“Bet. I’m sorry this happened to your family, brother, but it may end up being a blessing in disguise.”
“I thought the same thing, actually. We need to find these motherfuckers and snuff them all out. Put an end to whatever future plans they may be up to.”
“Agreed. I’m talkin’ to Ares right now, working on keepin’ him up to speed.”
“’Kay. If you’re straight here, then I’m heading back to my place to help them clean up.”
2 Piece grabs the bloody gauze and other supplies, heading for the bathroom and I pull my shirt back on. The shoulder area’s a bit stiff from the blood drying, but it’ll do for now. I can grab another back at the house and burn all my bloody clothes with Shadow’s body. No body, no blood, no evidence, no murder is the way I see it. That motto hasn’t let me down yet.
“We’ve got it handled. If I find out anything, I’ll hit you up. You three keep a lookout for any more joiners coming to the party late, and hit me back if you see any Iron Fists period. I’ll see about getting the other club here by the time y’all are back for church.”
I nod and bump his knuckles. I know he’ll make sure Bethany and Maverick are safe here while I go take care of business. I hate leaving them at all after what they just went through. At least B has Princess here to help her process it all. Probably no one better for that job anyhow.
Shadow coming around shakes everything up. It went from us looking out for the other club to a direct threat against us as well. The other club, they aren’t as … how do I put it? Not as savage as we are. I think that’s the best way to explain them.
They’re hard, sure, but we were Nomads before turning over our patch to a home charter. We dealt with the worst of the worst and prospered. That Nomad brand of crazy still pumps through our veins, and this is giving us a prime excuse to cash in on it.
Before I leave, I search Bethany out. She needs to realize that not only was Shadow a game changer for the club, he was for me as well. I’m done fooling with her. I flat out want her. Yes, she fucked up, and, yes, it will forever be in my mind, but I’m moving past it. I’m putting what matters most in perspective—her and my son. Nothing is more important to me than the two of them.
“I’m taking off.” I find her and Princess in the midst of a huge mess in the kitchen. I can’t help but grin, thinking about how this’ll piss the club sluts off something fierce having to do cleanup duty. I know Princess, though, and she’ll give zero fucks. My girl need P right now to show her how to cope; I’m glad she has her.
“You have to go?” Her gaze flicks to the floor, and I can tell she’s biting the inside of her cheek. She’s still shook up. Can’t say I blame her.
Grabbing her forearm lightly, I tug her in my direction. “Gotta go and make sure no more idiots are lurking around. You know how I am about you having bad dreams about shit. Figure I’ll squash them now and you’ll sleep like a baby.” Winking, I bring her against my chest.
It’s true. Her nightmares drive me up the fucking wall. If I hear her having one, I’ve started to automatically carry her to my bed so they stop and she sleeps. I don’t want this giving her more shit at night as well.
“I know. I really don’t want you caught riding alone though.”
“One of them couldn’t handle me with you in the middle of it. Trust me, B; they damn sure can’t handle me alone.”
She sighs, still worried, and I pull her closer until her chest is flush against mine and my arms are around her securely. “I’ll be fine, Daydream,” I utter as I bend down until her lips are to mine.
My hand tangles in her long, dark, chocolate-colored hair and my tongue glides over hers tenderly. The kiss is full of so many feelings I’ve been holding back, hiding away inside. If I could tell her with merely a kiss just how I feel about her, I would. I’m not sure she’ll get it, but I do my damndest anyhow.
Her palm lands on my chest, bunching my T-shirt fabric in her hands as she gives it back just as well as she takes it. I wish the lip lock was under different circumstances and I wasn’t about to leave. If anything, the kiss is good motivation to take care of business quickly and get back to her.
“Behave,” I murmur, as I pull away. My toes tingle as I remember what her mouth’s capable of doing.
She grins as I bump my nose against hers gently, and then I’m out the door, in pissed-off biker mode, ready to fuck up some Fists, if needed.
Thankfully, cleanup went quick, and we made it back to the club in one piece. Having to lift shit with my shoulder sucked, but I got through it. There’s nothing more relaxing than lighting a body on fire—other than sex. To me anyhow. I relish in that shit. It can’t just be anyone, either. It has to be a piece of shit whose flesh gets melted off by my hands for it to do the trick.
“This crazy goin’ on better not be giving you ideas to go Nomad again.”
Grinning at Viking, I shake my head. “Nah, you’d miss me too much.”
“Not to sound like a bitch, but yeah, I would actually. When we were Nomad, you and Ex were the two brothers I trusted the most. You didn’t run your mouths and you owned your shit. I want to be surrounded by that in my own club. I have Princess now; I can’t have a Nomad charter.”
“I get it, and you don’t have to worry about me either. I have Bethany and Mav now. No way I’m leaving them. Truthfully, though, if they weren’t around, I’d love to go back to being a Nomad, but my fucking leg can’t handle the amount of riding it takes.”
“Your leg?” He stares at me, confused. “But I thought it was fine?”
I shake my head. “No. The doc told me to stop riding forever when it happened, but I refused. I did what I could to make it stronger. Well, at least strong enough so I could ride with you guys locally.”
“Fuck, why didn’t you tell me any of this before? I’ve sent you on so many runs. I never would’ve had I known.”
“And that’s why. I didn’t want you to see me any differently. Hell, besides that, I know you would’ve blamed yourself, and I couldn’t have that on my conscience. You finally found Princess and your calling being the Prez. I wasn’t about to piss all over it.”
He holds his hand out and I place mine in his, as his other palm comes down on my uninjured shoulder. “You’re my brother, Night. Anything you need…any fuckin’ thing…it’s yours. You just let me know, man.”
“Appreciate it.”
“And you won’t ever hear a word out of me about it again.”
“Thank you.” I don’t mention those words often, but what he’s saying, means a lot to me.
“Now, let’s get on with church. I’m sure everyone’s wondering what the hell’s going on. We need to bring them all up to speed.”
Everything has changed and yet,
I am more me than I’ve ever been.
-Iain Thomas
“What do you think’s happening in there?”
“I don’t know, but that Lamborghini that just pulled into the parking lot?” She gestures out the window and I glance to where she points. Sure enough, there’s a black sports car parked outside right next to mine and all the guys’ motorcycles.
“Yeah?”
“It belongs to the Boss of the Russian Mafia.”
“No fucking way.” My eyes grow wide, waiting for her to explain.
“Yep.”
“Why would the Mafia be here?”
“Well, you know London and Avery from the other club?”
“Yep.”
“Their duo is really a trio. The third best friend, Emily, is married to the head of the Russian Mafia. Hence, the connection with the guys.”
“Holy shit.”
“Uh-huh. The brothers did some work with them awhile back, but I can’t get into any details.”
“That’s still crazy he’s here right now.”
“I know. I’d guess that things are a little more serious than we’d anticipated. If Mafia and the other club is involved, it’s a bigger threat than our guys are letting on.”
“Who’s that, then?” I point out the same window as a gray Phantom pulls in next.
“Holy fucking shit,” she says, copying me from a minute ago, and I laugh. She turns to me and whispers, “That’s Thaddaeus Morelli.” The way she says it, makes him seem to be some magic creature.
“Okaaaay…Who is that, exactly?”
“Uh, that’s Chicago m. o. b.!” She spells out mob, and it nearly makes me laugh. I don’t, though, because this is serious according to her shocked gaze.
“So, is this bad, then?”
“Supposedly Cain did some work for him, but I’ve never seen him in person. I only know who he is because Viking showed me a picture in case I did ever see him.”
“Wow, I wonder why they’re all here at the same time. It kind of scares me being here with a ton more criminals than I’m used to.”
“For once, B, it scares me too, because it means my man is knee deep in something.”
“I take it he hasn’t mentioned to you about whatever he’s up to?”
“That would be a big fat no, but you better believe I’ll be asking him tonight.”
“I should ask Nightmare to tell me.”
“You can, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t say anything.”
“Why would he keep it from me?”
“Because, it’s club business. He may not tell you to keep you safe.”
I hope that’s not the case. I may go crazy if he doesn’t share what’s going on. Prissy has me a little wigged-out with all these people suddenly showing up.
“Come on,” she calls and takes off out of the kitchen toward the main entry. I follow along, because I need to find out what’s happening one way or another.
The heavy door opens with Cain coming through on a mission and Thaddaeus hot on his heels.
“Princess.” Cain nods in acknowledgment. Of course he’d stop to greet her; she’s the Prez’s ‘ol lady. “Bethany,” he says to me next, and I nod, remaining quiet, stomach twirling with nerves.
The breath leaves me in the next moment as my hand’s engulfed by a large, strong completely male hand. “Pet.” His gaze meets mine, and I think my heart skips a beat when they do. “I’m Thaddaeus Morelli.” His other hand falls on top of mine as he introduces himself. His deep voice invokes hot flashes. The man is the definition of GQ power and beauty. Holy fuck.
“Ummm…hi,” I reply quietly, and Princess steps in to save me. I’m grateful for the interruption as I have no idea what to say to a man like that.
“Mr. Morelli, Cain…I’ll take you to see Viking.” She turns and leads the way, leaving no room for argument.
My hand is set free from his warmth, but Morelli’s eyes linger on me for a moment longer and then he’s gone.
My feet remain planted in the same spot as my nerves cool down. I’m going to go ahead and call that “The Thaddaeus Effect.” Holy shit, if I wasn’t so far gone for Nightmare, I’d probably follow that man around like a devoted groupie.
Taking my place, I glance around at the brothers. Every one of them from ours and Ares’ chapters is here, including Tate, the Boss off the Russkaya Mafiya, and Morelli, from the Chicago mob. It’s like a goddamn convention for criminals taking place. Rarely do you see this many of us in one spot at the same time and usually there’s either a big deal going down or cops involved if so.
“My woman was attacked today. This needs taken care of immediately,” I growl, and everyone’s stern gaze looks to me. I’m sure the majority of them have heard through the grapevine what went down, or, at least, the short and sweet version, but it needs to be brought up in front of everyone.
“Bethany, the woman I just met?” Morelli’s cold stare lands on me, and I send one straight back. He shouldn’t be speaking. He’s a guest here. Clearly no one told him to shut up before he entered our clubhouse.
“Yep, she belongs to me.”
“Noted.” He nods with a smirk on his face.
The fucking Joker, huh. I’ll wipe that look clean off his mouth if he gives me a reason to, and I’ll do it fucking smiling the entire time too. Show him how bikers handle business.
“We’ll find them all, brother,” Ares growls, angry that pain has touched our club once again. He, of all people, knows how I feel. His ol’ lady, Avery, has been targeted in the past. So has Twists ol’ lady, Sadie, and Princess. It seems to be a favorite spot for our enemies to hit us—our women, our hearts. You’d think they’d steer clear, knowing that’s a line you don’t cross, but apparently, they’re fucking idiots.
“All of ‘em dead this time,” Twist mutters, his fingers tapping in some random rhythm.
I’ve heard he plays guitar, and he’s damn good, too. I find myself tapping out beats all the time as well. It must be a musician thing. I could use some music therapy right about now. Beating on some drums would help me get some of this energy out, that’s for sure. Or a good fight. I’d take either.
“Why are you here, Thaddaeus?” Ares brings up the question we’re all sitting around wondering as well. “Cain said you had business to discuss?”
“It can wait until after this other matter.”
“No, go ahead,” Ares orders.
“As you know, my uncle is in charge of Chicago; he runs everything with the Italians.”
The majority of us are well aware of who he and his family is, so we nod and he continues.
“I want you to clean house for me. In return, I’ll take over his territory and offer you the area you’ve been wanting.”
“Shit,” Ares mutters and takes a large gulp from his water bottle.
“Fuck.” Viking sighs. “So you expect us to go in and do your dirty work and you’ll give us a Chicago charter in return? How does this benefit us? We’ll lose half our club cleaning out the mobsters up there.”
“Right. In return you get your colors in my state.”
“Who’s to say you wouldn’t turn on us, sell us out, and have your mob buddies come after us after we ‘clean house’ as you put it. As you can see, we’re already dealin’ with our own shit.”
“I’m not a rat, and I’m loyal. I’m doing this because the man wronged me; otherwise. I’d never cross him. It’s time I take back what was mine to begin with.”
“Why would we encroach on mob territory like that? We run weapons, we deal. You guys already have your system up there.”
“Right. I run all the shipping and such, meaning I could offer you a partnership in that aspect. Like I said, some things have come to light, and it’s time he was dealt with.”
“Break it down a little blunter for us Southern folk,” 2 Piece interrupts.
“You run weapons for the mob like you do the Russians.” His gaze flicks to Tate’s and we all hold our breath briefly, waiting to see if we’re about to have a mob war on our hands next.
After a tense moment, Tate shrugs. “We are eastern-southeastern. I don’t see any conflict of interest with the Midwest, as long as you remain good on our deals we have in place. There are more of you now; I’d be an idiot to expect you to not work with others.”
Viking rubs his temples, then nods at Morelli. “We’ll discuss it and then vote. It’s club business so everyone has to agree. We’ll be in touch with what we decide.”
“Good. I look forward to speaking with you soon.” He stands, as does Ares and Viking. He shows them respect by shaking each of their hands and then Cain shows him back out. Cain being so close to Ares is the only reason Thaddaeus Morelli was allowed in here and heard out in the first place.
“Now, how about you, Tate?” Viking’s gaze hits the Russian. It is his clubhouse, so while Ares is a President, he respects Viking’s status in his own club. It’s the same as when we were at church in their club last week.
“It started out as just a trip so Emily could visit with her friends. Then I caught wind that something was going on, so I left her with the girls at the other club to see if y’all needed my help. Well, the Mafiya’s, specifically. Whatever’s going d
own, do you have enough weapons or enough men to keep everyone safe? Especially after what Nightmare brought up in the beginning?”
2 Piece claps him on the shoulder, grateful. They’re friends, along with Cain, because of their wives and have grown to do a lot of business together over the years. We’ve done some work for Tate’s cousin, Beau, as well. That’s actually why I got attacked by that damn lion. We were down in Mexico searching for a woman the Russians were hell bent on finding. We came away with nothing, but that’s beside the point.
“We’re good as far as members go, but we can always use more weapons. Did you bring anything with you?”
“I didn’t, but one of my soldiers will be here tomorrow with a few cases. I figure what you don’t use, you may want to sell?”
“Sounds good,” Ares agrees instantly. “Brother?”
“Yeah, we’re in,” Viking confirms.
Tate stands next. “All right, I’ll let you handle your business in private then. If I can help out, let me know.” He shakes Viking and Ares’ hands on his way out.
What a busy damn day. I swear it seems nice and quiet around here and then everything comes at the club all at once. Shit can never just trickle in to be dealt with one at a time.
“Fuck, now back to what we’re going to do to catch these assholes.” Vike takes another swig of his drink and continues. “Spidey, run that photo of Shadow you took today through your face program.”
“Will do, Boss. I’ll let you know what I find.”
“I’ve called the other Nomads, Exterminator and Ruger. They’re on their way into town to provide some backup, but let’s hope we don’t need any. The rest of the crew is on a run up north so they won’t be heading down with them. The mess at Nightmare’s crib is cleaned up. I say we go on full lock-down until we figure out what the fuck to do next. They got a little too close to home today, and I don’t want to see it happen to anyone else, especially when we haven’t even found their location.”
“I agree. We need to vote. All in favor of the plan?” Ares finishes, and we go around the table agreeing.
Daydream (Oath Keepers MC) Page 16