Beginning of the Reckoning (Feral Steel MC Book 3) by Vera Quinn, Darlene Tallman (4)

NEVER FOREVER BlackPath MC Series Bk.1

By
Vera Quinn

 

Text copyright © 2016 Vera Quinn

 

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronics or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author. The only exception is short excerpts used in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

Cover Art: Melissa Gill @MG Covers & Designs Photographer: Nathan Hainline https:m.facebook/nate.model/

Models: Nathan Hainline and Cassady Rose Editor & Formatter: Avril Stepowski

Dedication

I am dedicating Never Forever to my younger sister Kay. I am the oldest of six children and she was the one right under myself. This past year she received the diagnosis of cancer and heart failure. My sister fought some addictions but she would give you the shirt off her back. She fought the cancer as long as she could. They couldn’t operate because of her compromised heart and the chemo became too much for her so they turned to radiation for as long as they could. My other sister, Judy, and I sat many hours with her in the hospital and doctor visits. She kept fighting for more time to spend with her children. They were always foremost in her thoughts. She couldn’t talk her last six months of life because she had a trach but the last talk we had she told me to go for my dreams because we are never promised another one. This is me chasing that dream. Thank you Kay for that talk.

Note: Donna Kay Sullivan
Age 52
May 18, 1963 to Feb. 2, 2016 Rest in peace sister. I will see you one day.

Thank You!!!!!!

Acknowledgments

I would like to give well deserved thanks to some people.

 

To my husband Charles, he is my rock. Always my biggest fan.

 

My two sons, spouses, and grandchildren now we will have some family time.

 

To the rest of my family who is always willing to give a helping hand.

To Liberty Parker who always encourages me and has an ear ready for listening. My PA Nicole Lloyd she is amazing. Kori Toth-Gray, Andrea Anderson Huseman, and Danena Freeman, at MC Book and Pimps, you ladies are the best. Also Biker Books and More. Mary Orr for spreading the word. Needa Warrant you are a breath of fresh air and so talented. All the authors who have reached out to me and encouraged me or posted my teasers and helped me in finding people I can trust. Monica Langley Holloway for the beautiful cover and teasers for my original cover. You had a world of patience with a completely lost beginner. For my new cover Melissa Gill @ MB Book Covers & Designs you did a great cover design. Nathan Hainline thank you for the cover photo and be a model in it. Cassady Rose than you for the beauty you brought to the photo.

I know I have missed someone and I apologize. Thank you.

 

Thank you for all the encouraging texts, posts and PM’s. For joining my author group. For buying my book and reading it.

 

My grandmother always told me, “mind your manners and it’ll take you farther.” I say please and thank you. Thank You!

Never Forever is purely fictional. Only in my mind were these characters brought to life. I am doing things in my order, so some might think it is disorderly, but I think it is right. I am trying something a little different. I am an avid reader. My favorite part in storylines is always the backstory. I like to know how things began. The unknown is what I always want to know. In the BlackPath series, each book will be a full novel in front and a novella in back for some backstory. You get a little more backstory as it becomes relevant. It’s just a trial and error for me because this is my beginning as a writer. I’d like to make books as interesting as possible so give me feedback to how you like it and yes, you get them both for one price. So it is win, win. At least I hope so. I put a list of the two main MC’s involved so you would have a cast of characters.

WARNING!!!!

This book is meant for people 18+. Both Never Forever and Never Ever is not suitable for anyone under eighteen. Strong language, violence, and sexual situations. If any of this offends you, please, this book is not for you. If you are triggered by abuse. This book is not for you.

Never Forever has a cliff hanger of sorts. It stops and will be continued in the next book. Never Ever the novella in back is a two-part backstory. The next part will be in the back of the next book in this series Catching Forever.

Catching Forever and Never Ever part 2 will be out as fast as I can write it. I’ve started it already. Catching Forever will have Callie finding her HEA. Never Ever will go on to let Callie and Mason’s love story be told.

I hope you enjoy it.

Cast Of Characters

BlackPath MC Members
Cameron David Black- President Road name: Chief
Age: 38 years old
Father to: Ty and Callie
Blood Brother: Trent Black
Trenton Black- Vice President-(AKA-Trent) Road Name-Driller
Jeff Hernadez-Sergeant at Arms Road Name-ZMan Stephen Hammonds Road name-Hambone Damien Duffy-Treasurer Road name-Hammer Jacob Hightower-Secretary Road name-Cutter Intel Man- Brian Lock Road name- Brain

Patched Members:
Ryan O’Quinn Roadname-Demon Travis Giles Road name-Sinner

Prospects:
Ty Black-no road name yet
Michael Martin- Nickname-Woody- no road name yet Todd Giles- no road name yet
2 no names

Wives or ol’ ladies: Laurie-wife of Trenton ChelseaOl’ lady of –Zman KelseyOl’ lady of Hambone Livy

Feral Steel MC
William Steel- President
Road name-Steel
Age: 55 years old
Husband of Katherine Steel (Kat) Father of: Keifer Steel; Kylar Steel; Kimberly Steel Kylar Steel – Vice President
Road name-Devil
Age: 32 years old
Keifer Steel-Treasurer
Road name-Stone
Wife-Kizzy Simms Steel
Heath Bridges- Sergeant At Arms Road name- Hacksaw
Ol’ lady-Mitzi
Robert Baines- Road Captain, Road Name-Buzz Ol’ lady- Skyla
Greg Pride- Secretary Road Name-Grizzly

Patched Members:
Aaron Newton-Road Name-Ax Stephen Doss- Road Name- Slick Ol’ lady-Gertrude
Phillip Landry- Rd. Name-Pick Billy Adams-Rd. Name- Blunt Prospects:
Leo Franks
Sydney Carson

Table of Contents Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Chapter 46 Chapter 47 Chapter 48 Chapter 49 Chapter 54 Chapter 55 Chapter 56 Chapter 57 Chapter 58 Chapter 59 Chapter 60 Never Ever Callie

“Congratulations, baby girl! I am so proud of you, you did it! You are a high school graduate.” Dad says as he lifts me up and spins me around. He finally sits me back on my feet and Ty puts me in a bear hug and cuts off my oxygen.

“How does it feel to be all educated? Ready for your party now?” Ty says trying to nudge me towards the door as he always does, in need of a party, but I know he is playing. I heard him yelling the loudest when I walked across that stage. We may not be extremely close at times, but I always know he is my big brother and he has my back.

“Hold up Ty, she may need t o talk to some of her friends before we pull her away.” Dad gives Ty a hard look and looks to me for a clue as to what I may have to do. I give Ty a smirky grin and look back at dad with a sweet smile, “Yeah, dad, I need to wait for Felix and Sarah. They have permission to go with us tonight and they are spending the weekend. We aren’t staying at the party very long. When clothes start coming off, we are back at the house. We are going to celebrate the whole weekend up since we graduated, tomorrow is my birthday and Sarah leaves on Monday.” I think Ty wants to disappear right now, because of the look dad is giving him. Yep, I just repaid him for last weekend and his telling I was at a party.

“Don’t worry, everyone’s clothes will be staying on while your frie nds and you are there.” My dad gives Ty a glare, “Right, Ty?!” Yep, dad’s still not over the fiasco two weeks ago when Sarah and I got an eye full of Ty buck ass naked with the bitch twins on one of the couches in the middle of the afternoon. I may have been brought up in the club, but dad has always tried to shelter me from the extracurricular sex that goes on. Not the first time I had walked in on such a scene but dad tries to keep that away from me. Now Ty on the other hand thought it was hilarious until he saw Sarah standing beside me. I look at Ty and smile at him and let him know that was a little payback, “Don’t worry dad, Ty will be glad to know I only had to bleach my eyes and my brain to get those pictures out of my head.” I say as I scrunch up my nose and let them both know I am only playing and then I break out in laughter. Dad lets out a breath and finally looks at us both and gives a little laugh. “What am I going to do with you two? You’re going to send me to an early grave. I worry about Ty corrupting you, and sometimes I think it may be him I should worry about.” He puts his arm around me and pulls me in for another hug. I look at him perplexed. Something is up, dad has never been this talkative or showed so much affection and emotion. Cameron David Black is a man of few words and open displays of affection in public hardly ever happen, “Dad, is everything ok? Did something happen?” I grin trying to lighten my questions. I’ve been worrying about dad lately. He has been holding onto me tighter. It’s like he is afraid I am going to disappear. “Did Ty make you worry?” Ty gives me a little nudge with his shoulder, “No, Miss Smartass, I didn’t do shit this time.” He looks half insulted and half caught. Oh crap, it’s something and Ty knows. No one else would be able to tell from his reaction but it is a dead giveaway to me. I look directly at my dad and I can see the concern in his eyes. Just then Sarah catches my eye and I see her and Felix approach us, right before they are in hearing distance my dad puts his mouth to my ear and says “We’ll talk later, don’t worry and enjoy your night.” Then he kisses my head and gives me a sideways hug and I know then to drop it for tonight.

“Hey there girlie, you ready to get our party on?” Felix laughs and gives me a hug. Felix is so over top. But I love like a brother. He knows more about me than my brother. I turn to look at Sarah and see the smoldering eyes she is giving my brother. This girl has been in lust with Ty forever. The feelings are very mutual, only problem is Ty wants only sex from my friend and she wants him forever. I have let them both know I will kill either one of them for trying to get what they want. Ty has hooked up with friends of mine before, but not one of my best friends. I won’t lose either one of them. Ty isn’t much older than us but he has only dated my older friends. Sarah is only four months older than me and much too innocent for Ty. To call him a slut is an understatement. I pull myself out of my thoughts and pull my friends attention to me.

“Hey you two, let’s get this night started.” I pull Sarah into a hug and her attention off of Ty. “Is everyone ready to go?” I look from my friends to my dad and Ty. Both dad and Ty are aware of my ploy to get Sarah’s mind off Ty and back to the party at the clubhouse. Dad grins his knowing grin and Ty has a full smile on his face that shows his dimple and even I have to agree he is kind of sexy in a really gross way. My brother looks just like dad only younger. He’s over six foot and solid muscle. Dark black hair and deep brown eyes. I can see how my friends can be attracted to him but I won’t chance losing one of my best friends over it. We start to make our way to the parking lot and it feels strange that this will be the last time I make this walk. I have done it so many times in the last four years but tonight will be the last. It’s sad in a way, but then again, I feel like I really accomplished something, graduating at the top of my class. Now I will walk out of here and on to the next part of my life. The only thing that would have made it better is if Tommy and Mason would have been here to see it. I know I need to steer clear of those thoughts, so I try to get back to now and think of our plans tonight. We make it to dad’s SUV and we all pile in for the short trip to the clubhouse. This is going to be a night to remember.

Chapter 2

Callie

The parking lot to the clubhouse is fuller than it usually is on a Friday night. Big difference tonight is it is full of family vehicles along with the usual bikes. I know when we walk through those doors all my family will be there along with extended family from other chapters who have come to wish me well. It’s always this way in our life when something major happens and it warms me inside. This is the way my life has been for years. Then a thought runs through my head as to what Tommy would have thought about our lives now. How they might have been different if only… I tear myself away from that thought and try to bring myself back to tonight. I can’t dwell on what could have been so I don’t get all teary eyed before we go in. Then my mind wanders to the other man I miss terribly not being here. I know Mason wanted to be here, but couldn’t get leave. I just miss him so much, and tomorrow I will be eighteen and I just miss he is not going to be here. He’s been gone for over a year now so he thought he might get to make it, but all leaves were cancelled. He only has a little under a year left of this tour and I hope he is home for good then. He said next time he sees me he has something important to ask me so I’m hoping it’s a good sign. My mind should be on having a good time tonight but my heart is heavy for the two men I miss. One I have to visit in a cemetery and the other I only see once or twice a year. I miss them both so much but I know they would want me to have this night. I can’t keep my mind from wandering back to them both.

“Callie did you hear me? Wake up over there!” Sarah is being her usual exuberant self. “That guy over there who is it? I’ve never seen him around before.” I look over but it is not a guy I know. We park and I open my door and my dad turns to me and gives me a look that chills me.

“Take your friends inside Callie and keep them with you and you stay close to Ty, Trent, or me until you leave. When you decide to leave, two prospects will be following you. Do you understand Callie?” He’s giving me a stern look and his tone lets me know there’s no room for arguments. I know something is going on because he is never this way with me unless there is trouble.

“Yes sir, I understand, but we are staying in at home. Are you sure we need prospects?” I keep digging but I know by the way he is looking at me that he is not telling me anything.

“No questions girl, just do it and don’t give them any shit. They will keep the ir distance, but they will be there.” He seems on edge and the happy dad from graduation is gone. No in between. I know when not to press my luck.

“Ok dad, whatever you say,” I lean over and grab his hand and give it a tug to let him know I will do as he asked. Now our plan for tonight just got harder. “Mr. Black, do you think you could let Woody be on guard tonight?” Sarah ask coyly and gives my dad a mischievous grin.

“Oh, that would be good. He is one hot man.” Felix chimes in and we all grin. We all know Felix has been crushing on Woody. Felix is openly gay and proud of it, and we all love him, but Woody is a little put off by the infatuation and he is always turning red when it is mentioned. Woody is the shyest man I have ever met. My dad grins at Sarah and says, “You are always trying to stir up trouble Sarah. You know I would kill any of my guys for trying something with any one of you.” He lets her know directly. Dad knows Sarah’s intentions before she has a chance to put them into action.

“Oh I know Mr. Black, but it is so much fun. You know, you could watch us. You are quiet attractive for an older man.” Sarah tries to be sexy but I could almost laugh.

“Like I said Trouble. With a capital T. Now let’s get inside before they send someone out for us. Behave and have fun. Stick together and with the people I said. And Sarah, one day young lady you will meet your match and please, don’t let it be when my daughter is with you.” Dad is already reaching for the door.

“Dad we will be just a minute. I just want to get a breath of air before we see everyone. Is that ok?” I want dad to go inside so I can revise our plan without anyone hearing us.

“Ok, baby girl, just don’t be too long. People are waiting on you to eat.” He walks on in and gives us a minute. I nod and turn back to my friends.

“He has you pegged girl. If he only knew all the trouble you’ve gotten his girl into. Or you’ve both gotten me into.” Felix jabs Sarah. She has definitely gotten us in some fixes but tonight it is all on me.

“Or the trouble you’ve gotten us into Fe?” Sarah drawls out making fun of Felix. Sarah knows better. Felix is our good part. He is always getting us out of trouble most of the time and trying to talk us out of our wild ideas.

“Ok, we have equally gotten each other into trouble.” I put in trying to get to what is important. “Remember what dad said, he is serious and I don’t want no trouble tonight, there are a lot of people here. Can you, please do this for me or he will send us home and have the prospects watch us too close?” They start moving and we walk in behind dad. Damn this place is full and as soon as I walk through the door I am pulled into a hug by Kolbie, Hambones ol’ lady. She took me in as a surrogate daughter and taught me the female side of things dad struggled with.

“Look at you, all grown up and beautiful as you are. Next week you and Sarah come in and I will give you the works at the salon. Pretty as a picture. Felix, you come as well young man, and we’ll make you shine, too.” She hugs each of us and kisses our cheeks and then we are passed on to the next person who has walked up.

“Damn Kolbie, let them get in the door good.” Hambone gives us his big hugs. “Sweets, go on up by the bar, everyone is waiting and there is food set up.” Hambone is dad’s road captain. He nudges me that way but out of the side of my eye I get a glimpse of the man from outside that caught Sarah’s eye. He’s over in the corner talking with an older version of himself and Uncle Trent, the VP of the Blackpath Rivals MC and my dad’s blood brother. My dad has made it to the bar and has turn back looking for us but I also notice Ty is to our side. This is beginning to make me really nervous. When we are at the club I have always considered myself safe. Why is dad keeping such close tabs on us tonight? As we reach the bar my dad takes my hand and then reaches for Sarah’s and scoots Felix in close to us.

“Alright everyone, quiet down! I have a few things to say so we can eat and celebrate. Everyone here knows Callie is my baby girl. She is Blackpath MC through and through and she holds my heart. Today she closed one door and tomorrow she opens another. I am very proud of her and all her accomplishments. She works hard for what she wants and she never quits. She always makes her old man proud.” He boasts loudly and I can see the pride in his eyes and tears come to my eyes knowing I have made him so proud of me. I never want to disappoint this man. I swallow them down and take a big breath because I know dad hates tears. I inch closer to him wanting to be near to the man who always has my back and I can always trust.

“Now these other two here have come to mean a lot to Callie and they are like my own children and they make me just as proud.” My dad squeezes Sarah’s hand and gives Felix a fatherly look. “They may as well be mine, I feed them all the time and they are always in my bathroom at home just like Callie is.” Dad laughs and gives me a wink. “Anyway, for many years to come they are going to give us hell so tonight we celebrate their victory of graduation. Love you baby girl. Now say a few words so we can eat.” Dad has to hand it off to me because he thinks he is showing too many emotions but I understand. Badass code. Men, who understands them.I square my shoulders and look out at everyone and see the faces of most of my loved ones and I just feel lucky to have everyone in my life. “Ok, I am going to make this short so everyone can eat,” for that I get a round of applause and a lot of hell yeahs. “I want to thank everyone for coming to see me tonight at graduation and back here at the clubhouse. I love you all and I’m proud to call you all family.” then I smile and look at dad. “Blackpath MC to the death!” at that a yell is given out from everyone. This is the chant for all Blackpath MC and celebrations and I can tell from my dad’s big grin it made him a happy man and for that I am glad. I would do anything to take that worried look out of his eyes. “Now let’s eat this food the ladies have put out and party down.” I look back at dad so we can get it going.

“You heard the little lady. Let’s eat.” My dad takes my hand and I in turn grab Felix’s and he grabs Sarah’s. We go towards the tables that has the food set out. We pass ZMan on the way and I stop and give him a quick hug. He is a mammoth of a man. Pure muscle, he’s like a tank. Comes in handy as dad’s Sergeant at Arms. He is just scary looking but has always been a teddy bear with me. His ol’ lady Chelsea pats my back. Love that woman, no one cooks like she does. Just as I think we are going to make it to the table Red moves in front of me and pulls me in for a quick hug and kisses me on top of my head and then he does the same for Sarah and shakes Felix’s hand. Red loves us all. He hasn’t been a patched member that long and he spent a lot of his prospect hours keeping us out of trouble and pulling us out of parties. We are lucky he will still talk to us. He was our partner in crime a few times. Hopefully dad never learns of that though. We finally make it to the table and get our food. I see the ladies have a graduation cake and a birthday cake. I love these ladies. We get our food and look for a place to sit. We sit over by Ty and in Dad’s eye sight. I know if he can see us it might ease his mind a little and he might relax a little. Just as we are finishing our meal I see the club girls making their way in around the single men so I know it will be time to go soon We make our way around the room speaking to everyone as we go but I still keep close to either Ty or Dad, but I see dad has relaxed some so I know I can relax some. I always get my cues from him. He’s the man I know I can always trust.

Chapter 3

Callie

I feel eyes on me and I keep looking around but all I see are the normal people, friends and family, but I just have an uneasy feeling. Probably has more to do with the way dad and Ty have been acting and less to do with what’s really going on. Still the hair on the back of my neck is standing on end and I just have this gut feeling I am being watched. Dad always says to go with your gut so I keep looking. I glance at my watch and I see if we are going to keep our plans for tonight we better get moving. If we get caught, we are in deep with dad, but how was I supposed to know he was going to go all protective on me. Ok, he’s always all protective but not like this. Two prospects to sneak away from. Oh well, we have this down. It’s not like we haven’t done this many times before. Hopefully he won’t send Ty. If he does he won’t leave us alone. Anyone else and we can ditch. Here’s hoping dad wants to keep Ty away from Sarah this weekend.

“Hey you two we need to make our rounds again and tell everyone bye. Remember, we tell dad we are going to sleep early so we can get up and get to the lake tomorrow, and before that a horror movie marathon. I went and got the movies today so he would see them in my bedroom. Are we clear?” I hope they don’t screw this up. I have a race at midnight at the strip and I can’t be late. My dad would freak if he knew I was racing my car. My dad would freak if he knew I was racing again period. If I win, then we hit the bar up but if not we go to some party. I hope I win. The extra money would be nice.

“So the plan is still a go even with our babysitters?” Sarah ask and nudges Fe to get his attention. “You know if we get caught we are dead. Your dad will have a coronary. Especially if we get caught at the track.” Sarah says in a hushed tone.

“I am running if we get caught because that big guy scares the hell out of me, even if he is your dad. Then he gives us that ‘I am so disappointed in you’ look. My parents can give me that look and I feel no guilt, but he does it and I am putty in his hand. I hate to disappoint him.” Fe says and I understand their feelings but I go along with their idiotic ideas and it is my turn. My dad banned me from racing when he found out about it last year thanks to Ty catching me there. Well that, and my wreck that totaled my car. I had to completely rebuild it. I have won a sizeable nest egg with my 1978 Trans Am. I mean dad is the one that taught me to race and then he forbids it. Go figure. One little accident and he freaks.

“Keep it down,” I give them a shut the hell up look, “Look I have gone along with every one of your stupid ideas and this will help my savings out. Dad will be here the rest of the night, with out of town guests, and as long as he doesn’t send Ty with us, we have this down. My car is at Fe’s house up the road. His parents left for Dallas 2 hours ago and won’t be back until Monday so they won’t hear us get the car out. You don’t know the trouble I had sneaking my car to your house earlier today. All dad saw was my truck in the driveway. So is it a go or a no?” I look at them pleadingly. I see it in their eyes they are going for it, yes.

“All I’m saying sista, is if we get caught you won’t see my ass until tomorrow, or next week.” Then Fe looks at my dad, “or next year.” Then I look at Sarah, “Ok, what can they do to me? I’m leaving Monday.” Sarah says and smirks at me and then gets up and grabs my hand “Let’s get this show on the road.” So we head off to get all our good-byes over with. I see dad, so that is the first place I head. Then I see there are two men with him so I lean over and whisper in Sarah’s ear, “Go tell Chelsea and Kelsey goodbye. I’m going over to dad but I don’t know those two guys, so I don’t know if you two should go over.” Sarah shakes her head and grabs Fe’s hand and they go over by the bar to where Chelsea is. I see Ty following behind them but giving me the eye and I tilt my head towards dad. He shakes his head back, but from where Ty is he cannot see Dad is in a conversation like I can. I am way curious about the younger man so I try to approach them quietly. I know I am walking a fine line with dad approaching when I don’t know who he is with but that’s just me. Maybe now I can find out why dad is being so protective and secretive today. The younger of the two guys is totally sexy. Well over six-foot-tall and he fills out the t-shirt he is wearing very well. He has a complete sleeve tattoo down his right arm, but nothing on his left. That’s kind of weird to me, but his eyes are what really stand out to me. They are a deep mesmerizing green. Never have I seen eyes that green. They are breathtaking. He’s older, maybe thirty. But if I didn’t have Mason I might consider giving him an extra look. What am I saying? I definitely would. He would probably just consider me a kid though and he is definitely a man.
Callie

As I approach my dad I see the younger of the two men checking me out. The closer I get I can see the guy is more handsome than I thought. He is wearing jeans slung down low on his hips that look like he has worn them a hundred times. They look like they would be soft to the touch and he has that snug black t-shirt on a very muscular, defined chest. His right arm has those tattoos down it, but I can see now he has some on his neck also. I can be very attracted to this man. He is very handsome but something about his eyes seem cold and I feel a shiver run up my back. I almost stop and turn back around but about that time my dad turns to see what the man is looking at so I keep going and grab hold of my dad’s hand for reassurance.

“Dad, we are heading out. I just wanted to say bye and see who is going with us.” My dad gives me an annoyed quizzical look but pulls me to him for a hug. I know this is to show the men I am his daughter and that means hands off. That’s just my dad, keeping people in check.

“Ok baby girl, it’s good that your leaving early, it is getting a little rowdy.” He kisses the top of my head and gives me an extra tight squeeze, letting me know it is time to go now. I’m ready to get gone, the tension around this little group is serious.

“So your Chief’s daughter?” the older of the two guys ask me. He looks very familiar but I can’t remember his name. I look to dad to see what he wants me to do. I see a look of pain on his face and it sends a shiver up my back. I look the man in the eye “You’ll have to ask Chief about that sir.” I try not to show my nervousness and also be respectful.

“This is my daughter but she’s none of your concern. The two prospects are waiting on you and I will be home later and so will Ty.” My dad says letting me know to not stick around. The younger man speaks up before I am out of my dad’s grasp, “I’m Devil and we will be getting to know each other better real soon.” He gives me that once over and stops back at my eyes and when I turn better to look at him I think I see a glimpse of remorse in them and this has me completely mesmerized. What would this man have to be sorry for?

“Callie, go ahead and go. I’ll see you later on or in the morning.” My dad says encouraging me to leave. I know this is my cue to leave and now.

 

Devil

She turns and walks away with her little miss attitude. She is so young and beautiful. She’ll learn better than to throw that shit around at me. I bet she has guys waiting and hoping she will drop her boyfriend. They can wait because before I leave here she will be mine. She shakes her tight ass just the right way to catch every man’s eye. Her rack is decent but could be larger, they’re real so that makes them better. Our intel man was definitely right when he said she has attitude. I like sass though. She definitely respects Chief though, that means she knows the workings of the club and this will make her a better wife. Something about the way she carries herself tells me she can be a handful, but she’ll learn and I will keep a watchful eye on my prize. Chief is very protective of his daughter and I can understand that, but he is going to bend to my demands. He has no other way out. I just have to bide my time and not forget why I am here.

“Why didn’t you want me talking to her Chief? She’s going to have to know sooner or later. I won’t be here much longer and we need to settle this. I think when she finds out you have known for some time now she may be a bit pissed. She seems to have a bit of attitude, but she turns eighteen tomorrow. I said I would wait until then.” I look Chief straight in the eye so he can see how damn serious I am about this and how I don’t appreciate having to wait.

“Because Devil, this is the way it is damn well going to be. Callie is my daughter and the choice will be hers. I said after tonight and you need to fucking get that in your damn mind. Stay the hell away from her until I say so. We will talk tomorrow and set up a time to approach her together. Are we clear with that, Steel?” Chief pointedly looks at my dad, slighting me in the process.

“We are clear on that, but let me make something perfectly clear, Chief, you are dealing with my son on this, not me. So don’t try slighting him by addressing me. You will deal with him! He’s the one that is going to marry your daughter and while we’re having this little get everything out talk, I think you are fucking up not coming clean with her about it all. This shit is going to bite you in the ass and I don’t want the blow back coming back on my club. You may sugar coat shit for Callie, but that’s not the way we operate.” Dad lets him have it full blast coming to the end of trying to be nice. I stare Chief down and let him know we are serious, “Chief, we can do this the easy way, with your help, or I will go around you and approach her myself. You know she will want this and I am the only way it is happening, so deal.” I can tell by the twitch of his eyes and the set of his jaw that this is not going to go over smoothly.

“Devil, I know how you want it, but if you don’t check your ass I am going to put you out and your ass will not get close to my girl, I will lock her down so tight it will be impossible. Are you clear on that?” Chief’s voice keeps raising and I can see the hate he has for me and the hostility rising. His men around us are ignoring their drinks now and the club noise has lowered so Chief’s voice is being heard by everyone close to us. Dad puts his hand on Chief’s shoulder in a friendly manner and Chief shirks it away and growls, “Callie isn’t here now and I don’t have to be nice, so keep your damned hand off me,” he steps back and takes a defensive stance, “now you two finish your drinks and get out until tomorrow.” He turns towards his VP and motions towards his office and they turn and start to walk away but hesitate.

“I don’t like this any more than you do but we have to see this through for all our sakes. I am not used to waiting around. I take what I want, but I am trying to show you some respect because of the past relationship you have with my dad, but you are not making it easy. This will be settled tomorrow with or without you. Callie will be told tomorrow, no us meeting, we will tell her.” I tell him in a firm voice to let him know exactly how serious I am. He gives me a long look and continues his walk to his office. I watch as Chief his VP, Driller and SAA, ZMan, walk into his office and slam the door and then all eyes are back on us.

“Son you better watch that temper with Chief, he’s not known for his patience. His protective streak with that girl is infamous and with everything she’s been through in her life, I can understand that. We need his cooperation and you are pissing him off with that fucking attitude so check it. This can be done an easier way and I don’t want a fucking war when all the dust settles around this shit. Let’s get out of here.” I can tell dad’s patience with this situation has run out but so has mine.

I finish off my beer and walk out into the hot Texas night but my luck may have just turned for the better.

 

Devil

As we step out into the heat of the hot Texas night, I see Callie and her friends are still in the parking lot. Apparently she doesn’t listen to her dad as well as he thought and the prospects seem to be having problems with her and her two friends, who have decided to talk on their phones instead of leaving. I approach them cautiously and try not to draw any unneeded attention to me. I feel my dad’s presence behind me but he is keeping his distance and watching for any trouble that might come our way for not following Chief’s instructions. I might as well take the chance.

“Baby Girl” I call out the nickname I know only family is allowed to use for Callie as I approach the group. Callie attention is solely on me and I see the most beautiful blue eyes. They are the deepest blue I have ever seen, and I can see the true beauty she is all through those eyes. I almost feel sorry for the things I am going to do to her.

“Who the hell are you? No one calls me that anymore except my dad. Mr. Devil you are not a man I want to speak to so go away.” She spouts off and trying to cover the shock she is feeling in just hearing me call her an all too familiar name that I shouldn’t have used.

“Well the name is just Devil, as you damn well know, and you know Stee l and Chief have been friends for twenty plus years. Why the fucking attitude with me? I haven’t even had a conversation with you yet. Look, I don’t have very long before those two idiots over there get off their phones and I have to go so let’s make this easy. I have information you and your family want. You are going to help me out and I am going to help you out. We will talk tomorrow with your dad and everything will be made clear. Just think about what you want most in this world tonight. Life is short babe, and this will be the only chance for what I’m offering. By the end of this weekend you will be mine and you may as well wrap your mind around that.” I figure I am pushing my time limit here so I just come out and give her the facts.

“Well first off, Mr. Devil, I don’t know who you or this Steel man are. Second, my dad made it very clear he doesn’t want me talking to you and I don’t question my dad. And lastly, I have a boyfriend and I am not interested in you or your games so we are done here.” She huffs out like a petulant child.

“Well, little girl, you will change your tune tomorrow.” And I decide it is time to get out of here. “And the next time you call me Mr.,” I look her straight in the eye and let her know I am very serious about I am going to say, “I will show exactly what I do to spoiled little girls.” And then I turn and walk away and leave her gawking at me.

“Let’s get out of here before the prospects call Chief,” I say to my dad when I get back over to him.

“Yep, wise choice son. Our intel m an just texted and has something for us on the girl.” We both pick up our stride and mount our bikes and ride out of the parking lot for the ride back to town.
Callie

What the hell was he talking about? Mysterious much? Hopefully dad will make it a lot clearer tomorrow. There’s something about his eyes, as if he knows something I’m missing. I’m still getting that feeling he is very dangerous. I would never cheat on Mason. We have been waiting for me to come of age for too long, and that man knows everything about me and my troubled past and still loves me. He doesn’t try to change me and he accepts the broken pieces of me. Man I miss his face. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen him but we’ve skyped, not the same, when his location allowed it and I write him nearly every day. He loves that. I send him his care packages at least twice a month or more if he or his buddies need anything. I hope he gets leave soon. My birthday would have been perfect. I just want him safe. I thought when he wasn’t interested in the club life I would have it made, no dangerous stuff. I was sadly mistaken. He’ll be here soon I keep telling myself and pray he stays safe.

“Hey you, prospect, can we go now? I know I said we wasn’t in that big of a hurry but we have movies to watch. Oh, we also need to make a couple of stops on the way, if it is ok. We need food and some drinks. I don’t mean to be pushy, we just need to get going.” I give my sweetest smile and hope these two newest prospects haven’t gotten the down low on our tricky ways yet. He gives me a long approving look and leans in, “Sure babe. You aren’t going to get into any trouble tonight are you? I’ve heard some stories about how difficult you can be at times but you just don’t seem that way at all, sugar.” He gives me a smile that he thinks is going to affect me but he just doesn’t know what is in store for him tonight. Of course I play right along.

“We’re not going to give you any trouble at all, just pizza and movies. Would you mind if we stop at the pizza place? You can call dad to make sure, we may get hungry again later. Yeah, you better make sure. I wouldn’t want to get you in any trouble.” I give him a flirty look and look him up and down. Yep, I see it in his eyes, he falls for the Ms. Sweetness act. He actually thinks I might be interested. I should feel guilty. No, nothing this is too easy.

“Well darling, that is not necessary, we can stop. Are you ready to roll? One of us will be up ahead and one behind. Where are you stopping?” he seems eager to please me now.

“Pizza Shack is fine, if it is ok with you, I mean.” Dad has to get smarter prospects. This would never fly with Ty or Woody. This guy will never make it. I look to make sure everything is a go. Sarah is on her phone and Fe looks amused at this little conversation.

“Ok let’s go, careful driving babe.” The prospect steps back from the SUV and whistles for the other prospect to get off the phone and they get on their bikes and one leads out while the other follows behind us.

“What the hell was that sweet stuff coming out of your mouth?” Fe ask while laughing his ass off. “And that you can call and check, that was priceless, and the flirty eyes. You should be an actress. Your dad is getting stupider prospects these days. He swallowed that right up and wanted more. Mason boy better watch out. Could he lay it on any thicker, babe, sugar, darling? I was getting a sugar high listening to it.” Fe keeps laughing almost rolling.

“What did I miss? Who was getting a sugar high?” Sarah asked getting off her phone. “It was Hanna on the phone and we are set. We just have to get away from the babysitters.” She says, sounding a little bored with it all. Hanna is our other partner in crime, but she couldn’t be with us tonight because of her mom. She caught Dad banging one of the club girls and she takes it out on us. Sarah, Hanna, Fe and I have been friends since we were in grade school and last year Shelia, her mom, and my dad, thought it was a good idea to hook up. I told them better, but no they wouldn’t listen to me! When it went south our friendship had to pay for it. No worries, we have it set up. We just had to wait until the adults, and I use that term loosely, are otherwise occupied to do what we want.

“When are we meeting up? Does she get to come to the race?” I hope she will make it. All my friends have always been with me.

“Sorry Callie, it will be later, after. Shelia has decided to take an interest in Hanna tonight for some reason.” She exhales. Hanna and Sarah have never been as close as the rest of us. They tend to go after the same guys but Sheila seems to like Sarah so she still lets them talk on the phone. I’ll miss Hanna and wish she could be there but she needs to deal with her mom so we can have the rest of the weekend parent free. My three best friends have come to be my good luck charms and they keep me grounded most of the time. After this weekend we will all be going in different directions. Sarah is going off to college this weekend to get settled and find a job and then next week Fe will be leaving for New York to start classes soon. Hanna and I will be left here. I will be here until I leave for U.T. So we are going to have a blast this weekend. I look in the mirror and our prospect is still behind us and I keep going over the plan to make sure I have covered everything so we don’t get caught. The purse at the race will be more towards my savings. I know I don’t really need it, but a girl can never be too sure. I have a large nest egg accumulated. I have been saving since I was twelve and I’m not one to spend a lot of money. I have been working and putting back plus all my race money, it is safe to say my education is paid for. Now just smooth sailing from here on out. This weekend won’t be perfect without Mason here, but it will be close to it with just my best friends and myself hanging out for the last for a while. We just need to relax and enjoy it.

Chapter 8

Devil

Pulling into the little dinner right outside of town, I see the cage our man has been driving in front of the dumpster over to the side, back by some trees. At least it’s a little secluded. We need to get this meet over with and get the hell out of here. Our man does not need to be seen with us. He’s been able to get us some good intel because people don’t know who he is. My dad motions for me to go around on the other side of the parking lot so we can walk over and our bikes won’t be next to his cage. I pull up and park and get off my bike and I’m watching our guy who has gotten out. He motions towards the back door. Dad and I approach together keeping our eyes on the road to make sure no one followed us. We enter the back of the little greasy spoon and he shuts the door behind us. We keep next to the wall and make our way down a long dark hall and into a back room. We step into the room and the smell of it hits my nose and makes my stomach growl from hunger. The smell of homemade bread and something else that smells delicious hits me. I remember we had forgotten to eat tonight with everything going on. We were too busy watching Callie to eat at their clubhouse.

“Damn Tito, this place smells great. Who owns it?” my stomach is hoping we get to eat before we leave.

 

“My aunt owns this place. Want me to go grab something? Won’t take a minute. I was going to eat before I left anyway.” He asked halfway out the door already.

“Sure kid, grab us some food. We haven’t eaten tonight either.” My dad tells Tito and moves on in to the room and to a chair at the head of the table. “Grab some drinks too.” My mind keeps wandering back to the conversation Callie and I had. She says she has a boyfriend and I wonder just how serious that is. All I need is a jealous boyfriend to deal with. Not that he would be a problem, just a nuisance. If I remember right her boyfriend is in the military and overseas. That’s where he needs to be. I don’t like unexpected issues and complications. If everything goes as planned, we will be married before he even knows anything is up. Tito walks back in with a small older woman on his heels and both have their hands full of plates of food that smell absolutely delicious. I didn’t know I was so hungry. I walk back over to the table and sit beside my dad and we thank Tito’s aunt and she leaves us to eat and do our business. We dig into the food and my dad looks at Tito and gives him an appreciative smile. “Your aunt can cook. Can she keep her mouth shut?” he asks with a solemn look on his face.

“She’ll keep her mouth shut. She’s my family,” Tito grins and looks at us both, “and I pay her to. If not she’d never make enough money.” His grin is gone and replaced with a stoic look.

“Good, we’ll be sure to pay her well for tonight.” My dad gives Tito a slap to the back and then takes his wallet out and throws some bills on the table.

“Alright, what do have for us?” I ask betwee n bites of food that I continue to shovel into my mouth. I want to get this done so we can get away from here as soon as possible.

“I’ve been hanging with one of your girl’s friends and she sang for me. Her name is Sarah and supposedly one of her best friends. I told her we had to be on the down low considering she is only eighteen. Your girl had a shit childhood like you knew. Got a few deets on it if you want them.” He put his fork down and reaches into the side pocket of his cargo pants and pulls some picture out. “This is her boyfriend, Mason Brumley, he’s in the Marines and overseas right now.” I take the pictures and look at the man that calls Callie his. I’m not impressed. Normal military haircut. Looks pretty cut with a few tattoos. Nothing special.

“How long has he been gone? How long they been together?” I ask, not that it makes a difference more just curiosity.

“Been gone a little over a year this time. He was supposed to be here for her graduation but all leaves were cancelled. Been together since she was just under fifteen. She’s never dated anyone else and Sarah says she is in love with him. Hell that’s longer than any of my relationships have lasted. Thing is, he is older than her and Sarah seems to think he’s not fucked around on her. He’s going to be hitting twentyone right after Callie’s birthday. No way that prick hasn’t fucked someone in nearly four years, but I’ll be damned if I can find anyone who says different.” Tito picks his fork up but sets it back down and looks at my dad, “Everyone loves that girl. The only people in that town that have anything bad to say about her are jealous bitches that want to be her. From what they say she is a little badass, too. I’ve seen her throw a punch or two, taking up for her friends, and she isn’t shabby and can hold her own. She is very loyal and protective of people she cares about. She’s racing at the strip later tonight and then all her friends and her are going to a bar or party. If they don’t get caught by daddy dearest.” He says with almost admiration in his eyes.

“How are they getting there? Does her dad know? They have prospects on them.” I ask not believing for a second Chief let’s his daughter race, but not seeing how she could get away from two men sent to guard her.

“That’s another thing, when that girl wants out there is no keeping her locked down. Those friends and Callie are sneaky as hell. Who do they have on them tonight? If it isn’t Ty, her brother, or Woody, the red head, the rest of their prospects are useless.” That is a good piece of information to keep tucked away. She can get away if I need her to.

Dad and I both finish our plates as we hear a knock at the door. Tito stands up, puts his hand on his gun in his back waistband, and cracks the door open as dad and I are both on alert. Tito pulls the door open wide enough for a hand to stick through with an envelope and then he closes the door back and rips the envelope open, “This is more trouble. I have a message from my guy in the Rebellions 4Blood, they know you’re here to talk to Callie, so does T-Bone. That can only mean Callie could be in danger.” His eyes look distant and I can tell this news bothers him.

“Do we need to pull you out of this? Are you getting too attached? Or is it just old ghost that has that look on your face right now?” I ask hoping our best guy has not lost his focus. My dad sees this has pissed Tito off and tries to smooth it over a little. “Look he’s only saying we know Callie is a good girl, but we need this to go smoothly and with no complications.” Tito looks at the floor and then turns his head towards me, “I haven’t lost my focus, but I have seen the reports of what that bitch of a mom put Callie through. I’ve also seen how she carries herself and how damn loyal she is. When you say she is a good girl, it’s not only that, she has overcome a lot and since I have been watching her, her family always comes first. So I know if this is not approached carefully it will blow up in our faces. If Callie gets hurt, a lot of people are going to be after blood. T-Bone is out for blood and he is suspicious of Callie. How are we going to head that off? I think I might need some back-up brought down here.” He pushes his plate away as if the thought of eating another bite disgusts him.

“How good is your intel from T -Bone and his group? Why are you receiving a note? Isn’t that shit dangerous? What if someone else intercepted it?” I ask. Surely with technology today there is a better way.

“My guy is careful and we have a system. Only we know our code, so even if someone gets it they won’t know what it is. All of their cells are monitored. As deep as they are in the drug organizations they are paranoid as shit, so it’s the only way.” Tito is deep in thought as he rattles this off.

“You don’t think T -Bone will come after the girl, do you? I sent copies of all my files back home, so if our operation has to shut down fast we aren’t lost and if everything is damaged here we have it. I know how T-Bone likes to play with fire and I want to be prepared.” Tito has calmed down and has now gone into efficient mode. This is what we hire him for, and he is damn good at. “Steel, you’ll keep her safe, right?” Tito looks at my dad and waits for his answer. Tito’s concern seems to bother dad as much as it does me.

“Tito, she is as good as one o f ours now and we need her. We always keep ours safe and you know that. What the hell has gotten in to you? You never got attached on other jobs.” My dad’s irritation is showing in his voice and on his face. Tito looks at my dad and me shrugs his shoulders and a sad shadow falls across his face, “I’m not attached! I got Callie’s file from state services and the pictures in there turned my stomach and the report is worse. I have three younger sisters and if anything like that happened to them I would end the person responsible. She is strong enough that it hasn’t destroyed her and yes, I admire that and I wouldn’t want to see anything else happen to her. Enough has been done. But, I will do my damn job just like I always do, because my loyalty is to our club.” I know this discussion has gone in the wrong direction when Tito thinks we are questioning his loyalty. All of us are wound tight. We need this over so we can get back to Oklahoma. Callie is not the only one T-Bone has his eyes on. Tito and T-Bone go way back and there is nothing but hate buried there for the same reason Dad wants T-Bone in the ground yesterday. T-Bone is the worst kind of scum. He peddles young girls in the streets to anyone who has a dollar. Shoots them up, gets them hooked, and then only feeds their addiction if they whore themselves out. His brother, Chaz, pulled the trigger on Tommy, Callie’s biological brother. T-Bone also got one of Tito’s cousins hooked and whored her out until she overdosed and then he left her in a back alley, naked and beaten. Dad had a run in with him a few years ago over trying to get a club girl to sell in our club. Rule number one in our club, no users. They are a liability. Dad will go crazy on someone who brings that shit in. So we need to get back on track and either eliminate T-Bone or contain him. He will stay away from Callie.

“Look we are not questioning your loyalty, so calm your shit. We don’t mean any harm to the girl and we will protect her. I’ve heard some of the shit she’s been through, but send both of us copies so we can get updated. Keep your ear to the ground on the T-Bone situation and you stay the fuck away from him. Am I making myself completely clear?” my dad looks Tito in the eyes and gives him a look letting him know he is giving him a direct order and it is to be followed.

“Why hasn’t anyone taken this piece of shit out before? Are his family ties still that connected?” I ask wondering to myself why he still is walking among the living if he has done this to so many young girls.

“Yeah, his uncle is still connected and they are tight.” Figures the piece of shit had a reason he could get away with all his skin business. A thought comes to me and all of a sudden I have an uneasy feeling creep in, “Do you know what bar Callie and her friends are going to be at tonight?”

“Yeah, Starlight down on Second, why?” Tito asks.

“If they are as good at getting out as you say, then they will be unprotected for how many hours? With the shit that’s brewing that is not a good thing. Get eyes on them as soon as they come out of that house. Be sure Callie is safe even if you have to tip her old man off.” I just get a feeling this could all go wrong if we don’t keep her in our grasp.

“Will she catch a tail? Being Chief’s daughter, she should be careful when it comes to watching her ass.” Dad barks out. His patience for the night running thin. “Why can’t a damn female stay where she is supposed to be for once?”

“She has shaken my tails a few times. Whether on purpose or by accident, I’m not sure. I am keeping in contact with Sarah by text tonight.” Just as the words are out of his mouth his phone goes off with a message. “Yeah, they are back at the house and putting their escape plan in action. Her words not mine.” Tito seems a little more at ease now he knows we are going to look after the girls. Definitely need to keep my eye on that. He is letting those girls get to him. As long as he knows it is temporary. We will be leaving soon.

“Get her to text you as soon as they are out. Get someone on them. We will pick them up at the club. That way I can have another word with Callie.” He shakes his head as his fingers is busy typing away.

“Ok, they just made it over to Felix’s and are getting her car out of there.” He shakes his head, “There’s no way we can get to the track before that race takes place from here. They are closer and she is cutting it close in the time,” he says and then he has a smile come across his face, and I know this idiot is falling for a girl that is out of his reach. I am relieved it’s Sarah and not Callie, because for some strange reason I felt a little protective of the girl I know holds answers in her hands that she doesn’t even know the questions to. That just doesn’t sit well with me. None of it does.

“Car is out and they are on the move. They will be arriving at the club within an hour of the race and that should be in about forty minutes. So we have an hour and forty minutes to be in place.” He says looking at my dad and then me for our response.

“No, we can’t take the chance of being seen wit h you. Dad and I will go and you stay in touch with them by text and shoot the info to us.” It seems to make sense to me. We can’t afford to be seen with him.

“Can’t do that. Sarah is expecting me and if I don’t show they will be trying to find me. She thinks I am smooth.” He says with a smirk on his face.

“Damn man, what is she eighteen? Don’t you think she is a little young to be getting a smirk on your face about?” His eyes hit the floor and then as if a thought comes to him his smirk reappears and he says, “Well she is eighteen. I am only twenty. Sarah is still four months older than Callie.” Then he drove it home exactly how young this girl I was taking on was. Damn! I am almost fifteen years older than Callie. Man, I am going to hell for this. It won’t be the first thing that is going to send me there.

“Just keep an eye on them until you see us and don’t let on you know us. We are getting out of here and back to the motel and cleaned up. Then we will meet at this bar. Send the directions to our phones.” Dad says as he gets up and we both make our way to the door. Tito reaches it first and steps out and then back in. “It’s clear and I won’t forget, sir.” We quickly make our way to our bikes to get back to the motel for a quick clean up, then to make it to that bar and get our eyes back on my girl. I don’t know when she became my girl, instead of that girl, but she has. I was fascinated with her before, but now I am obsessed with the idea of her being mine and I’m tired of waiting.

Chapter 9

Callie

We made it with no time to spare. Fe and Sarah are looking around but will be back soon. There’s Jack, he will be wanting to talk to me and make sure I have my part of the bet. I’ve yet to see Rabbit, the man I’m racing.

“Callie how are you sweetheart? Yo u know if your dad shows up or hears about this we are both screwed.” He laughs, Jack Smithers is scared of no man and he probably wants dad to find out so he’ll have shit to stir.

“Oh, so old man, are you scared? You must be getting old. The Jack Smithers I know could care less what anyone thinks.” I laugh egging him on.

 

“Oh no baby girl, just looking forward to it. Haven’t had a good fight since the last time.” He gives me an eyebrow raise.

“You are so out of luck. He is tied up at the clubhouse with work and I am just here with friends. Going to be dull tonight. Just me and my buddies.” I smile full blast and show my dimples for good measure, so he doesn’t change his mind.

“Now what is the fun in that? If I remember right that is how it started out last time. If this is all I’m getting, I’m half tempted to send your ass home.” He gives me a scrutinizing look. I give him a pouty look, and then smile when I know I have him, “Ok. Then you tell Rabbit he doesn’t get his rematch.” I know I have him over a barrel. Rabbit has let everyone know this is his chance to win back the last bet he lost to my TA. His Camaro is good but my Pontiac will out do his Chevy any day. I built my baby from the tires up. It has a Pontiac 400 built by yours truly with a 373 posi-trac rear end. Sweet. I was knee deep in parts and smelled of oil and gas for the two weeks it took to get everything done at the machine shop and get it back together. Wouldn’t change a thing though. I know it inside and out and I’m proud of it.

“You have me there. He is ready for you this time. He has been bragging about taking you down this time.” He tries to goad me into running my mouth, but I don’t bite.

“I’ll let my baby do her own talking. Nothing harder to eat than crow.” I say as I hand him over the envelope with my purse money in it.

“Well, if you’re taking all my fun away. Remember the rules, no cheating, the winner is the winner, no arguing, and if we get busted, you’re on your own. Got it sweet cheeks?” he says in a smartass voice.

“Oh I have it. Put the gas down and leave everyone in the dust.” I say back. “When did you become such a smartass, sweetheart?” he asks, but loving every minute of it. I am the only one to give it right back to him.

 

“Haven’t you heard I’m graduated now and all smart?” knowing this will get him.

“Congratulations by the way, proud of you sweetheart. You did it and if you’re smart you’ll stay in school and get out of this place. You deserve more than that damn clubhouse. You and that man of yours can make a good life away from here. I always knew you and Mason were made for each other, even if he did try to fight it.” He looks deep in thought and then turns to leave but hesitates at the last minute, “Now get your ass ready to burn those tires up.” And he moves along. Felix comes running up pulling Sarah behind him, “They’re ready for you. Get yourself in position, girlie.” Felix is nervous and wants this over with. He really doesn’t want to get caught by my dad again. I think he is afraid to lose his respect. My dad had a long talk with him the last time we got caught doing something we shouldn’t. Wanted him to know that he was the man and in charge of us females when my dad or Ty isn’t around. What a bunch of crap. The sooner this over the better though. Money in my pocket and us out of here before we get caught is good. I get in my car and start it up and let the feel of it take me to the place in my head I need to go to be able to let go and let instinct take over. I put it in low and give my friends a head nod and slowly pull into position on the strip. I see Rabbit in his Camaro, and give him a nod and a saucy smirk and I know. I see it in his eyes. He knows. I pull up to the starting tree and the light goes yellow. He’s in position, another yellow light. My stomach is in knots but in a good way. My hands begin to sweat inside my gloves. Any second now and it is green. My baby does not let me down and by a nose she outruns that Camaro and as fast as we start we are at the finish line and my pockets will be full tonight. Hell Yeah!!! I pull over and get my time sheet and go to find Jack and Rabbit. I see Jack with his big ass grin. He is already giving Rabbit hell and I know he is eating it up. Rabbit is looking pissed. I park my car and get out and start toward them as Felix and Sarah approach. We close the distance between us and walk up to Jack.

“Great job Callie. Nice clean, fast race, just like I like. Do you want your winnings tonight or do you want our usual arrangement?” Jack is only asking to rub it in to Rabbit.

“We are having another race soon. You won’t be so lucky. I am working on a Mustang GT.” Rabbit huffs out.

“Anytime you want another run, we’ll do it.” I put out my hand to shake his and he grabs it and gives it a hard shake. “Good run.” I say and pull my hand back and turn to Jack, “The usual, please,” and put my hand out to Jack and he just looks at it and pulls me in for a hug and I hug him back, “ok, until next time. I’m out of here.” And I turn to leave.

“Later girl. Try to stay out of trouble the rest of the night.” He l aughs as he says the last part. I step over to my friends and we head back towards my car. “Did you get our bet money?” I ask Felix.

“Of course I got it, and we are sitting pretty in the money. We should have one hell of a weekend.” Felix is excited as usual. “That was a great race. You had him from the beginning but the end had me holding my breath.” He hands me my share of our bet and we get into my car and Sarah looks at me and shakes her head.

“I know this is what you enjoy but these peo ple give me the creeps and I just don’t get it. Of course, you did make a lot of money, but still. Oh yeah, Hanna is waiting outside Felix’s. When we get there we can go straight to the club.” She tries to act excited about all of this but she just has no idea. Her parents give her everything. This job in California is her first real job. One day when she has to pay bills she’ll understand the need to stand on my own two feet. I’ve always had that need to take care of myself. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone, including my dad. I know he loves me but he has given me so much. It’s a short drive back to Felix’s house and when I see the drive I decide we better hurry so I know what will save a little time.

“Great, I need to go inside and change anyway. Feli x can you get my car in your garage while I take a quick shower in your room and get ready?” I know Felix is going to love this, he loves to get behind my baby’s wheel anytime I let him. Not many people have even sat behind her wheel but me.

“Heck yes, can I take her to the back shop? I’ll lock her up tight there? Dad has extra cameras back there.” He knows I’ll go for it when he said extra security.

“Sure and thanks for the use of the shower. I’ll hurry.” I tell him so they know we need to get out of here. It’s already late and if we want anytime at the club we have to hurry. I see the drive right ahead and I pull up to the garage and get out to go to the door and Felix takes my place behind the wheel.

“You remember where the sneak key is right? And don’t f orget the security code.” Felix says. I shake my head at him and reach down to get the key and I see Hanna approaching with someone. As I stand back up, I see it is Cru London. One of Mason’s best friends, and he should be back with Mason right now, along with his twin, Jeb. They all entered the Marines together. They are all stationed close together overseas, but Cru was hurt a month ago and came home for a while. I thought he would have already gone back. Just as I am starting to open the door they near and I step inside to disarm the security.

“Hey beautiful. How’s my best friend’s girl doing? I heard you are still stirring up trouble.” Cru says as he picks me up and gives me a big bear hug. “Nothing ever changes here. By the way, Mason is going to be pissed you are still racing.” He says as he puts me back on my feet. Hanna steps around him “Where’s Felix and Sarah taking your car?” She knows I let no one drive my baby.

“Around back. His dad has a garage with more security back there. Not like anyone would mess with my car, but it gave Felix a longer time to drive it.” I laugh thinking about the look on his face as he drove away.

“You and your dang old cars. Do you have a hobby that isn’t life threatening?” Hanna knows my interest in anything that keeps me on the edge. I’m not an adrenaline junkie but I like excitement for sure.

“Cru, I thought you would be back on base by now. What’s up?” I ask feeling worried over his injury. At the look on his face I feel bad for bringing it up.

“Nerve damage, and I don’ t know when I will be shipped back, or if I will be at all.” I can see by the look on his face this is not an option he is good with. “I really don’t know what is going to happen, but Monday I am being shipped to a new specialist, so this is my last weekend home. We were hoping Mase would make it home this weekend. Him and Jeb both put in for leave but all leaves were cancelled, and there is a black out on contact, so who knows if and when they’ll be in. I wouldn’t be here, but I caught a hop home to see our parents before I leave for the test.” Cru says. I know I need to get a move on, so I pick my bag up head up the stairs for a shower. “Do you think he’ll mind if I grab a drink?” Cru asks before I reach the top of the stairs. I turn and yell back down at them.

“Make yourself at home. Felix won’t mind.” Then I pick up the pace towards the bathroom. I shut the door and reach down and start the water, then pull the shower curtain closed so I don’t get water everywhere. I get in and rinse off and take a long breath and try to get the adrenaline under control that comes with the thrill of a race. I needed that little rush, but now I need to control it. For some reason I feel as if that proverbial other shoe is fixing to drop. The day’s events go through my mind and something is off. That new guy, Devil, bothers me, but something else is up with my dad. Hopefully tomorrow things will be made clearer to me, but I just feel something is way off. I step out and grab one of the towels to dry and get my bag so I can get my clothes out. My new sexy bra and thong will give me that lift to make me feel good about myself. I may not be all girly, but sexy undies make any woman feel good. I have a hot pink short tank that hangs down right above my belly button that has a silver hoop ring through it. Instead of my blue jean cut offs I would usually wear, I have a pair of tight fitting, low cut jeans. I leave my hair down and put a bit of mascara on then blow dry my hair and put some lotion and a small amount of lip gloss on and I am ready. I dig in my bag for my lighter boots and this girl is as ready as she is going to get. I look in the mirror and see my naturally dark skin tone, so the less is more look is definitely the way to go. My dark tan makes my belly button ring stand out and the pink tank looks good. I have a little junk in my trunk so I’ll pass. Not like I’m looking to impress anyone, but I like to look good for me. I just want to have a good time. I guess we can get this party started. I walked downstairs and just as I make it to the bottom I hear Hanna say to Cru “She is going to be so surprised. She has been missing him all day. Have you got it set Cru?’’ she turns when she hears me approaching. They all turn away from the table and say “Surprise!” I am completely confused and then I see Felix has his laptop set up and Mason is on the screen in a skype session.

“Oh no you didn’t!” I la ugh and rush over to the table. Mason’s strong sexy face is on the screen. I miss this man so much. He looks so tired. “Baby, is that really you? It has been so long. I MISS YOU SO MUCH!” I shout at the screen as if that would bring me closer to Mase. “How did you do this? I thought it was a no communication order.” Tears are welling in my eyes but I am trying to hold them back. I don’t want to miss a second of seeing his face.

“Hey baby girl. Order was lifted about two hours ago. I know I’m not there but this is the best I can do for now. I miss you so much. Stand in front of the screen so I can see you.” Mason says as he always does when we skype. I get in front of the screen and twirl around. “How was that?” I ask, laughing. I feel a little shy, which is completely silly considering Mase has seen me at my worst.

“You look beautiful. Too beautiful. I miss you so much.” Mase has a look o n his face. If I didn’t know better, I would say it was a guilty look. “I will try to be home soon but I can’t promise. I want to be there for you, I need you.” Now I know something is wrong. Mase never lets his feelings out like this, especially not so all the people here could hear them, he’s almost as bad as dad. He’s fidgeting and not looking at me but more to his feet. He looks uncomfortable.

“Mason is everything ok?” I look at him but he’s not looking at me. “Baby I love you, did everything go ok?” I ask quietly but Cru is looking at Mase too, as if he’s worried.

“Hey man, is Jeb ok?” Cru asks but he is keeping his eyes on me and I know something is wrong.

“Oh yeah man, he’s fine. Went to shower and eat. I didn’t want to miss my chance to talk to Callie. We won’t be here very long and Jeb is giving me his time too. I need to talk to Callie alone if it is ok with everyone. It is important.” Mase lets everyone else in the room know we need some privacy.

“Are you sure about this Mase? You don’t want to wai t and do this when you get home? Everyone’s had a long day.” Cru says trying his best to talk Mase out of something. All of a sudden my stomach feels like the bottom fell out. I know that other shoe is about to drop. Mase must have to stay gone longer. I was afraid of this.

“You guys don’t go far. I can only stay on for a little while. Looks like you have plans.” Mase says but he still won’t look at me. The guys all get up and make it out of the room but I never take my eyes off Mase and he never looks me in the eyes.

“Mase, you’re scaring me. Is something wrong? You know if you have to stay longer we will work it out.” I say but somewhere in the back of my mind I know that is not it. I know…

“Sit down Callie.” I look at him because he usually calls me baby or baby girl, so I sit. “I love you, more than I can say but I have done something I am ashamed of and I never meant for it to happen.” Looking anywhere but at me, I finally get it.

“What have you done Mason?” this gets his eyes on my face. He hears it in my voice that I know. I have it figured out and he knows on the inside I am falling apart. Now his eyes don’t leave mine, “I screwed up babe. One night I was drinking and I had sex with one of the females here. It has been eating away at my conscience and I had to tell you. I wanted to be there to tell you but I don’t know when that would be possible and I can’t live with it anymore. Please, just listen.” As if I have a choice, I can’t speak, I can’t think, I can hardly breathe. I think I’m going to be sick. How could he do this? He swore he would never cheat on me. I never believed in an allconsuming love for just one person. I swore I would never fall in love. Love only means pain and I knew that. I knew, but I listened to him anyway. The woman that brought me into this world taught me that. If it doesn’t cause you physical pain, it causes you a heart breaking pain and this was definitely that.

“Did you hear me babe? Are you ok? You look pale. I have been waiting on you for so long. Please babe, say something.” I fight back the tears that want to leak out of my eyes. This man will not get my tears. He doesn’t deserve them.

“Let me get this straight. You cheated on me once in all this time, is that what you want me to believe?” I ask, hoping to get a straight answer out of him since he is cleansing his soul to me.

“This woman is the only one I have cheated on you with, but a few days after the first time she snuck in my shower and it happened once more. I swear it will never happen again. It was stress. It was a physical need. I have lived like a monk for you. I swear on our love it will never happen again. I will stay faithful to you. I swear it. Please say you forgive me.” Mason finally takes a breath and looks at me for an answer. I can’t believe this man and then a fury hits me. I think my head might explode. “Let me get this straight Mason Brumley, you cheated on me because of stress, need, and you want me to believe it happened twice but will never happen again.” I speak calmly through gritted teeth.

“Yes.” Just that one single word as a response. All of a sudden I get it, “Guys please come back in here.” I yell for my friends and they come back in and gather around the computer screen, but Cru comes in slowly and keeps back to himself. “Ok Mason. Let me rehash this for everyone. You have been waiting on me for over three years and you were under so much pressure and had such a physical urge that you cheated on me and it was so good you did it again and now you expect me to believe it won’t happen anymore.” I cut my eyes at him but I’m not finished, “and since Cru London is standing away from us I take it that he knew, so that means Jeb knows. How many more people know?” I feel like such a fool. How could he do this to me? He’s made me feel so guilty about going out with my friends and I have never even thought of cheating. Mason is going to say something but closes his mouth and looks at the floor. If this wasn’t so serious it would almost be funny, almost.

“There are a few guys here and a couple of her fr iends. Babe it meant nothing and she means nothing to me.” He spits out the dribble I imagine a lot of cheating people say.

“Well that makes it a lot better.” I am so hurt by his words, that he doesn’t even know how they would make me feel is beyond me. I am so done!

“Well Mr. Brumley, that makes it so much better. Let me put a pretty little bow on all this. You cheated on me not once, but twice. Your friends and hers know. So you didn’t even try to keep it quiet. The sex you traded for me, nor her, mean anything to you. You have waited for me nearly four years and you had a physical need. That sounds right, correct?” I all but growl at him.

“Babe, calm down.” Mason says looking at anything he can but me. “I wish I was there to hold you. I would make you understand.” Felix walks up behind me and puts his hand around my shoulder and Sarah and Hanna move up behind me, but I feel their presence and it gives me strength.

“Mason, not only have you been waiting on me for nearly four years but I have been waiting on you. I have been saving my virginity for you. You have a physical need. I have been curious about sex ever since we have been together. Not only have you cheated on me but you have humiliated me in front of your friends. Now you say it or her meant nothing to you. So, you’re saying you threw away us for something that meant nothing to you. Just a physical release that is all we were worth. As if that wasn’t bad enough, on the night of my graduation, you skype me to ease your conscious. Does that sum it all up with a cute little bow?” I nearly spit out the last words.

“Babe, I love you. I just couldn’t keep it from you any longer. Look my time is almost up, we can talk when I get home or I can skype again. We have come too far for this to break us up.” He barely gets out.

“STOP!” I shout out with a shrill voice that even scares me and everyone around me jumps. They are not used to seeing this type of emotion out of me. “Do not move Mason Brumley, or I swear I will board a plane and come hunt you’re cheating ass down.” He stops and stares at me. I have never even raised my voice at him before. “We will not talk again, Mason. You will not call me or skype me or anything. You can go and screw your woman that you don’t care about and it won’t mean anything, and let all your friends know. Because our relationship apparently is not as important as nothing. We are done. I didn’t believe in forever, remember? Never forever, my mantra for years, even before I knew what love really was about. You made me believe, I took that chance, and for what? So it could be thrown away for something that meant nothing. For that I cannot forgive. You crushed my hope that something good could last.” I let that hang in the air and wrapped my arms around my stomach, just to feel something, but it’s just a dull ache that consumes me. I take a deep breath and hope my tears don’t fall.

“Tell Cru to pick your shit up at my house in the morning or I will burn it and you can burn whatever you have of mine I don’t want it or the memories. Thank you for reminding me there is never forever. Lesson learned. Have a good life and stay out of mine.” With that I walk towards the stairs but I look over to Cru, “You knew and didn’t say a word to me. I thought we were friends at least.” Cru looks at me as if he feels sorry for me and that just makes me feel worse and fills me with an ache inside my heart that I think will never leave. My heart is with a man that doesn’t love me the way I love him. I let myself get lost in him and I knew better. I turn and look at my friends, “if Cru is going tonight I will be going home. Please make your choice.” And with that I go back up the stairs and rush in the bathroom and let all the hot ugly tears fall.

Chapter 10

Callie

I feel like I have cried all the tears I can possibly have. I never knew there was so many tears. I’m not a crier. I glance in the mirror and catch my reflection and I don’t recognize this girl in the mirror. I’m not a girl, I’m nearly eighteen, a woman in the eyes of the law. I never thought I’d be this person. I thought I was smarter. I told myself I would never give anyone the power to hurt me after the crap my mom put me through, but here I am. Broken, devastated, by a man. All of a sudden I am filled with an anger I have never felt before. I turn and grab a washcloth from the cabinet and begin to wash my face. I will not be this devastated woman. I will not give him the power to do this to me. Before I was with Mason I had a plan. I know only I am responsible for my happiness, and I may hurt now but I will get that back. There’s a tap at the door.

“Hey, can we come in?” Fe ask softly. I look one more time in the mirror and decide I will not let my friends down tonight. It is our night to celebrate. I can do this. I will do this! No man owns my happiness.

“Sure Fe, come on in, all of you.” I know they are all standing outside that door. The door inches open and there they are, my three best friends. We have been through everything together and I know they have my back, but I will not put them through this tonight. Our night. We are finally out of high school and we will celebrate, so I slap on the biggest smile I can muster. “Hey, is Cru gone or is he still down stairs?” As long as I don’t have to see his or any of Mason’s friends faces tonight, I can do this.

“I told him to leave. He called someone to pick him up out front. They left a few minutes ago.” Fe comes over to me and puts his arm around my waist pulling me in for a sideways hug.

“I am so sorry I brought him. I thought since he was Mason’s friend, it might make you feel closer to him. Now I guess that was all wrong.” Hanna winces when she says Mason’s name, as if saying his name could make me feel worse.

“We can all stay in and hang out and bash men tonight if you want, instead of going out. Eat junk food and get into Fe’s parents stash of alcohol.” Sarah says coming to my other side and moving a piece of hair that had fallen into my face back behind my ear.

“Hey, I’m a man and I don’t want to be bashed.” Fe gives us a playful injured look. “Come on Fe, take one for the team.” Sarah play punches him in the arm. I half laugh and half snort, “Yeah, come on Fe.” Then we all burst out laughing.

“Ok, I am going to fix my face and brush my hair out and then we are going to get to that bar and party until they throw us out. This is our night to remember and I refuse to let anything or anyone ruin it. I can feel sorry for myself tomorrow, or not.” Then I give them a grin to reassure them.

“Are you sure? We don’t have to.” Sarah ask.

“Yes, I am sure. I need this.” I turn and look into the mirror. “Will one of you grab my bag from downstairs? I need to cover this face.” Fe turns and heads downstairs to grab my bag.

“Are you ok? That was intense down there. I thought Mason was one of the good guys, he had me fooled.” Hanna takes the brush out of my hand and starts to brush my hair.

“Me too Han, me too.” I feel like I could break out in tears again but I am determined it is not going to happen. Sarah grabs the bag as Fe comes back in and starts digging for my makeup bag. “Here” she hands it to me.

I open the little bag and decide to do the works, smoky eyes and all. I look over to Hanna, “Will you get the car pulled up front while Sarah helps me?”

“Sure thing” then she hesitates, “are you sure you can’t forgive him? I’m just saying, you two have been together a long time.” Then she smiles. “Of course this means you’re available for the first time in nearly four years. You’re also not the designated driver tonight and it has been over a year since you let loose and got drunk with us.” She reaches for the door but waits for my answer before she goes through it.

“Hanna, I lost sight of what’s real in life. I let Mason blind me to reality. There are no happily ever afters, only what is right now. I want to live for right now.” I turn to the mirror to look at my reflection but turn back, “but that sounds good. The being available and not the designated driver.” I give her a small smile as she walks out the door. Then I turn back and apply my make-up perfectly and heavier than what is normal and it is time to start our night. “Let’s do this guys.” They have sat there quietly while I did my makeup and I guess they just didn’t know what to say. What can they say?

“Ok guys, she’ll be waiting. Let’s do this. Let’s forget all the crap and just have fun for one last weekend. Ok?” I look at them for an answer.

“Hell yeah! That’s what I’m talking about.” Fe says. Always the optimistic. Tonight he will try his best to cheer me up and keep laughing. Sarah will be the one showing me the good side of being single and Hanna will play the part of trying to make me see I need to forgive him because I love him. She is the hopeless romantic. The first two I can take, the last one not so much tonight. Maybe she’ll find somebody to occupy her time tonight. I hear Hanna coming to the door for us, so we are out of here.

Chapter 11

Devil

This bar is full and is wall to wall bodies. I can see the appeal, but this is not my idea of fun. Too many people and not enough space. I look around and I spot Tito and he shakes his head no, meaning no show of Callie yet. Dad and I make our way to the bar and order a couple of beers. I no sooner turn around and this tall blond walks up to me and puts her hand on my arm. She looks up at me and says in a voice trying to sound sexy, but only comes off as annoying, “buy me a beer handsome.” I am not in the mood for company right now so I give her my fuck off look.

“Don’t want no company, so move along.” I tell her without looking at her. “Are you turning me down” she looks at me as if she can’t believe her own ears.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing, so move along and don’t come back. If I change my mind, I will whistle.” I add the last part just to piss her off so she will leave me alone the rest of the night. She’s your typical barfly and I know to be blunt. She pulls her hand back like she has been burned and turns around and stomps off with a parting insult “asshole!” Any other time I would have taken her up on what she was obviously offering, but tonight I have to keep my eye on the prize. Would not be good to be caught with another bitch right now.

“Can’t be having women all over you now, son.” Dad laughs as he says it. “It’s a family curse. Women want all Steel men.”

“Don’t I know it, only thing is now is not the time.” I turn to look around again and I see Tito tilt his head toward the front doors and there she is. Damn that girl looks good, but something about her eyes looks off to me. I motion to my dad and we pull back into the corner where we can keep an eye on Callie but she won’t be able to see us easily. I watch as she makes her way over to a booth and waits to slide in. Her hair hangs down her back, touching right where her back curves in. Her jeans are riding low on her hip bones and hug her ass and it is one fine ass. Nice and tight but with a nice curve. Her tank top shows off her perky tits. Not overly big, but a good handful and more than a mouthful. The thought makes my mouth water. Her belly ring draws my attention to her flat stomach with a very good tan. It makes me wonder if she has any tan lines. She’s not dressed too flashy, but she definitely looks damn good. I’m not usually attracted to small women, but damn if there isn’t something about Callie that finds my jeans getting a little too snug just by watching her across the room. Tito approaches them and they all fit into the booth. Something looks a little off. Shouldn’t they be all happy and shit. They look more like it is any other day. No, something is definitely off. I would bet my life on it.

“Something is off. They do not act like they are celebrating.” I whisper just loud enough for dad to hear.

“I see that. Give it a few minutes and then text our man and see if he knows what’s up. I don’t want to get caught by Chief tonight.” He looks at me, “That would be bad and we don’t need bad right now.”

That is for damn sure. I catch the waitress’ attention and motion for her to bring us two more. This could be a long night. I sit back in my chair and try to get comfortable. The waitress approaches their table and checks each of the stamps on their hands and tries to flirt with the other guy with them, he doesn’t look interested, and she takes their order and leaves to retrieve their drinks. The girl that Tito is sitting next to pulls Callie out of the booth and towards the dance floor. They are playing some crap music women these days dance to and they start to move to the music. You can tell they haven’t loosened up yet, but they still are getting some attention from horny men in the room who like the show. I reach in my pocket to text Tito and my phone goes off signaling a text. I look at the number to see who it is from and Tito has texted me. I look across the room at him and he is looking at his phone. I open my phone to check out what Tito thinks is so important. Well, things may be going my way after all. I look up at Callie one more time and now I can see the sadness in her eyes. There’s a pain there that I now recognize. For some reason I feel the need to take it away. Where the hell did that come from? I shake my head as if I can knock this idea out. I will make her forget that pain very soon.

“Tito said Callie and her man split. That’s one less obstacle. Maybe it will be easier now. All we have to do is get through Chief now, no wild card.” A few thoughts keep moving around in my head. How could a man that has waited for four years just change his mind? Then it enters my mind maybe she dumped him. No, she was damn determined to be with him. Something is just not adding up. Then a thought occurs to me. “He must have cheated on her.” That’s the only thing that makes sense for the sudden change. That has to sting.

“Yep, that’s what I figure too. What else would it be? Damn that’s tough, but if it works to our advantage then it’s good. I just hate to see it for her. It also means she is not going to trust easily.” He says nodding his head. “If it was your sister, I’d gut him.” And I would be right there to help him. Only thing is my sister, Kim, has nothing to do with us anymore. Her nose is so stuck up her boyfriend’s ass, she never comes around. That’s what happens when a biker girl mixes with some suit. She has no loyalty. I watch as the waitress delivers a tray full beer and I believe some Jello shots. Damn, are they going to get wasted? I watch closely as Callie picks up two shots and downs one after the other, barely taking time to breathe in between them, that’s before the waitress even leaves. Yeah, I will be watching this situation. Young women and alcohol are not good company.

“Son, I think we may have problems tonight with that bunch the way they are throwing back drinks. We have to make sure they get home safe even if we have to call Chief.” I nod my head in agreement.

“I’ll tell Tito to get them on the dance floor.” I flip open my phone and type out a text to Tito. I see when he receives it and he nods his head. Tito pulls Sarah by the hand and she grabs Callie and the other two follow behind and they hit the dance floor. Problem avoided for a little while. I had no idea that little while would last until last call. They put on a show for every horny man in the place and that includes me. The way they were grinding on each other and their hands were running up and down each other’s sweaty bodies has me on edge. I’ve watched Callie and the way she moves is sensual and her body keeps perfect rhythm with the music. Not moving too fast, just a hypnotic sway that lets you know she can follow any pace you set for her. My mind wanders to just how sexy she looks and how she would feel beneath me. My jeans have become uncomfortably tight and I know I need to think about something else or this night is going to seem even longer. I snap my mind out of the trance she has put me under and the group are going back to their booth.

Chapter 12

Callie

“Well that was fun. Do we want another round before we go?” I lift my hand and signal the waitress to bring us each two more rounds. Might as well be safe since it is last call. I see Cru London walk through the front door out of the side of my eye and I know he is here to check on us.

“Did you see him come in Callie?” Fe asked me as he leans over and squeezes my hand to let me know he is here for me.

“I see him Fe, maybe he’ll stay away. I just want my last drinks and then we can get home and maybe this night will end.” I look at Fe and I can see understanding and the unconditional love only a good friend can give. “Sorry, you know what I mean. I had a great time with us all together, but I would just rather forget the skype part.” I try to make a joke but it doesn’t come out as anything but pathetic.

“I get it, Callie. We’re here for you. Here’s our waitress, so let’s bottoms up.” The waitress smiles and hands our drinks around.

“Toast!” Hanna says and lifts her shot in the air, “we’re going to set thi s town on fire. Salute!” she laughs and we clink our glasses together. We shoot it down and reach for the next ones and then shoot them, too. I put my glass back on the table and I see him approach and I know this night is going to turn bad. I pay the waitress and make sure she gets a good tip.

“Callie can I talk to you?” Cru says as he blocks my way of getting out and away from him. “I talked to Mason and he wants me to talk to you.”

You know I have kept it together. I was having a good time with my friends. Even though my cheating boyfriend decided to unload his guilt on me on a night I should be enjoying, and I have come to my limit. I slide as close to Cru as I can get and get on my knees on the booth seat next to him and push as hard as I can. I took him by surprise and he stumbled backwards. I jump to my feet and get in his face.

“Look, I have told you to come to my house in the morning and pick up his stuff and then stay the hell away from me! I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to be friends! I just want to be left the hell alone! He can go talk to the woman he decided was my replacement! Are we clear Cru?” I unload on him at the top of my lungs. I can’t believe this man has the nerve to be here.

“You can’t just leave it like this. He’s sorry for what h e did and he apologized and wants to make it up to you. That man lived like a monk for nearly four years. You don’t know the pressure we are under over there. Nearly four damn years Callie and he only screwed up once. Why can’t you forgive him?” he yells right back in my face. Ice runs through my veins at the thought of Mason with another woman. I know I should keep my mouth shut but I can’t. All the pain comes rushing back. I turn cold and a calm comes over me. I look into Cru’s eyes so there is no doubt in his mind that I mean exactly what I am about to say, “Cru, I love Mason, I can’t turn my emotions off the way he can. He chose to go in the military, not me. He knew we would be separated. He also knew my age when we became involved and we would have to wait to protect him. Consent in Texas is seventeen, not eighteen, he chose to wait. I can’t know the pressures he’s under. I am not there. But it does not give him permission to cheat. Are you telling me every soldier cheats on their significant other? I think not! He made me believe in us. I didn’t want to. I never believed in forever. Then he crushes me. For that I cannot forgive and I will never give a man that power over me again. I never want to see him again and you can tell him that.” I’m done. That’s all I have. I feel an empty spot were my heart used to be before he shattered my belief. I should feel tears or something. I am completely hollow.

“You are one selfish bitch! Mason could have a lot of women and all he got was a spoiled selfish bitch!!” Cru stands over me with his hands fisting and relaxing. I know he is going to lose it but somehow I just don’t give a damn. “How can you do this to him? You are his everything and all you can think about is yourself.” Cru’s voice is getting louder and he is crowding me but out of the side of my eye I see someone approaching and then Cru is being pushed back out of my face and Devil is stepping between us. Where the heck did he come from?

“Who the hell are you?” Cru yells at Devil and then I see the older ver sion of Devil on the other side of Cru “This is none of your business. Get your fucking hands off me.” Cru tells the older man and jerks his shoulder away from the man. “Are you ok Callie?” Devil looks at me.

“I’m fine Mr. Devil. Why are you here?” I say i n a smartass tone.

“I told you about that Callie” he speaks down to me. As if right now I could be intimidated by anyone, because I am beyond pissed. “I am here to make sure no one gets into too much trouble.” He then turns his head to Cru and puts him in a death glare but Cru has never been one to back down.

“This is none of your damn business, asshole. Get your hands off of Callie and move it on along.” Cru growls out in Devil’s face. They are nose to nose and Devil pushes me further behind him. The older version of Devil steps in between the two and puts his hands on each of their chest and gives a brisk push, before he can move his hand off of Cru, Cru slaps it away and the older guy grabs him by his collar.

“Listen boy, I’m not here to cause you any shit but you slap my hand again and I will let my son go on you.” The man says with a deadly calm.

 

“I’m not your damn boy and this is none of either one of your business.” Cru says with contempt in his voice.

 

“Dad, I have this, Callie is my responsibility.” Devil tells his dad but it made all of us whip our heads around to look at him.

“What the hell are you talking about? Who are you?” Cru has calmed some but now his eyes are on me as if I killed someone. “Callie you been stepping out on Mason? You have another man? I should have known. You’re just like that skank of a mom of yours. Wait until Mason hears this.” He says with a venom I have never heard in his voice before. The words are making no sense to me. This man, Devil, has nothing to do with me. I just met him. What the hell is he talking about? Cru’s words hit me straight in the heart. How could he think I would cheat on Mason and me, like my mom?

“Look, you piece of shit, from what I’ve heard here, her man cheated on her. He is an idiot. Callie and I just met a couple of hours ago, but we owe you no explanation. I came here to claim her and now he just made it easier for me. Thank him for me. Now you are the one that has no business here, so leave, because no one talks to my woman like that and she is mine.” Devil turns to look at my reaction but I am so shocked I have none, or maybe the alcohol has numbed me but damn this is confusing. My friends are still sitting at the booth taking this all in and we have gotten the attention of everyone around us. There is a large bouncer coming our way and I know I have to defuse this before we all go to jail.

“Cru, I don’t know what this guy is talking about, and Mason and I are broken up. The way you just talked to me and treated me, we aren’t friends, so go away. We are out of here.” I motion to my friends so they know it is time to get out of there.

“So you want me to believe you don’t know what this guy is talking about.” Cru says and looks at me as though I’d grown another head.

“I’m telling you I don’t care wh at you think, or anyone else, because I answer to no one now. Stay away from me and I’ll do the same. I’ll have someone deliver Mason’s stuff to his dad’s house. As far as I’m concerned, I will never see any of you again.” I try to move away from Devil to join my friends and he pulls my arm.

“Dad is taking care of the bouncer and we will be making sure that all of you make it home. Are we clear with that?” Devil says. Right now I am just tired of all this and want to go home. “I am here to claim you and you will understand everything tomorrow.” He gives my arm a little squeeze and for some reason it is comforting. I see out of the corner of my eye as Cru gives me a go to hell look and he pulls Hanna out of the booth and speaks to her and she walks back over to us.

“I’m going to give Cru a ride home. I love you Callie. He is pissed right now but he will calm down. He didn’t mean what he said. I know he didn’t. I’ll call tomorrow.” Hanna is hesitating as if I might blame her. Cru is Hanna’s cousin, so I know she has to take care of family or she will catch hell.

“It’s ok Hanna. I understand.” I r each over and give her a hug. This night has definitely messed with my head. I need to get home and to bed before anything else can happen. I think I stepped into the twilight zone. I know I need to ditch Devil so we can get back home. So I turn back to straighten out this man.

“Look I don’t know what is going on in your head, but we aren’t happening. My friends and I are leaving and I hope I never see you again. I just want this night over with.” I tell this infuriating man. Devil has this sexy smirk on his face and he pulls me abruptly into his arms and his lips are on me before I can react. His lips are softer than what I would of thought and that was the last coherent thought I had. All I do is feel and taste. I taste the beer mixed with a mint taste and it taste better than anything I have ever sampled before. Our tongues slide across each other and fight for dominance. I feel his hand slide down to my ass and caress it firmly but soothingly and I can’t seem to get close enough. My body has a mind of its own and Devil seems to be able to touch me in just the right way to get the reaction he wants. I feel his hand moving up my body and on my back where it is bare and when his skin comes in contact with mine it sets my back on fire and I hear a moan escape from me. My heart is beating so fast, and my breathing has become shallow. I reach one of my hands into his hair and my other hand takes a hold of his t-shirt and then flattens out on his stomach and I feel his hard abs. When I know I need to breathe he pulls his mouth from mine and pulls my head to his mouth and kisses the top of my head and then puts his mouth to my ear and huskily says “I said I would own you and I will. You will damn sure like it.” His voice is so damn sexy. I feel my panties are damp and I know I have to pull myself together, but I just don’t have the will to. I have only been kissed by Mason and this is so much more sexual. My senses are in overdrive.

“I think that is enough for now Devil.” His dad says. “Let’s get them home.”

Ok, that brought me back to my senses. “No, you cannot see us home. My dad wouldn’t like it. Sarah, can Tito see us home since Hanna was our ride and she had to take Cru home?” Sarah looks to Tito and he shakes his head yes. “Will that satisfy you?” I look to Devil and his dad. “Devil, I don’t know what your angle is but I’m not taking it. Stay away from me.” I tell him and hope he listens because I don’t know how strong I can be around this dangerous man.

I see Hanna and Cru leaving out the front door and Hanna is smiling at the show we just put on but Cru looks disgusted and is shaking his head. It won’t be long before Mason hears of this. I have to admit I like that idea. Just a little. Back to the man at hand.

“That will work, but we are following behind you. You are not in control Callie, but for tonight we will do it your way.” Devil says and steps back over to his dad as I look over to Sarah and she has a ‘we are going to talk’ look on her face. Felix just looks like he wants to get out of here. Tito is standing close to Sarah and I wonder about him. She says he is a good guy, but I really don’t know anything about him and I feel like I need to. He seems nice enough but he is older and I have to look out for my girl. Another thing for my to-do list. We need to move it outside and get going. I have a feeling this night will only get worse if we don’t get home.

“Let’s get going.” I say to all my friends and we head towards the front door and then out with Devil and his dad following behind us. I step out into the night and step over to the side so my eyes can grow accustom to the darkness, even though the parking lot should be well lit, a few of the security lights are out and that seems strange to me. Before I have a chance to react to it, I see the van moving towards us and the side door slide open and I hear a pop, pop, pop. I jump towards Sarah and Felix and make sure they are on the ground and I try to cover them with my body. I feel Devil move up next to me as he tries to shield me and the van speeds away. Then I see another vehicle coming our way and I yell, “There’s another one, get down.” I reach for the gun in my ankle holster, and take aim to shoot straight at the windshield where the driver should be, but I hear the other guns going off around me so I just try my best to keep my friends safe. Then as fast as the second attack started it was over. I keep a watchful eye out to make sure there is no other attacks coming our way.

“Why the hell do you have a gun?” Devil ask looking incredulous. “We have to move and get out of here. We are too vulnerable here.” He looks over to Tito, “Go get your vehicle,” then I see it. He knows Tito and I feel a realization that we could be in big trouble. When Tito goes to get his car I do the only thing I know to do. I aim the gun at Devil and his dad, it’s now or never, “Sarah, Felix are you ok?” they are just now getting to their feet.

“Yeah, we’re ok. What are you doing Callie?” Felix looks confused. “Callie what are you doing?” The Steel asks me as Devil is trying to move around to the side of me.

 

“Stop right there, Devil. Both of you move in front of me!” I aim carefully but keep my eyes on both the men.

“Felix keep an eye out for Tito.” I tell Felix calmly enough he pays attention instantly. “Sarah, call dad tell him where we are, to get here now and to bring back up and a car, and then explain why. Do it calmly and don’t leave anything out. Tell who we are with.” Sarah has her phone out and is talking to dad before I have a chance to rethink it. I know this is the way it has to be, even though I will have to pay the consequences of my actions. Dad is going to be pissed.

“That was the right thing to do, Callie. You’re in trouble and you know things are out of control and you get help.” Steel tells me.

 

“Glad you approve,” I say a little sarcastically. “What is your name?” I ask him to make sure I have the right name.

 

“Just call me Steel.” He says without much emotion

“Well Steel, I ha ve made a real mess of things tonight and when things are serious I know who to turn to.” I know I have messed up tonight and I will have to face his wrath but I need to fix this. “How long has Tito been working for you and how long have you been watching us?” Both Devil and Steel’s eyes narrow on me and they are trying to see just how much I have been able to see through them.

“Tito’s coming” Felix informs me. Sarah pushes her phone to me and I hear my dad yelling.

“Dad!” I yell into the phone and I hear it go quiet. “Get to the Starlight club, now please. Devil and Steel are here with me they have a guy Tito who has been hanging with Sarah and he’s here. Two vehicles went by shooting as we came out of the club. I have my gun on Devil and Steel right now and Tito is almost here in his black 2015 Dodge Challenger. I can’t make out the plate. Did you get all that?” as soon as the last words were out of my mouth the phone went dead. Yep he was on his way.

“Ok, my dad is on his way. We are going back in the club.” I push Felix and Sarah ahead of me and as we step back into the club I put my gun away and make my way over to the bar. Everything is winding down inside and they are getting ready to close. I find the bouncer and let him know who my dad is and he would be very happy if he would help us out until he can get here. Thankfully the man knows who my dad is and agrees. He escorts us to an office to wait for my dad’s arrival.

Chapter 13

Devil

I know what is coming now, but I’m just glad everyone on our side is ok. It could have been worse, a lot worse. Apparently Chief has taught his daughter a hell of a lot better than any of us have been lead to believe.

“We are going to be in deep with Chief. Are you ready for that?” As my dad takes in our surroundings. “We need to find out if that was meant for us, or if that was meant for Callie. I’ve let you take the lead in this, so take care of it or I will. I know we need that girl in there, but I will not see her hurt. We could be waiting on Chief to come get his dead daughter. Are you listening to me Devil?” he wipes his hand down his face the way he does when he has had enough shit for one day. “At least we know that girl has some sense about her. Who would have thought she would have a gun? And the way she turned it on us when she saw right through Tito’s connection with us. Maybe that had nothing to do with us and we just saved them.” Dad has a real admiration for Callie now. That could be dangerous for my future plans.

“Let’s not forget the big picture.” I try to redirect his thinking. “Let’s see if we can turn this around for us when Chief gets here.” One thing at a time.

“You’re going to make a strong child with this girl, so you think about that and I will handle Chief. Just try to keep your mouth shut. He has a hate for you and anything that comes from you, he’s not going to like.” That much I figured out. That’s ok because I don’t care for his ass much either. He should have better protection on Callie. That can only mean she is his weakness, and now I know how to use it, but if I see it so can anyone else that wants to hurt him. I will have to get someone from our club here to watch her until we work things out. I hear bikes as they turn into the parking lot and Chief is front and center and not looking happy. Time to get this done. I need a bed to get a little sleep to face Callie tomorrow. Chief rides his bike right up to us. He gets off his bike and has me pushed back up against the wall before I know he is coming my way. He’s fast for a man his size.

“Where is my damn daughter? What the hell are you doing anywhere near her? I told you to stay the fuck away!” Chief is raging and he has lost all control. Dad tries to move between us but I’m having none of it. I punch Chief before dad can catch my arm and then it’s a free for all between the big man and me. I take a good hit to my ribs but I come back with an upper cut to the side of his head.

“You mother fucker I told you to stay away from my d aughter and I will put you to ground if you think you can come in and just take her.” Chief is growling out in between punches to my kidneys.

POP! POP! POP!

 

We both stop and look toward the front door of the club where Callie is standing with her gun in the air.

 

“Dad, please stop.” She pleads and looks at him with tears in her eyes.

Chief turns towards his VP, Trent, and nods his head towards the front door. “Make sure no one calls the cops.” Then Callie moves to her dad and is checking his face out.

“He didn’t do anything to me dad. There were two drive bys right here when we came out.” Callie informs her dad but he still looks skeptical.

“He didn’t discuss anything with you?” Chief looks between the two of us. “Chief, I can explain if you’ll just listen.” Dad tells him.

“Steel you can only trade on our friendship for so long and it is wearing thin. We need to get the hell out of here in case someone called the cops.” Just then Trent comes back out the door with Callie’s friends.

“Callie, you and your friend s get in the car with Woody and Ty and if you give them any shit at all young lady, I swear I will give you the spanking you have been needing. Are we clear?” Chief stares his daughter down and there is no room for her to argue with him.

“Yes sir, I understand.” She bends her head and looks at the ground but moves towards the car.

“Steel meet me at the clubhouse. We are going to settle who is in charge around here.” I can see the determination in his eyes and I know I need to keep my mouth shut but only until we get to the club. Dad shakes his head and we head to our bikes and Tito to his car. The wind in my face and the feel of my bike will help me sort through all the shit that has gone down tonight and maybe I can find a way to approach this so we all can survive.

“Son, we have to find out who was behind this tonight. We don’t need any loose ends.” He is deep in thought but I know this is wearing on his nerves.

“I agree old man and we will.” That fact I know. Because if we don’t find them they will come calling again and if it was meant for Callie I may not be there to help next time.

Chapter 14

Mason

 

***From somewhere in a war zone***

“Finally! Where have you been, Cru? I have been trying to get you for hours. Did you find her and explain?” Mason blurts out and all he gets is a silent Cru on the other end. “Come on man, I’m dying here. Give me something.”

“Mase, man, I found her but she’s not listening. I think I made it worse. She and I had words and I should have just kept my mouth shut and stayed away.” I can hear the regret in his voice but I don’t understand. How could he argue with my girl? I’m in the wrong. All I wanted him to do is make her understand how sorry I am.

“What are you talking about? Tell me what happened.” I know there has to be some kind of communication problem going on because I’m not getting what went on.

“Look, I’m sorry. I was a little mad because of her attitude. She told me to come and pick your stuff up and she wanted nothing else to do with any of us. I let her know the pressures we’re under doing what we do, and how long you had to wait for her. I lost it on her. I’m sorry man. I know I made it worse.” I am seeing red by the time his words are out of his mouth. Damn, all I asked him to do was apologize for me again.

“Lo ok Cru, this is all on me. I did wrong. It was my idea for this relationship and me waiting on her. I love her. I screwed up and made a mistake but you don’t understand. Everything that has happened is her worst nightmare. I promised her it wouldn’t happen and it did. This is all on me.” I try my best to make him understand. “Look Cru, Callie had a rough time coming up when she was with her mom and she remembers it. Her mom used to sell herself and Callie remembers those women that used to come knocking on their door looking for their husbands and Callie swore that would never be her.” I hope Cru can understand the extent of the pain I have put on my girl. I wish I could take it back.

“Damn, now I know I made it worse.” Cru cursed into the phone almost too soft for me to hear.

 

“Why? What did you do Cru?” I had to know what he said to her so I can make it better for her.

“I told her she was just like her mother.” Cru lets out, “I’m sorry man I didn’t know. I had heard her mom was a skank but I didn’t know the rest.” I hear the regret in his voice but the anger I feel towards him for saying such a thing is too much to contain.

“Cru, you idiot, that is one of her worst fears, being like her mom.” I take in a deep breath trying to calm myself and then something doesn’t make sense and I have to ask. “Why would you say she is like her mom?”

“There’s this biker guy who says Callie is his and he’s claiming her. Sorry man. I know its hard hearing that when you’re so far away but I knew you would want to know.” Cru is having a hard time with all this and I know I have put him in a bad situation.

“Who is it, Cru? Someone from Chief’s club?” I run over the men in the club and I can’t believe it would be any of them. We are all friendly. They know she is mine. I know Callie would not cheat on me. It’s not in her. It goes against everything she believes in.

“No man, I haven’t seen this guy before and he’s older. Probably in his thirties. I know most of Chief’s guys and this wasn’t one of them. He called himself Devil.” Cru is thinking and trying to figure out who this guy is.

“Is that all Cru? Is there anything else you’re not telling me? I need to know it all. What did Callie say about this guy?” I need to hear it. I know there is something else.

“She was having none of it, ma n. This guy was irritating the shit out of Callie and she was giving him hell but when Hanna and I were leaving, he kissed her and when I say kissed her, I mean he owned her in that kiss. Sorry, I just want you to be aware what is going on.” I know it took a lot for Cru to tell me that last part but I needed to hear it.

“Thanks Cru. I appreciate you trying and telling me everything. And Cru, if you ever talk to my girl like that again I will break your face. Do we understand each other? I love Callie and she will be mine again…she always has been since I saw her when she wasn’t even fifteen.” I let that sink in. “You know, I have loved Callie since she was twelve years old. I had to wait for Chief to let her date. I was only fifteen and that girl has owned me since then.”

“I got you Sarge, and I understand. Is Jeb ok?” he always asks about his twin as if he wouldn’t know if something was wrong with him They have that weird twin thing. “Yeah, he is fine. Get yourself back here and see for yourself.” I know this is where he wants to be anyway. This is the longest they have been separated in a while. “Ok, I will get on that tomorrow. Tell him I said hey. Sorry I let you down.” I hear my lifelong friend’s regret and I know I need to fix this.

“You didn’t let me do wn. I let myself down, and I let Callie down. Now I have to be man enough to fix it. Later Cru.” I hope the truth helps and I hang up. I have to get my leave and soon. Very soon. I have to go home and claim the woman I love and put a ring on her finger, and as soon as I can, my baby in her belly. I will tie her to me by any means I have to. Wait for me baby, I am on my way. Callie, you are my everything. My heart only beats for you. We are an ocean apart. You are mine and I will reclaim you. I will fight the Devil for you.
Chief

What a clusterfuck this night has become. How can I run a damn club when I can’t even control my own damn daughter? I should have kept her away from this club and found a woman to help raise her better. Ma did her best when she was still alive, but by that time Callie was already a tomboy and could do everything Ty did and do it better at times. She’s learned too much, too fast. Now she’ll have to pay the price of me not thinking ahead to this. It’s been a long night and I have come up with nothing to head off what is coming tomorrow. More like tonight. Might as well do this and then sleep. Maybe then an answer will come in my sleep. Ma always said our ancestors come to us in our dreams. What I wouldn’t give for her to slap me upside the head with her wisdom right about now. Callie and I will be having some words over the shit her and her friends pulled tonight. That girl needs to learn to stay put. When will she learn? I do have to say, she did me proud by calling when she thought she was over her head. She knew she would be in trouble but she called anyway. She had her protection on her, at least she learned that lesson. As I walk through the club I see the kids have taken over the couch. They look like they could use some sleep but that’ll have to wait. Looks like all the patch members are here. Not happy at this hour, but here. Time to get this started.

“Church now!” I yell out and head towards the room at the end of the hall where we have made every important decision since my uncle was the President of the BlackPath MC. We enter that door and everything gets intense. Zman is at the door, as our SAA he takes all phones and weapons. I head to the front of the table but stop and look for Ty outside the room. He’s still a prospect and not allowed inside during church, he can be my eyes outside until we call everyone in.

“Ty, keep an eye on Steel and Devil until we call them in. Keep them away from your sister. If you need help get Woody.” With that I return to the room and my place at the head of the table. Everyone is seated at the table and Zman closes the door and I look out at my brothers and get ready to put this big clusterfuck at their feet. All of them know what was coming tomorrow and we have voted on it but I hate having to do this at three o’clock in the morning.

“Everyone quiet down and I will try to get this over with fast so you can get back to bed.” I hesitate and then proceed, “Callie has gotten herself into a bit of a mess tonight. Her and her friends snuck away from the prospects on guard and were shot at coming out of a club a little while ago.” I look to see who is grumbling and it is Trent, my VP and blood brother.

“Told you to send her to boarding school. Kid always getting up to something.” Trent grouches out.

“Shut up Trent, you spoil her worse than anyone.” I tell him and he can’t argue with me. He helped me raise her and she has had him wrapped around her little finger since she was born. Way before she ever lived with us.

“Is it still a go ahead for tomorrow? Are you still laying it at Callie’s feet? I still think that is too much for such a young kid! Too much responsibility!” Hambone lets his opinion be known again.

“Me too.” Sinner lets me know as well.

“My daughter, we voted, and that’s final.” I let them know the subject is closed. “We are going to hear Steel and Devil out about what went down at club, as briefly as possible. Then the kids and everyone else can leave. Then Steel, Devil, Trent, and I will lay it out for Callie. After that, I am going to sleep for a while and let Callie take it all in. Today is Saturday, so Monday morning, first thing, we will sit down and hash it out and see where we go from there.” I look around at all the concerned looks. I know they are all worried about baby girl. She is our princess with a warrior’s heart and when she hurts we all do. These hard ass bikers all have a soft spot for her and that is what family is all about. “Ok, let’s do this.” I motion for Zman to let the other two men in.
Devil

Finally, we are summoned to go before all the patched members. This should be fun. We have nothing to hide, so it shouldn’t take long. Then we can get down to why we came here. We walk into the room and two chairs are set away from their table but close to Chief. Zman stands behind us, as if we would try anything here.

“Ok, tell us what happened outside the club and we will come back to the rest afterwards. I want details. No run around bullshit.” Chief looks at me but he will get the answers from dad. Chief already has a hate for me and I am trying to show some patience. We’ll see how long that last.

“We followed your girl and her friends out the front door. Callie stood over to the side of the door as she stepped out into the night, I’m guessing to let her eyes adjust, but it probably saved some of our lives. The van barreled down on us and we would have been in the open if she would have taken off into the parking lot. She threw herself over her friends and Devil threw himself over her. After the initial attack, a second vehicle with shooters approached, we shot back, your girl pulled her gun, and shot out the windshield. Don’t know if we got any of them. It was dark and some security lights were out. After that Callie saw the connection between Tito and Devil and it spooked her so she called for backup. The rest you know.” Dad finished the last part slowly letting them know he wasn’t exactly happy because we were caught by Callie.

“So, Callie had your number. She caught on that you, Steel, had a tail on my girl. For how long? Chief said with a proud fatherly tone.

 

“That’s our girl!” Trent chimes in.

 

“You said tonight first. We will get to the other in time.” Dad says without any emotion.

“Were they after you?” Chief glares in our direction.
“Could be T-Bone or could be Diamondback. The first would be more after Callie than us. The second would just be checking, but you can never guess.” My dad finally dropped the name that took all the air out of Chief. “Would any of your enemies be after you, through Callie?

“We have somebody on that.” Chief says but you can tell his mind is a million miles away. “Anything else?”

 

“No, that’s it.” Dad says.

“I put Tito on Callie’s friend, Sarah. I wanted to know more about Callie before I met her again. Then when he told me she was sneaking out and losing your lousy choices for prospects, I knew I needed to keep her safe.” I looked right at Chief but I could see his pain along with a more than healthy dose of hatred toward me.

“I can take care of my daughter.” At that he turned toward Zman, “Bring in the kids.” I guess he didn’t like my answers. My dad leans over to me and whispers, “Take it easy, he’s on edge.” I knew this was going to be a delicate balancing act going in. I see Callie and her friends enter the room. They look like they could use some sleep. Felix and Sarah both have their heads down and eyes to the floor. Not Callie, she is holding her head high and looking her dad straight in the eye. She hasn’t been broken yet tonight. The other two stand back but Callie walks straight up to her dad, “Dad this is all my fault. We snuck out so I could race at the strip tonight and then we went to the club. All my idea and all my fault. If we are in trouble, I need to take responsibility.” She looks Chief straight in the eyes and stiffened her backbone and waited for his reply. This woman has a backbone and my admiration for her has grown even more. This cannot stand in my way of getting what I want. The other men look at her and all they see is the little girl she used to be and all I see is the beautiful woman she has grown into. Everything balances on her and that’s a lot of responsibility for her. From what she has shown me, she can handle it. I feel pride as I look at her, damn I have to shut that down.
Callie

My dad hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I came in the door. I know I disappointed him tonight. That hurts. I don’t know what I thought I was doing. I just wanted to race and then all hell broke loose on us. I know I have to take my punishment and face dad head on. That’s what I was taught, to stand up and say when I’m wrong and take my punishment like I should. I already told Felix and Sarah to let me take responsibility and for them just to answer what is asked of them and no smart talk. None of that is tolerated inside these doors.

“What do you mean, “IF”, you’re in trouble. I put men on you for a damn reason and you snuck out. Racing? What in the hell do you think your trying to do girl? Put me in a grave?” My dad looks disgusted with me. I have let him down. I stiffen and spit out what is on my mind.

“Sir, I’m not going to say I’m sorry for racing. I am good at it. You taught me and I learned well. I am sorry for worrying you. I am sorry for what happened later. I should have known better than to go to the club. I am ready to take my punishment and I will try to refrain from racing the remaining time I have at home. I am sorry I disappointed you,” I look around at the other men at the table, “I am ready to take my punishment.” I hear Trent say under his breath, “She’s taking responsibility like we’ve taught her.” My dad looks to my two friends, “Do you two have anything to add?” I’m praying these two keep their mouths shut but Felix can’t help himself from telling everything.

“After Callie won an d we got back to my house she got bad news from Mason and we trying to cheer her up.” Damn, why did he have to tell this in front of everyone? I was hoping this could wait until tomorrow, or never.

“Callie?” that’s all dad has to say. He has almost a softn ess in his eyes but it is quickly masked by the President’s mask. I steel myself and look at him and my eyes never leave his, “We broke up.” If he wants more he will have to ask.

“Do you think you could elaborate on that?” I knew this was coming but wasn’t sure I would be able to tell them.

“Mason cheated on me not once but twice. He thought the night of my graduation was the night to ease his conscious by sharing. We’re done. End of story.” The tears are in my eyes but I will not let them fall. I left the only tears he would get from me in Felix’s bedroom and bathroom drain. I have put my broken heart and those memories in my box of things locked away in my soul. Things I will never get back. Things I will not face again as long as I can keep that chain locked on that overflowing box. I lift my chin and meet the looks of pity and sorrow in all these tough bikers that are my family. I hate it and I swear it will be the last time any of them have to give me these looks.

“Damn! What the hell? Did he call and tell you that shit?” Hambone curses out. “Skyped me.” I keep my answer direct and short. My dad reaches over and takes my hand but says nothing.

 

“That boy gets home and I will teach him some damn manners.” Uncle Trent says from his chair.

“We’ll all have han d in that. He disrespected one of ours and we will teach him what happens when we get disrespected.” Zman says from behind Devil and Steel. Guess they still aren’t trusted. I know it will do no good to argue with them now and inside here it is not tolerated so I keep quiet.

“Why were you with Devil and Steel and what does his man Tito have to do with any of this?” Dad gets back on track with the questioning.

“We were at the club having a good time and Cru London came in and was trying to get me to listen to Mason’s explanations. I wasn’t interested. Things got heated and Devil stepped in between us. Cru was just taking up for Mason and said some things that made me go off.” I tried to make it sound lighter than it actually was. No one here would like what Cru said to me. “After that we were leaving and Sarah’s friend, a.k.a. Tito, was going to bring us home because Hanna took Cru home and she was our ride.” Oops left that out earlier.

“So, Hanna was with you three, too?” Dad asked and I nodded at him. “Yes, she was our ride to the club, but since she is Cru’s cousin when he got upset she had to give him a ride home. We rode to the club with Hanna. Cru, I guess, got dropped off by someone.” I could only guess how Cru got there.

“Anyway, when we went out the doo rs I slid over, like I always do and let my eyes adjust to the dark so I could see and the van came out of nowhere. Devil and Steel were coming out after us and when I made sure Sarah and Felix were down I felt Devil fall over me and roll. I thought it was over until I saw the dark car come towards us really fast and I drew my gun and shot at the windshield in the vicinity of the driver and then it was over. Shots came from the van and the car, from Steel and Tito. Devil was trying to keep us down.” I take a breath, “Then Devil told Tito to get his car and I saw in their eyes the connection. Tito took the orders too easily, like he was used to doing it and I knew I needed back-up. Steel had put his gun away and Tito had gone to the parking lot to get his car, so I knew I had to do it then. I covered them and had Felix watch for Tito and Sarah call you. Then I talked to you and gave you all the information you would have needed to find us if they took us. After I hung up with you the three of us returned to the club and I went to a bouncer and told them who you were and asked for help and they put us in a room until Trent came in and got us.” I thought I had it all out but then I remembered, “also I looked for a tag but there was none and the parking lot had security lights out and I don’t remember them being that way when we entered and that’s everything.” I finally had it all out and I wish I could just roll up in a ball and go to sleep and forget all about this night.

“Are you sure that is everything?” Dad as ks me.
“Yes sir, everything I can remember.” I just want to go home and to my bed.

“Felix, Sarah do either of you have anything else to say?” my dad asks. They both shake their heads. “Ok, Zman will you get Ty or Woody?” Zman steps to the door and opens it and motions Ty, who is standing guard outside in, “Ty take Felix and Sarah to Callie’s room and make sure no one bothers them.” Then my dad looks at them, “Go on and get some sleep, but your both on clean up duties. That means my yard and shop at home. Are we clear?” they know not to argue and follow Ty out.

“Now, baby girl.” My night just keeps getting longer. All I want to do is go to sleep, but that is not happening for a while. “It seems you have had an eventful night.” Dad looks at the men at the table. “I want everyone to put their ears to the ground and talk to everyone to find out who is responsible for the shootings tonight. Everyone be aware of your surroundings. I’m not calling lock down, yet, but keep your loved ones close. Hambone call some other clubs and see if they have heard anything. Get our intel guy on the night club’s security cameras on the parking lot. It’s pretty secluded so not many would be out there but it is unusual for a club’s parking lot to be that empty at closing time. Find out why exactly that was. Now everyone but Trent go home get some shut eye for a couple hours and then find me something.” Dad sounds more like a grizzly bear than a man. I know he is worried and tired. I hate I did this to him and the whole club. All the guys are filing out. Picking up their phones and guns from Zman and Hambone stops by and wraps me up in a big old hug.

“That boy was never good enough for our Princess anyway. You keep that chin up girlie.” This may be more than I can take. The kindness and love my family shows me. Unconditional. I would do anything for them. Hambone makes his way out and Zman comes back and gives me a sideways hug and a kiss on the side of my head.

“So, did you win the race? Did you put Rabbit in his place?” he asks only lo ud enough for me to hear. I wink at him and lean in and kiss his cheek and whisper, “beat him by a nose.” Then I hear a growl from the other side of the room, it had come from Devil and he had Zman fixed in a death glare. Don’t know what that is about, but it amuses Zman.

Chapter 18

Devil

That asshole needs to take his hands off of what’s mine. That smirk on his face tells me he knows exactly what he is doing. Challenging me. It’s time to do what we come here to do so everyone will know who Callie belongs to. I signal to Dad to let him know it is time. I am tired, I need sleep, and my patience has run out. Like Chief could read my mind he signals for Zman to stay.

“Callie come here and sit down beside me. I know it’s late, ok early, but we need to go ahead and get this done.” Callie moves around and sits next to Chief while Trent takes the chair on her other side. Dad and I sit across from them and Zman takes up post by the door so we won’t be interrupted. Chief turns to Callie and takes her hands in his and brings them to his mouth and kisses her hands folded in his. It looks so out of character for the big man, but he’s tender with her and shows her his emotions. I can tell by observing the two just how close they are.

“Callie, I love you with all my heart baby girl. I have since the first time I held you. Showing my emotions is not what I’m good at, but I have tried extra hard with you. Your brother, Tommy, entrusted your wellbeing with me and he knew I would protect and love you until the day they put me in my grave. What I am going to do now,” he chokes up and looks at his feet, “no one your age should have laid at their feet, but I respect you and I never want you to hate me so I have to give you the chance to make the choice.” And then he hesitates and looks at her.

“I love you too dad, but your scaring me and you know I don’t scare easy. It’s ok. Really, just say it. Tear it off like a bandaide.” Callie gives her dad an encouraging smile and squeezes his big hand. Chief looks like he has aged ten years in the last twenty-four hours. He knows what he has to do, but he still fights with leaving this responsibility on Callie’s shoulders. I should feel guilty for my part in this, but I don’t. My soul was blackened too many years ago to feel remorse for my decisions.

“Baby girl, when Tommy was killed we have always known there was another shooter there that night, do you remember that?” Callie shakes her head yes. I can tell by the glassy look in her eyes that she is reliving parts of that nightmare she already had to endure, no telling how many times, late at night in her worse dreams.

“I told you that. I remember two.” Callie says with vacant look now replacing the pain I had seen only seconds before.

 

“Callie, I want you to stay with me here.” Chief strokes her cheek lovingly trying to erase some of the harsh memories.

 

“Just listen, so I can get this out. Ok? Just listen and take in what I’m saying.” Chief tells her in a fatherly calming voice.

“There was a second shooter. like I said. Also we have fo und out someone sent them. They were not working on their own. We all know what happened to Chaz. I thought we were really careful and covered our tracks, but I wasn’t in charge then, and someone else took care of the clean-up. I should have done it, but I was worried how it was affecting you.” Callie has listened without interrupting. The pain is written all over her face. Chief telling her this has taken her back to when she was six years old and had her whole world turned upside down. The day she lost her brother and killed a man.

“Dad, are you talking about what I did?” Callie asked just barely loud enough for us to hear.

 

“Baby girl are you ok? Is this too painful?” Trent asked and rubbed his hand down Callie’s back to give her some comfort.

“No Uncle Trent, I just want to understand.” Then Callie stiffens her back and looks straight at her dad, “Tell me dad, what is it your trying to say?” she looks determined to hear it all.

“What I’m saying is there was definitely another shooter and it was ordered, bu t you were the target just like we always thought. Steel and Devil have come to bargain with us on the information about the other shooter and who gave the orders. Nothing else.” There was a relieved look that come over her face. She thinks her dark secret is safe but she will soon be enlightened. “Devil wants you. He wants to take you as his wife and then they will give us the shooter and the name of the man in charge. The club has vowed to avenge Tommy’s death since he was killed, but this is not my call. I never thought you would even think about it, but I had to let you know what they offered. I want to make it clear that no one expects this of you, but I respect you and I knew Devil would approach you and I wanted to bring it to you myself.” Chief squeezed her hand and then kissed her forehead.

“That’s why you have been following me around tonight? You want someone who doesn’t even know you as your wife?” she sounds incredulous. She turns towards me and looks at me as if she is seeing straight through me, “Why?” that’s all she asks, then waits for me to give her an answer. I contemplate my words carefully. This has to come out right or I will be back at square one. “Because I need a wife who can be by my side. Someone I don’t have to coddle and who knows how the club works. I know that doesn’t sound all sweet and shit but life is hard and I need what I need.” I try to sound convincing. “By the way happy birthday. You are eighteen now.” Chief looks at me and now he realizes I will care for his daughter. Something so small made him see for the first time how serious I am.

“They don’t have women were you come from? Wherever that may be.” She doesn’t look convinced.

“Yes, we have women, but I need a strong woman. One that won’t break when the going gets tough and who is loyal. I know it would start out as a work arrangement but I think love is way over rated. If we can have trust, loyalty, and commitment, that aces love every time. I assure you that you will get your revenge and you assure me you will be my wife.” I see she is considering it. She wants the revenge. “To make sure you will not back out after I give the information, you will marry me.” I hear her take a breath and hold it in. I have shocked her, so I go in for the kill, “I mean, you had a boyfriend you loved and see what happened, he cheated on you. That’s all love will get you is a broken heart. We would have more.” I see in her eyes it has hit home what I am offering and she’s curious.

“But why me? You don’t know me. You know nothing of me. You don’t even like me.” Callie’s eyes look far away as if she’s thinking about someone else. Probably that prick of an ex-boyfriend.

“Your name is Callie Cheyenne Monroe Black. Your eighteen today. You just graduated, top of your class. Plan on attending UT. Business, I believe, is your study area. You love to race cars. You have a bad temper at times. How is that for someone that knows nothing about you? Oh, and I learned tonight you carry a gun and you do what’s right even if it gets you in trouble, when it’s important.” I look first at Callie and then to Chief. She seems to be trying to take it all in.

“What would keep me from agreeing and then after we know what we need to, leave? How can you trust me? You don’t know me. If Steel and my dad are such good friends can’t they come up with some other arrangement to get the information?” she ask but looks from Chief to dad and then finally her beautiful blue eyes land on me. In another place or another time, I could get lost in those eyes, but now is not the time. She should be a carefree teenager, but within her eyes I can see a maturity beyond her years. The innocent curtains most young women her age have, was torn from her years ago. If eyes are the gateway to our souls, then hers has been blackened from circumstances beyond her control. I have to give her the most honest answer I can. From the shadows in her eyes I can tell she is waiting for me to slip up, to tell a lie she can call me on. I won’t give it to her.

“You will become my wife first. From that you cannot run. Chief’s club would recognize my right to keep you with me and would not interfere. They are the only reason I am bargaining and not just taking what I want. I don’t ask for permission for anything. I’m not some little school boy. I am a man and men take what they want.” I take her hand in mine. Chief starts to get up from his chair but she puts her hand on his arm and he relaxes some and sits back down. “I give you my word I will take care of you and you will not be harmed. I don’t abuse women. I will give to you what you need. Give you what you want, if I can, and protect you with my life, with our club backing me on that, so you will be safe. But I have to know you are all in.” I give it all to her and hold nothing back. She has to know what she is getting into. “I live a hard life just like your dad, but you know what to expect, you’ve lived it most your life.” There it all was. Everything she needed to know to make a decision. She looks deep in thought.

“Darling, you can think about it. You don’t have to give an answer right now. We need to head back home, and you can talk it over with Chief. Just know if the answer is yes, it is binding. Our clubs will go to war if you back out. That’s a lot on your shoulders, so think it through and be sure.” My dad tells her. I knew he had a soft spot for Callie but he is giving her room to wiggle out of this and she can’t do that. I know I am talking like I am giving her a choice, but I know I will get what I want one way or another. I have to have her and I will have her! I am just trying to avoid a bloody war between our clubs. Callie gets up and stretches and then walks around the table. When she gets back to her chair she pulls it out and sits back down and looks at her dad, “Do you trust what they say? Can we really rely on them giving us both the other shooter and who ordered it? Honest time, don’t sugar coat for me.” She looks at her dad with total trust. She thinks he would never hide anything from her for her own good. I know differently, but right now I need her to have that trust in him. I know what Chief and his entire club want. They want Tommy’s killers in a bad way and they have exhausted their only leads to find them. They know this is their last chance.

“Yes Callie, if Steel says it’s true, I believe it. We have known each other long enough he knows I would march through hell itself and fight the Devil himself for you. So he knows there is no room for lies here or there will be a blood war that will leave neither of our clubs left standing. I don’t know about Devil but Steel will tell the truth. Only thing is, I hate to put this on you. I loved Tommy like a brother, but you are my daughter. That’s why I had to bring it to you or I would have told them fuck no. I have to consider how you would feel about his killers. I don’t want you to hate me for making the decision for you. The club has voted to do what you decide, since you will have to live with the decision. That is big coming from the table. Never have we ever given anyone else that power and it was a unanimous vote. We all love you and know you will do the right thing.” Chief finishes, but you can tell this is hard on him to have to let his young daughter make such a major decision. He wants to protect her but sometimes our life is hard and you can’t protect the ones we care about.

“Where do you live? I don’t know anything about your club or you.” Then she stops and looks at Trent who has been unusually quiet. She closes her eyes and I was beginning to think she is way too tired for this. We’ve pushed too hard. Then she opens her eyes and looks me at me as if she can see all the emptiness inside me. “Can you give me until Sunday afternoon, let’s say six o’clock, back here? Just stay in town and I will have your answer. Can we do that?” She looks determined and is waiting for my answer. She has completely shocked me.

“Are you sure that is enough time? You can take more time if you need it. This is serious sweetheart.” My dad tells her.

“Callie you need to give it more time. There’s no way you c an decide something so serious in such a short time.” Trent finally speaks up. He is grasping at straws to try anything to delay this.

“Are you sure baby girl? You can take more time. You need sleep.” Chief puts in his two cents but Callie is already shaking her head but she’s not saying anything and still waiting for my answer.

“If you’re sure you can give us an answer by then. But think it over carefully, because once you agree it is a done deal.” I tell her. She has an almost haunted eerie look on her face and I am sorry I am the cause of it but I can’t change it.

“Tomorrow six p.m., and Devil, don’t be late.” She looks at her dad, “Can I go to my room and sleep now and when I wake up we’ll talk?”

“Sure baby, go ahead and we’ll talk then.” She gives her d ad a hug and he kisses her on the top of her head and then she turns and does the same to Trent. Without another word she goes to the door and gives Zman the same and he whispers something in her ear we can’t hear. I growl and I don’t know where that came from, but he needs to move away from my woman. Then she moves out of the room and for some reason I feel a loss. I know Callie should be with me. She should be going with me. I can wait. Thirty more hours and I will have my answers. I am brought out of my thoughts by the door opening back up.

“Dad, do you think you could get Cross to come talk with me this afternoon I have some questions for him? You all say for me to consider this and not to do it until I’m sure, well I need a lawyer.” She finishes and waits for her dad’s answer.

“Sure babe, but you know he is the club’s lawyer not yours.” Callie has walked back over by the table and stopped next to me.

“Well the way I see it, he is an attorney, I need one, so I should be able to hire him. He helped me getting Tommy’s insurance papers done for when I’m eighteen. So he should be able to council me on this issue. I know if he has my retainer he has to keep it confidential so there’s no issue there and you trust him, right?” She waits for her answer but she is up to something. I see the mischievous gleam in her eyes.

“Sure. I will make sure he gets the retainer. That way he will answer your questions and I will make sure he is here by three. That should give you a few hours of sleep.” Chief tells her.

“Will you make it two? I am setting my alarm for one and then I can meet him here or the house. I have some other things to do today. But you won’t be paying the retainer. Devil will. I need the attorney because of his proposition, so he can pay.” She then puts her hand on my shoulder bends down and kisses my cheek, “right honey?” Damn women, “Sure, whatever.” And then she turns and walks out. Every man in the room knows I have just been taken and have shit eating grins on their faces to prove it, including my dad.

“Gonna have your hands full with that one, if you get her.” He’s not lying and I already know it.

“Ok, now she’s gone, do you have anything else to say about tonight?” His patience is wearing thin but so is mine. “Anything at all, especially since you’ve had a man on her and her friends for a while now. Where did your man pick them up at? And how long has he been on them?” he could ask questions for hours and to tell the truth I am too tired for this shit.

“Can we pick this up tomorrow when we come or late r today? It is after six and we need sleep. Our guy has only been watching and nothing else. I just had to know about Callie. Easiest way to find out without causing a lot of questions. Nothing more. We have our intel people on tonight. Maybe between our man and your man we can come up with something.” I let Chief know we need to ride. We are getting nowhere.

“Chief, let’s just put it to bed tonight and look at it with fresh eyes in the morning, before you and Devil kill each other.” Dad says trying to get Chief listen to reason.

“He wants my baby girl in damn club business. How am I supposed to understand or except that? Back in the day I would have just shot him and let you pick his body up, but we are a clean club now and try our best to stay on the right side of the law. But mark my words, if Callie ends up getting hurt over this, I may just forget the law. Are we clear on that Steel? No one hurts my baby and rides away free and clear. I still have to deal with the other jackass that broke her heart and he’s not where I can get a hold of him yet.” Chief lets out a breath I know he has been holding for a while. I can see he is a man on the edge. Maybe he’ll save that for another day. But I can’t help the next words out of my mouth.

“Does that same warning g o for you Chief? What are you going to do when she finds out you know who her DNA father is and you’ve never shared that with her?” I watch as he gets up from his chair and slams his fist on the table and before I know it that tank of a man has come across the table and has me by my throat up against the wall and I am trying to breath.

“Is that a fucking threat you piece of garbage?” I try to say something but I am getting no air so kick out at him. By this time Trent has Chief, and Zman is between my dad and me with a gun on us. Finally, when I get air back in my lungs.

“It wasn’t a threat, just a damn question.” I am barely getting out louder than a whisper.

“Ok, Ok, let me go Trent, I have it!, Look, you two get out of my club. I don’t want to see you again before six on Sunday. Stay the fuck away from Callie and her friends. Call your guy off or he will be dealt with. I know what you have over my head. but I will not try to talk Callie into doing anything, it is her choice. I will stand by her choice. Are we clear?!” Chief finishes it with the authority his position gives him. He knows his men will back him even if he leads them into a war. Dad and I make our way to the door and dad turns back to Chief and gives him a salute and pushes me through the door and grumbles in a hushed tone only I hear “go ahead, keep poking that bear and see if he don’t bite your hand off, boy.” I give him a half laugh as we make our way out to our bikes and we see Tito still sits in his car outside the clubhouse’s gates. We stop beside his car and he puts his window down and dad tells him to meet us about three at our motel and then we speed off down the road to find a hot shower and a soft bed.

Chapter 19

Callie

It seems like I had finally fallen to sleep just minutes ago when my alarm started blasting. I reach over to hit the snooze but I know I have to get up and start a day I really don’t want to face. How do I get myself into situations like these? Well, I guess I’ve never really been in a situation like this before. I bet not many people have. I wonder for a second, maybe this is a new category of messed up. Argh, I need more sleep, I am talking crap in my head that makes no sense.

“Sorry sister, not in your head, you said that messed up stuff out loud.” Felix laughs at me and I nearly jump out of my skin. Crap, I forgot Felix and Sarah were here. “Happy birthday” they both shout.

“Sorry, not enough sleep. Too much weirdness going on. I think I have either stepped into the Twilight Zone, or took a trip and went straight to the Bermuda Triangle or wherever that place is where weird crap happens for no reason.” I laugh, almost but not quite. “Thanks for the happy birthday. I can’t believe I’m eighteen and my whole life has turned upside down in the last twentyfour hours.” I shake my head hoping it will clear.

“You mean that scary show you used to watch in black and white? Where is the Bermuda Triangle?" Sarah asks thinking I’m serious. Guess she needs more sleep, too.

“Never mind Sarah. I need to get a shower to help me w ake up and then we can go and grab some breakfast. I have an appointment and some other things to do today. Do you have something you can do for a little while to stay busy?” I ask them. I hate to leave them hanging by themselves, but I have to get this settled. This is the last weekend Sarah will be here before she leaves for California and who knows where I’ll be.

“I need to go shopping for last minute things for the trip my mom is taking me on, and Felix is coming so we can hurry my mom and she won’t take all day.” I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect plan.

“Ok, I’m not sure where I will be, so text when you’re ready to meet up for tonight.” I get my clothes together and head for the shower. “Out in a few.” I rushed to the shower so my friends couldn’t pump me for information. I know I have to tell them. I can’t get yesterday out of my head. I’m still reeling at how my life has changed in twenty-four hours. Yesterday morning, I woke up to the excitement of my impending graduation. I was ignorantly happy, with a perfect boyfriend and all was right in my world. The only problem I had was how to sneak away from my babysitters so I could race my car. I did graduate and I won my race, but the rest of my world has turned upside down. I know what I have to do. I know exactly where I’m going today, it’s where I always go when I have to think something out. A wife? How can I be a wife? I always thought I would marry Mason, someday. Not now. Maybe a year or two. He can get out of the marines in a few months and we were supposed to go to the same school. I thought he might propose and then we would live together for a while before we married. That’s what I get for getting ahead of myself and counting on a man. Mason is the man I gave my heart to and now it’s just shattered. I feel the tears sliding down my cheeks and then the dam breaks and my body is consumed with an earth shattering cry that has been building inside of me for the last few hours. Since I heard the words that turned my world upside down. I had put so much trust in what Mason and I had. He made me trust him. He made me believe in dreams again, and then he took them all away. He says she meant nothing and that it meant nothing. That’s all I was worth to him. A coldness runs through me. It’s like ice just took over the spot where my heart belongs. I will never let my guard down again.

I have not hurt this bad since the day I realized Tommy was gone for good and I’d never see him again. I have decisions to make, so I need to get to it. I start to scrub my body with my loofa harder and harder. I don’t feel it. I’m numb. I finally give up when my skin is red. I scrub my hair and rinse, bend and turn the water off and grab for my towel. I towel off and try to towel dry my hair. Then I go about my daily routine of brushing my teeth and drying my hair. I put on my clothes, the usual jean shorts and tank top for summer. Then I apply some moisturizer. That’s as good as it gets for a hot day in Texas. I do all this without really thinking. When I walk out into the bedroom Felix and Sarah are ready to go, but I can see the curiosity on their faces. They had to have heard my breakdown in the shower. The walls here are paper thin. They have never really seen me break down much, but they have seen me do it twice in the last twentyfour hours. They’re probably waiting for it to happen again, but it won’t. Not ever again. Tears are a weakness, one I can’t afford. Best thing to do is act if it didn’t happen.

“I’ll be ready as soon as I find my flip flops.” I walk over to th e closet and look on the floor, I don’t see them, so I go to the bed and look under it. Yep, there they are, so I pull them out and slide them on. “Ready to go eat?” as I smile real big like nothing is wrong.

“I understand what you’re doing and for now I’ll let it go, but remember I am here for you when you need me.” Felix tells me and tries to hug me but I pull away.

“Fe don’t worry. I let it out and now I am over it. I have things to do and I am starving so let’s get a move on.” I don’t mean to hurt my friend I just want to let him know I’m ok.

“We get it, tough Callie is in the house and she is fixing to kick butt and take names. Let’s go eat, maybe it will calm your bear.” Sarah says, while joking and trying to ease the tension.

“Damn straight, let’s eat.” I laugh along with Sarah and we look at Fe and he looks apprehensive but he starts toward the door.

“And they say men don’t talk about their feelings.” Fe knows I will talk when I’m ready and it will do no good to push. Just as I open the door, Ty is standing there with his hand in the air to knock. I smile and grab him and give him a hug and he embraces me but then pushes me back to look at my face, “You ok Sis?” he studies my face but I have my mask in place. “Dad is waiting in the front for you. He said if you don’t get a move on you’re going to be late.” I look at my watch and he’s right. “Ty, if it’s alright with dad, can you take them to grab something to eat and then to meet Sarah’s mom? You won’t have to wait for them. I’ll pick them up later. Oh crap, I need my car, too. I should have gotten up earlier.” I hate being late for anything and I am running out of time.

“Your car is already here. Just wait and see what Dad says. He is not in the best of moods today. Happy birthday lil’ sis. I didn’t forget this year.” Sometimes Ty can be sweet.

Great. That’s all I need. A moody dad is not good for me. “Thanks Ty for not forgetting. I love you.” He just keeps walking but I know he heard. We walk up the hall at a brisk speed, knowing I need to get this over with. I see dad sitting at a table when I walk in the room and I smell all the good food in front of him.

“You four sit down and eat with me.” Dad tells Ty, my friends and me. The food smells delicious but I just don’t think my stomach will keep anything down right now. “Dad I don’t have time. I have something I need to do before Cross gets here and I don’t want to keep him waiting.” I try to get out of sitting down to eat.

“No worries, he can’t be here until three instead of two, so you have an extra hour. You need to eat, all of you.” My dad says including my friends and Ty and leaving no room for argument. “Happy birthday baby girl.” I pour myself some juice and take a piece of toast. That should make him happy. I know he is watching me. “Thank you, dad. Do you think Ty can take Fe and Sarah by her house so they can meet up with her mom? I have someplace I need to go before I meet Cross.” I look at him and his expression softens. He knows exactly where I have to go. The same place I go every time I have an important decision to make.

“Woody will take my ride and take them. Ty and Zman are on you until this is settled. You won’t be sneaking past them. Don’t think I have forgotten the shit you pulled last night, just because we have another issue. I am very disappointed in all three of you and you can include Hanna in that too. Two prospects lost their chance in this club because of the stunt you pulled last night. Can you take that responsibility on your shoulders? What if something had gone terribly wrong outside that club last night? That would have been on you. I told you no more racing. I should sell your car.” Dad is raising his voice by the time he is done. He is furious with us.

“Dad, it’s my fault not theirs. Tell me, not my friends. Punish me. I’ m sorry about the prospects, but I’m not sorry about the racing. I am mature enough to race, sir.” I can’t stand when my dad is upset at me, but I can take it better than my friends. They are both looking at their plates and have stopped eating. For some reason my dad’s respect is something they both crave.

“Young lady I know where the blame needs to go, and there is enough to go around. We’ll talk later about it. Don’t think I have forgotten just because we have more pressing matters. NO MORE RACING! Am I clear with that, Callie? Last chance. Next time, life lessons. Do you understand me?” I know to keep my mouth shut on the issue right now and let him calm down.

“Yes sir.” I look him in the eyes to let him know I completely understand him.

“Do you two unde rstand? If you know Callie is going to race, and do not let me know, I will be really disappointed in both of you.” My dad continues to rant but waits for their answers.

“Yes sir, Mr. Black.” Felix says but won’t even look at my dad.
“Yes sir.” Sarah adds.

“Dad, I love you.” I give him that. He knows I mean it. I know he means well and is trying to keep me safe.

“Baby girl, you are my world. If anything happens to you on my watch, I wouldn’t be able to take it.” His eyes have softened and I know he means it. “I know you have a lot of pressure on you right now, but do not try to give the guys the slip today. They are there for your safety. I have told them to give you room but you listen to them. Are we clear?” he never takes his eyes off me, waiting for me to disagree or argue, but I don’t.

“Yes sir.” I give him a little grin.

“That’s what I like, respect and obedience.” Now it’s dad’s turn to give me a big grin. I see Fe and Sarah are done and Ty is scarfing down his last bite. “Is everyone ready? I need to go so I can get back.” Everyone is getting up from their chairs and I look back at dad, “Did Devil make arrangements for the retainer?” I have to smirk when I think of the way I bested Devil on that one. I don’t know what Cross’s retainer is but I know it is a pretty penny.

“Yes baby girl, I liked the way you worked that one. Very slick daughter. Be careful though, Devil is no one to play with.” He warns me. He has a gleam of pride in his eye because I did one up Devil.

“Yes sir, no reason for you to pay for his responsibilities though.” I let him know my reasoning.

“You are completely right there. Be careful today but think on everything carefully. This is life changing decision.” I know dad wishes he could do this for me, but he can’t

“Fe, you and Sarah b e safe today and have a good time. Tonight I will be home and maybe we can get in some hoops.” My dad knows Fe needs that extra reassurance from him and he gives it. I love my dad. I am so lucky to have him and so are my friends.

“I would like that sir.” And Fe smiles from ear to ear. That’s all it took.

“Ok, let’s get out of here so dad can get work done.” I get my friends and Ty moving towards the door. I see Woody and Zman moving that way, too. My dad is taking no chances and putting someone on my friends also. Today will be a long day. Might as well get it done.

Chapter 20

Callie

I knew this morning I would end up here to talk to Tommy. This is where I always come to find answers. I believe I am closer to Tommy here. Dad told Ty and Zman to hang back and give me my space, but they would have any way. They know when I am here I need time alone. I always bring the same thing, a single Daisy, and today I did the same. I finally see his headstone and I look around at all the graves around him. He would like he is not alone.

“Hey, Bubba. I miss you.” I always start out that way, that way he knows how is always in my thoughts and I haven’t forgotten him. “Everyone is doing ok. Well, as far as I know. Dad and Trent are. I haven’t talked to Blake for two weeks. Dad and Blake still aren’t speaking. You know. Hard headed and all.” I know I have to move this along. I am running out of time.

“Mason and I broke up. He cheated on me. I always said I would not be that person. The one that was gullible enough to believe he will never do it again. Only weak people cheat. I never wanted forever, I don’t even believe in forever. Never forever. My saying since mom. I loved him so damn much. He broke me inside. I’m numb. He made me believe and he made me dream for the first time in my life. I dreamed about the perfect wedding and the perfect life and the perfect family. Joke was on me. I said I wouldn’t do this. Anyway, we are done. I gave him my heart and I’ll never get it back the same again. My heart will always belong to Mason, but I don’t have to let him know that, or anyone else. Oh, I graduated. Yep, I am done with high school. Imagine, I worked for this for thirteen years, and it comes in second to having my heart broken. My priorities are screwed up today.” I feel the tears sliding down my cheeks. I promised myself I was over the tears. I really didn’t think I had any left. I wipe them away and hope I am done with them for now. I don’t want anyone witnessing my weakness. I know I still have one more thing to discuss.

“I can get them back for taking you away from me. Well, I can find out their names and the Club will take care of them. Would you want me to? Never mind, I know the answer to that. You always protected me. You would have locked me up if you could have. I know revenge is wrong. I know it, but you always said if anything happened to me you would go to the ends of the Earth to kill who ever hurt me. You said that over and over. I love you, as much as you loved me.” I always talk out loud to Tommy. I consider it a conversation with him, just between us. Then I feel like I have included him in my life decisions. This decision is all but made. I have to talk to the attorney, but I know what I need to do.

“I love you big brother and I don’t know when I will be back, but I love you.” I head back to my car and look around to make sure Zman and Ty are ready. On the ride back to the clubhouse I think of everything I need to talk over with Cross. This will be one of the most important talks I will ever have, so I need to have all my thoughts together. I may have only just turned eighteen, but today I feel old. I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I don’t want to let anyone down. I know my life is changing. As I drive up to the clubhouse with Zman and Ty on my tail, I see an unfamiliar car. I am guessing it belongs to Cross. I look at my watch and see he is a little early. Oh well, I am here and ready to get this taken care of. I think I could use some sleep and I need to turn my phone back on. I turned it off last night and haven’t turned it back on. Fe and Sarah will be texting me soon but I don’t want to speak with anyone else, unless it’s Hanna. Her mom probably won’t let her see us again tonight. I park and walk into the club. Dad and Cross are having a drink at the bar and a couple of the other members are hanging around. Most are working out in the shop. There’s a couple of the club girls cleaning up from the party last night, and it looks like they have a lunch spread out over the bar. Pizza again. These bikers live on pizza.

“Mr. Cross, I believe you are here to speak with me. Did you receive your retainer?” I walk up to him and put my hand out for him to shake. “You do understand this is between you and I, that I am the one hiring you?”

“Yes, Ms. Bla ck, I understand you are my client. Do I have your permission to inform your dad on the information like last time?” I look at dad and then back to Mr. Cross, “No. Not this time. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No, Ms. Black I don’t.” he finishes and I take my hand back. I trust Mr. Cross to give me the information I need.

 

“Mr. Cross, please call me Callie. Dad, can we use your office?” I look to dad for an answer and he nods his head.

“Mr. Cross, I believe you know the way.” I stop by dad and give him a hug and then follow Mr. Cross into my dad’s office. When I get to the office I go behind my dad’s desk and sit down and ask Mr. Cross to sit in the seat on the other side.

“Ok, Callie, how can I help you today? I believe we have your brother’s insurance policy handled and as you’ve turned eighteen[A2] , you will get that check.” He goes into what he thinks I could want from him. Is he in for a shock?

“Mr. Cross this has nothing to do with Tommy. I have some questions to ask you about marriage in Texas and laws concerning prenups.” He has a completely shocked look on his face.

“I wasn’t aware you and Mason were getting married or thinking about marriage.” He has a scowl on his face.

“We’re not.” I take a piece a paper out of my dad’s desk and write down al l my questions with Mr. Cross’ eyes on me. “I need these questions answered, please. Can you help me with them?” he looks at my questions and then back at me.

“I think I know all the answers but I need you to confirm them and then I may need you to do some paperwork for me. I also may need your help with getting some court papers fudged just a little.” I put my hand up to stop him from talking so I could finish, “Mr. Cross, please, don’t insult my intelligence by telling me you don’t do things like this. You work for my dad. I know what you do. If the money is the issue, it won’t be. So, will you help me or do I need to get someone who will?”

“Well young lady, you are like your dad aren’t you? You don’t mince words do you?” He looks taken aback but I know he’ll do it. “Let’s see exactly what this is going to cost you.” I knew I had him, all he sees is dollar signs. So we set to work. He gives me the answers I need and gives me the dollar amount I need to get it done. My mind is set and the decisions are made. Now I can relax a little.

“Thank you Mr. Cross. I’ll walk you out.” We stand and walk out into the bar area and I see my dad is still waiting for me.

 

“Tom did you help my girl get all the information she needs?” Dad asks Mr. Cross. “Well I can tell you that your daughter drives a hard bargain and she is you made over.” Mr. Cross didn’t care for my decisions, but he is going to do his job.

“I will get those papers for you by tomorrow afternoon. Please, have my check then. Later Chief. I have a lot of things to line up and paper work to do before tomorrow afternoon. Callie is a slave driver.” He then gives dad a smile and turns to leave. “Are you certain about this Callie?”

“Yes, Mr. Cross very certain.” I hope he knows no one will sway me now I have made my mind up. The club girls are hanging on the club members already. It’s still early but it is Saturday. On the weekends the guys need to unwind, but I really thought after last night dad would have everyone digging for information. My dad motions for me to come and sit so I go and take the chair beside him. This is going to be a conversation I really don’t want to have. Just as I sit down I remember to turn my phone on and it just keeps going off. My message and text notices just keep on coming. I look and I don’t recognize most of the numbers but I know they are from Mason. I mute my phone.

“Sounds like someone is trying to get in touch with you.” I know dad wants me to tell him who is trying to reach me and maybe I should try to stall this conversation.

“It looks like the numbers Mason calls from and I won’t be answering or returning them.” I tell dad but I look at the table instead of at him. I don’t know why I feel like I did something wrong. He’s the one that cheated, not me. I still feel like I failed though. How does that make sense?

“Ok let’s get this out of the way. What is Tom doing for you?” dad ask straight out without beating around the bush.

“Nothing like getting straight to the point. I really do take after you.” I laugh, I have never noticed this before. “First thing, Devil will need to pay Mr. Cross more money. How much, he will call and tell you in the morning. He will need to bring it or a check tomorrow afternoon. I need the meeting moved up from six. Again, Mr. Cross will say what time when he calls.” I look at dad to make sure he is following me.

“Are you positive about all this, baby girl?” I know Dad is concerned. “Yes, I am. But I am doing it my way and on my terms. I only want to go over this once, so I will tell you when Mr. Cross gets here tomorrow afternoon and Devil is here with Steel.” I know he is not going to like it but this is just the way it is.

“Ok, but be careful. Now, I have something to tell you and you’re not going to like it.” He looks from Uncle Trent at the bar back to me, “we are going on lock down until I can get some information on the shooting last night. I know you won’t be able to keep your plans tonight, but I need to keep everyone safe and I need your cooperation. I was waiting until after your meeting with Tom to call everyone in. The girls have been getting everything ready all afternoon. We brought in all the supplies we will need to get by for a while. Do you need anything from the house?” Dad knows how being locked down makes me feel boxed in and I hate it, but I know it is for everyone’s protection and I have to do my part.

“I get it Dad you have to keep everyone safe.” I know he needs to hear this from me. “Things are about to change for all of us. Will you be able to accept that dad? I will always love you no matter what.” I grab his hand and give it a squeeze. He reaches over and pulls me to him and gives me a big hug and I feel so safe. This has always been my safe place, in my daddy’s arms. The only place I have ever felt completely safe since Tommy has been gone. He holds on tight for a few minutes and then kisses the top of my head and lets go as I sit back down.

“Baby girl all I have wanted to do since the day you were born is to protect you. The day you were born I was the first to hold you in the hospital and I knew you owned the best of my heart from the moment you were put in my arms. I had Ty and I love him, but here you were, a little girl, and you wrapped me around those cute little fingers of yours. Still to this day, I just want to wrap you up and keep you close. I know you’re grown but I don’t have to like it and until the day they lay me in the ground you will be my baby girl. I know things are about to change, but I want you to know I am here no matter what or how old you are. I have tried to give life lessons that will stick with you. I will stand beside you whatever decisions you make. Now this is about as touchy feely as you’re getting from me. I’ve said all I can say, so do what you have to.” My dad always knows exactly what I need and when I need it. He’s said exactly what I needed to hear.

“Ok dad, I get that, and I love you exactly the way you are. I hope I have learned my lessons well. I hope my decisions are right. I love you and I will come to you if I need anything. Let’s do this. Will you set it up for tomorrow afternoon? Don’t forget to let Devil know he will be footing the bill. I am going to let Fe and Sarah know we are cancelled, maybe take a nap. I didn’t get much sleep.” I get up from my chair and wait for what he says.

“No problem, Callie. Did Cross give you any idea of the price? I’ll set it up.” He wants to say more, ask more questions, but he’s giving me room to come to him.

“No idea what the price will be. Mr. Cross is going to call you later to let you know. He had to talk to someone at the courthouse that owed him a favor and he will let you know. I just don’t want to keep going over this and I want to think on it today. Can I have that?” I look at him with pleading eyes. I don’t want to feel guilty about not sharing yet, but I want him to know I feel pressured.

“It’s ok Callie. I just want you to be sure. You know it is hard to let go of control over your children, especially a daughter.” Dad does understand he is just having problems letting go.

“Ok, I am taking that nap now and notifying my friends.” I turn and walk back to my room. I shoot Sarah and Felix a text, they both understand and will call later. I undress and find an old jersey of Mason’s in my drawer and put it on. I know it will be the last time I wear it, I just couldn’t stop myself. Right now I need its comfort, if that even makes sense. I go to my bed and yank the covers back and crawl in and wait for the darkness to take me to nothingness. To feel nothing, to think about nothing, and to not have to be an adult for right now.
Chief

Damn, I always knew that girl would be the death of me. Ty and Callie have always been the best part of me. Ty is all me. His old man made over. But Callie is soft with a heart as big as Texas. She has grown into a beautiful woman. I have to be able to let her go, but I will protect her until my dying day. I look over the club and all I feel is tired. I have to find the gun men from last night and who sent them. All I want to do is put them to ground, but I have to be smart. I cleaned this club up. At one time the BlackPath MC was into everything, gun running, drugs, pimping women, and we had a chop shop in the back. All we do now are protection runs, we have a motorcycle and car shop that is the best at what they do, and we have a strip club and one restaurant. We also have a wrecker service and we volunteer in the community. We’ve had to work hard for the respect we’ve earned, and I don’t want to wash it all down the drain and it all be for nothing but I will protect my family. The decisions I have laid on Callie are wrong, but I have to let her decide for herself. I loved Tommy. He was as much my brother as Trent but the day he was killed Callie lost so much. When she finds out the things I have kept from her, I hope she can forgive me. This decision, I could not make for her. If someone had taken any of my family away, I would want that decision to be mine. I just hope she can survive her decisions. I hope that I can too. I have other things and other people to take care of, too. I need to get this done. “Trent, call lock down. All ol’ ladies and children will be staying inside the clubhouse until further notice. They only go out with escorts. All club girls are gone, unless a member is going to be responsible for their actions. Mandatory meeting in two hours. Vote on membership of Ty and Woody. We need three new recruits. Not like the ones I sent packing. I will be in my office on the phone. I have to set up a meeting with Steel and Devil after the vote. Be ready to ride with me. If all the club girls are gone, then the ol’ ladies will be in charge of keeping shit straight. Tell Hambone to inform Kelsey and you tell Laurie, they’ll be in charge. Callie can help, she’s sleeping right now. It’ll be tight here, but we can make do for a few days until we make sure it is safe.” I turn towards my office. “Is Callie ok? What do you think she is going to do?” Trent asks.

“Hell if I know. I can’t bribe with a ride on my bike anymore, she keeps everything to herself.” And I just keep walking to my office.

 

“Everyone heard the Prez. Let’s get it done.” Trent downs his drink and makes sure everyone is scattering.

 

Devil

I wake and it doesn’t feel like I have been asleep long. I can tell by the way the sun is coming through the curtains it is well into the afternoon. I couldn’t get to sleep for a while, and then it wasn’t a restful sleep. Too many ifs, ands, and buts. I am a man that likes cut and dry, black and white. No gray areas, those drive me crazy. I can’t believe my whole plan relies on a young woman I barely know. Sure I’ve tried to put pressure on her and I will do what I have to do. I will get what I want if I have to start a war to get it. No one tells me what I can or can’t have. Doing this the hard way is dad’s idea. His friendship with Chief stands in our way. Callie is definitely different than the women I’m used to. She’s young, too young for me. Too good for the likes of me. She’s beautiful and she still has a soft goodness inside her. She’s seen some bad shit, you can see it in her eyes, but she has something that radiates from within. She’s every man’s dream with her dangerous curves and long hair. I can see why that Mason guy would try to keep her, but he won’t get her back. She will be with me and he will only be a memory for her. She has spunk and she don’t back down. She wants honesty and that will play in my favor. I need to get back home and get us some living arrangements made. Mom and Kim are going to love her. Of course, my baby sister is not going to like the attention Callie takes away from her. She’ll get used to it. Yes, Callie will fit in just fine. I hear dad moving around in his room next door and I know he will be pounding on my door shortly. I guess it is time to hit the shower and then find some food and coffee. No, coffee first. Hot and strong. I stretch and push the covers back and then head into the shower. This is going to be another long day. I turn the hot water on and put just enough cold on so I can stand it, then get in and let it run over my head. Just trying to let the water and steam take away the aches from my body from the last two days, and all the stress. I love riding my bike, but the ride from Oklahoma made me stiff. It’s only the worry. After tomorrow it will all either be over and settled, or all hell will break loose. I’m hoping for the first, but I have to be prepared for the last. I hear dad banging on my bathroom door but I ignore it for a few minutes just enjoying the hot water.

“Boy we had a phone call and we need to talk.” Always something. I bend down and turn the water off and pick up the towel to dry off and I put my jeans on and step out the door.

“What the hell are you yelling about old man?” I laugh out. Knowing this always gets him.

“I may be an old man but I’m still your president, so get your ass dressed and meet me across the street at the diner. Chief called. You are going to be paying more money to a lawyer. Hurry your ass up!” He turns and leaves. Something is definitely up with him. More money to the lawyer. I have spent more money on this woman than any other woman I’ve ever known. Except for mom. I hurry and get dressed and run across to the diner. I see dad at the back away from everyone, and make my way to the booth and sit across from him. I see he is worried. He’s not going to be easy to get along with. The waitress takes our order and brings our coffee. Then Dad starts, “Chief wants us at the clubhouse around noon. We are going to have to pay that lawyer some more money, but Chief either won’t or can’t tell me why. Callie has made up her mind but she will tell everyone together. She hasn’t shared with Chief or so he says.” He takes a drink of his coffee and eyes me skeptically, “You ok with the payment? You usually don’t spend money on females.” I know he doesn’t like lawyers.

“What’s eating at you, dad? You’re not yourself.” I ask my dad hoping he will give me some reason for his bad mood.

“I just don’t know about this son. Callie is a good girl. Chief is a good friend. I don’t like involving lawyers. I hate lawyers.” Dad keeps watching me and I know something else is bothering him.

“What else dad? Something else is bothering you.” I hope he will just tell me. He always plays things too close to the vest.

“I have a bad feeling about all this . I just want it over. Chief is coming to talk to us any time now. Him and Trent. Be ready and stay sharp.” I know when my dad has a feeling to pay attention, so I finish up my food and raise my cup for more coffee as I see Chief walk through the door with Trent following close behind.

Their faces give nothing away. They walk straight toward our booth and I motion for the waitress. Before Chief gets to the table he stops her and tells her two black coffees. I see Chief turning and watching the waitress walk away. Guess there is a story there. When she is out of sight he continues our way. Chief and Trent drop on the other side of the booth. Chief looks like he needs more sleep. Don’t we all?

“Ok Chief, give it to us straight. I feel like we are being jerke d around here. First we are supposed to pay a damn lawyer a retainer, now he wants more money and we are just supposed to fork it over. You want us at your clubhouse at six tomorrow night and now its tomorrow afternoon. Give us some straight damn answers.” Dad growls out obviously at the end of his patience.

“Look Steel, we gave the reins over to Callie and she is running this show. She talked with Cross this afternoon, and he is doing paperwork for her and taking care of some stuff at the courthouse. She says it all has to do with this. Cross is meeting with us tomorrow. That’s all I know, because she is telling no one nothing.” Chief informs us of everything that has been going on since last night. I don’t know what could be going through that woman’s head. A lawyer and the courthouse. Legal papers. What could she be up to?

“She is taking this to heart and thinking it through. She went to Tommy’s grave this afternoon before she met with the suit. She always talks things out there when she is trying to think things out.” Trent puts in his thoughts. Maybe she is taking it seriously. I still have to use my insurance just to make sure, so I have to make time to talk to her alone before she gives her answer.

“We’re on lockdown until further notice. I just want to make sure with the shooting last night. I will not take a chance with any of my family members. I’d rather be safe than sorry. Have you heard anything from your guy, Steel?” Chief informs us of his clubs actions. Something has changed. A few hours ago Chief was breathing fire and now he talks like we are just having coffee.

“What changed Chief? A few hours ago you didn’t want to talk to us.” Just then the waitress brings the two coffees over so I stop midsentence and wait for her to leave. Chief and Trent both sit back in the booth so she can set their coffees down, and she refills ours while she is there, then she is gone. I look around and start back up, “So, what gives?”

“I want the information. I agreed to let Callie decide and if I know my daughter the way I think I do, she is going to want it, too. That being what it is, if my daughter gets hurt in any way I will end you. Period! I want you to know that now. Both of you.” He looks at my dad and my dad shakes his head as if they are speaking in code. “I will hold you both responsible for her.”

“I will also hold you both responsible.” Trent adds. I decide it is time to drop my little bomb. “As long as Callie makes the right decision, she won’t find out that you know who her biological dad really is from us.” I watch Chief take it in and I think I see relief in his eyes. The waitress sets our orders down in front of us and walks away. You could feel the tension between Chief and the waitress. “You have a problem with the waitress? Tension between you two?” of course I don’t think for a second he’ll share.

“That’s none of your business. Callie never needs to know who her biological dad is. Her mom hurt her enough. That man is a ruthless killer and I want him nowhere near her. I have only been trying to protect her. Steel, I thought you as a family man would understand that. Your boy is in your club, your VP and he calls you Dad. Only a man who understands family would allow that. Most men would understand that. He would only find that as a weakness. He would destroy her. Everything he touches he destroys.” Chief is stating his case. Trying to use his friendship with my dad to get to us. I know Callie’s biological dad is a bastard and as cold and calculating as they come. I will try my best to protect her. The little I know of her, I know she is good and she doesn’t deserve his kind of cruel.

“We get it, Chief. We will protect her to the best of our ability. I will protect her with my life.” I assure Chief and Trent. They both seem to be sizing me up. They are trying to see through me but there is nothing to see.

“Ok Devil, I will hold you to that.” He then does something I never expected. He puts his hand out to shake my hand. I take his hand and shake it.

“Can I ask a small favor?” I ask Chief.
“Ok.” He simply says.

“Can I speak to Callie for just a few minutes alone tomorrow, before we all talk together?” Chief eyes me skeptically.

“As long as she agrees and it’s within the club. Be there a little early.” He agrees. Maybe we can get this settled without bloodshed. Chief and Trent leave and I can finally breathe a little easier.

“You know you better make it count. It’ll be the only chance you get.” My dad tells me.

“Don’t I know it.” I finish my meal without another word. “When I finish I am going back to my room to make phone calls and then get some more sleep. Tomorrow I need to be on my toes and I need to be up early.” I leave money on the table for our food and a tip. I’m dead on my feet and I need plenty of sleep.

“That sounds good son. I am going to check in at home and I am going to do the same. Everything rides on tomorrow. We both need to be sharp.” We head back to our rooms with a lot on our minds and hoping sleep will help. As soon as I am in bed I know sleep is not going to come easy. Everything that has happened since we got to Texas is playing back in my head. I still have not figured out who could have shot at us. I don’t believe in coincidences. This has to have something to do with our being here. I finally feel the day fading away. Sleep is going to take me under and I hear the ping to give me notice that I have a text. Damn this better be good. I reach for my phone and flip it open and it’s from him. He’s making sure our plan is progressing and to see if we got the message he sent. I knew he had something to do with it. It was the only thing that made sense. I typed my dad a quick text to update him and then I turn over to try for sleep again. My mind wanders to Callie. She could have been hurt and it would have been my fault. Mine and her dad’s. I know I need to protect her and I swear I will. Then my mind wanders to Brianne. The first woman I ever loved. Bri and Callie are a lot alike. Both are full of sass. Thing is, Bri could never accept my life the way it is and my loyalty to the club. Tomorrow I have to step up my action to get Callie, one way or another.
Mason

I finally have some hope. I received notice that my leave has been approved and I will be standing back on American soil within two weeks. I have to get there and get Callie back. My whole life is in that woman and I won’t let her go. Cru told me some damn biker is sniffing around her. He can’t have what is mine. I know I screwed up, but it won’t happen again. I know I can make her understand if I can just hold her and explain. This damn ocean between us is killing us. Don’t worry baby, I am on my way and then you will be completely mine.
Callie

I wake up to light streaming into my room. It’s too bright. I look at the clock on my night stand and it reads 10:30. I have slept all night and practically all morning. I was dead to the world. I have to get a shower and get a move on. I am not sure how this day will turn out. I hope I have thought of everything. This cannot turn out wrong. I have tried to think of everyone and all the angles. I need to talk to Fe. He is my go to person when I have problems to solve, my sounding board I sit up and stretch, then get up and think of what I need to wear today. I decide on a dress and my boots. It will make the statement I need. I get my shower and morning rituals done. I study myself in the mirror. I blow out my hair and that gives it the extra body I want, then I give it a little curl. I move on to my make-up and I take extra time while not over doing it. Kelsey always tells me if I don’t feel good at least look good. I give myself the last once over and I’ll do. I opt for a soft sachet instead of perfume. I sit and try to get my nerves settled and I catch a glimpse of the jersey I usually sleep in. It belongs to Mason. I took it out of his room before he left the last time. I told him I would sleep in it every night and dream he was holding me in his arms. That seems like a lifetime ago. What happened to us? He cheated on you! I’m an idiot. He was probably cheating on me the whole time. What am I doing? I do not have time for this! Broken hearts are for fools. I was a fool. Never again. Never forever. Never forever. This will be in my head for the rest of my life. My blinders have been taken off. I am no longer that blind fool. I hear a knock at my door and I know it’s show time. I go over to the door and open it up and there stands the last person I would have thought would be knocking on my door.

“Devil, I guess dad got in touch with you. Let’s go downstairs and get this over with.” I tell him and start to go into the hall but he doesn’t move. “Are we going?” I ask him but he is moving me back into my room.

“Chief said I could talk to you first. I want to say my piece without any interruptions, then we can go. Will you let me do that, please?” He gives me a very intense look. I know I should say no, but he has me curious at what he thinks he can say to make this better.

“Ok, Devil. I will give you that, if you give me something in return.” I never take my eyes off his so he knows he cannot intimidate me in any way.

 

“What do you want little girl?” he is trying to flirt with me but I’m not stupid and will not fall for his charm in any way.

 

“Actually two things now that I think about it.” I add on.

“Give a female an inch and she thinks she owns the whole damn territory. Ok, two. When you are done it is my turn.” I guess if charm doesn’t work he turns to insults. At least they’re good natured insults.

“Agreed. One, quit calling me girl. If you want me to marry you, don’t you think I am a woman? I am very capable and if I can make a decision like this I think I am a woman.” I look at him and he nods his head in agreeance.

“Point well made. No more girl. If I slip up, I will only be playing or I will be apologizing.” He looks sincere but what do I know? I always believed Mason and I see how well that worked out. For some reason I believe him.

“Ok, two, what is your birth name. I know Devil is your club name, and it is what you go by, but if I am to consider anything you have asked of me, I need to at least need to know the name your mom gave you at birth.” I know most club members consider the name the club gives them their name, but for some reason I want to know his real name. I have a need to know more about him.

“Ok, I can give you that too. You are right, though, everyone calls me Devil. Well everyone but my mom, grandma, and sister. My name is Kylar Damien Steel.” I see the little smile he gives me when he talks about his family. He loves them. He doesn’t mind showing he loves them. Very nice. I like that. Most men try to hide their emotions. When he smiles his lips look so full and soft. What the heck? Just an observation.

“Kylar Damien Steel. Do you get called Ky? Did they get Devil from Damien? You know like Damien in the Omen? The Devil’s spawn.” I ask flirting with him. I mean teasing him. I was only teasing him.

“So, you do have a sense of humor. I like it. No, I do not get called Ky. Only Kylar. I got the name Devil for an entirely different reason. Though that is a good one. You and my sister are going to get along great if you like horror movies. Even though she hardly ever sees a full movie. She is too busy covering her eyes at the good parts.” He tells me, teasing me back. He really loves his sister I can tell by the way he speaks of her.

“Ok, I have to get this out before they come to take us down stairs. Will you just keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions?” he waits for me to answer. I know I need to listen to him, but I have already made up my mind.

“I said I would. I always keep my word. So go.” I give him the go ahead and sit on my bed to listen. He sits beside me and takes my hand. Then he turns to me and cups my face with his hand. I look in his eyes and I feel this nervousness in my stomach. He has the most beautiful brown eyes. Bedroom eyes, I think is what Kelsey calls them. Yes, I can see why women fall at his feet. His hair is a medium brown and it looks so soft with waves through it. It falls right on the bottom of his neck. Women would kill for that kind of wave in their hair. His eyes are such a deep brown, they can almost hypnotize you. I could almost get lost in them.

“Are you with me? You look kinda dazed.” Yeah, he knows I was thinking about his sexy self. What am I doing? This is not me. Snap out of it Callie. I jerk myself away from him.

“Alright, just tell me.” I know that came out snarky, but I need to keep my head about me. He needs to keep his hands over there and I need to stay over here. “Alright then, let’s get to this.” He gets up and starts to pace.

 

Devil

 

“Alright, just tell me.” Callie says to me. She’s sounding snarky now. I caught her checking me out and looking a little too long. So I do affect her a little anyway.

“Alright then, let’s get to this.” I can’t sit still anymore. I have to get up and pace. “I am here to make you mine. Forever. Not for just right now. You will be my wife and I am not giving you or anyone else a choice. We can do it the easy way with Chief’s ok, or the hard way. By the way, happy late birthday.” She starts to interrupt. I can see by the look on her face I have pissed her off straight out the gate. I raise my hand to calm her, she jerks away but remains quiet.

“Ok, that is the harsh part. I know that asshole you thought you loved cheated on you. I am not him. I am not offering love, but respect and loyalty. You know how a club works and I need that. Steel is going to be retiring from being President in a year or so and I will be taking over and I need a good woman who will stand beside me. I saw for myself that you can do that. We can be good together.” I give her that part while pacing, then I sit beside her and I take her hand, and before she can back away, my lips are on hers. I start out slow, kissing her lips, then I take it deeper and slide my tongue over her lips until she opens for me. I entangle my tongue with hers. Tasting her and exploring slowly. When we pull apart. I look in her eyes and I see she wants more, but this is not the time.

“Callie, I know you are the one that killed Chaz. You, not Chief. His club covered it up and I will do what I have to with that information to get you.” She tries to pull back from me and looks horrified and pissed. Then I do the only thing I can, I kiss her again. Taking my time. I can feel myself getting hard from her taste and feeling her so close to me. It feels like it has been too long since I have had a woman. Damn she feels good. I have to remember why I am here and keep my mind on the job at hand. Callie pulls away from and she is trying to slow her breathing. “Are you trying to blackmail me, you asshole?” she is fuming. Her eyes are a brighter blue when she is mad. She is beautiful.

“I’m telling you I will do what I have to. I will get what I want. I would rather do this easy. We marry and have a good life. Respect and loyalty will endure a long time. Love is a fleeting emotion, as you have recently learned. Then Chief and the BlackPath MC stay clean. They have worked hard at getting their club cleaned up and to start to build a good reputation in the community. It would be a shame to take all that away. Just think about it. You will have a good life with me. I will treat you like the princess you are.” I try to think of anything I can grasp at to get my way. I can’t read her. Usually I can read a person pretty good but not Callie. Before I can ask her what she is thinking there is a knock at the door and then the door opens and Chief barges in and I know our conversation is over.

“Devil, when I said you could talk to Callie, I did not mean in her room. Who told you to come up here?” Chief ask. Of course I knew Chief didn’t mean for me to be in Callie’s room, but apparently Ty didn’t think anything about it. He told where to find her.

“Ty told me to come up and told me where her room was. I thought you told him to let me up here. We were just talking. Getting to know each other better.” I lie to Chief. Well, partially lie. Ty did tell me to come up.

“He’s right dad. Ky and I were just getting to know each other.” Callie grins at me. She knows what she is doing, but I guess I’ll give it to her. At least she’s covering for me, even if I don’t know what she is thinking.

“Ok then. Come on Ky, Cross is here and ready. Callie, he wants to speak to you first. In my office. Let’s go.” The smartass thinks he’s funny. I give Callie one last look before I start out the door.

“Well come on, Cam. Since we’re on first name basis.” I give it right back to Chief, but I see the death glare he fixes me with. Man can’t take a joke.

 

Callie

We walk down the stairs to the bar area, and I see everyone is waiting on us. Steel is sitting at a table in the corner and Devil goes to join him. Ty is talking to Trent and then I notice it. My brother finally got his cut. He’s a full member. I am so proud of him. He has been working a little over a year to get this and I know dad is proud of him. I go straight to him and give him a big hug and he takes me in his arms and gives it right back. Then I kiss his cheek “I am so proud of you. I go to sleep for a few hours and you become a member.” Things are happening so fast this weekend.

“Yeah, dad called a surprise meeting a few hours ago and Woody and I bot h got our cuts. No more grunt work.” Ty is beside himself and I can’t blame him. This is what he’s wanted since I can remember. To ride beside dad. To not only be his son, but his brother in the club. I am proud of him for seeing being a prospect through and holding onto that dream. I see Woody at the other end of the bar and go down and give him a hug and congratulate him. Woody hugs me back and kisses the top of my head. I hear a growl behind me. I know it is coming from Devil, but I ignore it and go back over to my dad.

“Cross is in my office waiting on you. Do you want me to go in there with you?” I know my dad wants to go with me but I have to do this alone.

“No dad. I need to talk to him alone. Are we meeting in your office after this? It’ll only be Cross, You, Devil, Steel, Trent, Ty and me. Is that ok? Then we will do whatever you need, but I want to hammer this out alone first.” I know no one has any idea what I’m doing but that’s the point. I want all the details done before everyone else knows.

“Ok. However you want it. Steel do you agree?” That’s the first time my dad has talked anywhere near nice to them.

 

“That’s fine with me. What about you, son? You have any objections?” Steel ask Devil.

“No, no objections.” Devil agrees I turn and walk towards dad’s office but Ty stops me and pulls me in for a hug and whispers in my ear, “Don’t do anything you are not comfortable with. We will fight until the last man for you. You remember that going in there. You will always be my baby sister and no one will take you from us against your will.” I feel tears behind my eyes, but I know I have to be strong. That is the sweetest thing Ty has said to me in a long time and just knowing Ty has my back comforts me. “Thank you, bubba. I love you too.” I only have called Ty and Tommy bubba. It is a word I cherish. Both have been the most amazing brothers to me. Then I pull out of his arms and walk the rest of the way into dad’s office to have one of the most important talks of my life. My life as an adult starts now. I shut the door on the people waiting on answers from me and make the hardest decision of my life.
Callie

I opened the door and stepped back out by the bar and summoned the people who have been waiting on my answer into the room. They enter one by one. Mr. Cross has moved over to a chair by the window. He is only there to answer any legal questions, and to take the papers we are about to sign. Dad takes his seat behind his desk. Steel, Uncle Trent, and Ty sit on the long sofa, and I have Devil sit beside me in the two other chairs in front of dad. I try to relax but I am full of tension. I don’t know how these people are going to react so I know I just have to spit it out.

“Thank you all for being here. I know this is all under strained circum stances, but I am just going to put this out there. I will agree to marry Devil under a few conditions.” I look between dad and Devil and they have opposite expressions. Dad looks like I just broke his heart and Devil looks like he just has gotten his way. He is soon to find out, only at a price. “Dad, I am doing this of my own free will. No one is coercing me. I do not feel pressured. I want the information and I want revenge for Tommy. This is my choice, and I hope I am not disappointing you.” I look at my dad’s eyes and they are full of anguish and regret, but they also have love for me and understanding. That I can accept. Please hear me all the way out before anyone interrupts.” I see Ty and Uncle Trent chomping at the bit wanting to say something. “These conditions are exact and I have had Mr. Cross draw up a pre-nuptial agreement laying them out, so they are legal and binding.” Steel and Devil both look like they just got their favorite toy taken away from them. They thought they were going to get everything they wanted, but it’s not happening. “The conditions are, first if you in any way misrepresent anything to me our marriage will be annulled or I will go to court and air your dirty laundry to get away from you. Annulled not divorce, on the grounds of fraud and misrepresentation. Second, I keep everything I go into our marriage with. All my funds and personal property. They remain mine solely. Third, we are married here within a week. Texas is a community property state. Fourth, if you put my life in jeopardy or I am harmed, my dad and Ty get everything of mine, plus your third of Steel Enterprises, Inc., whatever that might be worth. I understand it is sizeable. Last but certainly not least, you will support me, provide for me and not be unreasonable with me while we are married. I know some are not as important as others, but I have my reasons. Ok gentlemen, you have the floor.” I know my demands are outrageous but I will see how much Devil is willing to bend.

“That is outrageous! You know the life we lead. Your life can be put in jeopardy any day.” Steel stands up with his hand on his hips looking completely pissed. “Do you really expect me to agree to all of those demands?” Devil asks with contempt in his voice.

 

“Baby girl I am proud of you. You know how to cut a man off at his knees.” Uncle Trent says while trying to keep from laughing.

“This is a negotiation and I have given you my demands. Give me your counter offer, but Devil, this will be finished within the hour, or I walk out that door and I don’t look back. Mr. Cross will draw up any amendments and get them back this evening. You are paying him very nicely for working on a Sunday. He will file everything and keep copies, dad will get copies, as will you, and I. So it’s your floor and make it good.” I knew what their reaction would be, that’s the reason I didn’t let them know what I am most concerned with. They will find out soon enough.

“Baby girl, I think you have found your niche as a negotiator. I am proud of you.” Dad puts in. I learned this from him so he should feel proud.

“Ok, to save us some time what is it exactly you want. I won’t give you part of the family business. It is not that you are going to be harmed on my watch, but I won’t do that to my dad and brother. You are going to be my wife. Tell me. Be reasonable.” Devil is not used to having to bargain to get his women and it shows. He isn’t happy with this little meeting, but I am not going to be falling at his feet.

“Fair enough. I keep the annulment option, keeping my property, you support me, and we get married within a week. I’ll drop the company deal, but if you cheat on me during our marriage, you will pay me fifty thousand dollars and give me a noncontested divorce. Regardless. My last offer.” I know Devil is going to take it. He is too anxious. From what Mr. Cross found out about his finances, fifty thousand is a third of his worth, besides the family company.
“And if you cheat on me?” he asks and then looks at the clock.

“Do you want to continue to negotiate?” I know he is ru nning out of time so I don’t think he will take the chance. Devil looks into my eyes as if he’s trying to read my mind but I try to keep my face expressionless.

“Deal.” He looks at Chief for his acceptance.

“Callie are you sure? If you marry him, you are h is according to our by-laws. Do you understand that?” Dad is trying to give me one last chance to change my mind. But my mind is made up. It has been since I went to Tommy’s grave yesterday. No one could talk me out of this. I just hope I can live with it, but I’m not finished yet.

“Mr. Cross, I believe you have the papers for us to sign.” I wait for our lawyer to get the papers from his briefcase.

 

“How does he already have the papers set up? You didn’t get everything you were asking for,” Steel asks me.

“M r. Steel, a wise man always told me to never ask for what I really want the first time. Patience and the right bait is all you need. Just like fishing.” I look at him and he breaks out in a huge smile, but Ty is cracking up behind him because dad taught us that and it usually always works.

“Steel, I am telling you and Devil both, if anything happens to my daughter, if she even calls me crying, I will hold you all responsible.” Dad has to put that in to put fear in Devil, but by his face I don’t think he is fearing much. “And if your information doesn’t pan out she will be coming home.”

“Chief when my son puts a ring on her finger she will be part of my family and she will be taken care of just like Kimberly. I give you my word.” Steel lets dad know.

“I will protect my woman with my life. No one will harm her without killing me first. I give you my word on that, and our information is solid.” Devil tells my dad and then sticks his hand out to shake. They shake hands and I know war has been averted one more day.

“Here let’s sign the papers to make this a done deal. Maybe we should sign in blood.” I joke but no one looks like it is a joke. I am just trying to lighten the mood.

“Why so fast? I am not complaining, because I want this done yesterday, but most women would want at least a couple of weeks to plan their wedding, some longer.” Devil looks at me for my reaction, I see everyone in the room is curiously looking at me.

“Do you want a sugar coated answer that won’t sound too harsh, or do you want the hard cold facts?” I ask him. I know dad is watching for me to change my mind or even to hesitate in my resolve.

“Always the truth. Hard cold facts between us. We don’t need to filter.” Devil waits for me to tell him, but I’m not sure if he will like it, yet really I don’t care. I know what I have to do and I will do it. I don’t care what anyone thinks about it.

“Like you said, we are going into this with our eyes wide open. This isn’t love. It’s an arranged marriage. I have never been the girl who dreamed of the white dress and walking down the aisle. I haven’t dreamed of a huge wedding. I want a good life. That’s the important part. Our wedding will be whoever you bring with you and I will have dad, Ty, Uncle Trent, and Aunt Laurie. Oh and Fe and Hanna. We can go to the JP or have him come to our house if that is ok with dad.” I take a breath and give the rest of it, “I am agreeing to give you me, not my heart. Mason shattered my heart, even though he still owns it, and may always own it. I can’t change that, nor will I lie about it. But after I marry you, I will be faithful. So you better put a ring on it, because if I know Mason the way I think, he will be getting leave as soon as possible, and he will be here to confront me.” I know the last part is true and I don’t look forward to it.

“Callie if your still in love with Mason, why marry Devil?” dad asks me and he has moved in front of me and has taken my hand in his.

“Because dad, I can’t trust Mason. I put all my trust in him before. He made me want things I know don’t exist, but he made me want them anyway. Then he took them all away for something he says that meant nothing and he wants me to accept that. I can’t. I know that about myself. I can’t turn the feelings off overnight, but I will make a new life for myself where there is no place for him. That’s what is right for me. Devil isn’t proposing love. He is promising truth, loyalty, and commitment. Those things I can deal with, and we can finally put Tommy to rest. Completely. Please, support me in this. Dad, I need your support.” I give everyone the whole truth so no one can say I lied about anything. I am being completely up front.

“Ok baby girl, I can do that. I can give you that.” Dad pulls me in for one of his big hugs that gives me so much comfort.

“It soun ds good to me, too. As long as you will be true to your word, then we can do this.” Devil puts in. “Are there any other boyfriends out there, I need to know about?”

“No, Devil. Mason is the only man or boy I ever dated. Just so you can’t say I didn’t warn you, I’m a virgin.” I know I’m blushing. I hate that but considering my family is in the room I guess it is unavoidable. Everything got quiet all of a sudden. All eyes are on me. I can feel dad’s tension rising. He has gone completely stiff. Uncle Trent has turned white and I think Ty is speechless. Mr. Cross is trying to busy himself with paperwork, undoubtedly shocked by my declaration. I won’t even look at Devil or Mr. Steel for their reaction.

“Well at least I know to shake Mason’s hand next time I see him, before I kick his ass for breaking my sister’s heart.” Ty puts in. At least Ty broke the ice and dad is breathing again and Uncle Trent is getting some color back in his face. Poor Mr. Cross still don’t know what to do.

“My mom will be here and maybe Keifer, my brother and his ol’ lady. My sister Kimberly probably not.” Devil lets me know.

“Callie we will have a small club gathering for your wedding. I will give you away. You are not going to argue with me. You are my only daughter and I will give that to you. Nothing big and fancy. Laurie and Kelsey can take care of it. You two can just show up.” Dad informs me and I know I need to give that to him for his own peace of mind. I turn to Devil and I see him just staring at me. I don’t know what he is thinking. His face is a total blank. “Is this ok with you? Do you have any objections?”

“No, no objections at all. Whatever you want.” Devil seems a million miles away. “I have one question for you.”

Chapter 28

Devil

“No, no objections at all. Whatever you want.” That’s all I know to say. She said she is a virgin. I thought she was innocent, but a virgin? I have never in my thirtytwo years been with a virgin. She said her heart belongs to that Mason, but I will make her forget him.

“I only have one ques tion, if Mason was here would your answer be any different?” I have to ask. I need to know what I have to overcome with her. She had to have strong feelings for him, they had been together too long, but could this just be the pain talking? She’s so young, does she even know what true love is? That’s why what I offer is so much better.

“Devil, I have made my decision. I keep my word and vows mean everything to me. I would like to believe if Mason showed up before we are married I could turn my back on him, because he not only hurt me but he betrayed the trust I put in him. Honestly I can’t be certain. I’m not in the situation facing him and there are hundreds of miles separating us right now. He has always been my weakness. I know this, I have always known this, and because of that I know how to protect myself from it and this will. Now you can understand, you will not only be getting what you want, but I will be getting what I need.” She never takes her eyes off my face as she is telling me this. You can tell by looking in her eyes that this Mason guy completely shattered her. I should be feeling guilty for taking advantage of this situation, but I don’t. I just know I am glad it wasn’t me who put that look on her face and I will do what I can to heal her. I also know I will keep this Mason away from Callie.

“We need to get to know each other better. I need you to spend tonight with me. We can have some dinner and talk. You can stay at my motel with me. Less interruptions.” I know a lot about Callie but I would like to hear it from her and see how good our intel was. She needs to be comfortable with me and she needs to learn she can trust me. I can see Chief is not comfortable with this, but he really has little to say about it. My claim has been made.

“You two do need to get acquainted but you can do it here. We are still on lockdown and she is still my daughter. You two can stay in her room and talk. No one will bother you.” I can understand Chief’s concern with Callie’s protection. It is safer here at their club rather than a motel.

“Steel, we will set you up a room too, and you can have dinner with us.” Chief seems to accept what his daughter has proposed. I guess he will keep his word to her and let her choose.

“That sounds like a good idea if Devil goes a long with it. Your clubhouse will be safer for Callie and that’s what we all want.” Dad agrees with Chief completely. He has things he wants to discuss with Chief that have nothing to do with Callie and this will give him that chance.

“Do you agree Devil?” Chief is waiting for an argument from me but I can give him this. I want Callie safe.

“Yes, that sounds good to me. We can go pick up our stuff from the motel and be back in less than an hour.” That should give us the rest of the afternoon and tonight to get used to each other some.

“Could I get you both to sign these now and I can get home and get everything done for you. I will file everything tomorrow when I go in to the office.” Callie goes over and signs and then I do the same. Chief pulls Callie in for a hug and kisses her on top of the head.

“I hope that you are sure about this baby girl. Life is going to change for you. I can’t believe my baby is grown up.” Chief is struggling with letting her go. She’s mine now and he does not have to like it, but he does have to respect it, and he knows that.

“I understand dad. I thought it through. This is what I can live with.” She tells Chief to reassure him. Then she turns to me, “Devil, we can get to know each other tonight, but I won’t be having sex with you until there is a wedding ring on my finger, just so you know.” She blushes the slightest bit. Probably more because her family can hear right along with me. “I’m not a prude, I don’t believe you have to be married to enjoy sex, but this is a business agreement for right now and to make sure all sides keep the agreement, these are the rules. I understand club rules. You have not made me your ol’ lady. You asked me to marry you, and I agreed but without the ol’ lady claim, you have no right to push anything until that ring is on my finger. Correct?” I knew this was coming but I thought it would be from Chief. I am going to have to watch this woman, she’s way too smart. I don’t want to discuss this so I do the only thing I can.

“Understood. I will not push the issue. I’ve never had to force a woman to have sex with me before and when we do have sex Callie, I will own you completely. We are in no rush for anything. We just need to get acquainted.” Callie just keeps surprising me. Who would think an eighteen-year-old would stand up to me and address the one thing all the men are dancing around. No, this woman is a surprise for sure. She’s beautiful and bright and stands up for what she wants, and what she thinks is right.

“Also, so you know I will be staying here at the club until we’re married. This will ease my family’s mind and that’s the least I can do. Do you agree to that?” Callie is way too calm. She is matter of fact, like she is running on auto pilot. I am not a man that shows a lot of emotion, but this just doesn’t seem right. It’s like her light has gone out. When I get her home with me I will change that. I will show her she can be happy.

“That’s agreeable, but my mom will want to meet you before the wedding. I will bring her or dad will. Be sure to make yourself available.” I let her know this is nonnegotiable. Mom would kill me any other way. I know my mom will love Callie. I’ve only brought one woman around my mom and they did not like each other. My mom does not like the women my brother Keifer and I tend to gravitate towards, but Callie will be different.

“I can do that. We’re on lockdown. I won’t be going anywhere.” she says with little enthusiasm. “If everyone is through with me, I am going to go help in the kitchen with lunch. There is a lot of people to feed. I’m sure there is business for you to discuss that has nothing to do with me, or I won’t be privy to.” Callie looks to her dad and then to me and we nod our heads.

“Callie, I want to welcome you to our family. I know it is not legal yet, but i n my eyes it is a done deal, and I will be proud to have you as my daughter in-law. I know Kat will, too.” Dad let’s his genuine feelings be known. He has been for this from the beginning and he has only grown to admire Callie more since we have been here. He thinks Callie is going to make me a perfect wife. He wants me to make her my ol’ lady now.

“Thank you, sir. I will do my best not disappoint any of you. I look forward to meeting Mrs. Steel.” Callie is very respectful to my dad and that goes a long way in his book. She’s being sincere and you can tell it by her voice, she is not just sucking up.

“Sweetheart are you sure this is what you want and are you sure you can do it?” Trent ask Callie as he gives her a hug before she leaves the room. She’s already answered this question several times. Can’t they just let it be?

“I am just fine Uncle Trent. I know what I can accept and this I can. Now quit worrying about me, and let me get to the kitchen to help with the food, so when everything is done, everyone can eat.” Callie heads for the door but Ty stops and gives her a hug. When he is done she goes out the door and closes it behind her. Chief watches the door and waits a few minutes as if he is measuring his words, looking at the door as if it may open again. When he directs his look at me I see he is sizing me up. He takes a deep breath and then he sits back in his chair.

“Devil, I am going to tell you this once and only once, if you hurt my daughter I will end you. If you let something happen to her, I will end you. She hit on a very good subject I have been wondering myself, why are you not claiming her as your ol’ lady? Why marriage now?” Chief is waiting for me to slip up and lie so I keep it as close to the truth as I can.

“I don’t like to repeat myself and it seems like that has been all I’ve done since I got here. I will protect Callie with everything I have in my arsenal. I will save her with my life if I have to. The rest of it is my business. Callie is the one that wants it this fast and I will give her that, but the rest is only my business.” That’s the only answer anyone will be getting from me.

“Is she not good enough to make your ol’ lady?” Ty throws in. “This is bullshit!” Ty is pissed and comes rushing at me but Driller steps between us.

 

“Calm down Ty. Let’s take it outside.” Driller gets him out the door but Zman comes in to take his place.

“Devil I don’t know what you’re up to, but I promise you I am keeping an eye on you.” Chief is not going to press the subject with me. I don’t know why, but I will take it.

“Are we done here? I need a damn drink. Steel, I will have a room set up by the time you get back, and we can eat together tonight and talk.”

“Sounds good to me. We will be gone for a while so I can make some calls. I am going to have Kat brought up tonight if that is ok. That way she can meet Callie. I will have a few guys with her, but I will keep the motel room for them, since you are crowded right now. She will be glad to see you too, Chief.” Dad is trying to distract Chief, I know it is not working but he is not going to ask.

“It will be good to see her, as well. She is good people. I’m going to let Zman walk you out. I need to talk to Ty and Driller.” Chief looks at Zman and he opens the door for us. “Zman would you walk them out and send Ty and Driller back in. When you are done, I need you, too. I will see you two later.” Chief walks over to the cabinet and opens the doors and gets three glasses out and a bottle of Jack. Looks like they will be getting that drink.

Zman leads u s through the bar area but stops and whistles to get Driller and Ty’s attention across the room and jerks his thumb back towards the office. The two men down their beers and head that way, as we follow Zman on out. He leaves us at the front doors and returns back the way we came. We go out and get on our bikes. Dad looks around to make sure no one is around.

“You know son, Chief is no fool. He knows something is up with you not claiming Callie as your ol’ lady. You’ll have to explain one day. Are you ready for that?” I know dad is concerned but this is not a discussion I want to have with anyone. It’s too painful.

“I know dad, but it won’t be today. Are you ready to get this done? I will be glad when we are home again and this is settled.” I feel all my thirty-two years and more. It has been one long ass weekend. “I need to find a jewelry store sometime soon. Women like that sort of thing.” I really hadn’t put any thought into rings. Guess I need to. Guess I need to know what size or kind. Be glad when mom gets here, she’ll help.

I start my motorcycle up and feel the rumble. I need the ride to unwind me. I need a longer ride but I’ll have to make do.