1. Incubus #2
Probably didn’t need to add that last bit but I need to feel something, even if it’s pain.
And that’s exactly what I get when the big ape swings and connects right with my jaw.
I see stars and then it’s on like two bulls seeing red.
I hear Cobalt yelling for us to quit acting like assholes just as I get a good one in, busting open Psycho’s lip.
Cobalt runs, yeah literally, quickly moves to the door, pulling it open, and yelling at everyone to get their asses out here and help him with his two stupid as fuck brothers.
It doesn’t take long for a bunch of the men to grab Psycho and another bunch to grab me.
When I hear Cobalt literally growl, I immediately stop trying to get away and swing one last time and knock my VP’s teeth out.
Holy shit, how many came out, for fuck’s sake?
I know when my brother and best friend is approaching his limit which, yeah, he’s definitely there.
I lift my bandaged hands and arms in the air then move back a few steps, waiting on what shit Cobalt is about to spew out of his mouth.
Once again, it’s Girlie who gets here first. From behind I sense movement but before I see her, she’s grabbing—no—pinching me under my arm, pulling me into the clubhouse while her mouth rambles on and on about how stupid men are.
For some reason Girlie is going on about why men need to act so childish and should just whip it out and measure it and I don’t have a clue about what she’s talking about.
She continues to pull me all the way to our long-as-fuck table, then pushes me into a chair, taking the one next to me and yelling to our prez to take the other side.
As everyone files in, not a word is said.
Probably because my brothers are becoming pussies because of this little purple-haired mouthpiece, who has a backbone as tough as any one of them.
Psycho sits directly across from me, shooting daggers my way until Girlie puts a hand up, fed up with all of us, I’m guessin’.
“Enough already. Jesus Christ, thought I was in a badass biker clubhouse not a preschool. Pyscho, not sure why you have such a hard-on for Incubus right now, but he needs all his brothers at his side. And you, don’t be such a colossal dick because they are all worried not only about you but your woman too.
Now, just shut up and eat. After you’re done, let Jackal look at those fucking paws of yours again, and try not to drip blood everywhere as you eat, you idiot.
Sorry Psycho you’re going to need to see a dentist because of numb nuts here. ”
I can’t resist because, even though she’s right, Julie can get too big for her britches, so to speak.
“Well, since you’re commanding the floor running your mouth and giving orders, Girlie, maybe you need to think before you start barking orders at the officers in this club.
Don’t forget your place Julie your Cobalt’s piece of ass, oh pardon me, I mean you’re his ol’ lady.
Again remember who you’re talking to, Girlie you’re gettin’ a pass this time, feeling generous. ”
The brothers and sweet butts around the table start to giggle, chuckle, or plain out belly laugh.
Expecting nothing less I almost smile when Girlie lands an elbow right into my side, which has me looking down at her.
The goofy smile on her face tells me I walked right into that.
For fuck’s sake, how did I get to this point?
Then my mind’s eye shoots to that photo in my brain, and suddenly I’m not hungry.
Before I can push the chair back or stand, both Cobalt and Julie each place a hand on my thigh, squeezing tightly, I’m guessin’ to keep me here.
I force myself to start eating and the table follows.
Not sure how long I sit here when Cobalt lifts his hand, but Girlie hangs on until dinner is over and the table is cleared.
Once Jackal has looked, cleaned, and rewrapped my hands, Girlie stands once again, grabbing my hand gently and pulling me out the door with my prez behind us. Nickel isn’t too far behind him. Once outside, she reaches in and gives me a short, tight hug around the waist.
“Go, Incubus. Go home and try to get some rest. Tomorrow is another day. Just know there’s not a person in there who won’t do everything they can to get not only your ol’ lady back but your child too. I’m always around if you need anything.”
She turns and squeezes Cobalt’s arm before going in, closing the door softly. Not sure what’s next, so I’m surprised when Cobalt approaches, giving me a shoulder bump but saying nothing. He follows Girlie in and it’s just Nickel and me.
“Brother, I can follow you home and sleep on your couch if you don’t want to be alone with your thoughts. Least I can do since you never left my side in the beginning. Just say the word and I’m there.”
Giving my brother a small, sad grin, I tell him I’m good.
Then jump on my Harley and carefully hang on to my grips with my bandaged hands, going the short distance to my house.
I’ve been sitting on the front porch ever since, trying to make sense of a situation when there just is none.
I can hear my phone ringing again for the millionth time, but I just ignore it.
I know the one person I want to hear from isn’t calling, so fuck whoever is.
Leaning my head back, I close my eyes as memory after memory floods my head.
I can’t lose either of them or I might as well be dead myself.
The club and brothers gave me a purpose, but it’s Stella, and then Isabella, who managed to bring me back and, more importantly, gave me a reason to live.
Must have dozed off because the sound of obnoxiously loud Harley pipes wakes me up.
Glancing toward my driveway, I’m shocked to see who’s making their way to my house on their bike slowly, trying to avoid the bumps and shit.
Last person I thought would make an appearance, but he always does what you least expect.
I wait ’til he parks and lowers his kickstand down, then Psycho slowly makes his way to me.
Well, holy fuck, someone kicked his ass after I did, that’s for sure.
When Psycho’s eyes meet mine, I raise my eyebrows but say not a single word.
He makes his way to a rocking chair and very carefully sits down.
“Ya know I’m kinda a massive asshole, right, brother?
Well, it was brought to my attention that maybe tonight I took it too far, and for that I’m sorry.
Sayin’ that, I’ve watched how Stella ties you in knots and I don’t want that for ya, brother.
But, and this is from the heart, we’ll get the bitch back, and then it’s up to you what happens after.
I will tell you that I’d give my life for you, your ol’ lady, and your girl, Izzy.
And thanks you dirty bastard for knocking out four of my teeth.
Ya know how much I hate that fucking dentist.”
Turning slowly, I meet his eyes and show every emotion I’ve never really shown to this brother.
“Appreciate it, Psycho. Sorry about your teeth but if you ever call my ol’ lady a bitch again, not only will they not find a piece of ya, but I’ll make sure you feel the worst pain in your life before I end yer ass.
We clear? And piece of information to keep in your head, Stella and I call Isabella by the nickname Bella, but if you like Izzy and the kid is okay with it, I’m good with it. ”
His face turns white and his eyes look shocked.
Maybe it’s time I let my brothers in on some of the emotions I’m able to lock down to do my job as their enforcer.
Yeah, I can be an emotionless jagoff but not when it comes to my wife or kid.
I get up, walking into my house, grabbing two beers, and go back to my rocker, handing one to Psycho.
I mean, he did make the goddamn effort to come out to check on me and apologize.
With my brothers I try not to hold grudges.
Well, not too often that is, though there is always a one-off grudge, which is good for the soul, right?
It’s gonna be a long fuckin’ night for sure and, as much as I won’t ever admit it, I appreciate his company.