Cherry

by Sapphire Knight

  I’m doing everything I can to hold onto that feeling I had waking up today. I sit in the bar, not so patiently waiting for Odin. He spoke to Viking earlier after we’d peeled ourselves out of bed and gotten dressed. Since all of the brothers are in town, the president was able to call a quick church session. The members are all closed up in the small room, voting on my fate. My destiny is in their hands, and it’s so damn nerve-wracking. I know Chaos will vote for me to become Odin’s ol’ lady. He wants me to be content, knowing how much I love Odin. Chaos is a true friend and always has been.

  I want to say that the others will vote in my favor as well, but truthfully, I have no idea if they will. When it comes down to it, I broke a club rule, and those actions end up with consequences of some type. I can’t expect them to bend the rules for me. I’m nothing but a club whore and MC property—not anyone important to them. Odin’s their vice president, and I hope for his sake that they’ll agree to us being a couple in the eyes of the club.

  I almost feel as if I’m using Odin, hoping the brothers will be in his favor, but I can’t help hoping. If we have any advantage at all, we need to use it. I want to be with Odin for as long as he’ll have me. Not because he’s a member of the Oath Keepers or because he’s the VP, the second highest rank in the club. I want to be by his side because I love him.

  Now that I’m being true to my feelings, I think I’ve always loved him. Maybe at first it was only because he was cute and new, and a touch forbidden to me. Now, it’s because I’ve been around him for years. I know the real him, the man he is on the inside, and it calls to me on a deeper level. I don’t understand how I could’ve fallen for a guy so young and that’s another thing that worries me. I’m thirty-five years old; Odin is twenty, and I can’t stop replaying that fact in my head. I need to know that it doesn’t bother him. He’s young with so much life ahead of him. I can’t help but wonder if the bikers in that room will think the same thing. I’m their age, not his and it’s a big gap. The numbers mean nothing in how I feel about him, but to some, I know they’ll be against it no matter how much I love him.

  I should be drinking a full bottle of something strong, tequila perhaps, just in case I’m booted out on my ass. At least I’d be drunk, so it wouldn’t hurt as bad if that’s what ends up happening after this whole thing.

  “Hey Cherry.” Princess stops by the table I’m currently occupying, wearing a smile. Her blonde hair is long and laying perfectly flat down her back. She looks like she’s feeling so much better than before.

  “Oh hey.” I shoot her a nervous grin, smothering the urge to babble my worries before she’s had a chance even to take a seat.

  “You okay? You’re looking a little pale, which isn’t normal for your pretty tanned self.” She takes the seat to my side, glancing over at me and I’m grateful to not be alone at the moment. I could use her distracting me, no matter how slight it may be.

  “They’re in church,” I needlessly say, with my head jerking in the direction of the closed door and she nods.

  “Yeah, I know. Viking told me he was calling the brothers in.”

  “Of course, you’re already aware. I’m being dumb.”

  “No, you’re not…so tell me what’s going on?”

  Exhaling I fill her in on the importance of the vote, and when I’m finished, she’s wearing a broad, excited smile. Reaching across to me, she lightly squeezes my wrist with affection.

  “I’m so happy for you and Odin! The two of you deserve this, to be happy and together. I had wondered if Odin was ever going to come to his senses and figure out that you had it bad for him and that he was just as bad off for you. Even being around Mercy on and off for years, he never looked at her like he does you.”

  A nervous laugh escapes. “Oh? How does he look at me?” I question, a glutton for punishment. I’ve seen Mercy many times over and know she’s beautiful, even if the bitch is a Joan Jett wannabe or something just as ridiculous.

  Her mouth hikes to one side, and she glances over my face before saying, “Like you’re the most beautiful woman in the room, like he can’t breathe right when he first notices you. It’s sweet.”

  Tears crest. She's so sincere with the compliment that I nearly believe it. Would it be bad to hope it’s the full truth? To know a man gazes at you with such wonder and affection? I’m nothing, and he’s everything and here’s Princess telling me that Odin sees something different in me.

  “I love him,” I admit, finally free to say it aloud, wanting to scream it to the world.

  “I know you do Cherry; it’s the only reason why I and Viking are fully on board with him taking you as his ol’ lady. We think you’re good for him.”

  “You are? And even your ol’ man is okay with it?”

  She nods. “Of course he is. We both see how much you love our brother and we want someone who will adore him the way he deserves. You give him that, and as long as he will return that and treat you well, then we both agree you and Odin should be together.”

  The tears spill over, as my heart’s so happy to know that at least two other people are on our side with this. “I’m afraid the brothers won’t vote in our favor. I’m afraid that I’ll have to leave and lose all the people I love—my family, the man who has my heart—all of it.”

  “Odin’s as stubborn as his older brother.” She pats my hand, not being condescending but offering me real comfort. I don’t know why I’d expect anything less from these people; they’ve always treated me well. Maybe, because I’m used to Honey and her jealous comments that I’ve come to expect that reaction from others as well.

  “But I’m a club whore,” I mutter, and he shrugs as if that fact isn’t an important bit of information.

  “And?”

  “I’m not ol’ lady material like you and the other ladies. Y’all are beautiful and badass, and I’m just me.”

  “Oh Cherry.” She shakes her head. “You need to check yourself out in the mirror doll. I know the men tell you that your tits are nice, I’ve heard them talk. What they’ve failed also to mention is that you’re stunning. You don’t look like some washed-up druggie whore. You take care of yourself, and you show the committed men and their women respect. You help around here and treat us like family. You're already ol’ lady material.”

  “Thank you,” I respond on a breath, grateful for her support and the sincerity of it.

  Before she can say anything else about it, the door off to my side opens. The members come piling through the doorway. They’ve had church. It's over, and that means they’ve reached a decision. None of them glance our way with even a flick of interest and my stomach twists with dread. My throat grows tight, and I feel like I can’t breathe—already fearing that their verdict wasn’t a favorable one. I’m already beginning to brace myself for it, as the news isn’t good, not for me anyhow. Does this mean I’ll lose everything now? Will Odin pretend that I no longer exist? That I never did? Will the club completely disown me, leaving me with my meager belongings outside the gate, officially barred from club property?

  Where will I go? Who do I have to call for help? My friends are here in the MC. This is my home. Maybe I could ask Nancy at the bar? Would she let me sleep in the shed if I clean the bar for her? Will I ever see Odin again? I could always bake, but the recipes do me no good without any food or supplies and an oven.

  Speaking of, Odin’s nearly the last to leave church, the only other being Viking, patting him on the back. He’s so serious, and it takes everything inside me to be strong and to not burst out in tears trying to break free. I could cry and plead, beg them to keep me, but the Oath Keepers hate weakness. They’re a club of alphas; most are killers or previous Nomads. An MC of strong women and like-minded people all in one place. If I get on my knees and show my weakness, I’ll not only lose my place here but what bit of respect I do have from them. I may give up everything else to this club, but I won’t hand over my pride all because I fell in love with a member. After so many years, they should’ve
expected me to fall for one of them. It was practically inevitable unless they expected it to be a passer through, but none of them have ever caught my attention. It’s always been one. Only Odin. Always Odin.

  He turns my way, our eyes locking and I catch my breath. He’s the most gorgeous male I’ve ever seen in my life; his long blond hair’s neatly wrapped to land down his back. Odin’s massive frame is corded with muscles and tattoos. He makes a lasting impression on me from his entrance and has always had my attention from day one. I’ve wanted him from the very moment I saw him scowl; he was a young guy who ached to be loved. With time he grew into this dominating biker that I can’t seem ever to get enough of. He owns every single piece of my heart.

  “Babe,” he finally says, his gaze lighter than I was anticipating. He’s happy. I can see it in his irises. “It’s time beautiful,” he deeply rasps. His words are like a rip to my soul. This is exactly what I was dreading. Why isn’t he upset about the brothers voting me to leave? I figured he’d at least miss me a little bit.

  Climbing to my feet, the tears I’d been holding at bay cascade down my cheeks. I can look strong, but inside I’m so damn shaky, my knees feel weak. I need him. With a swallow I step around the table and then I’m in his arms, his strength locking me in place as he kisses me until I’m panting and can’t remember my name let alone anything else in the room but him. He’s everything, my heart, my soul, my life. I can’t possibly let him go.

  He lays me back, my body against the hard surface of the table I was just sitting at. Princess is no longer seated. I don’t see her anywhere, just the members. They stand around us, serious, watching. Odin isn’t soft or gentle like he was making love to me last night.

  Is this our goodbye? Is this the end of our time together?

  His powerful hands rip through the sweater dress I’d shimmied into just hours ago. The black knitted material stretches, doing it’s damnedest to hold up. Same as my heart has been, but my man’s not having it. Muscles straining, his jaw locked tightly, his teeth grit together as he eventually shreds the entire front of the dress in a zigzag fashion. Parting the material, he takes in my bareness. I rarely wear a bra, unless I know the club kids will be around and I didn’t bother with panties, knowing there was a chance we’d get to celebrate later.

  With a flick of his wrist, his pants break free, the button no match for his deft fingers. His jeans are shoved down to his thighs, the back still covering a part of his ass. He shoves my legs open farther. With a gasp of surprise leaving my lips, he yanks me closer to the edge of the table and then he’s sinking his length deep inside me. I feel like he’s home.

  Bending over, with his mouth close to my ear, he growls, “Mine.”

  I’m cut from a different cloth

  and they don’t make the fabric

  anymore.

  - Gentleman’s Quotes

  Holy shit! This is the claiming.

  It’s supposed to be hot, untamed with him fully dominating me. I’ve heard the stories. I can’t help the wide smile that blooms on my lips against my tearstained face. A few brothers chuckle, seeing it and knowing I’ve realized exactly what this is. They came through for me; they voted that I’m good enough. Odin gets to claim me as his ol’ lady, and I’ll no longer wear the title of club whore. I’m his woman.

  His.

  “Odin.” I moan his name as he drives into me roughly, his long, thick length filling me.

  He nods, wearing a soft smirk in place as he meets my gaze. It only lasts a second, before his hand is over my throat, holding me down for him to fuck me at a crazy speed. With a mighty roar, he shouts, “Mine! Cherry is my woman, motherfuckers! Mine!”

  I’ve never heard anything quite like it, being claimed in front of a room full of boisterous, rowdy men, knowing that I mean that much to one person alone to belong. My heart fills so full it feels as if it may burst. My desire for Odin spikes to a degree so ridiculously high that I scream out, an orgasm like no other hits me. The rapture is so overpowering on my body, mind, and soul that my breath seizes, my heart beating double time as I gaze at the mesmerizing man above me.

  His hand tightens, bringing my focus back to the present and he’s shouting at his brothers again and then roaring with his release. It’s quick, dominant and done to make a point to the others. His cum pumps into my pussy so powerfully I swear it’s reaching places it never has in the past. The warm, thickness soothes my tender walls from the brutal beating my core took from his hardened steel. The man is a force, one that has made me his. He showed me last night just what it’s like to be loved and cherished by him. Today he’s shown me in a room full of other alphas what it means to be desired, wanted and valued. Not only does he cherish me, but he cares enough to claim me and keep me from anyone else.

  I’m his, and he’s mine.

  Odin’s body slows, his cock pulsing out its final bits of pleasure. Various brothers offer up a quick, congratulatory pat on his back before stomping to the bar for drinks. Tonight is a night of celebration. Another brother has found his mate.

  Odin leans in over my body, his heat warming every inch of my exposed flesh. His perspiration-dotted brow tenderly meets mine as he gazes into my eyes, his own full of affection. “It’s official babe, you’re mine,” he says, and my smile widens. “The brothers say you’re family, even more so now that it’s official with the MC. I think it’s important that you know something...not one member voted no. Every person in that room said yes.”

  I bite my lip, overflowing with a different type of love. “Every single one?” I murmur and he nods.

  “Everyone, they all want us to be together.”

  “Wow,” I whisper on a sigh, and he grins. “I don’t expect you to say it back, but I love you, Odin. So very much. I have for a long time.”

  He kisses my lips, pulling the bottom into his mouth, giving me goosebumps before meeting my heated stare again. “You should expect it. You deserve everything, Cherry. And I do, you know?”

  “You do? You’re sure you want to go that far with me, biker?”

  He pecks my lips again. “Yep. I fucking love you, beautiful woman.”

  “I love you too,” I repeat and burst at the seams with joy and love for the man before me.

  “I know.” With a wink, he pulls me to sit up. He yanks his jeans back up and in place. With both arms wrapped around my frame securely, he tugs me to him having me wrap my legs around his middle. “We’re getting you some fucking panties on, and then we’re joining everyone to celebrate.”

  I’m officially claimed because my man doesn’t want another male in this place to see what belongs to him. Pressing my lips to his, I hug him a little tighter and think that sometimes wishes do come true.

  “To the lovebirds!” My brother cheers and I grin like a dumbass. “It’s official! We have a new ol’ lady to add to the fold.”

  We all reply by picking up our shots and cheering then slam them back.

  Princess holds a new shot up and smiles. “Welcome, Cherry!”

  I’m so fucking happy to see her here by my brother’s side. I know things aren’t perfect between them, and it’ll take time for them to heal, but it’s a start. During P’s time here away from my brother, she admitted that she doesn’t believe that they’ll ever be able to have children together. The woman has lost so much in her life, and I wish there were some way I could help her. Hopefully, the old Prez, her pops, will remain sober so they can attempt to finally have some sort of relationship together. One thing is for certain; I’ll be keeping my eyes glued to Viking to keep him on the straight and narrow. They may not have a baby now, but I’ll never stop hoping for the two of them to create their own family someday.

  Cherry salutes the head ol’ lady in thanks, and then everyone’s liquor goes down the hatch. Every single one of us is going to be a drunken mess if we keep tossing shots at this rate.

  Mercenary comes to my side, slapping me on my back. “Congrats, VP.”

  “Thanks, man.” I
grin and tilt my beer bottle to tink against his bottle. “Chevelle not here?” I haven’t noticed his woman around today.

  “Not yet. She had the pit open for a charity race. Some kids were going all out with go-karts.”

  “No shit?” I mutter with a chuckle. Who’d have known she’d end up doing so much for the community, but she’s always got her hat in helping someone, especially kids.

  Torch comes to stand beside us. “I can’t believe you have an ol’ lady now. I thought you’d always be a man whore.”

  My shoulders jump in an easy shrug. “I didn’t plan it. She came out of nowhere, and I couldn’t let her go.”

  “I’m glad you weren’t too stubborn and gave in. We could all see it.” His lips turn up barely moving, but I know him well enough to notice it. “Hell, some of us even had a bet going on a few years back that she’d be the one for you.”

  With a snort, I roll my eyes. “Oh yeah? I call bullshit.”

  His head tips, a challenge shining in his gaze. “Hey Nightmare?” he shouts and a moment later Night is in the midst of our makeshift group.

  “Yeah?” the broody fucker grumbles, beer firmly in his grip.

  “I told you she’d be the bitch that locked O down. Now pay up, you owe me two hundred bucks.”

  “What? It’s been nearly two years ago since we decided that bet!”

  “Exactly, and it happened. Pay up,” Torch says a bit too cheerily, and my jaw drops.

  “How the fuck did you know?” I turn to him and watch Nightmare dig out two bills from his wallet.

  He shrugs. “We always bet on shit; you know how it is.”

  “I get that, but how did you know it would be Cherry?”

  “Because...” He pauses, putting his winnings away. “You always went back to her. Mercy was begging for your dick left and right, and you had all these other one-night stands.”