to her, I held it up. She raised up on her elbow and hesitantly reached out to touch it. I saw the question in her expression.
“What is this? It’s lovely,” she said.
“It’s an Algiz rune, sometimes called the Elk Rune.
You know that I’m very proud and into my heritage.
The Algiz is a primary Viking rune that, in our beliefs, provides protection.
The reason it looks like a Y with an extended stem is to resemble elk antlers, a human with hands raised, or a spear-like shield.
Those three prongs represent spiritual connection, defense against harm, and divine guardianship.
These are all things I want for you. I wanted to ask if you’ll accept and wear it.
It’s another way I can ensure you’re protected. ”
I waited to hear what she said. So far, she hadn’t ridiculed my beliefs. Everlyn had teased me at times about being a throwback to my ancestors, but that was as far as it went. It took her mere seconds to reply.
“Leif, I love it. I’ll happily wear it. And if it works the way you say it does, that will be a relief. Thank you. Will you help me put it on?”
She extended her head and neck closer to me. I slipped it over her head. It nestled perfectly between her bountiful tits. Unable to resist, I cupped them and squeezed them around it. She laughed. The rune was platinum on a piece of strong, dark brown rawhide. It matched the necklaces I wore.
“It belongs right there,” I told her.
“It does. Now, can I give you a thank-you kiss?”
“I’m always open to kisses.”
As our mouths came together, I dropped under her irresistible spell. I’d brought her further into my world. One step at a time was the key.