Chapter 26
TWENTY-SIX
EMBERLYNNE
The door closes behind me and I’m left reeling, my emotions a mess after seeing Silas for the first time in a month.
Seeing him lying there, vulnerable, proved my love hasn’t faded; if anything, it’s just buried beneath the betrayal I’ve been feeling.
He promised to honor me on our wedding day and I expected honesty as part of that vow.
Now I realize he also promised to protect me, a promise he made as much to my father as to me.
I didn’t understand it then, but I do now.
Still, part of me feels angry. Fury got to me regardless, and had I known he was so close, I would’ve taken measures to protect myself.
If Silas told me the truth, we could’ve faced the threat together, and been stronger for it.
That’s what I’m most troubled about. My husband kept me in the dark, leaving me vulnerable.
I guess it doesn’t matter now. Once he’s home and healing, we’ll have the chance to work through it and see what remains after the storm.
“Thanks for bringing me here, Londyn. I think I’m just going to head to my hotel and get some rest.”
She grins mischievously, taking me by the hand. “Yeah, about that… I’ve got another stop in mind,” she teases, leading me to the elevator.
“What does that mean?” I inquire, intrigued by what she’s thinking.
Before she answers she dashes back to Malcolm, who’s grinning as she jumps into his arms. Their affection is so easy, so open and it stirs up memories of Silas, sending a rush of heat through me.
Londyn unabashedly kisses him and giggles when he gives her a playful smack on the ass as she heads back my way.
“He gets a little grumpy if I leave without saying goodbye,” she laughs, and I smile at their natural ease. “Now, let’s get you out of here.”
“So, where exactly are we going? I inquire. “I’m wiped from the flight. I could really use a shower and a bed.”
“Trust me, this will be worth it,” she says, unlocking the SUV. “I think it’s time you see the club for what it really is… what family looks like, Royal Bastards style.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I don’t want to intrude. Besides, Silas isn’t even there.”
“Em, you’re our ‘first lady’. Everyone’s been waiting for Maverick to bring you into the fold for real.” When I don’t respond, she adds. “Mav is lost without you and he’s afraid you won’t accept this life… won’t accept him.”
“I never thought about his fears. Still, he chose to keep his life hidden from me.”
“Because he thought it was for the best, but then he fell head-over-heels in love with you and realized how bad he fucked this whole thing up,” she reveals, making my mind spin. “Actually, the day Fury took us, he was going to tell you everything… but well, you know the rest.”
Her words soften the edges of my anger. If Silas had told me before the kidnapping, maybe I’d have reacted differently. But with everything crashing down on me at once, my trust shattered in every direction. Maybe now, with some patience and understanding, we can find a way forward.
“Alright, fine. I’ll go, but if there’s anything close to a bar brawl waiting, I’m out.”
“No brawls,” Londyn laughs. “I promise. Just real people, no pretense. You’ll see.”
“By the way. I’ve been meaning to ask. What’s your road name?”
With a chuckle, she replies. “Mystique.”
I take a moment to consider it, then smile. “Giving that I had no idea you were a Royal Bastard, I’d say the name suits you perfectly.”
We both laugh and I feel the warmth of our friendship rekindling, slipping back into place as if it never left. Maybe there’s hope for Silas and me after all.
We’d talked so long that I didn’t realize we were pulling up to the clubhouse and I’m stunned.
This isn’t just a house, it’s a fortress, with a high iron gate and sprawling land.
It’s nothing like the crime-ridden streets of the Rebel Riders’ club.
Londyn enters a code and the gates open, revealing a place buzzing with life.
Members are outside, laughing, working on bikes, and it feels… welcoming.
“Wow! This isn’t what I expected,” I admit, eyes wide, taking it all in as we drive up the path. The entire place hums with energy.
“All I’m asking, is that you give us a chance, really get to know Mav’s family and see what we’re about,” Londyn encourages before cutting the engine. A few members wander over, smiles and friendly nods all around.
“Em, this is Vandal, Turbo, Buckshot, and Enigma,” Londyn says, introducing everyone, and just like at the hospital, I’m greeted with warm hugs like they’ve always known me.
“Mav always talks about how beautiful you are, but damn, girl, he wasn’t lying!
You’re fucking gorgeous!” Vandal comments, getting an elbow to the gut from Londyn.
Warmth creeps up my neck, settling in my cheeks, blushing at how much Silas talks about me to these strangers.
However, I don’t feel angry. It’s like I’ve always been here with him, even though I had no clue this part of his life existed.
If anything, it makes me want to get to know them more.
“Thank you,” I say, shyly accepting the compliment as they disperse, laughing at Vandal getting chastised by Londyn. Turbo walks to the back of the SUV and grabs my bags.
“Uh, Turbo? You don’t need to do that. I have a hotel booked.”
Smirking, he says, “Not anymore. I cancelled it.”
“Wait, what?”
“Turbo can hack just about anything,” Londyn says, shaking her head. “How do you know she wants to stay here,” she asks him.
“I’m not giving her a choice,” he replies, giving me a wink and walking away. I can’t help but smile. In the last few hours, I’ve felt more love and acceptance from these strangers than I ever felt growing up in the Rebel Riders.
“This… actually feels like a real family.”
“That’s because it is, Em. Look, I know you have your reasons for being wary of MCs, but this club isn’t like the one from your past. The Bastards stand by each other, no matter what.” She pauses letting her words sink in. “I wanted you to see for yourself.”
“It’s just… the Rebel Riders caused so much pain in my life that I couldn’t see passed it. This is different.”
“I get that Em, and that’s why I wanted to bring you here. Mav isn’t just a part of some club; he’s part of something real, something built on more than just a name or a patch. It’s embedded in his DNA and he wants to share this with you.”
“Thank you, Londyn. For everything. This means more than I can say.”
“Anytime, sister. You’re home here. This is your family and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for you. I know that you and Mav will work things out,” she says, grabbing me up in a hug. “Now, are you ready to see the rest of the house?”
“Lead the way.”
As we walk through the house, I take in every detail, imagining Silas here in each space.
The rooms Londyn shows me are spacious, well-kept, and welcoming…
worlds apart from the Rebel Riders’ old clubhouse which was cramped, rundown and reeked of mold, beer, and cigarettes.
When we enter the room where they hold church, I’m taken aback.
At the center stands a massive, sleek black table surrounded by high-backed chairs with bold artwork on the walls.
A black and gold gavel rests at the head of the table, ready for the next meeting.
I can almost see Silas here, sitting at the head, leading his men, discussing issues, resolving problems. It hits me…
this is where he belongs. Silas has always had a strength I never fully understood, but now I finally get it.
Londyn leads me into the main lounge where laughter and conversation fills the space. That’s when I see a striking woman by the bar, exuding confidence and grace. She notices us and walks over, her smile warm and inviting.
“Ember, this is Jazz, Steel’s wife. She’s one of the toughest, wisest women I know,” Londyn says, grinning as she introduces us. Jazz pulls me into a tight hug, her kindness immediately putting me at ease.
“It’s so good to finally meet you, Ember. Maverick talks about you all the time. It’s nice to see you in person.” She pulls back, her eyes softening. “I know it’s been a rough road, but I want you to know, you’re family here.”
“Thank you, Jazz. It’s uh… a lot to take in, but everyone’s been incredibly nice and welcoming,” I admit, overwhelmed by her sincerity.
“It is a lot,” she says knowingly. “Being an ol’lady to the president comes with challenges. Trust me, I get it since I’m married to the VP.” She grins, and I sense there’s wisdom in her experience. “If you’re open to some advice, I’d love to share.”
“Please,” I say, eager to listen.
“When it comes to being with a man like Mav or Steel… trust is everything. Loyalty defines them, but so does their protectiveness. Their world is rough and they’ll do anything to keep the people they love safe, even if it means keeping secrets.
” She pauses, letting that sink in. “It doesn’t make the lies hurt any less, but understanding their intentions can help. ”
I nod, her words echoing in my thoughts. I remember how my mother handled being the wife of the VP and the chaos that came with it. I’d been too young to grasp it all, but I’m getting a quick education on the loyalty that a real brotherhood holds.
“I’m starting to see that. It’s just… the secrets are hard to swallow.”
“I get it.” She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, letting me know she understands where I am.
“But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that they need us just as much as we need them.
They may act like they can handle the world alone, but they’re stronger with us by their side.
Remember Ember, you’re not just part of his life, you’re his strength and he knows it. ”
“Thank you, Jazz. I needed to hear that, and it puts things in perspective.”
“Anytime.”
Pulling me into another hug, she holds on a little longer as my emotions catch up. “We all have each other’s backs here, so if you ever need to talk, vent, or just grab a drink, I’m here.”
“Thanks again, Jazz. I’m sure I’ll take you up on that,” I say, blinking away a lone tear. She gently wipes it from my cheek, her voice full of encouragement.
“Ember you’re stronger than you know, and I promise, you’ll forget all about the Rebel Riders once you experience what it really means to be a Royal Bastard.” I can only nod, deeply moved by her words, and this side of Silas I never knew.
Sensing I need a moment, Londyn suggests, “Why don’t I take you to Mav’s room so you can get settled?”
“That’d be great.” Smiling gratefully at Jazz, I follow Londyn up the stairs where there’s a series of bedrooms.
“I’ll come get you when dinner’s ready. Vandal’s grilling steaks tonight,” she tells me, opening a door at the end of the hall.
“Sounds amazing,” I reply, realizing how hungry I am.
Shutting the door behind me, I walk to the center of the room, taking in the quiet intimacy of Silas’s space.
The first thing I notice is a picture of me on the nightstand by the bed and it makes me smile, knowing he always had me near.
My breath catches at the sight of his kutte hanging in the open closet, and an unexpected wave of emotion hits me.
Walking over, I run my hands along the worn leather, lingering on the patches and marks that tell his story.
A story that he kept hidden from me. My fingers trace over the Royal Bastards patch, feeling the rough texture, and I imagine the pride Silas must feel every time he wears it.
Stepping into the bathroom, I notice his toothbrush and other small belongings neatly laid out on the sink, the faint scent of his cologne clinging to the air.
Each detail speaks to the life he leads, one I hadn’t fully understood until now.
As I stand here, the reality sinks in… I can’t just walk away from him, from everything we’ve shared.
The thought of losing him terrifies me, and though the hurt is still there, so is the love and the deep sense of belonging.
Silas needs me by his side, and there’s no turning back.
Whatever we need to face together, I’m ready.