Charlie: Northern Grizzlies (Book 4)

by M. Merin

  “She may want Mack here? He was good to her.” I say. “I’ll keep my family out of it for obvious reasons. You want anyone else? Other than our group?”

  “I don’t mean to exclude the MC, but Charlie’s private; we’ll ask her but I don’t expect she’ll want a big fuss.” Connal pauses. “I’m going to give her some time off. Suggest she goes dress shopping for Bree’s wedding and her own?”

  “Sounds good. But just for Bree’s wedding, I want to take her to Boise; she’ll need some outfits and dresses for all the parties around my brother’s wedding.” I groan, knowing what I have to do. “Plus I’ll need a suit and a goddamn tux.”

  Connal chuckles, right up until the next part.

  “So, the three of us will stay in my Gramp’s guest house. There’ll be a party there the day before the wedding then a brunch the day after; you’ll need clothes for both events. When I told him you were coming he insisted, didn’t want you lurking around scaring people.”

  “Fuck. A suit?” He whispers back, looking disgusted.

  “When are you wearing a suit?” Charlie murmurs, waking up slowly and arching her back so her tits rub against me and her ass bumps Connal.

  “For my brother’s wedding, we’ll go shopping this weekend; alright?” I ask them both before leaning over to soundly kiss her; sucking on her bottom lip before rolling out of bed.

  “I’m going to be late.” I’ve been splitting my time between the spa job and working on our new house; Vice has promised to get a crew over to our place next week to help me, so that’ll speed that up.

  On the way to work, I call Nordstrom in Boise and arrange for a personal shopper for Charlie. I specify events and price range, knowing I don’t want that done in front of her. Once the woman assures me that Charlie won’t see any price tags, I get on with the day.

  “Hey.” I pick up Connal’s call that afternoon.

  “Yeah, Riley just picked Charlie up to go shopping, she’ll bring her to the clubhouse when they finish.”

  “OK, I’ll swap out my bike for the truck and get out to the house for a bit; meet at the clubhouse when you close up?” His grunt seems to be agreement.

  Charlie

  While I feel like I’m taking advantage of the time off, I know it won’t be an ongoing thing.

  “Riley, I really need your help,” I say, getting into her truck.

  “Shopping? Wait, holy shit! You have a ring!” She screeches.

  “Oh, yeah; Jake and I are going to get married, but it’s still the three of us,” I say, still giddy about the three rings. “But that’s not…”

  “You. Are. Engaged.” She screams again. “I know you aren’t a girly-girl but back the hell up and tell me everything!”

  I laugh at her enthusiasm and give in, because really, Riley won’t focus on anything else until that’s covered. As she drives us to the next town over, I tell her all the details except the mind-blowing sex that I can still feel in my tender pussy.

  “And he got matching rings for Connal and himself?” She sighs. “That’s so thoughtful. I’ll have to let Gunner know not to propose for a week or two, we should celebrate this after Bree’s wedding.”

  “Wait – your turn! Gunner’s proposing?!” I yell back at her.

  “I’m not supposed to know, but I think I have him figured out...” One side of her mouth curves up into a knowing smile.

  “Ok, so what I need help with is Jake’s brother’s wedding. We’re flying East in a few weeks and, well, can you keep the next part a secret?”

  “The part where Jake’s filthy rich?” She rolls her eyes at the shocked look on my face. “Yep, I know the signs; been around those types my whole life, then I ran searches on some of the guys when I was bored one day.”

  “His brother is marrying a woman named Muffy, for fuck’s sake! Riley, I have no idea how to act with people like that. I don’t want to embarrass him. Can you show me what to do when faced with a formal place setting? I started googling stuff but just got more confused.” I admit while pleading for help.

  “Ok, next week let’s carve out some time; OH! Actually, can I enlist my Gram to help? You can come to dinner with me on Friday and then we can practice with her again next week. She’s wonderful and knows more about etiquette than I ever will.” She pauses. “Has he mentioned clothes that you’ll need?”

  “We’re going shopping on Sunday. He and Connal will need suits also.” I say, getting a raised eyebrow from her. “We’re staying in his grandfather’s guest house…”

  “Charlie, don’t get nervous on me, but don’t be surprised when the guest house is bigger than the house Jake just bought.” I sigh, I had guessed as much. “Take his advice on clothing; he’ll know what is expected, alright? And I’m sure he’ll pay for it all.” She continues.

  “There’ll be some parties at that house, so his grandfather told him that Connal should plan on attending those but I guess not the wedding.”

  “No, the wedding list was probably a nightmare to negotiate and no one will want to revisit it.” She shrugs like this is normal.

  “For our wedding, I just want our dinner group and Mack. Is that weird? I mean, Betsy is nice but I’ve only talked to her a couple times at the clubhouse.” I ask quietly.

  “I think that’s perfect.” She squeezes my hand, pulling into a parking space outside the department store. “It’ll be even more perfect if Jasper marries you at one of our dinner parties…the three of you can request any dishes you want.”

  I burst into tears.

  “Charlie!” She pulls me into a hug and waits out the storm.

  “That sounds perfect to me, too.” I finally say. “Maybe they’ll want some others there though, I’ll ask tonight.”

  I end up with a simple black dress that hits above my knees for Bree’s wedding; Riley then steers us towards the bridal department, where we take turns trying options on.

  Getting back to the clubhouse, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of me. Riley called her Gram to ask for her help, so I’ll also get a crash course in table manners.

  “Leave your bags, we’ll sort it out later.” She says heading towards the double doors. I grin to myself at her confidence; this will be my first time walking in there without Jake and Connal flanking me but like Riley, I feel shielded by the Property cut I’m wearing. Although, the cuts certainly drew lots of stares and glares at the mall.

  “Riley?” I call before she reaches the doors. “Thank you. I really appreciate everything.”

  Entering, she grabs my hand. “Bree’s like a mom to me, Emma’s more like an aunt. You? You’re my first real friend my own age, and I know we’re going to be best friends; I knew it when we met. Just like I knew Gunner was going to be mine. I hope that’s not too freaky a thing to say.”

  “I’d like that Riley, really.” I shyly smile back, squeezing her hand.

  “Are you two gonna kiss? Cause that would be great spank material.” Royce slurs out from the bar.

  “Shut it, Royce!” We simultaneously yell back; then laugh at each other.

  “FUC…!” Royce’s scream is cut off.

  Our heads spin back to him, Gunner has his hand wrapped around Royce’s throat and has lifted him to his eye level, more than a foot off the floor.

  “Did I just hear you say something to my Ol’ Lady, Maggot?” He growls.

  Royce slaps at Gunner’s wrist, trying to suck in oxygen.

  “I was kidding, I’m sorry.” Royce croaks out when he’s able to breathe. Gunner shakes him, still holding him off the ground.

  “And Connal and Jake’s Ol’ Lady? Any shit you want to spew there?” Gunner continues, not caring that Royce is nearly purple.

  “Sorry. Riley, Charlie, I’m sorry, alright?” Royce gasps out. “Gunner, Brother?”

  Riley has crossed to Gunner and reaches for his free arm, looking up at him with absolute love. Her touch has a visible effect on him; I can see his body relax but he doesn’t lighten the glare he’s giving Royc
e, as he releases him.

  The scary-as-shit, there really are monsters under the bed face doesn’t fade until he looks at Riley. Reaching a hand behind her neck, he leans down so his forehead is resting against hers. Royce has, wisely, crossed to the far corner of the room.

  “We had fun today, Gunner.” Riley starts like Gunner didn’t nearly strangle a man in front of us. “Let’s have a drink with them before we go home?” He nods, as he lightly rubs his scarred cheek against her smooth one.

  “Anything you want, Sweetheart.” He says, standing back to full height and smiling down at her with absolute devotion.

  Next, he looks at me; tilting his head to where Jake and Connal are standing near a table, waiting to see if they’d be needed. Soon, sitting around with drinks in front of us, Riley tells Gunner about our engagement from her customary seat in his lap. He grunts, so I jump in.

  “We weren’t going to say anything until after Bree’s wedding, just one thing at a time, you know?” I say, trying to help Riley give him the message about waiting a couple weeks to propose to her. I decide she’s right about that being on Gunner’s mind because he does not look happy even as she winks at me.

  “Connal, Jake? When, who, and what are you thinking for our wedding?” I ask, turning to them.

  “Soon. Us. Small.” Jake replies, in typical Jake speak.

  “I’d like Mack to be included. And Riley suggested if we want it small, that we could do it at a Monday dinner? Would that be alright?”

  “Oh…will you make your red velvet cake, Riley?” Connal sighs and I swear I hear Gunner growl.

  “Soon?” Riley asks, elbowing Gunner. “This weekend is all about Bree and Flint but how about a week from Monday? Just tell me what you want me to cook, and yes, I can bake that cake. Or cupcakes?”

  “Riley, I cannot have my guys drooling around you like this!” I exclaim in mock outrage. “You must teach me to cook. Otherwise, you can’t be my Maid of Honor.”

  “Yes!” Gunner pipes up, tightening his arms around Riley. “Perfect. Riley’ll teach you to cook then maybe she’ll stop giving away her treats.” This gets everyone laughing. Everyone, except the behemoth who is extremely territorial about all things Riley. I really don’t think he’s kidding, even if she’s laughing at his statement.

  “Charles set the toaster on fire last week.” Connal pitches in, getting a smirk from Gunner.

  “Her pancakes and frozen pizzas are really good,” Jake kind of comes to my defense. “She adds stuff.”

  “Enough,” I beg, laughing at myself. “Riley, can we wait until we get into the new place? Then I would love any direction you can give me, but I know you’re busy with school.”

  “Oh!” Riley jumps in. “With you so close to Emma and Jas, we can do some dinners over there when you move. I can come over early and we can work on them together! Now can we back up to where you asked me to be your Maid of Honor!?!”

  “Will you?” I openly smile at her.

  “Yes! Oh, my God! SO excited!” She pauses for a minute. “Wait, can I go shopping with you all on Sunday? I can help you decide on your dress; Gunner, can we all go to Boise together? Make a day of it?”

  He nuzzles into her hair, slightly nodding as he settles his face into the crook of her neck. I think that’s his agreement, I can’t imagine him ever saying no to something she was excited about.

  “Give me my goddamn phone back, you bitch!” Frank’s roar is suddenly heard from the hallway, causing the room to go dead silent. Diamond comes darting out ahead of him.

  “I know you’re still fucking her!” She screeches for all to hear. Quickly looking around, Diamond runs toward Vice, who is sitting in a dark corner. “Here! There’s a ‘no contact’ on Deb, but he is, look in here and take this asshole’s cut.”

  Frank grabs Diamond’s wrist as she’s tossing the phone to Vice, there’s an obscenely loud snap before she cries out, falling to her knees. Vice’s face is frozen, what I hadn’t seen at first was that he’s getting a blowjob; but he grabs for the phone, only slowing its descent as it hits the booth beside him.

  Every other Grizzlie in the room shoots forward at the sound of Diamond’s arm breaking.

  Gunner is arguably the slowest and only because he gently sets Riley in the seat that Jake vacates before moving in. Frank is literally tackled and Diamond is lifted out of the fray. An older man I haven’t met is soon shouting orders for Diamond’s care.

  “What…” I don’t even know how to phrase my question to Riley.

  “Roy is great. He’ll take care of Diamond. Frank, I don’t know what they’ll do. Deb stole from them, they let her walk; but she was supposed to go away and not speak to or about any Grizzlie again. If he’s still involved with her…” She bites off the end of her sentence, looking at me earnestly. “These aren’t men you cross. You don’t break your vows around here, Charlie.”

  “But isn’t Frank…”

  “Son of a bitch!” Frank screams, so I break off my question. My head snaps from Riley back over to the men, it’s immediately clear that Gunner just broke Frank’s arm in an act of instant retaliation for Diamond’s arm.

  Turning back to Riley, she is looking at her lap, her face pale. “Gunner’s the Sergeant at Arms, Charlie.”

  “Frank, you’re confined to your room until Jasper calls Church. Probies alternate guard duty.” Vice commands, still trying to get his penis back in his pants. Jesus Christ, but that thing always seems to be swinging around out here.

  Chapter 21

  Eileen Riley

  I have to say that I was more than mildly interested in my granddaughter’s latest request. Etiquette and basic deportment lessons for her new friend. Wanting to know more about this creature before she arrived on my doorstep, I had Rogers look into her.

  Her background was about what I had expected, based on Riley’s request; her career choice baffled me, but the little fact that Riley excluded nearly knocked me over. That this friend of hers is apparently in a ménage relationship; now I simply have to meet this Charlie.

  “Good Lord, Child!” I unexpectedly blurt out when Riley leads her into my parlor.

  I’d like to think that not a lot surprises me, but the beauty with an ample bosom that trails behind Riley is not at all what I expected. She is dressed plainly, black pants and a wine-colored scalloped top; her hair is neatly braided and at most, she has lip gloss on.

  Riley greets me warmly and introduces Charlie; I’m taken aback by her already. Most strangers enter this house and gawk at the details, her eyes haven’t left my face, and the intelligence I see within them is undeniable. This I can work with, I decide immediately; she’ll have nothing to feel self-conscious about at that wedding she’s attending.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Riley.” She starts softly. “I appreciate you taking the time.”

  “First of all, call me Gram. You are correct though, anyone you are introduced to from close to my generation should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Dr., what have you; until they give you permission otherwise.” I nod. “Now, please sit down and tell me what you know about this event you are attending. And will both young men be attending with you or just your fiancé?”

  Charlie nearly jumps up from the chair she had perched on; throwing a startled glance at Riley, who looks equally shocked.

  “Riley, close your mouth, dear. You’ll need to help me set examples for Charlie while she’s here.” I pause, looking to the young lady in question. “Well?”

  “Connal will travel with us and attend a couple of the parties, but not the wedding.” She continues straightening her spine with the steel I knew I had spotted in her. She will not cower from my judgment. “Jake and I will be married a week from Monday, they wanted me to be...”

  “Protected from a family that will be outraged their son didn’t marry an heiress? Yes, dear, you have a much better chance coming out of this unscathed as his wife than merely a girlfriend.” I nod firmly.

  “Mrs. Riley?” She looks
at me. “I’m not a gold digger, I didn’t know about the money. I’m not with Jake and Connal for any other reason than I love them dearly and can imagine what you think of me for that alone. I don’t, I mean, I’m not a slut; even if you must think…”

  “Enough,” I say, slapping my hand down on the arm of my chair. “Riley wouldn’t have brought you here if you were either of those things. Furthermore, unless you are hurting someone, you owe no one an explanation nor an apology for how you choose to live your life. You’re certain about your choice?” Charlie nods immediately. “Then keep your head held high, especially when you’re in a room full of society people. Do not flinch.”

  I move us to the dining room, where Rogers has laid out every piece of silverware that Charlie might encounter. Her eyes grow large, but she manages to keep up with the instructions I give along with hints to help her remember everything.

  “Now, I’m aware of Bree’s wedding tomorrow, but tell me about your matrimonial plans. A week from Monday, you said?” I ask over dessert.

  “Yes, Riley always has us over for dinner on Mondays; so Jake and I got a license and Jasper will marry us. Mack, he was friends with my Grandfather and knows Connal through the MC, he’s going to come and give me away.”

  “In Riley’s living room?” My word. They are trying to give me a heart attack.

  “Yes.” She smiles at me, her eyes alight with excitement.

  “No.” I place my spoon down on the saucer and look at them. “You’ll be married here. Riley’s apartment is fine to have a weekly dinner in, but, well, never mind. The living room will be prepared. You can get dressed upstairs and I’ll have someone come to take care of your hair. What kind of flowers do you favor?”

  The child bursts into tears. Riley only hesitates a moment before going to her and wrapping her in a hug.

  “Why would you? You don’t know me…” She gasps out at last. “Thank you, but I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

  “Charlie,” I reach out to take her hand. “You’ll be married here. If my Riley was alone in the world, all I could hope for would be for others to extend kindness to her. I won’t do any less than that for a friend of hers.