Chapter 25
WREN
When Saturday evening rolls around, the clubhouse is a flurry of activity. Tonight is the patch in party for Noah and Levi. I haven’t been to one of these since Rowan was patched in years ago.
It usually gets pretty crazy, so I know we’re in for a wild night.
Everly, Sophie and I decorated a little, much to the chagrin of the guys. We didn’t go too girly, though, just a few streamers and balloons. They’re black, so the guys can just shut up about it. It won’t hurt their masculine vibe.
I go into the kitchen to see if Chef needs any more help. He’s busy making a feast for us all. We told him we could have the party catered and I’ve never seen him look more offended.
“Do you need anything?” I ask.
“Nah, sweetheart,” he says over his shoulder. “I’m fine.”
“Just holler if you do, the girls and I are more than willing to help.”
He nods his head in answer and I walk back outside, making sure that all the food warmers are set up and on. Sophie and Everly walk into the main room all dressed and ready for the evening. I told them that I would hold down the fort so they could get ready.
“Go get dressed,” Sophie orders as she comes to a stop in front of me.
“Yes, Mrs. President,” I reply playfully, and she shoves me in the direction of the stairs with a laugh.
I go to the suite to get ready. Axel and the guys are having church right now, so I take advantage of the free time.
I walk into the bathroom and turn the water temperature hot before stripping out of my clothes and putting them in the hamper.
I step under the spray and make sure to keep my hair out of the way while I quickly wash my body and rinse off.
I get out and dry myself before applying lotion and deodorant and then walk into the closet and grab a pair of black, distressed jeans that hug my curves and a black tank top.
I know it’s still winter outside, but it’s going to get hot in the clubhouse tonight with so many people here.
I slip on a pair of socks and my black combat boots before going back into the bathroom and applying some makeup.
My bruises have all faded by now and none of the scratches I had scarred, thankfully.
After swiping on some lip gloss, I take my hair down and brush it, applying heat protectant while my curling iron warms up.
I curl my hair in loose waves and then tease it a little bit for volume.
I look in the mirror and smile at myself, having not felt this pretty in a long time.
I head back downstairs where the party has already begun.
Music is playing throughout the clubhouse and the sound of laughter and talking fills the air.
I see Axel across the room and make my way towards him.
He’s dressed in dark blue jeans, a black t-shirt, his cut, and black boots. He looks delicious.
I slide up behind him and circle my arms around his waist. He stops talking and spins around to face me, his eyes brightening when he sees me. His gaze trails over my body and I see the appreciation in his eyes. He’s been so patient with me, and it only makes me love him more.
I love him. That’s not something I ever thought I would say about Axel Hardy, but I do.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs as he leans down to plant a kiss on my lips.
“Thanks, handsome,” I say against his lips. “You clean up pretty well, yourself.” We split apart and find Rowan and Grayson smiling like idiots at us. “What tweedle dee and tweedle dumb?”
Sophie and Everly burst out laughing. “I’m using that from now on,” Sophie chokes out.
“They’re just stupidly happy for you both,” Everly murmurs as she slides under Rowan’s arm.
“It’s just nice to see all that tension wasn’t for nothing,” Grayson teases us.
Axel wraps his arms around me from behind. “Trust me, it wasn’t.”
We spend the next hour eating and talking, then it’s time for the prospects to get their patches.
“Can I get everyone’s attention?” Grayson’s voice booms through the clubhouse, silencing everyone.
Someone must cut the music, because quiet fills the room.
“We have two prospects who have worked their asses off the last two years to become members of this club, and now it’s time!
” The clubhouse erupts in cheers. “Noah and Levi, please step forward.” The crowd parts as the two prospects step forward.
“Do you promise to protect and defend this club and everyone it cares about?”
“Yes, pres,” they both murmur.
“Do you promise to have your brothers’ backs no matter what?”
“Yes, pres.”
“Do you promise to put this club before your own wishes?”
“Yes, pres.”
“Do you promise that this club will be in your blood until your dying breath?”
“Yes, pres.”
I watch on as Rowan steps forward and hands them two patches with the Sovereign Sons North Carolina logo on it. A skull wearing a crown.
“Welcome to the club, brothers!”
Cheers erupt once more as the club surrounds Noah and Levi. The girls and I step back and watch with smiles on our faces as the new members are hugged by one brother after the next in celebration.
The music turns back on and the noise in the room becomes almost stifling.
I feel my heartrate pick up and my breathing quickens.
I haven’t felt any anxiety the entire day, but the sudden change in atmosphere must be enough of a trigger for me.
I feel like my vision tunnels as I slowly step away from the crowd and walk outside, hoping some fresh air will help.
There’s an immediate difference when the door closes behind me. I can still hear the music and laughter, but it’s muffled. I squat down, letting my forearms rest on my thighs as I try to get control of my breathing. Just when I think the panic attack has passed, someone’s hand grabs my shoulder.
I whirl around, ready to fight, but that fight leaves me when I come face to face with Luke.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Wren,” he rasps with his hands up in a nonconfrontational manner. “I just saw you comes outside, and I was worried.”
My shoulders sag in relief. “It was a panic attack,” I choke out, trying to calm myself once more. “I think it was just too many people inside.”
“Just take deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth,” he coaches as he steps forward.
After a few minutes, I feel better. The cool air is like a balm against my heated skin.
“Thank you, Luke.”
“You shouldn’t be thanking me, Wren,” he sighs. “I was an asshole and I know that you heard what I said.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I try to argue but he doesn’t let me.
“It does,” he insists. “I was drunk, but that’s not an excuse.
I was just jealous.” My eyes widen and he holds his hand up to stop me before shaking my head.
“Not that Axel had you. I just realized that it’s something that I want.
My jealousy made me say something that I didn’t mean.
I really didn’t mean it, Wren. You’re a damn good person and Axel is lucky to have you. Any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you, Luke,” I choke out.
“Do you forgive me?” He asks with a wry smile.
I chuckle. “There’s nothing to for-.”
My words cut off as a loud bang rips through the air and Luke flinches, his carefree expression turning to one of pain.
I watch on in horror as he coughs and blood sprays out of his mouth.
The prospects are yelling and everything happens so fast. Luke takes me to the ground and covers my body with his.
I hear footsteps rush out of the clubhouse, but I don’t take my eyes off Luke.
“Stay with me Luke!” I beg as I push him onto his back and look for the bullet wound. I find it in his chest and put pressure on the wound, blinking hard to clear the tears from my eyes. “Don’t you dare die on me!” I sob.
“I’m sorry, Wren,” he wheezes before coughing up more blood.
“No! You don’t have anything to apologize for! You don’t need my forgiveness, but you have it anyways!”
He smiles at me and then his face slowly slackens.
“No,” I rasp. “No! Help! Help!”
Someone pulls me away from him and I kick and scream trying to stop them, but I’m not strong enough.
“It’s just me, baby,” Axel chokes out and the fight immediately leaves me.
We watch on as Grayson, Cane, and Rowan try to help Luke, but it’s of no use. Grayson checks for a pulse and his shoulders slump. His eyes find ours and when I see the tears in them, I already know.
Luke is dead.