Wrath
If it weren’t for the fact he was Jalisa’s dad, I’d be beating the shit out of Psycho. He’d have to seek medical attention when I was done with him. When he grabbed hold of her and attempted to pull her over the top of the table to him, I was stunned. I wasn’t expecting him to do it.
When he didn’t let go of her, I was a second from springing across it and making him when Dylan came out of nowhere and punched him. It hadn’t been a love tap, either. He knocked his uncle’s head to the side. Psycho automatically let go of her.
I was as proud as I could be to hear what the prospect said.
He’d shown his character, and that I had made the right choice in allowing him to prospect for us.
He’d laid it out to his uncle and family.
None of them appeared smug when he was done.
Things were still tense as we sat at the table, eyeing each other. Rage broke the silence.
“You’re right. We’ll never support your illegal activities. However, we will do so in other areas, such as taking care of the Black Outlaw infestation. You mentioned they had a chapter not long ago that was eliminated for human trafficking. You seemed to agree with that decision.”
“Damn right we did. That’s disgusting, and Fiends do not traffic or prostitute people,” Panther said gruffly. The others in his club nodded.
“This isn’t common knowledge, but I’ll tell you this as a show of our good faith.
Our Cherokee chapter, along with others and us, was the ones to do it.
They kidnapped a woman who ended up escaping, and Cherokee found her.
Jessamy ended up with a Pagan there named Mace.
We took out those involved but held back from doing anything to the entire MC charter.
The same thing happened a few years prior with another club we know.
The chapter or men involved were eliminated, but not everyone.
You said you asked the national president to talk.
It’s imperative that happens, Panther. We need to determine whether Killer’s chapter has the support of the entire MC.
If they do, we can’t leave them standing.
So far, they haven’t come after anyone taking out their men, but they may not know who did it,” I explained.
I knew I was sharing something that could get us in hot water, but it had to start somewhere if we were to trust each other.
“I requested it yesterday. He’s not known to be quick to answer someone if he doesn’t feel he has reason to.
I’ll keep asking until he does, or we run out of patience and make an assumption.
Glad to know who took those sick bastards out.
What about the people they took besides the one who’s an old lady? ” Panther asked.
“Some have been rescued. It’s a slow process, and we know many won’t be found,” Storm answered.
“If you need more assistance, let us know. We’ll gladly help,” Panther offered.
“Thank you, we will. Now, let’s talk about Killer and Jalisa. I agree with Dylan that we should start circulating that she’s been claimed. I’ll work on proof as fast as possible. We’ll see how long it takes him to show himself,” I sneered.
“I have a better idea,” Jalisa popped in.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“As soon as I have tangible proof, we will arrange for me to be seen outside the compound, where many people will see me. That way, those spies they have can report back.”
My automatic response was denial. “No, we’re not endangering you.”
“It’s not endangering me more than I already am. I can’t stay behind these walls forever, Wrath. And if you provide enough protection, obvious and hidden, we have nothing to worry about. He doesn’t want me dead.”
“What if, despite all our protection, he finds a way to get his hands on you? I’m not letting him hurt you, Jalisa. The man is crazy. Rape is the least of what he can do. He could get mad and kill you like he did those other women,” I reminded her.
“If he gets me, then I’ll be the one to kill him. Killer has no idea who he’s messing with. I’ll carve his ass up like a Thanksgiving turkey,” Jalisa hissed.
The Fiends chuckled. They seemed to believe she could do it.
“Babe, it’s too dangerous.”
“Babe, we’ll talk about it. We can make it work. It will just take some planning,” she answered. I chose not to fight about it in front of everyone. This would be a private conversation.
Psycho sat silently, mainly staring at his hands. I disliked being at odds with the man who would be my father-in-law.
To bring him into the discussion, I said, “Psycho, I bet you have some ideas on capturing Killer and his cohorts.”
His head came up. It took him a moment to answer. “Yeah, I might have a few. Gotta think them through, though. You’re right. No matter what, Jalisa must be protected even from her recklessness.”
“Dad, I’m not reckless, just a little too much like my dad.” She grinned.
This remark did get a slight smirk out of him and laughs from the rest of his club.
“I suggest we all take a day or two to strategize. Then we’ll have another talk. I’ll start the claiming process so no one doubts it. Do we want to have a video call or an in-person meeting?” I asked.
“Could we have it in person? I think it’ll be better,” Psycho said.
“I’m good with that,” Panther added.
“We can. Here, or somewhere else?” was my next question.
“You hosted this time, although it was a surprise. Why not come to our compound? You can see what it’s like. Jalisa can get more of her things,” Psycho suggested.
I wasn’t crazy about going to a one-percenter’s compound, but it wasn’t different from them coming here. Plus, he was right. She could get her belongings.
“I’m okay with that if your president is,” I said.
“It works for us. We’ll make it three days from now, to give us enough time. Our place at seven if that’s late enough,” Panther offered.
“We can make it work. You’re welcome to stay and relax if you like.”
“No, we need to get back. We have a run tomorrow, but thanks. Plan to stay and relax with us. It’ll be Friday night,” Panther stated.
It took another ten minutes to get them outside and on their bikes. They all wanted to hug Jalisa and Dylan before they said goodbye. I was relieved when the gate shut behind them. I had more to talk about with my old lady.
???
After the Fiends left, I took Jalisa to my house to ensure we had complete privacy. We had more to talk about. I also wanted her to see the house since it would be hers, and I wanted my woman to move in with me immediately.
I gave her a brief tour of the house before settling us in the living room. She was smiling. “Wrath, your house is beautiful. I thought it was from the outside, but it’s even better inside.”
“I’m glad you think so. I hope that means it’s good enough for you to move into. I know there will be things you want to change or add, but those can happen over time.”
She didn’t say anything for several heartbeats, then she answered me. “Well, I guess I didn’t think about what claiming me meant. That you’d want me to live with you.”
I frowned. “Jalisa, this is a proper claim. I don’t intend to live apart from my old lady. This is our home. You can make it over to a large degree if you want. I want you here with me. This isn’t a fake declaration.”
“I know, I guess I just didn’t think. Do you have a room at the clubhouse where you stay when you party and do other things?”
“I have one, but I haven’t used it in forever. And I won’t do it when I have you and this house. If it happens, you’d be there with me. Is that how it is at the Fiends’ clubhouse? They stay away from their old ladies?”
“Some do. They party and crash at the clubhouse. I don’t know if anyone fools around on their women or not. I don’t want to know. Not everyone there has houses on the compound, just the officers.”
“Did you live on it with your dad?”
“Oh no, we would kill each other. I love him, but he would drive me nuts. I had a small house in town. It belongs to the club. I insisted on paying rent, although they said I didn’t need to.
I paid my way, which means I plan to do the same here.
I make good money. I can help with the mortgage, utilities, and other expenses,” she assured me.
“Babe, we’ll get to those later. First, tell me how you see this relationship progressing.”
“I hadn’t thought about it. I’m still in shock that you want me. I admit, I’ve been drawn to you since I met you. However, I didn’t dare hope you felt anything for me. To hear that you do has stunned me,” she admitted.
We were on the couch, so I eased closer. When she didn’t move away, I reached over, lifted her, and brought her to straddle my lap. I wanted us to be eye-to-eye and our bodies to touch.
“The instant I saw you standing in that kitchen prepared for battle, you took my breath away. I’ve been consumed with thoughts of you.
I admit, at first, I tried to tell myself it was merely lust. And as Dylan’s cousin and a Fiend princess, I wouldn’t insult you or your club by hooking up with you.
However, my gut kept pushing me that it was more.
I had to listen to it. I’ve seen dozens of friends who met their other half and knew they were the one immediately, and they quickly got together.
They’re all still together, going strong, and are more in love than ever. ”
She gave me a shy, uncertain look. “Do you believe that what you feel can develop into love? Some people have successful relationships built on respect, admiration, and friendship. Is that what ours will be? Or is there a chance it’ll be more?”
I heard the plea underneath her question, but I asked anyway. “Do you want there to be love?”
“I always hoped I might find it one day. My parents never had it. I’ve seen a few Fiends who I think do love each other.
I know it’s kinda not the thing these days, but if possible, yes.
I would. That doesn’t mean I won’t settle for the other.
The only thing I ask is, don’t cheat on me.
If you want other women, tell me first and take back your claim. ” She hurried to add the last part.
“Jalisa, I want you to hear this. I believe in and want love despite my parents’ terrible example. I don’t think it’s out of fashion. We all wish for it. I won’t cheat, nor will I want other women, so no worries there. Can I let you in on something?” I paused.
“Yes, of course.”
“I’m already falling for you, so I’m the one who needs to ask. Do you think you might be able to love me one day?”
Her mouth dropped open, and then she gave a slight moan before her mouth came to seal mine. We kissed hungrily. Our lips, tongues, and teeth were frantic. It was hands down the hottest kiss of my life. We broke apart when we ran out of air despite breathing through our noses. We were panting.
“Does that mean you can?” I panted.
She gave me a beautiful smile. “It means that I’m already falling for you, too, as crazy as it is, Wrath.”
Joy filled me. I wanted to shout it so everyone knew, but I had more to discuss, and it was getting late.
“God, you’ve made me incredibly happy. I’d like you to do something else to make me even happier.”
“And what would that be?” she asked.
“Wrath has been my name for so long, I almost forget my real name. However, as my old lady, you need to know it, and I would like you to use it when we’re alone. I don’t have to tell you when Wrath has to be used. Will you?”
“I’d be delighted to do it.”
“Thank you. Then, let me formally introduce myself. Hello, I’m Lucian Bentley.”
She grinned. “Hello, Lucian, I’m Jalisa Hirsch. Lucian, listen to the sound of that. What a sexy name,” she whispered.
Hearing my name on her lips made me want her even more.
My erection was back, but she was sitting on my thighs, so she couldn’t feel it.
I fought not to move her and grind into her core.
I knew sex tonight wasn’t on the menu, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t dream it was or that I didn’t want her with me.
“It’s getting late. I know we have more to talk over, but we should get some sleep.
I have one more thing to ask. I want you to stay with me.
And no, that doesn’t mean I expect sex. I respect that we have to let you get to know me better before that happens.
However, I want to hold you and have your scent on my pillows.
I want to begin as we intend to proceed. You and I together.”
She rubbed her nose on mine. “Lucian, I would love to sleep with you. I’ll need to run to the clubhouse for something to wear.”
“I’ll let you have one of my T-shirts. Tomorrow, we’ll move your clothes and personal stuff over here. Will that work?”
“As long as I can use your soap. I want a shower badly.”
“Baby, you can have anything you want.”
She winked, gave me a quick kiss, then stood up. When she saw the condition I was in, her smirk grew. I was in for a long night, but I didn’t mind. Not as long as I had Jalisa next to me.