36. Melody
MELODY
Pulling in through the gates to the Screaming Eagles clubhouse feels like coming home. Driving for over two hours to get back here was tiring after the wild day I had, but I’ve amused myself by bouncing Clutch around in the trunk. I think the guys are wearing off on me.
Still, I’m glad that’s over.
There’s a whole crowd waiting for us, so I’m guessing one of the guys called ahead. Either that or Snark and Rory have continued to track us. I still can’t believe the lengths everyone went to just so I could get back.
On the metal stairs up to the front door is Eagle-eye with his huge arms crossed over his chest, watching as I pull in.
On the steps below him are Shadow, Outlaw, Thunder and…
another Thunder, which I assume has to be Lightning.
He probably shouldn’t even be standing up yet, but I’m guessing he wouldn’t want to miss this.
I’m just going to assume that they all know what they’re doing.
Rebel, Mad Dog and Riptide fan out, clearing the way for me to pull right up in front of the clubhouse, where I set the car in park, pull up the handbrake and stop the engine.
Every action feels a little bit like a step in being rid of all this craziness once and for all.
At least the bad craziness. I’m very much looking forward to the kind of craziness that awaits me with the guys.
As long as I get to shower and sleep a little first.
At least shower.
Riptide is there to pop the door for me and let me out of the car. When I emerge, a cheer rises from the crowd, like I did anything more than just get captured by the right guy. I shrug and wave, smiling a little awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Shadow and Outlaw get behind the car and pop the trunk. They haul Clutch out by his collar and put him down on his feet. He’s not a small man, but they’re so much bigger. When his leg gives out, they haul him along bodily.
I should feel bad for him, right? After all those years.
But it’s hard to unlearn what he taught me when he showed me his true self.
He was ready to sacrifice me, Dad and anyone else just for power.
The idea of someone like that at the head of a motorcycle club is terrifying.
Just imagine the Screaming Eagles led by a man like Clutch.
Then again, I don’t think they could. Looking up at Eagle-eye, it’s obvious why the Screaming Eagles are so loyal to him. They know he’ll do everything for the club and he’ll be there as long as they need him. Clutch would make a run for it as soon as he knew something wasn’t going his way.
So, while it feels harsh, I seem to have run completely out of pity, at least for him. He’s no longer my problem anyway. And from the looks of it, he’s not going to be anyone’s problem for much longer.
“This the guy?” Outlaw asks Lightning, who’s leaning against the wall. I see that now. Not quite ready yet, but he’s standing up at least.
The nasty smile that spreads on Lightning’s face is all the answer we need. “Good to see you again,” he says. “We’ve got some unfinished business to attend to.”
They drag him off toward the Pit and I’m pretty sure I’ll never see him again.
“How are you feeling?” Rebel slides his arm around my back so he can rest his hand on my hip. “It’s been a rough day.”
“Honestly, beat and grubby. And starving. Can we order a pizza?”
Mad Dog laughs. “Honey, we’ll get you anything you want. If you want pizza, we’re having pizza.”
I’m already looking forward to a lazy evening, caring about nothing but eating, drinking, and if I don’t fall asleep first… well, getting to reacquaint myself with the boys. I wasn’t gone as long as I thought I’d be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend, right?
“What are you smiling at?” Riptide grins down at me, with a curious raised eyebrow.
“Oh nothing. Just happy to be back. To be home.”
“Melody!” I turn just in time to get a faceful of Sandra as she throws herself around my neck.
“Are you okay? I was so worried once I heard. Rory passed on what was going on after she talked to Snark. You’re whole, right?
” She takes a step back, grabbing both of my upper arms and examining me. “He didn’t hurt you?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine. It was scary, but I had some help.” Leaning, I press my back against Rebel. “Like you said, the guys get really overprotective.”
And then Rory and Mila are there, and Emily and Harper, and I get so many hugs that my arms start to get tired. At this rate, I’m never going to get my pizza.
Finally, Mad Dog makes an executive decision.
“Melody’s had a long day. I’m going to bring her upstairs, wine and dine her, and maybe tomorrow, if she’s up for it, we can have an open house for autographs and fan pictures, okay?
Riptide, wanna order some pizzas?” Then he sweeps me away, bringing me into the clubhouse and leaving everyone but my guys behind.
I get a last round of cheers from the girls before the door closes behind us.
And I think it’s Sandra who yells something along the lines of, “Go get those big cocks, girl!” but I can’t swear to that. But the amount of laughter that accompanies it before the door slams indicates that it might’ve been something like that.
Mad Dog literally carries me over the doorstep to his quarters like it’s our wedding day. I try not to read too much into it, but it feels nice anyway.
When we drop onto his couch with me in his lap, I just stay there, using him for a giant body pillow. “I missed you guys.”
“Missed you too, honey.” He strokes my hair softly, and I must fall asleep, since the next thing I hear is Rebel yelling that the pizza is here.
Despite living most of my life in the house, I’ve never felt more at home.