“Like Sydney isn’t yours, and now Neo? Fuck off, bro. You’d do anything for those two, and just wait until Syd starts datin’.” I chuckle, losin’ it around the end ‘cause I know Zane will slaughter anyone who touches her. He might not be her biological father, but that doesn’t mean jack shit.
Zane starts growlin’, clenchin’ his jaw in the process. “Lord help any fucker who tries.” Just as I said, he’ll kill ‘em.
A knock comes to the front of the club and Zorro goes over to open it. I spot Natalie with a basket filled with bags in her arms. What the hell does she have? Zorro takes the basket from her and I hear them sayin’ something but can’t make it out from this far away.
Immediately I go over, “Hey ladies.”
Sorcha comes runnin’ up to me with her doll, “Look! Guess what I named her?”
I kneel on the ground, “No idea. What lovely name did you give her?”
“Grim. She’s a boy, silly!” Well . . . if that statement didn’t just contradict itself, I don’t know what to say.
“Grim, what a sick name.”
“Sick? Like a fever?” Sorcha furrows her brows, tryin’ to understand.
“No, like cool. It’s another word for cool, back from my time. I’m really old you know.”
Sorcha nods and starts to giggle. “Yeah, you’re old like Mummy!”
Natalie busts out into laughter, almost to the point where she’s crying. “I never thought my own children would be so rude to me.”
“I’m not the rude one,” Aggie points out, comin’ from behind her mom.
“You are too!” Davina grumbles in her sister’s direction. Sorcha on the other hand runs off to where the sectional is and starts shouting her doll’s name. I don’t even wanna know the way my brothers are lookin’ at me right now.
“I’m gonna go over to the kitchen and get started. Aggie and Davina said they might even help me a bit. Isn’t that so nice of them?” Natalie asks.
“As long as we can sample, then yes.” Aggie pipes up.
“Shoot, I’d help too if I can sample some.”
Natalie giggles, giving me a knowing look. “I have a feeling that if I let you taste test for me, there won’t be any food left for the rest of your club.”
“You’re damn right about that!” Axel hollers from the couch.
“Damn right!” Sorcha repeats, causin’ Natalie’s face to flush red. She rushes over to Sorcha and I’m certain she’s tellin’ her not to cuss or repeat what these heathens say here.
Zorro exits the kitchen with his hands now empty, and I didn’t even notice him goin’ in there in the first place. “Zorro, Axel . . . can I have a chat with you?”
Both of them seem curious and surprisingly they agree. I head over to the TV room and head in first, makin’ sure we don’t have any others in here who will eavesdrop on our conversation. Once it’s clear, I turn around and stand in the middle of the room. Zorro takes a seat in the corner of the sectional while Axel has his arms crossed and leans against the wall.
“I gotta tell you both some shit and it won’t be easy to hear.” I make sure I’m lookin’ them both in the eyes, ‘cause they need to know how serious I am about this.
“Well, spit it out. We don’t need a dramatic pause.” Axel quips.
Zorro sits on the couch, narrowing his eyes bit by bit.
“To say I was shocked to see Ruby here was an understatement. While the two of you might’ve thought she just came here for a visit, you’re wrong. She was attacked on campus.”
Zorro lunges off the couch, comin’ straight up to me. “What the fuck are you talkin’ about?”
“She told me on Halloween she went to a party and cut through the park to get back to her dorm. Some fuckers jumped her, beat on her . . . raped her.”
Zorro becomes uncaged, throwin’ me up against the wall and wraps his hands around my neck. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re getting at here, but this isn’t funny, Grim. What kinda joke is this?!” He snarls, tightening his grip around my throat.
“He’s not joking. Ruby finally told me last night.” Axel speaks up.
Zorro pulls his hands away and I inhale deeply, trying to catch my breath.
“She . . . this doesn’t make fucking sense. I took her virginity. Why would she do that if she’d been attacked?” Zorro questions.
“We don’t need the reminder,” I grit, not wanting any visuals of those two clashing parts. “She wanted it to be special, not somethin’ that could be taken away from her like . . . what happened. She was raped anally, brother.” It’s hard for me to say, and even harder to think about the hell she went through up there. It’s why I’m determined to get there as soon as possible.
“Fuckin’ pigs.” Zorro snarls, angrier than I anticipated he would be.
“You actually give a shit about her?” I ask him.
He nods and takes a moment of silence before he speaks again. “I do but let’s be real. I’m just a phase for her. She’s a senior in college. I’m her bad boy phase, and it won’t be anything more than that.”
I’m not gonna dive into what he’s sayin’, not needin’ to get into feelings and all that. “I want you two to pay a visit up to Stonewall University with me. We’re gonna figure out who did this to Ruby, and we’re gonna fuck them up.”
“I think you mean kill them.” Axel corrects me.
“He definitely means kill.” Zorro snarls.
“I take it you’re both on board?”
Immediately they nod. “When do we leave?” Axel questions.
“Tomorrow morning. I’m gonna spend the night with Natalie at her trailer. If one of you swing by in the morning and pick me up that would be cool.”
“Sure. I’ll grab you around nine. New York is a ways off . . . what is it, thirty hours?”
“Yeah, not countin’ traffic. So, we’ll take a couple days to drive up there. Hopefully we can be in and out in one day.”
“I’ll start packin’.” Zorro mutters, headin’ out of the room.
“I should get my shit ready too.” Axel speaks up, leavin’ me alone.
We’re goin’ up to Stonewall to make those shitbags pay, but if it helps the strained relationship between the three of us, I’ll be happy. Maybe we can bond over the way we care for Rub’. That’s the hope anyway.
Chapter Twenty-Five
One thing about them tables . . . they always turn
~ Your Tango
Grim
“Mum, I’m so bored. Can’t we go home?!” Davina whines while she sits beside me in the kitchen of the club. She has about two or three more meals to make for the club before she’s done. I did get some yummy apple bread, though.
“Not until I’m done with work. You know, you could be playing with Jordyn and Nova like your sisters are.” Jordyn and Nova came up to the club about an hour ago. Those two are sweet as pie, lovin’ when new kids come around the club. Sydney was here for a little bit, but she muttered something about needing to finish a book report. That’s middle school for ya. She went on and on the other day how she’s trying to keep her GPA above a 3.8 because she wants to get in a magnet school the next county over. Octavia would have to drive her there and pick her up every day, but it’s a phenomenal school. They specialize in the arts. So, for kids who wanna go on to do interior design, cosmetology, singing, or even graphic design— this is where they’d go.
“Grim, you ready?” Zane asks.
“Where’re you going?” Natalie questions.
Shit. I forgot to tell her. “I’m gonna go into town and help Zane out with somethin’.”
“Can I go?!” Davina begs, lookin’ at me with those Puss and Boots eyes.
I glance to Zane, hopeful he’ll be the one to crush her dreams and not me. Davina isn’t really a fan of me quite yet, so I don’t need to give her another reason to not like me. “Sure, kiddo. Wanna grab your big sister too? They have a super fun arcade you two can play in.”
“Yeah!” Davina slides off
her chair and runs into the TV room where Aggie has been with Jordyn and Nova. Hell, it’s hard to believe how many years have gone by. Dex is going off to college. Jordyn will be graduating next, then Sydney, then Nova . . . before we know it all the kids in the club will be all grown up. I don’t know about the others, but I’m damn sure not ready for that.
“What is it you two are doing again?” Natalie questions while she’s rollin’ something flat on the counter with flour on it.
“We have some new prospects who want to join the club. Grim agreed to go interview them with me, in a way.” Zane answers her.
“Prospects?” Natalie still has so much to learn about this life.
“It’s what we call new members of the club. They prospect for a while until we patch them in as full members.” Zane continues on.
“Full members, huh? So, what’re you?” Natalie turns her attention to me.
“I’m a full patch, which means I’ve proven my loyalty to the club, that I’m trustworthy, and all that goes in between.”
“Okay, we’re ready!” Davina says, holdin’ onto Aggie’s hand.
“Davina said we’re going to an arcade.” Aggie speaks.
Zane nods, “Yep. You two can play to your lil hearts’ content while Grim and I handle some business.”
“Oh my God, it’s so much fun. You have to play on the old pinball machines. It’s almost as old as our dads.” Jordyn snickers.
“Baby girl, I heard that!” Bolt hisses from the couch.
“There you go, pissin’ him off again.” Nova can’t hold back her laughter.
“Aren’t you the one who called us ancient at dinner last night?” Dracus glares at his daughters from the kitchen table.
“God, Dad! Why are you always hiding in corners and the dark?” Jordyn berates him.
Jordyn and Nova are Kat’s sisters, who’s the ol’ lady of our Las Vegas President, Damon. Her mom is Roxy, who’s obviously the mom of Jordyn and Nova. Now, Roxy is in a relationship with Tex, Dracus, and Bolt. They have some polyamorous relationship goin’ on, but it’s worked for them for years.
“You two wanna tag along?” Zane asks.
“What about Syd’?” Nova questions.
“She won’t leave her homework and you two know it. C’mon, let’s get goin’.”
“I’ll have Zane drop the girls and I off at the trailer. Alright?” I tell Natalie, who’s in the process of washing her hands. She wipes her hands quickly on the dish towel and comes to the table, grabbin’ her purse and digs her hand into it.
“Okay, but here’s my spare key . . . um. You . . . you can um—”
“C’mon, lets go!” Davina tugs on my hand, eager for me to follow Zane and the rest of the girls.
I smile lightly at Natalie, seeing how nervous she is. “It’s alright, Java. I get what you’re sayin’.” Damn, she just gave me a key to her house. She’s definitely feelin’ the same way I am, and I’m damn ready for this relationship to keep progressin’. Before we both know it, I’ll be askin’ her to be my ol’ lady.
I walk off with Davina and Aggie, headin’ out to Zane’s transit van. It’s not like those fuckin’ ugly mini vans the soccer moms drive. It’s blacked out with dark tint, fancy rims and does pretty well in the snow, surprisingly enough.
Within ten minutes we’re in town, parkin’ out back of the bar. The same owners have the arcade and bar, puttin’ them side by side so parents can be on one side while their kids play on the other.
Immediately as we’re exiting, we see a few bikes parked out front. I think I count five right off the bat, but I spot two more guys ridin’ up. “You girls go on inside and have a good time. Jordyn, you’re in charge.” Zane appoints her leader of the small humans and she carts them off to the arcade while we make our way slowly inside.
Chapter Twenty-Six
You will never understand the damage you did to someone until the same thing is done to you. That’s why I’m here.
~ Karma
Grim
The girls were quick to run into the arcade after Zane gave Jordyn one of his credit cards. Givin’ a teenage girl access to hundreds if not thousands of dollars is a death wish if you ask me.
Zane and I came in through the back door. The owner, Val, she lets us come on through. She’s a lady in her mid-fifties who used to run with a biker club back East. Rumor has it that she was tied up with the Knights of Retribution as a clubwhore, but she never confirmed that. She is one bad bitch though, so I could see it. The Knights of Retribution aren’t anything anymore, not after Rancid murdered Gamble’s family in front of her. But now he’s dead and Gamble’s the Prez of the Royal Bastards Baltimore charter . . . so I bet that motherfucker is rollin’ in his grave.
We make our way to the side where Zane’s been known to claim the back booths. It’s far enough away from the front that we can get some peace and quiet, but slightly elevated so we can have our eyes on the entire joint. “Your newbies are waitin’ over there, sugar.” Val hollers in our direction as we walk up the few steps to our section.
I turn back quickly to make sure I have some eyes on the girls and see Jordyn is with Davina. Aggie and Nova must already be havin’ a blast. Breathin’ a little easier I continue to follow Zane and see a group of men and women at the booth. Footsteps come up from behind me and three more guys come on through.
“Shit. Ten of you?” Zane smirks, plantin’ his ass on the chair in the center.
The three new guys go slide into the booth, crammin’ themselves with the rest of the group. There are two women and eight men, and two of the guys are lookin’ down at the girls like they shouldn’t be here.
“You two can get the fuck outta here,” I grit, pointing out the two who’ve already pissed me off.
Zane looks back at me, cockin’ a brow.
“They were disrespectin’ the ladies. I’m not havin’ it.”
“You heard the man.” Zane tells them.
The guys to the left exit the booth so the two in the middle can get lost. “You seriously taking orders from someone below you?” One of them growls.
Zane cracks his knuckles before he looks to the one who spoke. He can’t be more than eighteen, maybe nineteen tops. “The only one making decisions here is me, kid. Great leaders listen to their men. Especially when they realize their eyes and ears can’t be everywhere. Now, get the fuck out and learn to respect women.”
The shit talker is quick to huff and puff as he leaves, but the other one remains. He clears his throat, “With all due respect, Prez. I’d like a moment to speak my case, and to apologize to the ladies. I’ve never seen women in a biker club before . . . so it was a bit much for me at first. I really didn’t mean any harm by it. I’m from a small town in Alabama, so, I’m sorry . . . just not used to it.” The guy looks over to the girls, “I’m not bullshittin’ any of you, either. I really do mean it.”
“It’s alright. At least you’re man enough to know you fucked up.” A red-haired woman states.
“Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’ve heard far worse.” The woman beside her says. They have the same color hazel eyes, and as I stare, I realize they look a bit similar.
“You two sisters?” I ask.
“I’m Siren, and this is Stiletto.” The brunette speaks up, noddin’ her head to the redhead beside her.
“You might be worthy of redemption. What’s your name, kid?” Zane asks the apologetic man.
“Bama, Prez.”
“An ode to your home no doubt. You know some friends of mine down there? The Sons?”
“Of Gods? Yes, Prez. I do.”
Zane furrows his brows. “Why’d you come all this way then? You could’ve prospected for Zeus.”
Bama takes a deep breath in. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather you see my character through my work ethic and personality before judging me by where I come from.”
I look to Zane and we lock eyes, both curious about this kid now. “Alright, Bama. You and the twisted sisters can sta
y here in Montana. One more of you will stay up here, while the rest of you, if I like you that much will head down to our Vegas charter.”
I cross my arms, lookin’ over the group. They all appear to be in their early to mid-twenties. “Gimme your names, one by one.” Zane points to the guy on the other end, and slowly goes down the line.
“Brick,”
“Doc,”
“Rooster,”
“Boulder,”
“Doom,”
“Shiver,”
“Alright. Bama, Stiletto, Siren, and Doom, you four will stay up here with us. Brick, Doc, Rooster, Boulder, and Shiver . . . your asses get down South to Las Vegas. Your first task will be gettin’ there in one piece without killin’ each other. Now, get outta here and go be Damon’s problem.”
“But, we don’t have the address.” Brick points out.
Zane and I both snicker, “You’d best figure it out. They’ll be easy to find, prospect.” I state.
The group of them who aren’t staying in Montana are quick to follow Zane’s orders and exit the bar. I stand here as the fresh blood thank Zane for givin’ them a chance. The group is a bit rowdy and every few minutes I turn back and make sure the girls are okay. Thankfully, they’re all smiles through the doorway.
A couple hours pass by before I start thinkin’ it’s about time to leave. Zane is chattin’ up a storm with the prospects, tryin’ to learn anything he can about them when I hear a man at the bar getting a bit drunk and loud. He’s sittin’ beside a couple of boys, hands on each other’s backs and I can tell they’re all fuckin’ plastered.
If it wasn’t for his accent, I might not be slowly gettin’ closer. There’s no mistakin’ it. He’s definitely not American, and I know better than to think his accent is Irish or English. Nope, it’s Scottish.
“When I get my hands on ‘er I might kill ‘er for what she’s done to me. Fuckin’ bitch, takin’ my girls away from me. How fuckin’ dare she, am I right!?” He snarls, soundin’ as angry as he’s claiming to be.
Mayhem: A Reapers MC Boxset Page 54