Driving down the long, dark, and lonely highway reminded Junior why he was heading home. After the accident, breaking his back falling off a bull, then joining his uncle’s investigative services where he’d helped Steel MC he figured out what had been missing from his life all these years. Helping his dad on the ranch had been what was expected of him to do the rest of his life. Why all the restlessness? Now, he knew. A motorcycle, beautiful women, and a brotherhood.

He had the brothers all five of them, but he was missing the comradeship he’d had with his rodeo cowboy friends and living for the freedom of the open road. After the accident, it had been hard as hell to ride his motorcycle. After intensive physical therapy, he’d swung his leg over that Fat Boy Harley and never looked back.

Now claiming his birthright didn’t seem right. His brothers loved the ranch and had stayed on to help his parents. How could he walk in and take over? He couldn’t and wouldn’t.

Ben, his uncle Benjamin “The Mule” Mullin had retired from the Marines and intended on opening a branch of Mullin Investigation Services right in Winslow, Texas. He intended to bring in the Steel MC and make it a Texas Chapter to run the Agency.

He’d already accepted the Vice President position with his uncle, Steel and the boys were going to meet with them to finalized the charter.

Would she be there? He didn’t believe so. He’d heard from his family, Sarah had moved on. This was going to be a bittersweet homecoming for sure.

Cranking the throttle, Junior sped up his motorcycle and headed back to finish his packing from the clubhouse. He’d miss New Mexico but Texas wasn’t that far away from his new family.

They had too much at stake for him to walk away now. He was part of the Steel MC and the Texas Chapter was about to begin.

A shipment of guns had been exchanged. During the huge shipment to their Texas office, Preacher, one of the original members had been involved in a bad accident. The guns, ammo, and food had made it through the inspection and accident scene. Surprisingly, the Steels had connection in all law enforcement. The fatality should have put that shipment in the FBI data base. The guns had been all traced to legal sales for the new gun shop in Winslow. It had been a relief for Junior to know that he was working a legal operation.

He passed through the reinforced gates into the compound with a wave to the Prospect manning the security booth. He had several of his people here too. After finishing up his business and packing he’d be heading home.

Mule had already left and was heading to Winslow. Junior just had a few friends to say goodbye to.

Shutting down the bike’s engine he found Salena, Hawk, and Mickey waiting for him. “Hey.”

“Junior.” Sal threw herself into his arms.

“Baby girl. No tears. I need to go home.”

“We’ll miss you.” Sal pulled away and grabbed a hand each from her men. They surrounded her.

He wanted what his new friend had. Love and acceptance for who he was. Not what he was. He was a cowboy through and through. After the accident, he had stopped living and had nothing to take home. Now, he had all this. The motorcycle club had given him back his manhood.

“I’m only going to be a state away. Texas isn’t that far.” Junior shook Hawk then Mickey’s hands.

“You promised.” Sal reminded him. They’d talked for hours during his stay in Albuquerque when his detail had been to guard her.

He raised his eyebrow. “And?”

“Don’t play dumb. Sarah?”

“Oh, that little detail. My family says she’s moved on.”

“Well I don’t believe it. You love her, don’t you?”

“Yeah, just a little.” He held his thumb and finger an inch apart.

“Then you need to claim her.” Mickey stepped up and shook his hand.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Sure, it is. We claimed, Sal, here, and she wanted it. This woman back home if she knows you as we do, she’ll be waiting for your dumb ass.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Junior raised his eyebrow. It didn’t seem the guys were dishing out the good comments, but in their own gruff way he knew these guys would lay their lives down for him.

Junior was the only Member he knew that was not ex-military and that had meant a lot to him. “You see Steel?”

“Yeah, him and Dell had a run to make. They sent us instead to help you and see you off. You’re all set back home. We’ll be coming down there in a month for the grand opening of the Guns & Ammo Shop, Dug Out 2 Night Club, along with the patch over.”

“Great! I’m looking forward to it. First order of business though we need to get those girls settled in and the shop opened. I appreciate the help. How’s Preacher?”

“He’s doing good. Kandie is a godsend.”

“How’s their baby?”

“She’s as cute as a little bug.” Sal laughed.

“Preacher and some of the others will be staying here to make sure this compound stays safe.” Mickey waved his hand. Junior looked out and saw the quiet setting of the large compound. It seemed peaceful now, but he knew it could change in a matter of seconds if someone wanted to fuck with this club. They were several strong and nobody would be able to enter this compound without warning.

“Hey, I appreciate the thought and as many of the members as I can get to show their support. I totally understand that you leave some behind. Invite as many as can come. Bring women and children along. I’m going to be throwing a huge picnic for the occasion. Mule and the others will be arriving around the same time I do. We’ll get it put together then I’ll call you and let you know a for sure date.”

“Sounds like a good plan for us. We’ll be coming.” Mickey stuck out his hand in friendship.

Grabbing his hand, they shoulder bumped then Junior patted the bigger man on his shoulder. “I’ll look forward to seeing you all at my place.”

“Oh, Junior, here I have something for you.” Sal handed him a little box.

He opened it and inside nestled in tissue paper was a small bell. Engraved inside was the words: Guardian Bell – Never Ride Faster than your Angel Can Fly.

“This is special to me and I’ll hang it on my motorcycle. Thank you.” Junior kissed Sal’s cheek. For her to go out and find something with this meaning meant the world to him. He’d truly found a special friendship with these three people in his life.

“You better. I want you to keep yourself safe out there.” Sal hugged him.

“Hey, man, you and that uncle of yours make sure you take care of that Texas charter for all of us. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call us.” Hawk clasped hands with him and they shoulder bumped.

“You can trust me with the charter. We’ll take good care of her for you all.” Junior stuck the bell inside his front pocket.

“We wouldn’t be turning over the Texas Chapter to you all if we had any doubt. Let’s get that pickup loaded. You want the Fat Boy on board?” Mickey asked.

“Of course, also have the horse with me.”

“That damn thing is going to kill you,” Hawk growled.

“What? You’re saying that about my baby.” Sal slapped her husband, Hawk.

They’d all walked toward the truck and trailer Junior had loaded earlier in the day. Axel, his prize stallion, was standing inside sleeping. The animal was as calm as a summer day. Junior checked on him. “Hey, boy.”

The soft whinny told him his horse was fine. Sal and the men helped him load up his motorcycle in the enclosed part of the custom trailer. He’d had it made especially for hauling motorcycles and horses. A cowboy way.

“It’s going to be a rough ride home.” Junior touched the tender area of his lower back that had been broken from his fall.

“Just take your time. Let us know when you arrive.” Mickey patted his shoulder.

The tattoo on his entire back fresh and a little sore told what he’d joined. The Steel MC logo, Remy, their ink guy had tatted for him. The significance of his brotherhood. Just this morning he had to ask one of the Hoez to rub the healing salve on it for him. He hoped to have someone do the same tonight, but if not, it would get stiff and sore and he’d have to wait until returning home to have one of his sister’s help him.

The skull of the Army. Tatted over the top was Respect Few and Fear None tatted under the skull meant he belonged to a club that would never leave him hanging. They had his back. The members of the Texas charter were already on their way to his hometown. The changes were going to be positive he just needed to be there to make sure everything went smoothly.

“What’s the first order of business,” Hawk asked as they were loading up his motorcycle.

“Well my parents said a company moved in and is buying up all the prime real estate and commercial property. They’re moving their shit in and taking over the town of Winslow. I intend to curb that and fix the town. There is no way in hell this two-bit company is going to push my town around like their attempting.”

“Sounds like a solid. Do you have the local law enforcement?”

“My brother, Harlow, is the town sheriff. I have his support.”

“Good to know. Let us know if you need a sign of strength. We’ll make sure we come to town in a big way.” Mickey chuckled. They pushed the bike into the trailer and strapped it in.

“Who do you have already signed up for the club?” Hawk asked.

“Well there’s Mule, he’s the Prez. With two of his men, Dog and Skip, from his MC they’ve had for years. We’re doing a patch over ceremony for them. We have Remy who’s coming from here. He’s taking over the Treasurer’s position and helping us out for a while. Not sure if he’s staying in Texas or not. He hasn’t made up his mind. But, I know I can sure use his ink experience. The whole club will need to be tattooed in.”

“Isn’t he Mule’s eldest?”

“Yeah, he’s my cousin. It’s nice to keep him in the family. I think that’s why he’s switching to the Texas charter honestly.”

“Who else?”

“There’s Mule’s son, Dom, we’ve made him a prospect he’s wet behind the ears and not quite out of the service yet.”

“What about the secretary position?” Hawk leaned up against the outside of the trailer and crossed his booted feet. “I know Steel asked me about that one.”

“We haven’t filled that position yet. I’m hoping Isaac McCoy will have a few good men he can suggest. I’d like to open the club to others beside just military. I’d like to ask my brother, Harlow, to join. So far it’s just me that is non-military.”

“There’s a reason for that you know?” Mickey leaned on the trailer next to Hawk.

“There is?” Junior grabbed a bottle of water and took a drink.

“Yeah, look as military we’ve been trained to always have our brother’s back. Most of us served together. But, you’re proof it can work. If you trust the man and know he has your back then I say go for it and let them join. Always put them in a position of prospect and see if they can cut it. If not let them loose before you vote them in. Once they’re in its for life, always remember that.”

“Did you get ahold of Isaac McCoy yet?” Hawk’s tone was serious.

“Not yet. Did you know he bought the bar in Kerrville and named it Hardbodies?” Junior grabbed a bucket. “Hang on I need to get some water for Axel.”

“Let me.” Sal grabbed the pail and headed towards the side of the house.

“You know I knew he’d bought the bar. I haven’t called him yet, because I thought it would be cool to meet halfway with my club in Kerrville. He’s about halfway for everyone.” Junior pushed his hand through his hair. His phone rang and he looked down to see Mule.

“Hang on I have to take this.” He answered, “Hey, Mule.”

“Son, what’s the plan?”

“I was just talking to Hawk and Mickey here. I’m going to drive halfway today. Do you want to meet in Kerrville?”

“Sure, that’s about halfway, isn’t it?”

“Yep, sure is. I thought we could meet at the new place, Hardbodies. I want to connect with the McCoys for recruits?”

“What do you mean?” Mule asked.

“I trust the McCoys enough to see if they have any good men we can possibly recruit for the club. We still have the secretary position to fill. I don’t want to put a prospect into a position they’re just not ready to fill.” Junior had the future of the club to consider and a seasoned man would be better than someone fresh out of the military. He knew Isaac McCoy and knew those kinds of men. He trusted the McCoys to give him men they could trust or they wouldn’t suggest them.

“How do you know McCoy, again and can we trust him?” Mule usually trusted him, but this time wasn’t a surprise. They were recruiting for positions and it was serious.

“I cowboyed with his brother, Joseph, and met Isaac a few times when I went home with Joseph for the weekend. He has a good family and I trust them with my life. They’ll be upfront and honest. They’re not going to refer someone if the man isn’t honorable. That I know.”

“Okay, let’s meet then. Hardbodies in Kerrville?”

“Yes, sir.”

“See you then.” Junior disconnected the call. Hawk and Mickey had finished strapping up the entire load in his truck.

“Hey thanks.” Sal returned with the bucket of water for his horse.

“Here you go, boy.” Junior opened the front compartment and hung the bucket on its strap to hang in front of the horse. He threw Axel a couple flakes of hay and a scoop of grain. “Here you go, boy, you’re all set.” He shut the door then walked around to the back of the trailer.

“It’s going to be a long trip home, but you know for the first time in years I’m ready to go back to the Ranch.” Junior shut the back door of the trailer and latched it.

“You should be happy about going home. You have an amazing family.” Sal was hanging onto Hawk and Mickey’s hands.

Junior was ready to say goodbye. Hugging Salena he whispered, “You remind me enough about my family, I know they’re great. I don’t deserve them that’s for sure. You, make sure you keep yourself safe.”

“Always.” She wiped a stray tear. This woman was one of the toughest ladies he’d ever met.

“Junior,” Hawk called him by the nickname he’d been given by the club. He liked it. It said a lot for him to take his father’s name and Junior just reinforced that. “Thanks, man. It’s been a real pleasure being accepted into this club.”

“No problem, you earned it by keeping, Sal, safe.” Hawk pulled Sal into their hug with Mickey joining the foursome.

Mickey broke first. “Ride free, my man.”

“Always.”