Beginning of the Reckoning

by Vera Quinn

  “Hey, are you still with me? Everything alright baby?” He looks so concerned. “We really need to get cleaned up and get out of here. Dad is expecting us and we still have an hour drive.” He puts conditioner in my hair and starts to massage it in and I pull back. This is the kind of stuff that has to stop. It is unexpected. I’ve never had this before and I can see myself craving just this kind of attention.

  “I can do this so you can finish up, so we can hurry. We don’t want to keep your dad waiting.” It was the best I could come up with. He moves over and washes his hair and soaps up and rinses off.

  “Ok baby, I’m all done. I’ll start getting things ready to go so you can finish up.” He bends down and gives me a kiss on the tip of my nose. “Hurry. We need to get moving.” As soon as he steps out I feel better, but then again I want him back. I am so screwed.

  Chapter 50

  Devil All the way home Callie has seemed distant. We’re almost there and I have to take Callie to ma’s house instead of home, hoping to keep Kizzy away from her. Plus Kim’s psycho boyfriend is in the wind, but I will track him down and make him wish he’d never l aid a hand on my family. Things can never be simple or happen one at a time. Kizzy has gone off and fucked around on my brother, only difference, he caught her this time. The ass she was fucking with had a jealous wife, and she hired a PI and now Keifer has seen the pictures. Kizzy actually flaunted them in his face after she was escorted out of our wedding. She couldn’t wait until she could throw it in his face last night. I’m surprised Keifer didn’t shoot them both. Dad could have handled that alone but when Kim, his baby, shows up at home with a black eye and bruised up, that he is finding hard to deal with. Dad had to have his VP for backup. I know Callie understands this. She’s lived it most of her life. Now I have to keep Kizzy away from Callie or this whole thing will blow up in our faces. Ma can keep an eye on Callie while I help dad. Kizzy knows better than to go to my parents’ home. Ma would beat her ass.

  “When we get to town I’m taking you to my parents’ home so you can stay with Ma and Kim, while we take care of club business. Will you promise me to stay put and help ma with Kim? There’s no telling what that idiot might do. I don’t want you in danger.” I try to stress to help ma, because I know they have formed a friendship and maybe that will keep her put.

  “Sure, I will help Kat anyway I can. Is there anything else I can do? I will do anything I can to help.” I knew she would understand. Everything happening so fast probably just has her distracted.

  “This where I grew up. I love it here. I know you’re used to Texas, but I hope you come to love Oklahoma, too.” I’m nervous about how she will take being away from her family. “We are going to finish the business with Chief as soon as we get these situations under control. Then Tommy will be able to rest and we can get on with our lives. We’re going to have a good life Callie.” I see the driveway to my parents’ home, our compound and the house we will be living in. I slow down and turn in. We drive by the tall fenced in clubhouse and she looks interested.

  “That’s the clubhouse. We fenced it in about a year ago for privacy and security.” I keep driving and we come to the smaller brick house we will be staying in. “This is our place. As soon as we get everything taken care of for the club I will come and get you and we can go home. It’s not real big but it’s homey and close to the club.” I notice both Callie’s truck and car are in the drive. I will have to put them in the garage on my way out.

  “Great my bags and everything are in my car. At least my clothes have arrived. My other stuff should get here later.” She seems happy about that and she’s talking more. She had probably just been tired earlier. I hate our honeymoon was interrupted, but we have to contain Kizzy and Deacon has to be dealt with. I have to stay on top of things. I am going to make this a real marriage no matter what it started out as.

  “And this is my parents’ home. Big isn’t it?” I see her scoping it out. It is really big for two people, but they always have extras. They always have a full table at meal times. My ma loves to mother everyone. She would have had twelve children if it had been left up to her. The doctors said after the difficult pregnancy she had with Kim, she needed to stop and dad said enough. So now she drags in every straggler she can find. We drive up further into the driveway and I see Dad and Keifer’s bikes and Kim’s Camaro and mom’s SUV. My bike is around back and I park right beside it. I get out, take Callie’s bag out and she gives me a questioning look, “I am bringing your bag in because we may be gone for a while and I don’t want you out that door. This way you will have everything you need. No excuses.” I want to emphasize the safety precautions.

  “Oh, ok. I’ll stay put. I wouldn’t want to worry anyone.” Her answer is short and to the point. “I’m still sleepy so maybe I can nap.” “I’m sure ma won’t mind.” She’s keeping something from me but I don’t have time to get it out of her so I will just leave it for now. We walk through the back door into the kitchen and I see my baby sister’s face and I feel a rage go through me like I have never felt before. Kim and I may not be close anymore, but I would kill over that girl. Her eye is swollen nearly shut and her lip is swollen. I will put Deacon in the ground for this. I put Callie’s bag down but before I can get to Kim, Callie has come around me and gone to Kim and has her in her arms. Kim relaxes and takes the comfort from Callie. I feel this overwhelming need to kiss Callie right here, and I do. I put my arms around Callie and Kim and I give Callie a quick kiss on the lips and I kiss the top of Kim’s head. I know in this minute I will never let Callie go. I am holding both women and my ma comes over and puts her arms around my back. I have three teary eyed women surrounding me. Dad catches my eye and he is smiling and shaking his head and I know he understands my feelings. Keifer is standing beside the coffee maker refilling his cup and he has a shit eating grin on his face and I know he knows, too. Callie has been in my life no time and my family already know she owns me. Now we just have to dig ourselves out of this mess we have gotten into. I look down at Kim and I let Callie go. Ma goes back and sits at the table with dad. Callie sits down in the chair closest to us. I look from her and then back to Kim. I really don’t know what to say, “Kim this is Callie, my wife. Callie, Kim my sister.” Sounds dumb but it is the only thing I can think of. The rage I have inside from looking at my sister and the emotions I have going on for Callie are just foreign to me. I need time to adjust.

  “No shit, Einstein. I think we figured out who everyone is.” That’s my baby sister’s smart mouth. She never knows when to stay quiet. I am in no mood for Smart mouth.

  “Since you’re so smart then tel l me where Deacon is, so I can put him to ground. Because he sealed his fate when he raised a hand to you. Tell me everything.” I am on edge and I know what I just said came out harsh, but I am so pissed I need my hands on that man now.

  “Calm down Kylar,” Ma always the peace maker, “Kimberly has heard it all from your dad and Keifer. The three of you and the club will take care of Deacon.” Ma is trying to keep it together when emotions are running so high. “Let’s take a minute and breathe.”

  “Ma, I will breathe when that mother fucker is in the ground.” I let Kim go and get two cups from the cabinet and pour Callie and myself some coffee. Then I get the plate of pastries from the counter top and set in front of Callie. Some husband I am, I forgot to stop and feed her. “Are you hungry babe? I’m sorry I forgot to stop.”

  “I’m good. Just coffee. Thank you.” Callie is quiet. She keeps looking between my ma and Kim.

  “Hon you want me to fix you something?” Ma asks Callie.

  “No ma’am. I’m good. Just black coffee will do it. Thank you.” Callie is so polite. She really likes my ma. “Is there anything I can do to help? Anything at all?” “Thank you sweetie, but right now everything is done.” I can see the anger in ma’s eyes over what happened to Kim, but I know she thinks if she goes off we will all lose it. She is always our voice of reason. She’ll just stay busy taking ca
re of us and let her anger simmer. Only dad will see it.

  “We need to get to the club. I’ve called church. We were just waiting on you two to get back. We will leave no rock left unturned for that boy to hide under. We have a lot of business to take care of. Let’s go boys. I want you three to stay in the house. There will be a prospect on guard at all times. Not that I think that asshole has the nerve to step foot on our property, but just in case. Callie, darling, I know you have snuck off on Chief before. Don’t try it here. This is for your safety.” Dad is firm with Callie and I understand his concern, but she is mine and when we get to church he will become aware of that. He’s my dad and my president, but Callie is mine now. I kiss my ma and then Kim on the forehead. I approach Callie and she meets me halfway, I take her in my arms and kiss her like a husband should. Then I lean down and whisper in her ear, “Be good babe and I will be back when I can.” Then I give her one more kiss on top of the head.

  “Don’t worry Devil. I’ll stay put and I’ll be waiting when you get back.” And she hugs me hard. I hate leaving her. I’ve never felt this way before. Then I let her go and walk out the door. When I am outside by my bike, my dad and Keifer come over by me, and dad says in a hushed voice, “Looks like things may have changed for you overnight. Where’s your head at?” he looks at me and shakes his head, “Damn, that girl already changed you. I knew she was special but I thought it would take longer for you to realize it.”

  “She hasn’t changed me, dad. She’s just different and I have feelings for her. I don’t know how or even why, but I won’t let them go.” I give it to him straight because I know better than trying to bullshit my dad. He can see right through me. Always has been able to.

  “So you’re going to hang Bri out to dry? You are a piece of work.” Keifer lets his opinion be known. “No you idiot, I’m not hanging Bri out to dry. I am still helping her get out of her situation but feelings change.” Keifer needs to back the hell off. I would never do that.

  “Ok, boys. Let’s take this to church. This affects the whole club, so let’s get to the club.” Dad knows the club will be on my side but we have to go through the motions.

  Chapter 51

  Steel Heading into the clubhouse from the looks of the parking lot, most everyone is here. I haven’t liked the things going on inside this club for some time. Brothers putting this club in the middle of shit with their bitches is going to come to an end. My sons included. Devil had us tied in knots over Bri, and now Stone with Kizzy. They are both better off without those bitches. Both had been club whores and for some reason my sons decided to keep them around. It ends today. I walk into the room and there are brothers already at the bar drinking.

  “Church, now. No exceptions. Everyone’s ass better be in a chair when it starts.” I walk on into the room and sit at the head of the table while Hacksaw, my SAA, and Buzz, our Road Captain take all weapons and phones. I waste no time when everyone is in.

  “Come to order, we have a ton of shit to get to.” I wait for everyone to quiet down. “Ok, first order of business, Kimberly showed at our house. That asshole, Deacon, beat on her and left her bruised.” I let that soak in for a minute and hear all of their shock.

  “We are going to end this piece of trash. I want favors called in. Every rock looked under. I want him brought to the club and he will face club justice. Everyone for yay, against nay.” It goes around the table and it is unanimous. Club justice.

  “Good, now. Kizzy is our next issue. Stone she is your woman and you are responsible. She has brought shit down on us for the last time. Either get shod of her or you’re out. She’s not allowed back on Club property. All club property. She’s spreading her legs for every dick that will drop in it. Your choice. She has to be contained. Yay for yes. Nay for no.” again it goes around the table and again it is unanimous. Including Stone.

  “So far so good. Devil bring us up to date on your situation with Callie. From the looks of things this morning things may have changed.” He looks at me and waits for me to take it from there.

  “Everyone here knows about our deal with Chief. Callie and I were married. As soon as we deal with Deacon, we will finish our part of that up by turning over all information we have and Grit. Grit was Tommy’s other shooter so everyone is up to date. Things with Callie have changed for me. I will be keeping Callie as my wife and I am claiming her as my ol’ lady.” I let them have that small part first.

  “What about Brianne? I thought she was your ol’ lady. We backed you taking Callie as your wife temporarily until we could get Brianne back from Diamondback. Don’t he want you two married and her knocked up so he can have a grandson? You need to explain to us how you’re going to work that one out.” That all came from Stone. He’s questioning his own brother in front of the whole club.

  “You’re right Stone. I’m giving Bri up, and claiming Callie. Things change. Our deal with Diamondback, is that I marry Callie. After she is pregnant, we get Bri back. Diamondback gets a male heir and Bri is set free and our debt to him for the arms deal is clear. Same plan. Only I keep Callie. Bri is free to live her life. No big deal.” I hope Devil has gone over this plan. It seems like it might work.

  “What happens when Chief finds out Diamondback was involved?” this came from Hacksaw. Always the thinker. “I am going to tell him. We will deal with it. One way or another. Either way I’m not giving Callie up.” Devil seems determined. How this girl hooked my son in one night is surprising. I figured it would happen. I just thought it would take longer for his stubborn ass.

  “What happens when Diamondback finds out? Do you really believe all he wants from Callie is an heir? No contact or relationship?” Slick, the oldest of the Feral Steel asks this. This could be true but I will have to deal with that later.

  “If that happens, I will approach Callie with the idea, but she is mine and I will protect her.” Devil seems to have thought of all the angles. I don’t know why Diamondback would want to harm his daughter, but I will have to keep that idea in the back of my mind. Chief doesn’t want any contact between the two and he will fight this idea.

  “What happens when Callie finds out you lied to her? You know she hates Karen, her mom. She’s involved too, and I don’t think that will go over well with Callie or Chief or any of the BlackPath MC. I’ve heard they have a price on her head.” This is from Stone again. He doesn’t like Devil’s tactics. I have heard the same thing, but don’t know if it is true. Devil will have to tell Callie before anyone else does and that means keeping Callie away from Kizzy, Bri’s sister.

  “I will tell Callie after I work it out with Chief. We will work it out. I don’t want Karen anywhere near Callie either, or I will end her. All I know is I am claiming Callie now, today. She is mine. She may already be pregnant.” Devil let’s that sink in. “And that baby would be mine and it would be Feral Steel MC.” I look at their faces and I see acceptance. Devil will win this one.

  “Ok, Devil if that is the way you want to play it. Is Callie worth a war on two fronts?” I have to ask, but I already know the answer, still I have to make sure. “She was worth the fight before I had her and since I’ve gotten to know her, she is definitely worth it. So put it to a vote.” Devil knows his brothers have his back. He trusts that above all else and so do I.

  “Yay for yes. Nay for no.” it goes around the table and there was only one hesitation and that was Stone but he did vote yay. “Unanimous again. Callie is your ol’ lady. We will deal with Chief and Diamondback. We will also help Bri, but then she is out like Kizzy. Those two sisters are too much trouble.”

  “Tito it is good to have you back at the table. I want you on Deacon. Find him. Anything else? Nothing? Ok, everyone out there hitting pavement. I’m leaving Runt to look after our women at my house. One of ours has been done wrong. Time for payback and justice. Let’s drink a beer.” With that we all collect our phones and weapons and we hit the bar. Today we hunt the man who hurt my daughter and one of ours. We won’t rest until we find him.<
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  Callie

  I hear noises from the other room and I wake with a start. At first I don’t know where I’m at, but I remember Devil left me at his parent’s house hours ago. I had finally gotten tired and came into the spare room to take a nap. It seemed like we had talked forever, but we hadn’t heard anything before I came in here. It’s dark outside now, so I know I have been in here a few hours. I must have been more tired than I thought. Devil and I really hadn’t slept but a few hours the night before. I hear raised voices again but I don’t really recognize the voice. I get up as quietly as I can and look out my window. I don’t see anything unusual. Of course, here I don’t really know what unusual is. I go to the window that faces the back of the house and I see a truck that wasn’t there before I went to sleep. Something feels off. I don’t know what, but dad always says go with your gut, so I get my phone and call Devil. He picks up on the third ring.

  “Something wrong babe? I’m kind of busy right now.” He sounds a little irritated but I had rather be safe than sorry. “Well I don’t know. I fell asleep in the spare room and I hear raised voice in the other room.” I stall for a minute but I have him on the phone so I need to just spit it out, “Something feels off about it, so I looked out the back window and there’s a red Ford truck out there. It wasn’t there before. My gut tells me there is something wrong.” I stop and hope I’m not being stupid.