LOKI

“Hey man, where you at?”

“I just pulled up to the hospital,” Tryke says into the phone. “Wanted to check on her before I hit the clubhouse.”

“She’s still in the emergency room, but they’re working on getting her a bed. Loni is with her now.”

“Why aren’t you with her?” His tone is accusatory.

“I need a shower, a change of clothes and to grab some stuff before I hit the clubhouse. Loni said she’d stay until I got done. The doc said they were gonna keep her out a while longer,” I tell him. Loni was insistent on staying with her while I went to deal with club business. She knows how important today is. She’s been around long enough to understand that. Besides, I’m pretty sure Cowboy made her do it.

“So, you’re not here?”

“No, I just got back to my house.”

“Emily’s hot,” he tells me.

“Dude, she watching my kid,” I tell him with a scrunched-up face.

“And you’re doing my sister, so what’s your point?” he snickers.

“Touché,” I laugh.

“Alright, I’m gonna run in here, I’ll see you at the clubhouse,” he says.

“Yeah, alright,” I tell him and we hang up.

My eyes roam over to my bed and the cut lying across it. A smile spreads across my face as I think about how I’m going to do this today.

As much as I want to be Pres, it’s not my place. Never was. It’s always belonged to Tryke and he, more than anyone else, deserves it. Though if the club voted me in, I wouldn’t be surprised and I’d have no problem making Tryke as Veep. I know he’d take it without a second thought.

I leave the cut and go for the shower. Remembering the last time Kiwi and I took a shower, sadness creeps over me because god knows how long it’s going to be before we can do that again. Jesus, that’s if she even wants to. I growl in anger as I get in the shower.

About an hour later, I’m pulling up to the club. Everyone is here. There’s even a few extra bikes from Colorado and Arizona here. I grab the bag from my side saddle and tuck it under my arm.

When I walk in the door, I’m greeted with a lot of ‘hey man’, ‘how you holdin’ up’ and ‘how is she’ as I step up to the bar. The prospect is quick with a shot for me and I slam it back.

“You see him yet?”

“Nah, you?”

“Yeah, he…I don’t know, he doesn’t look any different.” Two of the Arizona members are talking. I look over at them and I recognize them immediately. They were once Roswell members, but after Tryke’s death they rolled on to Arizona. Rooster put a lot of bad tastes in people’s mouths so they did what they had to and bailed. “They give it to him, you coming back?” the one guy who remarked about looks says.

“Fuck yeah,” the other one says and my reason for doing what I’m about to do is solidified. Roswell has been a small unit for the last six years. We used to be close to Tucson in size, but Rooster ruined all that. I’m eager to get us back on track.

The bell rings behind the bar and I see someone stand up on something toward the hallway. I look and it’s Big Daddy. “As,” he shouts, and the crowd quiets. “As many of you know, Gunnar is dead.” The crowd erupts in cheers to the point of deafening. Big Daddy puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles loud enough to settle them down. “And that Rooster is officially in ATF custody.” The roars and cheers are louder over that statement than they were for Gunnar. Big Daddy whistles again after he gives them a minute to celebrate, and they settle down. “That means, on this day, we must choose a new Roswell President.”

There are several people shouting, “Loki and Tryke”, a couple people shout, “Pyro: and there’s some chuckles. “Enough,” Big Daddy barks. “You know how this goes. Since we no longer have a Veep, it passes to the Sergeant to make the first nomination.” Big Daddy’s eyes meet mine. “He can either nominate himself, or he can choose someone else. This person must be at least a Veteran member of this clubhouse and must have been a full member of this club for ten years. Once they announce their person, the Treasurer and Senior Veteran may confirm or deny and offer their own nominations. Now, you may not know this, but Axel, your Senior Vet, was shot last night. He’s alive, breathing and wide fucking awake, but they won’t let him out of his bed just yet. So, I’ve already spoken with him in regard to his nomination.” Big Daddy’s eyes move around the room. I can’t quite see who he’s looking at. “Once the nominations are in, the Veterans will go to church and cast their votes. Get me?”

The entire common room, including myself erupts in “we get you,” before settling.

Big Daddy’s eyes come back to me. “You’re up Sergeant-at-Arms.”

I nod and walk toward where he’s standing on the box. He greets me by taking my arm and I take his before we fist each other’s backs. “How’s she?” he asks.

“Still sleeping,” I tell him.

He nods and I step up on the box. I scan the crowd once, twice, before coming back to a man I haven’t seen in six years. His contacts are gone. His green eyes look at me with familiarity. His hair cut short on the sides, long through the middle. I nod to him. “Many of you assholes expect me to nominate myself.” I start to unravel the bag to a chorus of laughter. “But I’m not.” There’s a gasp among the masses. “Ten years ago we lost the best President Roswell’s ever had, and ten years ago the club should have been passed to the rightful successor. However, ten years ago, we were younger, dumber and full of more cum than we are now.” This gets me some more laughs. “And it wasn’t the right time. So, my nominee did the right thing, unwilling and unprepared to take the throne, he stepped aside to learn, to understand and to have a solid grasp on who it is at the top. When he was ready to make that step, someone put a hit on him.” My eyes find Tryke’s again. “In an effort to protect himself, and his sister, he did what was best for his family.”

“His sister?”

“She’s dead.”

A shiver runs through me. “No, she’s not. Most of you have had the pleasure of meeting her as Skit or better yet, my old lady,” I tack on.

“No shit?” someone says.

I smile. “She, in case you didn’t know this, is the reason Rooster is in ATF custody and the reason Gunnar is dead,” I tell them and that starts some murmurs and whispers, but I talk over them. “Regardless of that, Tryke, it’s time for you to stand up,” I pull the cut from my bag, “and take this cut back. Take back the real man you are, and step up to be our President.”

Tryke stands up, his eyes are full of emotion, just like mine, as he makes his way through the crowd. Many of the men grab his shoulder and give him encouraging messages to welcome him back.

When he finally reaches the box, I step down. He grabs my arm and I grab his. “Thank you, brother,” he whispers in my ear. I smile.

I take the cut and shake it out. “Take it off, man,” I tell him.

He smiles and removes his Pyro cut and he hands it off to someone. I open the front of his Tryke cut and hold it for him. He smiles and slips his arms inside one at a time. Then he grabs the front and pulls it down, snapping it, and the entire common room erupts.

Big Daddy, Whistler, Sticks, Pixie and Cowboy greet him, welcoming him back to the club as Tryke before Big Daddy shouts, “Treasurer!”

Tryke rolls his eyes but steps up on the box and the crowd quiets without any prompting.

“I’d prepared a big long speech about the man I wanted to nominate today.” His eyes come to mine. “He deserves it. He kept this club together in my absence. He kept me sane and he’s taken on my sister as his old lady and that alone deserves some serious recognition,” he teases and most of the guys laugh. “And he does deserve the job. You all look up to him, you all turn to him for guidance when you need it and most importantly, he’s been there for each of you when I couldn’t be. But if I nominate Loki, it feels like we’re both swapping our nominations. So, at this time, as Treasurer of Roswell, I hold my nomination.”

“Fair enough,” Big Daddy says.

“Dick,” I tease Tryke as he steps down.

“Cocksucker,” he laughs.

“As I’m standing in for Senior Vet, I offer you no speech or anecdotes but Axel, Senior Veteran of Roswell Wicked Angels by proxy, hereby nominates Loki as president,” he bellows.

I shake my head. “I knew that was comin’,” I mutter.

“So with one nomination each, Tryke, do you wish to offer your nomination?” Big Daddy asks.

“No, I will leave it to the Veterans to decide.”

“Fair enough,” Big Daddy smirks. “Veterans, to church,” he orders and there are fifteen of them, sixteen with Axel, but he nominated, therefore he cannot vote again. The fifteen members of our Veteran squad move through the common room. Cell phones are dropped in the box on the wall and they move into the conference room next to Rooster’s old office.

“You could have sealed the deal, one way or another,” I say to Tryke. “Why didn’t you?”

He gives me a sad smile. “Because it’s not my decision. Pyro’s sure, he’s been around long enough, but Tryke hasn’t,” he says with a hint of regret.

“You did what you had to do,” I remind him.

“I feel like a fraud,” he says honestly and I look at him.

“You cut your hair, you ditched the contacts, you’re no fraud. If they vote you in, it’s going to be because they can see what you are as Pyro and as Tryke,” I tell him. “Jesus, this shit’s too fucking heavy, I need a fucking drink,” I mutter and Tryke laughs.

“I’m buying,” he laughs.

“Ha!” I say and we walk to the bar.

The prospect sends us two whiskies sliding down the bar and we grab them. I hold mine up. “To whatever happens,” I say and we clink glasses.

“You’re my Veep,” he breathes.

“You as well,” I tell him. “No question.”

“We stick together.”

“Always.”

We shoot our whiskey down and put the glasses on the bar.

We spend the next hour drinking and shooting the shit with the guys before Sticks finally comes out. “Loki, Tryke,” he barks and Tryke and I look at each other.

“Here goes,” Tryke says.

A smiles spreads across my face we walk toward Sticks and the hallway.

“They’re indecisive, but they agree on one thing,” Sticks says after we walk down the hallway, getting away from the common room.

“What’s that?” Tryke asks.

“They want both of you,” he tells us.

“That’s a given,” I reply. “Either way, he’s my Pres or my Veep. So, regardless, they get us both.”

Tryke nods. “It’s only fair that way.”

“Alright, we’ll tell them.” He turns to leave for the room we use for church or private club meetings. “Oh,” Sticks turns toward us. “They’re curious about who you were going to nominate.”

Tryke doesn’t say anything but his eyes roam over to me and Sticks nods. “I’ll tell ‘em,” he says and he disappears into the room.

“I thought this would be easier,” Tryke says. “I figured they’d go straight for you.”

I shrug. “I didn’t think that at all. Once it was out that you’re alive, I knew it would cause them to pause and think a little more. If you hadn’t come out, technically, the club would have passed to me because of Kiwi and they all know that. But, with your return, you’re rightfully Pres by code.” I grab his shoulder, squeezing it. “Honestly, I’d rather you have it,” I tell him.

“Why?” he asks. “I haven’t done anything for six years.”

“But you have, the name on your cut doesn’t change what you’ve done for this club these last six years. Not to mention, I’ve been Sergeant, nothing more than an enforcer. You’ve at least had your hands in the books. That’s got to count for something,” I add.

He only nods.

The door at the end of the hall opens and Sticks comes back out. He says something to the guard on duty, who happens to be Pixie. He nods and goes into the room and Sticks comes down the hall. “They’re voting now.” We nod. “I need a drink.” Sticks smiles.

“That bad in there?” I ask.

“Nah, they have some valid points. Big Daddy convinced them that regardless, they’re going to get both of you. It’s just a matter of who they respect more.” His eyes roam to Tryke. “The club is rightfully yours and if you want it, Big Daddy and I will overturn their vote.”

“I don’t want that. I want them to choose me, or Loki. Who they decide on is the man they respect. I can’t be a Pres if I don’t have their full attention and respect.”

“That’s why he deserves to be Pres,” I say with a smile playing on my lips.

“Agreed,” Sticks says and pushes between us on his way to the common room and that drink he wants.

Tryke and I stand there quietly while we wait for Sticks to return or for someone to come out and tell us something. My phone vibrates against my chest. I pull it from my pocket and my lungs seize when I see Loni’s name across the screen.

“She alright?” I ask.

“She’s fine, still sleeping. They moved her to her room. She’s in four oh three.”

“Thanks, Loni.”

“Anytime. How’s it going over there?” she asks.

“Still waiting.”

She chuckles. “It’s a miracle you guys get anything done over there.”

“Yeah, yeah, keep me posted,” I tell her.

“Will do.”

We hang up. Tryke’s eyes are on me for an update. “They moved her into her room, four oh three.”

“She still out?”

“Yup, they said they’d keep her down for a while. Or until I get back there.”

Tryke nods in understanding but doesn’t say anything else.

It’s another fifteen minutes before Sticks walks back past us. He claps both of us on the shoulder as he passes before disappearing into the room. A few minutes after that, Pixie comes out. He smiles at both of us before taking up his post. “I need another drink,” Tryke says as he turns back toward the common room. I turn to lean against the wall. My mind wanders over to Kiwi and what she’s going through. I hope she comes out the other side of this intact. Then my mind wanders to Piper and what she must be going through. I want to call Emily, but I don’t have her number and that irks me in a way I don’t expect.

I start pacing the hallway, making sure to stay clear of the door. That’s what Pixie is here for- to keep people away who shouldn’t overhear anything. Usually that’s Axel’s job but he’s still in the hospital.

About ten more minutes pass, I’ve managed to calm down. Vowing to rectify the situation with not having Emily’s number as soon as this is over. I want to see Piper and I need to get back to Kiwi.

Tryke comes into the hallway at the same time Big Daddy and Sticks exit the room. They both look satisfied as they walk toward us.

“We have a President,” Big Daddy says, “and from my understanding, we have a Veep?” he raises an eyebrow.

I nod, “regardless of decision.” I tell him. My heart beating faster in my chest. I want it, but I’m not sure I want it if it means taking it from Tryke, he deserves it.

“Good,” Big Daddy says, but he says nothing further.

“Are you gonna be a dick or are you gonna tell us?” Tryke cajoles.

“I’m thinking about it.” Big Daddy smirks. “You two sure you’re gonna be alright with the outcome?”

“Absolutely,” we both say together.

“Now, who?” I ask.

He looks at Tryke and says, “As it should be. Congrats.”

I smile wide as Tryke takes Big Daddy’s arm, “It’s official. You’re it Tryke.”

“Thank God,” I breathe a sigh of relief.

Everyone laughs. “Thanks,” Tryke says.

“Ready to change that patch?” Sticks asks as he hands Tryke a President bar. Then he hands me a VP bar. “Now the two of you need to decide who you want for Treasurer and Sergeant, since you’re vacating those spots.”

Tryke looks to me for my pick. “Cowboy for Treasurer, since these two won’t let me have my first or second choice,” I laugh.

“Who’s that?” Tryke asks.

“You, obviously. All the shit you did with finding this crap, I’m not sure anyone else could be that good,” I tell him. “But they won’t let you do both.”

“Second choice,” Tryke says.

I laugh, “You were my second choice. But your sister was my first.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Why her?”

“Because I don’t trust anyone else. Though Cowboy has proven his loyalty time and time again and I think with you at the head, he’ll be on his game.” I nod.

“Cowboy it is,” Tryke agrees. “And Sergeant?”

“Axel.”

“I agree with that. We can move Viker up to Senior.”

“Sounds good to me, man,” I tell him.

“There’s some other changes you two are going to have to deal with,” Sticks says. He’d brought them up at the hospital. “Loni wants out.”

“I can’t blame her for that. That bar’s a handful. But who do we hand it over?” Tryke says but looks at me.

I shrug. “That’s your call, but you know she’d take it.”

“Agreed. We’ll give it to Kiwi,” Tryke says.

“Then it’s settled,” Big Daddy says just as the door to church opens and the Vets file out. Each of them congratulate Tryke and myself as they pass into the common room. There are cheers coming from them as they do because they know it’s over and the Roswell Wicked Angels have a new president. A rightful president.

Big Daddy and Sticks make the announcements after talking to Cowboy about his new position. He agreed, without a second thought, and the rest of the clubhouse was made aware of the changes at the top. No one objected and everyone congratulated us both when it was over.

It’s nearly three-thirty by the time the group disburses with plans in place for a party tonight. Though neither Tryke nor I feel like partying, we’ll do it because we have to.

Tryke takes off for the hospital to check on Kiwi and I go to the house.

As soon as I pull park in the driveway, Piper comes outside. “Loki,” she squeals. I’m barely off my bike when she jumps at me. I catch her and lift her up.

“Hi baby girl.” I smile at her.

“Where’s momma?”

I catch Emily standing at the door. “What did Emily tell you?”

“That momma was busy.”

I nod and take Piper in the house. “Everything okay?” Emily whispers.

“It’s fine, she’s fine.”

Relief rushes into Emily’s features and I see now what Tryke was going on about before. Emily really is a beautiful girl and I’m surprised I hadn’t noticed it before. Then again, I was too focused on Kiwi to see anyone else.

I sit down on the couch with Piper in my lap. “Pipes, baby, mommy got into a bad fight last night.” She starts to cry. “Oh, don’t cry, she’s gonna be just fine.”

“You sure?” she says, her chin quivering.

I smile. “I’m sure. She’s gonna be gone for a couple days.”

“I wanna see her,” she cries.

“I know, sweetheart, and you will, just not today, okay?”

“When?”

I look at Emily. “How about in the morning?”

She sniffs. “Okay, daddy.”

My heart explodes in my chest as I look at her. She called me daddy. Not Loki, but daddy. I kiss her temple. “Love you, Pipes.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and she settles her crying. I lean back against the couch, holding her until she’s ready to get up. For being five, she’s an amazing creature, but I have to remind myself that she is only five and sometimes I need to be careful with what I share with her.

She stirs and climbs down from my lap. “Can we go for our ride?”

I smile. “How about I take you in the morning, before we go see mommy together?”

“Okay,” she smiles wide and runs off to her bedroom.

“She’ll be alright,” Emily says.

“She’s a tough kid.”

Emily smiles. “That she is.”

“I need your number,” I tell her.

“Sure,” she says and I pull out my phone, punching it in as she gives it to me.

“I’m going to go up to the hospital.” I shoot her a text that just says ‘Loki’. “And I just texted you my digits. Call if you need anything. I’ll check on her later. If I don’t crash at the hospital, I’ll come back here.”

“Sounds good.”

“You need anything before I go?”

She shakes her head. “No, we’re good.”

I nod and go into Piper’s room to tell her bye. She’s playing with some dolls on the floor. I stand there watching her blonde curls bounce as she moves her dolls around. It makes me realize just how innocent and young she is and for the first time since the transfer of power to Tryke, I feel relieved that he got the job and not me.

I’ve lost five years with her. I’m ready to make them up and so much more.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” I tell Piper.

She looks up at me. “Okay, daddy.”

I smile wide at her and step into her room. I kneel and kiss the top of her head. “Later, Pipes.”

“Bye, daddy.” She says it again and my heart explodes.