“Have I ever given any brother in here a reason to think I’m not loyal to this club? I put in my hours just like everyone else and I do everything the club asks of me.” No one says anything for a minute.

  “Look at it from the club’s point of view. Someone struck two members of our club and there must be a reason why. If the person or group of people that did it wanted to impact the whole club, they could have hit the clubhouse or Grinder’s house. They also had to know we would look at you and Dom first because you were the ones there. So the club would either distrust you and take the actions Grinder spoke of or you would be so pissed you’d want instant revenge, and if the club wasn’t ready to take action then you would be upset at the club and that’s why he asked if you had heard from Sid. Sid likes our work. We take care of business when needed but we also do our homework. You and Dom have gone on the least amount of the security rides, but he knows you have trained with us. His men don’t know you as well as the rest of us, so you were expendable if the shooting went south. Is any of this making sense?” Trapper lays out what we talked about earlier. “You’ve also been pulling away from the club and that shows you may be willing to go off on your own and do jobs for Sid. They may not know you very well and they may be willing to let you get shot, but Sid knows every member of this club knows how to do their job and we stand behind our word.”

  “I’m not pulling away from the club or any of you. I’m trying to pull away from all the partying, drinking, and smoking. I want to be a dad to my children and my exes are always throwing that shit up in court. I haven’t been in jail for any barroom fights in two years. Tish and I go on the damn long rides to clear my head and occupy my time instead of drinking at night and if I’m on a ride, it works. I’m not an alcoholic but when I get bored, I drink. I enjoy a few cold beers at night but courts frown upon it. Do you know how difficult it is to give it all up at once? Tish is an important part of my life now and I want to make it official. I’m claiming her.” I look at Seal and remember he hasn’t mentioned Whiskey yet.

  “You could have told us and we would have tried to help you. This is what I mean, no one knows what’s going on with anyone else. I don’t mean we need to know every detail of your personal lives. We’re not going to turn into a talk show and bare our deepest secrets. We just need to know the important things, so we can help each other. We have bled together, and it is time to make this brotherhood what it should be. We will find the people behind this and in the meantime watch each other’s backs. We are getting eyes on Sid to watch his every move. I called in a few markers to make it happen.” I let that sink into everyone for a few minutes. “Next weekend after we have our meeting with Jenna and the vote on Tish becoming an ol’ lady, we’re having a family cookout. I want anyone with a woman to have their woman participate. That means bring something, help organize, and along with the prospects help clean. The club girls will be helping with cleaning, but they won’t be able to participate until the families are gone. I will make this very clear. Bring your children. I’m going to get Jenna and Whiskey to pitch in too. I want everyone to meet Ryder and Whiskey.”

  “Does that mean that Jenna and Whiskey are free women in the club?” That comes from Max with a shit-eating grin on his face.

  “Whiskey is my woman and I was waiting for the end of the meeting to say it. She’s claimed,” Seal says looking out at all the brothers. “Any brother touching her will be dealing with one pissed brother. Don’t touch, hug, or stand too close,” Seal says with a growl in his voice.

  “Damn, Seal, jealous much and I will get as close to my sister if I damn well feel like it.” Max is needling Seal but then I think about his question.

  “Jenna is also claimed by me and I have nothing else to say on the matter. She’s under my protection and no one touches her. Is that understood?” I say with conviction in my voice.

  “You’re going to put her to a vote? How are you going to keep Candy off her? I mean everyone knows she has health issues and that isn’t going to get past Candy. If she doesn’t know now, she will soon. Jenna is a new person around town and people gossip. Hell, people in the club gossip. I heard she has health issues and I don’t just sit around and gossip like some old hen. Then there’s D.D., who isn’t as big as a bitch as Candy, but she knows you have two more children now and you will do for them just like your other kids. We all heard the big argument out by the bar,” Chipper our road captain says. “Max, I don’t mean to talk bad about your mom, but we all know that she’s concerned with how people look at her and the money she can get to keep up the appearances.”

  “I know the score between my parents, always have. I also know Jenna, and I think if Dad lets her handle the situation then it will be settled. Jenna may have some health issues, but she’s a strong-willed woman with a lot of determination. The disease is called Lupus and Jenna doesn’t let it define her entire life. When we visited their ranch, she treated me just like she did Whiskey and Ryder. She is a genuinely caring woman with a big heart. Don’t get me wrong, she did Dad wrong along with her children, but she’s determined to make up for it. She can handle it and I support Dad claiming her.” This coming from Max means a lot to me. “Besides, if it doesn’t work out like I think, then my brothers, sisters, and I will have our own version of Springer right before our eyes in Dad’s kitchen.” Max laughs.

  “It’ll be handled tomorrow night and not in the middle of the clubhouse,” I answer Eagle.

  “Can we come watch?” Dom says with a smile on his face. Everyone knows I have been letting D.D. and Candy get out of hand and this is my payback.

  “No.” I can’t get annoyed at this situation, it is my own fault. I have been only going through the steps of life for so long. I just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of the two women giving me hell. It’s time to take my life back. “Back to Sid and the drive-by. Whoever did this, attacked not only our brothers but our reputation as a club and our loyalty to each other. When the person or persons are caught, they will be dealt with by the club as a unit. They want to divide us, we will show them how we deal with threats. When we take the votes on the ol’ ladies, the free out is going to be open.” I hate to even say the words. In my grandfather’s day there were no free outs, and this is the second one I have offered since I became president. The brothers can turn in their cut and walk away and never return to club grounds. The first time I offered it was the day I took the president’s patch, and this will be the last. “If there is any brother that isn’t happy with the direction the club is going and not on board with everything we’re doing, you’ll be given the chance to turn in your cut and walk away. Think about it before any of you do it, because once you walk, there will be no return and you walk away from your part of the monthly money cuts. Baller, if you or Dom get any calls from Sid let us know. The security updates will be installed at both of your houses tomorrow. Seal is installing them with help from Tanker. We will get to everyone. Then we’re going to beef up the security at the clubhouse. Seal, I want you to put Candy’s house on the top of your list but try to do it when she’s not home. I have a feeling that woman is up to something. She keeps getting back in the clubhouse, but no one is letting her in through the front gate, or someone is lying. She’s always been a pain in my ass since Dixie was born, but she is more defiant now, and she won’t listen. This may be me grasping at straws, but I want to be sure and bill me separately from the club.”

  “I’ll do that. Baller, I can also get you a certified copy of the paperwork where I’m updating your security for your attorney. I’ll video the installation as well. I’ve done it for other dads in custody cases. The court likes the idea of extra security. They think extra security means less gun ownership.” Seal tries to help.

  “Buzzard’s been tapping that piece. They’re staying drunk and he’s staying with her most nights,” Bogie speaks up. “I don’t want to be telling tales on a brother, but I told him to give you the heads-up last week. I wanted to give him the chance to man up to it.”

  “I have told every brother in this club that I have no claim on Candy or D.D.,” I say honestly. I haven’t in a long time. “What I have a problem with is a brother going behind my back and lying by omission.” We’re getting nowhere.

  “Everyone, watch your back until we have these questions about the drive-by solved.” I bring the gavel up.

  “I have one other thing to say.” I look at Max and wait for what else he has to say. “I am bringing my brother, Ryder, up for a prospect vote within the month so when you’re around him try and get a read on him.” Max doesn’t elaborate but my heart swells. I need to talk to Ryder about it. He needs to know the commitment he’s making. The club and brotherhood can be demanding but the rewards far outweigh the bad. He, like every other prospect, needs to convince me that he is determined, and he will be loyal. From what I’ve seen of Ryder he’s a level-headed young man, but the operative word is young. Max did it, so I know it can be done. I did it myself, but it wasn’t easy. I was born into the club and this is what I’ve always known. Ryder has had a different kind of life. Only time will tell if Ryder can handle the biker lifestyle.

  “Noted,” I say and then I bang my gavel. “Meeting is over, but remember everything we have talked about and take it seriously.” I have a woman and two children I want to get home to.

  15

  Jenna…

  I fell asleep last night before Eli made it home. The trip from the ranch and then the adventure of stocking Eli’s house with groceries was taxing on my body. Whiskey and I had to make the list of things to pick up at the grocery store and it was an extensive list. The only things Eli had were breakfast foods. That was it. Whiskey and Ryder would starve to death in this house. I guess the bachelor life doesn’t include very many trips to the grocery store. I think I was halfway asleep after my shower. I felt when Eli slid in the bed and pulled my body into his, but he was a perfect gentleman and just held me. If he would have wanted sex, I wouldn’t have turned him down, but he would have needed to take the lead. I was physically exhausted. This morning I woke up alone. That left me with more questions. Was Eli avoiding me? Then I found out that Ryder left with his dad this morning.

  Whiskey and I put the lasagna together last night. Whiskey is cooking the chicken alfredo now. I have the rolls I made in the oven and I tossed a large salad. Whiskey made banana pudding and I made an Italian cream cheese cake. It’s been a while since we’ve cooked for so many people. We’re both nervous about everyone liking the food. Ryder’s favorite food is lasagna and Whiskey’s is chicken alfredo. Eli left the menu up to us. He also assured me no one had any food allergies.

  “The food is done. Do you think they’ll be here soon? It’s nearly six and you told everyone six.” I look at my daughter. She’s so anxious to meet her brothers and sisters. I look at the clock and it’s only four forty-five.

  “Whiskey calm down. They still have over an hour.” That’s when I hear more than one motorcycle in the garage. It’s not long until the kitchen door from the garage opens.

  “It smells freaking awesome in here. Can I eat before everyone gets here?” Max comes through the door smiling.

  “Six, Max. It does smell damn good in here,” Eli says coming in behind Max.

  “Did you cook this, pretty girl?” Seal asks looking at Whiskey. My girl is blushing. Whiskey does not blush.

  “I did the chicken alfredo. The rest we did together,” Whiskey answers.

  “Thank you for liking the way the food smells. I hope it has your mouth watering. Hopefully everyone will like it,” I rattle off nervously.

  “Did you find my note this morning?” Eli asks. Note? What note?

  “I didn’t see any note,” I answer.

  “Dad’s bad,” Max says.

  “I leave all notes here.” He points to a dry erase pad on the wall. I see it has a message with my name on it. “I’m not that big of an ass. I came in late last night because our meeting ran late. I had to be out first thing this morning to help Seal get security systems installed and updated. He has a day job too. The more hands to help the better.” I shake my head yes and then go to the pad and read it and it says about the same thing Eli just said. Now my nerves calm a little. Eli didn’t just leave me without a clue of what was going on. “You should have texted or called if you had questions.” That calms me completely. “I’m going to wash this day off me. Lexi should be here any minute.” She left her house the same time we left Candy’s. “Ryder was still talking to Trace when we left. He was a tremendous help today. I think Trace is riding with him to dinner. Trace was pumping Ryder for football tips.” Tonight, might be a good start for the children to bond. I hear the backdoor open and I see a sweet smile on the face of a beautiful teenage girl.

  “Hello, everyone. Beware, Mom is on her way and she’s in a snit today. She has checks bouncing all over town and just knows she can convince you, Dad, to pay them.” Eli and Lexi meet each other in the middle of the room, and he hugs Lexi to him, and she hugs him back and then he turns to Whiskey.

  “Lexi this is your sister Whiskey and Whiskey this is Lexi. Lexi is the one that helped make tonight possible.” Whiskey steps up and joins the embrace. The back door opens, and Ryder and a young teenage boy walk in. Eli motions for them and Max to join the embrace. I slip my phone from my pocket and take a picture. I see Seal watching me. I feel the tear slip from my eye and let it roll down my face unashamedly as I snap picture after picture of them all together and as they step back from each other, I take pictures as they interact together. It’s heartwarming. “I’m headed for the shower.” Eli walks away from his children and walks toward me. He grabs my hand as he walks by and I follow him. We don’t stop until we’re standing in Eli’s room and the door is locked. My heartbeat picks up. I’m afraid to speak. I think it would come out sounding like a breathy rasp of a voice. He pulls me to him, and he kisses me for everything I am worth. He slides his tongue between my lips, and I open for him completely. Our tongues mingle and my body comes alive. I glide my hands to the back of Eli’s head and entwine my fingers into his windblown hair. I hear a growl come from Eli. “I so want to go where this is headed. There’s just no time right now. Besides that, we need to talk before this happens between us.” I step back a little. What’s to talk about?

  “You’re right, everyone will be here soon,” I agree half-heartedly.

  “I brought you back here to tell you I will be locking that door,” Eli points to the bedroom door, “behind you, but I didn’t want you to think I was locking you out of your own bedroom. I am locking it in case D.D. or Candy get here before I get out of the shower. They won’t bother to knock, they’ll barge in. I will also be locking the bathroom door. Candy has never been inside my house before, but I know her, she’ll barge in and make herself at home. D.D. has been here and she always makes herself at home. Here’s the extra key so if you need in then you can get in.” He hands me the key and I put it in my pocket.

  “Thank you for locking the doors but don’t change your habits for me.” I don’t want Eli to change but the thought of another woman seeing him naked turns my stomach. I am falling for Eli, or fell, a long time ago. I need to keep a clear head and remember my wants and needs come second to my children bonding with their family.

  “It’s time both those women learn that I won’t let them use me anymore. I thought for so long I was getting what I deserved, and I had no other choices. I felt guilty for cheating on D.D. and leaving her alone with our children for days on end when I was playing house with Candy. It’s like I was a man that got his cake and ate it too. I accepted all this shit as payback and it all brought me down. It’s going to take a few days to get everything straightened out and back to normal. I’ve taken those first steps at the club and it’s going to make us a stronger club for it. D.D. and Candy both showed up at the clubhouse yesterday and the story about her having bounced checks all over town is her way of manipulating our daughter to ask me for more money when she was just cut off yesterday. Lexi wouldn’t have said anything if she hadn’t thought it was true and this is a new low for D.D. by using Lexi so blatantly. Candy uses Dixie and Trace all the time but it’s new for D.D.. If she was having problems, she would have asked Max first. He would have let me know and none of that’s happened. None of this has had time to happen. I hope you’re prepared for tonight.” Eli bends down and kisses the top of my head.

  “Can you just answer one question for me?” I wait and he seems to be waiting too.

  “If you’re going to ask me what’s going on between us, then no I can’t. I don’t understand it either. I’m drawn to you and when we’re in the same room, it feels like everything in the world is right. I don’t want to question it. I’m not making you any promises, but I did claim you last night before my club. The vote is in a week and I intend to have it sorted by then. Can you give me that week because you don’t have much of a choice?” Eli is serious. I don’t know what to say to that. Should I say anything?

  “I don’t know what claiming is, but it sounds like some sort of ownership thing and I don’t know how I feel about that. What I do know is if you’re talking about a relationship together that is more than a one-night stand then I’m up for that. If you’re talking about a one-night stand then I may be up for that too, but I’m not interested in something like you had with Candy at all. I’m not judging, but if I don’t respect myself, then I can’t expect anyone else to either. A relationship is an ongoing thing where the two respect each other and they both get what they need out of the relationship. It’s two people that are agreeing to some sort of commitment. A one-night stand is a mutual, physical gratifying night where both of you find pleasure and know what to expect. Those two things I can do. What I won’t do is let any man come and go however they please. No, I don’t mean I will be up your ass twenty-four seven or become your stalker but to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day, I need to know there are some expectations of exclusivity even if it is only one night.” I know Eli wanted this conversation to stay short, so I stop talking.