by Lila Rose
Ruin
A lot of members had crashed at the compound for the night. I took my old room. Nary, though, had taken off with Rayne and Vicious before the party had kicked into the next gear. It ended when a drunken Hell Mouth fell off a table she’d been dancing on for her man Griz; she broke her wrist when she landed on Ivy, another old lady.
It was a good night, though. Always was when it came to the Hawks because every member was family. Even though I enjoyed catching up with everyone, I still felt the urge to leave and get back to Taro. More so now that I was awake.
The conversation I’d had with Dad the night before ran through my mind. He’d pulled me away from everyone and sat me down at a table out back.
“Spoke to Talon. Know he’s already given you the go-ahead. Somethin’ I should have said back at the house.”
I’d drawn my brows down. “Said what at the house?”
“Should have told you that no matter who you like, you’ve got our support. Not just the Hawks, but us as your family.”
“Dad, I knew you guys wouldn’t think less of me because of this.”
He’d grunted. “If anyone does say shit, fuck ’em.”
Smiling, I’d nodded.
He’d knocked his boot against mine. “You also gotta know, I’m not a fan of this Wolf guy’s life. The business he deals in. Only because it could bring danger to you.”
“Dad—”
His hand had shot up, silencing me. “But,” he added, “I know you can take care of yourself. You seriously goin’ back to Melbourne tomorrow?”
“I need to. Told you how I left after that shit happened. I shouldn’t have, even when he wanted me to. Taro’s gotta understand I ain’t backin’ away from this. His life.”
Dad had grunted again. “I get it, son. It’ll be crap to see you go, but know we love you.”
My throat had thickened. I’d nodded as I swallowed down the lump of emotions. Even thinking of it now as I lay in bed had me thanking anyone who’d listen from above for my family. It hadn’t been smooth sailing, but the shit we’d been through made us come out stronger in the end.
Since I was keen to get on the road and back to Taro, I climbed out of bed and headed for the joined bathroom for a quick shower. I dressed in my usual jeans, long-sleeve Henley, and vest before I slipped into socks and boots. Just when I opened my door to hunt down coffee and food, my phone chimed.
Pulling it free from my back pocket, I saw the name displayed and screwed up my face. Why would Ryo be texting me? My gut dropped, and I quickly opened the message.
Ryo: I didn’t get to speak to you alone before you left, but I am sure Mimi has informed you that Taro didn’t mean to push you away.
A smile tugged my lips up. It was good to see Taro had friends like Ryo who worried about him.
Me: Figured. Shouldn’t have left no matter what he said. I’m coming back today without Mimi so he doesn’t worry about her. I’ve got his back. I started down the hall towards the kitchen.
Ryo: Good. He’s been in a sour mood. Doesn’t help we found out his uncle is staging a coup at the meeting today.
Anger churned.
Me: WTF, why? I thought he was the more decent one.
Ryo: He’s never been decent. The main reason is the power it would bring him. He thinks it’s time to do something about it since Taro doesn’t seem himself after you left.
Fuck texting, I pressed his number and lifted my phone to my ear.
“Ruin,” Ryo answered.
“What’s Taro gonna do about it?”
“Nothing.”
I stopped. “What do you mean nothin’?”
“Right now, he’s second-guessing things because he’s worried about you.”
“What do you mean?”
“We understand where the Hawks MC stands with illegal activity. He doesn’t want to cause any problems for you and your family. He’s thinking of allowing his uncle to take charge.”
“Fuck that,” I clipped, stopping in the doorway to the kitchen and glaring at the floor. “He can’t do that, Ryo. I spoke to Talon. He’s supportive of us, and if shit happens, we’ll deal with it when the time comes.”
Ryo sighed. “I can only tell him this, but I’m not sure he will believe me. He is looking to step out of those types of dealings down the track, but for now, it will be in his life. I have never seen him torn before.”
“Don’t let him do anythin’. If the meetin’ starts, stall it until I get there. I’ll make sure he understands things.”
“I’ll do what I can,” he answered. “Thank you, Ruin. You’re good for him.”
“And he’s good for me. See you soon,” I stated, and ended the call. I lifted my gaze and found the kitchen occupied with Talon, Killer, and Blue.
“What’s goin’ on?” Talon asked.
“Gotta get to Melbourne. Wolf’s uncle is staging a coup at the meeting today to take over running the family. Wolf’s not gonna do shit because he’s worried about me and how Hawks will deal with their businesses.” I grabbed a muffin, took a bite, and turned to head outside.
“Hold up,” Talon called. I faced him and waited, quickly eating the rest of the muffin to have something in my gut before I left. Talon shared a look with Blue and Killer before taking his phone out to do something with it.
Talon lifted his head, and Blue asked, “We ridin’ out?”
“Yep,” Talon replied.
“Wait, what?” I asked.
“In-house dramas we can help you deal with. If Wolf’s family thinks they can fuck with him, they’re wrong. We’ll show our support by comin’ with you and standin’ at his back. Even if it was other shit goin’ down with the businesses, we’d help where we could. You guys aren’t alone, Ruin. We’ve got you.”
Christ. My chest expanded as the damn fluffy emotions filled my heart.
“You don’t have to,” I offered.
“Brother, you’re family. Prez said you’re claimin’ Wolf, then he’s a part of Hawks also,” Blue said.
Killer grunted and lifted his chin my way, also agreeing.
They started forward, moving by me with a grip to the shoulder. More emotion swirled inside me as I followed after them. We stopped at our rides to check them over. I didn’t need petrol or anything, and the others didn’t indicate they did either.
A door opened, and Dad stepped out, decked out in his ride gear. He held a bag at his side. He shot me a grin. “We’ll pick Vicious up on the way to the highway,” he told me.
My throat thickened. This was what family was about. Comradery. “You sure you’re up for a ride, old man?”
Dad shot me the finger. “Just try and keep up, Ruin.” He dropped the bag and opened it. Guns galore filled the space. “Take one. We’re goin’ in armed since we don’t know if words will get this uncle to back down.”
Grinning, I pulled my gun free. “Already got mine. Didn’t even think about the rest of you.”
“Aww. Stoke, your boy’s so worried about his man that he forgot about his brothers,” Blue teased with a wink. It was my turn to shoot the middle finger. The brothers chuckled, only to sober when we were all ready to ride out.
I’m coming, Taro.
And there was no way I’d leave his side again. We would deal with everything there was together and see where the future went.
Shock raced through me when we reached Melbourne and the Caroline Springs charter pulled in behind our group. My damn chest was packed to the brim with those cute feelings. I’d always been proud to call myself a member of the Hawks MC, but never more so than then. Their support for me and Taro floored me.
The gates opened to the family estate as soon as we pulled up to them, and I wondered if Ryo had been keeping an eye out. Must have, or else I doubted they would have allowed twenty bikers with rumbling Harleys through.
I stopped near the front doors and climbed off. I heard the door opening a moment before Katon raced out. He shot down the steps like he was a twentysomething in a mar
athon, and I was the finish line.
“Sir… Sorry, Ruin, it’s good to see you’re back.” Before I could say anything, he rushed on with “Master Ryo has instructed for me to take you to the meeting room.”
“It’s already started?” I made my way to the door with my brothers at my back.
Katon hurried after me. “They’ve only walked into the room.”
“All right.” I nodded.
I heard a few brothers comment on the place as we walked through the halls, but I didn’t take in what was said.
Katon stopped at the door. “In here,” he whispered just as a voice rose inside it.
“Thanks, stay out here,” I told him. I opened the door abruptly. It shot inward and banged into the wall behind it. I stepped through, the brothers following.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Akio bellowed.
Taro stood at the end of the long-arse table in shock. If he didn’t close his mouth soon, I would make good use of it. I caught Ryo smiling beside him and shot him a chin lift. It caused Taro to snap his mouth shut and glare at his friend.
As soon as I was close, though, his attention flashed back to me. “Josh.”
“Hey,” I said and leaned in to kiss his cheek. The brothers had fanned out around the room, standing behind Taro’s family, who still sat in their chairs.
“What are you doing here?” Taro asked.
I smiled and took his hand in mine. “You’ll see.” I faced Akio and announced, “The Hawks MC wanted to let the Takahashi family know that with Wolf as head of the house, he has our support.” Taro’s hand tightened in mine. “In other words, anyone who wants to fuck with Wolf, fucks with us, and we don’t mess around in reaping retribution if someone is foolish enough to screw with Wolf. The Hawks MC protects what’s ours in any way necessary. No one wants us as enemies… the way we play is dirty. I’ll be stickin’ around to make sure that whoever is stupid enough to come after Wolf thinks otherwise.”
“This meeting is adjourned,” Taro announced.
Akio stood. He eyed the brothers and then looked to Taro. “You are not fit to run this house. Jiro was right.”
“Why? Because I’m gay?”
He screwed his nose up. “That’s one reason. You need to step down and let me be head of the Takahashi family before you destroy it with all your changes.”
“I thought we were done with this when I dealt with Jiro,” Taro said.
“It will never be done until you do not stand at the head of the table trying to control us in foolish ways.”
“How is anything I’ve done foolish? Because I refuse to allow the men of the family to bargain off their daughters in marriages that they would never be happy in?”
“It should be the men’s choice in what they want to do within their own family,” Akio shouted.
“Careful with your tone,” I warned.
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll make you,” I clipped.
The guy sitting beside Akio stood. “You dare speak to my father like that?” He pulled a gun and pointed it my way. His lips thinned, and his burning eyes shone with anger when I started chuckling.
“Wrong move, motherfucker,” Vicious said from behind Akio’s son as he pressed a gun to the back of his head.
“If you don’t like the way I run things, then leave. Do not be foolish like Jiro was.”
Akio stared Taro down, but Taro didn’t move or flinch; he took it like the leader he was. Why were all the old fuckers wanting to live back in the dark ages? Times had changed, and if they had their way, it’d stay where the men looked down on the family's women. It disgusted me.
“We will speak of this at another time,” Akio stated.
“No, we won’t. You either walk from this room and leave or stay within the family and accept how I run things. The choice is yours, but you make it right now.”
“Father—” The son started until Akio shut him up with a look. If he’d teamed up with Jiro, this dick could have possibly got lucky and taken over. But neither of them would have conspired to work together. Both of them were obviously stubborn and wanted to rule. Fucking idiots.
“We’re leaving to go back to Japan,” Akio finally said, and relief coursed through me.
“If that is what you wish,” Taro said.
“I will not stay and be led by someone like you.”
Taro shrugged. “I can’t change how you think, Akio. I want you off my property by tonight.”
Vicious moved back as Akio turned. He took in the brothers again before he stalked from the room with his son following and ten other men who must have been his people.
When the door closed, Taro called, “If there isn’t anything pressing right now, I wish to continue this meeting another day.”
The others stood, bowed to Taro, and walked from the room. The only ones left were Taro, Ryo, me, and the brothers.
“Ryo?”
“I shall warn your uncle in Japan of Akio’s arrival. Akio will be in for a surprise when he realises he’s moved back to a place that has made just as many changes as you have.”
Taro laughed lightly. “Tell Daishi Oji-san to record it.”
Ryo grinned. His eyes shifted to me, and he nodded before he looked back to Taro. “Wolf,” he said and bowed. He faced Talon and bowed again. I chuckled when Talon’s eyes widened. He didn’t know what to do or think about the cultural formality. Ryo walked from the room, closing the door behind him.
“Hey,” I called softly, using his hand to tug Taro into me. “You all right?”
He sucked in a breath, keeping my gaze, and I caught the warmth in his eyes. “I am now.”
“Don’t ask me to go again, okay?”
He nodded, lips thinning, but I caught the slight tremor to the bottom one before he dropped his forehead to my shoulder. “Okay,” he whispered.
“Don’t worry, Wolf,” Knife called. “You’re not the only one with a fucked-up family.”
Taro startled and straightened. A blush coated his cheeks. Had he forgotten they were even in the room? Taro faced Talon and bowed. “I appreciate the assistance.”
Talon dipped his chin down before he crossed his arms over his chest. “You know why we’re here, right?”
Taro looked back at me. “Josh.”
“Yeah, Ruin. Know it’s only new, but he’s wantin’ this between you two, and since he’s claimed you, we’ll have his back, and yours. It’s how Hawks works. We’re all family. The partners are equals. There may be things we can’t tell our partners, but we do it to protect them. Still, they’re important in our lives, and I know you are for Ruin.” Talon smirked. “Means we’ll have to put up with each other.”
“I am honoured to not only have the Hawks MC in my life but for trusting me with a member of your club. Thank you.”
The brothers smirked. Some chuckled. Dad stepped forward. “Your words are cool, but just know if you fuck Ruin over, we’re gonna be comin’ after you with everythin’ we’ve got.”
“Jesus,” I cursed with a groan. “Taro, I’d like you to meet my dad, Stoke.”
It was comical how wide Taro’s eyes shot open. A few brothers laughed.
Dad stepped forward and jutted his hand out, which Taro took and shook. “I promise to take care of your son. I care for him deeply.”
If I wasn’t around the brothers, I would have grabbed him and kissed the fuck out of him.
“You’d better,” Dad said gruffly.
“All right, enough of that. How about we get some food goin’ before you get on the road again?” I suggested.
Beast snorted. Knife laughed outright before he said, “Meanin’ he wants us gone as soon as possible so he can get down and dirty with his man there.”
Taro turned beet red as I slung my arm around his shoulders. “Shut the fuck up, Knife.”
“Agreed,” Dad said and then quickly added, “I don’t give a fuck you two are dudes. It’s just wrong hearin’ about my son doin’ the—”
“Dad
, just no.”
“Lunch,” Taro blurted. “Katon,” he called, and the door opened to a smiling Katon. “Lunch for all of us, please.”
Katon bowed. “Of course, Taro-sama.” He quickly disappeared.
As the brothers started talking, I pulled Taro aside. “Are you okay?”
He gripped my tee at my stomach. “Honestly?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“I’m perfect because you’re here.”
I cupped the back of his neck and dropped my forehead to his. “We’ll talk more soon, but know I ain’t goin’ anywhere.”
“I wasn’t thinking when I sent you away.”
I pressed a finger to his lips and then tugged on his hair. “Talk soon. Let’s get rid of my family first.”
He pulled back and nodded, smiling softly. “You’re lucky to have them.”
Grinning, I glanced back to see them talking amongst themselves. Only Dad was watching me, smiling to himself. I sent him a chin lift, which he returned. “Yeah,” I said, looking to Taro again. “I am lucky.” But I wasn’t only talking about my family. I meant it for the man in front of me, who opened my eyes when I didn’t know they’d been closed.
“Come on. Let’s get them fed.” I curled my arm around his shoulders again and pressed my lips to his temple. He relaxed against me.
“Any other day I would be intimidated being in a room full of bikers.”
Knife stepped up and punched Taro in the arm. I glared at him, which he ignored when he said, “We can still mess you up a bit if you want.”
“I think I’ll be fine. Thanks for the offer though.”
“Anytime.”
The door opened, and Ryo stepped through, holding it for Katon and a few other servers who held trays full of food. “Holy fuck,” Knife commented. “I think I want to move in here.”
“Not happenin’, brother.” Shit, I didn’t even know if I was living here. Taro and I had a shitload to sort through, but I wasn’t in a rush. For now, all I needed to know was that he was protected from his fucked-up uncle, and we’d be spending the night together.
Now that I looked forward to.
Chapter Twenty