“You heard me.”
“You want to join Chaos Bleeds?”
Dean nodded. “I can’t take this shit much more, man. I’m…” He stopped, looking around the room. “They’re organizing my wedding. I can’t, fuck, I want my own life. I thought I could act with this shit, knowing I’ll be able to make it out on my own, but that’s never going to happen. I’m not going to get my chance.” Dean ran a hand down his face. “I can’t stand this shit. I just want a clean break from it all. Is it too much to ask?”
“It’s not too much to ask, but being with the club, it’s more than wearing a leather cut and riding a bike. It’s family, man. It’s about giving your life to them, trusting each other. Having each other’s backs and shit like that. It’s deep. It’s not some quick decision you make.”
“I get it, man.”
“Do you? It’s life or die.”
Dean nodded. “I’ve watched you guys for years. I remember the first time I saw you all in the café, years ago. I was like five years old. My parents were so uptight and pissed. They have this superiority thing where they believe they count, but others don’t. They’re greedy and like to control. You can’t be controlled. I need this.”
He stared at his friend, who looked almost desperate. “Are you sure?”
“I don’t want to get married at eighteen. If I do ever get hitched, I want to have some say in the woman I marry.” Dean shook his head. “I can’t, I’ve been thinking of getting emancipated.”
“Well, shit,” Eddie said.
“Is this happening with you?” Simon asked, seeing them both dressed the same way.
Eddie shook his head. “I had a family dinner.”
“And you’re still eating pizza?” Simon laughed.
“Did I say I ate it? My grandparents were down and when they are, we have to deal with proper protocol.”
“Right,” he said.
“It’s just what happens.”
“I don’t know how much longer I can take,” Dean said.
“Any lawyer you see through your family, they’re going to know,” Simon said.
“I know.”
“I’ll talk to my dad, if you want. He’ll be able to find someone who’ll handle this for you.”
“You’re serious?”
“If you’re serious about leaving your family, and you know what you’re doing, I can get someone to talk to you.”
“Fuck, yes. Please, yes.”
Chapter Five
“You’re going to look hot,” Tabitha said.
“I don’t care if I look hot,” Daisy said. “It’s cold out.”
The high school was already completely taken over by Halloween. Streamers, banners, spider webs, and all manner of decorations had exploded into each classroom and the halls.
Tabitha loved it. She loved everything to do with Halloween, even if her bestie wasn’t the most well-receiving of it.
It was lunchtime and even though there was a chill in the air, they rarely sat indoors to each lunch. She wore a sweater to ward off the cold.
Anthony, Miles, Rachel, and Markus were already at their table. Simon had decided to cut class to go and get stuff ready for tricks he wanted to play. Blaise, Constance, Damien, and John were also present. They were outsiders. They didn’t have MC parents, but they were close to them. They’d developed friendships with them along the way, and even though they didn’t wear the leather cut, they had their backs.
“Look at the little rebels,” Miles said.
“Bite me.” Tabitha glared at her brother.
Miles just burst out laughing. “I can’t believe Whizz called our dad. That was fucking cold!”
“Don’t I know it,” Tabitha said.
“It’s not funny,” Daisy said. “I’ve had my computer taken from me. I’ve only got my cell.”
Tabitha looked toward Anthony. While her Simon was back in Piston County, she got her kicks out of watching these two. She didn’t know if she was rooting for them, or wondering what would happen if they never got together. All of that was a problem for another day.
She had other things on her mind.
“Did I tell you some chick is trying to hit on Simon?”
“Piston Simon?” Miles asked.
“One and the same.”
“Are you thinking we need to take a trip to Piston County?”
This was what she loved about her brother. No matter how much laughing or joking he did, he always had her back.
“I think it could be. What do you guys say, a trip to Piston County?”
“Is this just for you guys?” Blaise asked.
This always put her on edge with the outsiders. It was hard.
“I don’t see why not,” Miles said. “You got to get your parents to agree to a sleepover and visiting another town.”
“Then I’m out,” John said. “At times, I’m lucky they haven’t thrown my ass in boarding school.”
Miles laughed. “We’ll send you postcards.”
“I’d like to,” Constance said. “My parents don’t give a shit. I’m up for getting out of this shithole.”
“Hey, this shithole is family,” Markus said.
Constance looked at him, brows lifted. “Yeah, for you, who lives in a nice place with a dentist mother. Not for me with a mom in and out of rehab and a dad who won’t let her move on. This is family to you, not to me. I’ve got you guys, that’s it.”
“You need some help with that shit?” Miles said.
“What shit?”
“Your family.”
“Nah, I’ve got it covered. It’s fine.”
“You need help, you tell us.”
“Will do.”
Tabitha looked at Miles, who continued to look at Constance. She had already turned away. After a few seconds, Miles averted his gaze but caught her staring. She offered him a smile and he glared. “The fuck you looking at?” he asked.
“I don’t know. You tell me.”
“As interesting as all this is, Dogs are approaching and Ryan looks mad,” Daisy said.
Glancing at her friend, she followed her gaze, and sure enough, the Dogs were on their way.
They all got to their feet. She and Daisy stood by Anthony’s side. They all had each other’s backs.
Some of the kids ran off in the opposite direction, clearly not wanting to be in the line of fire.
Tensed and ready, Tabitha watched.
Luke was at the head of the group. He always was. Ryan by his side.
“Do you think we were going to let that slide?” Luke asked.
“You don’t bring Quad business here,” Anthony said.
“Anything you got to say, you do so on Quad territory. You upset about getting your face rearranged, don’t be taking on fights you can’t win,” Miles said.
“Ah, they have to hide behind all the nice little rules. They’re a has-been club, baby. We should ignore them. They’re not worth our time.” This came from Daniella. She was a Dogs kid and considered the queen in her group.