CHAPTER 23
Maverick
I guide Kaya into church with my hand on the small of her back.
Cipher waves at her when she enters but the rest of the guys seem unsure.
Tank shifts in his chair. Riker quickly glances to Kaya and then to me before focusing on the table in front of him.
All the guys take their seats while Kaya stands uncomfortably beside me.
“Alright everyone, listen up. For the first time ever, we are welcoming a woman into the fold. Kaya here has tech skills that match up perfectly with Cipher’s.
She is going to be working side by side with him on security, tracing, hacking, and any other cyber jobs we need done.
She will be attending church on a regular basis to give reports, so act accordingly. ”
I raise a hand. “And to be clear, she’s mine, so don’t get any fucking ideas. This isn’t me just claiming her. She’s my old lady. Respect that shit.”
She gazes up at me with adoration and gives me a soft smile that makes my heart squeeze.
The guys all nod and try not to look directly at Kaya as if doing so will make lightning strike, except Shade, because Shade doesn’t give a fuck.
He stares directly at my girl, causing her to shift uncomfortably on her feet.
Shade studies her for a moment before turning to Ace. “So, is she an official member?”
Ace shrugs. “Deuce and I haven’t figured out the logistics of a title for her yet. Just know a full background check was done and she checks out.”
Shade’s head bobs and he gives Kaya a chin lift in acceptance, which is more than he’s ever done for me, so I guess that’s good.
Ace waves to an open chair next to Cipher for Kaya to sit down.
She does so and I take the seat on the other side of her.
As soon as I sit down, one of Shade’s other dogs sits on my boots in between my legs, Howie, the little dog that seems to attach himself to me every time he’s around.
“Reese Norris and Daryl Wilson are the names of the two Bad Blood members that are on the loose. Apparently the two of them were out of state picking up drugs. They got back to a burned down clubhouse, a missing president, and a morgue full of dead brothers, so needless to say, they’re a little pissed,” Ace says.
Deuce leans in. “The fact that the entire thing was deemed a terrible accident probably isn’t making them feel better.”
Leo chuckles. “They should have been more careful with their propane tanks.”
“Tragic.” Riker shakes his head in mock sadness.
The news had reported there was an explosion at the clubhouse of a known motorcycle club leading to the deaths of twelve of their members.
With Vincent and Ace’s long list of connections, the coverup was done without much preamble.
Bad Blood had tormented Colton for years, so most of the residents were happy to see them gone.
A few of their business associates were not happy and some even threw around allegations that another club was behind it, but the case was closed.
Now we have two rogue members probably out for revenge.
“There have been no signs of them since the other night.” Ace says.
“We’ve been out and about and told our friends to contact us if they see any other club or unfamiliar bikes in town and so far nothing.
” Deuce turns to Cipher and Kaya. “Cipher will bring you up to speed on all of our systems and log in information. I know you have to finish up with your current jobs, but when you have time, I’d like for you to be on this as soon as possible. ”
Kaya nods. “Absolutely.”
“In other news. We have the auditions at the Petal today and I want everyone there. Prospects will hang here with Shade. Also, Ratchet, Bunker, and Deirdre will finally be home tomorrow morning!” Ace announces with a wide grin.
The table breaks out in hoots and hollers aside from Shade, Kaya, and I. I’ve met Bunker, but by the time I got here, Ratchet, and his wife, Carrie and Bunker’s wife Deirdre were already gone.
“So, this weekend, we’re celebrating. Big party Saturday night.” Deuce says. “Tell your friends, tell your girls, tell your girls’ friends.”
“Maybe we should tell all these chicks auditioning today.” Dom says, smiling.
“Oh, we are.” Tank says.
Everyone laughs.
Rebel glances around the room. “Where’s Ty?”
Ace waves a hand. “I told that boy to sleep in. He hadn’t slept in almost twenty-four hours and then he tied one on when he got back last night.
We’ll fill him in on everything later. Other than that, the deal with Warner is moving forward and he’s going to take the entire shipment.
He found a buyer in Canada to take what he doesn’t need, which is a huge load off our backs. We’ll be picking up on Tuesday.”
Deuce stands. “Now, I want Tank, Dom, Flip and Leo to come with me to get the Petal set up for the girls. We’re meeting up with the staff at 10:30.” He turns to Kaya. “Good to have you aboard, girl.”
Kaya smiles. “Thanks.”
As everyone rises to leave, they all stop and either shake Kaya’s hand or give her a chin lift as they exit.
This is unprecedented in any club I’ve ever been to.
Women are hardly ever allowed in church, let alone being a potential member.
Many riding clubs allow women, but in most MCs it’s not something that happens.
In some, you’re lucky if the women are even treated like humans.
I may be a grizzly bastard, but I’ve never felt comfortable visiting clubs like that.
Back out in the common room Sophia is standing with Grayson who I just now realized wasn’t in church. Sophia’s jaw is hanging open as she watches Kaya exit church with the rest of us. My girl grabs my hand and pulls me along over to her friend while Howie is at my heels, following right behind us.
“Why were you in church? Is everything ok?” Sophia asks in a rush.
Kaya grins. “Oh yeah. Apparently, I go to church now.” She says sounding as if it’s not a big deal.
Sophia’s surprised face says otherwise. “What do you mean you go to church now?”
“Ace offered me a job, so I’m leaving Kensington. I’m going to be working full time for Carnage.”
This news did not change Sophia’s face and now Grayson appears just as shocked. His eyes go from Kaya to me as if he’s asking for confirmation. “She’s working with Cipher.”
Sophia eyes Kaya. “Really? I mean I knew you offered to help him, but I didn’t realize it was going to be like, your whole job.”
Kaya shrugs. “Me neither, but Ace made me an excellent offer. It just makes sense.”
“Does it though?” Sophia whispers.
Before Kaya has a chance to answer, Lexi, Hannah and Tink enter the room all appearing ready to head out with their makeup done and their purses in tow.
“Are we all ready?” Lexi asks.
Kaya and Sophia grab their bags.
“I thought Gretchen was coming too?” Tink asks.
Kaya shakes her head. “I’m pretty sure she won’t be anywhere near the club or Ty for the foreseeable future.”
“Oh shit. I didn’t think of that.” Tink says, sadly.
“She’s at work anyway.” Sophia adds.
Soon everyone in the clubhouse is piling into SUVs and onto bikes preparing to head to the Iron Petal.
Jessica is one of the last ones to exit the clubhouse carrying a garment bag.
She loads the bag into the back and has the audacity to give me a wink before climbing into the SUV that Lexi is driving.
Thankfully, Kaya didn’t notice since her head is already laying against my back.