“We’re so fucking lucky,” I murmur.
He plays with my hair, our breaths slowly returning to normal while he hums under his breath. “Why’s that?”
“Even though our sex life is going to be like this with having the two kids around, and we’re going to have to find time where we can, it’s still better than anything I could have imagined.”
Kevlar exhales, pulling my face up to his in a kiss. I kiss him back, loving the connection we have, then his cock springs back to life inside me.
I break the kiss looking down. “Again?”
He checks his watch. “Oh yeah, we have another hour… let’s do this.”
This may not be perfect for everyone.
But it’s perfect for me.
I never imagined my life could ever be like this.
A stepmom.
A partner to an amazing man.
I was always destined for the Slavers.
Maybe, just maybe, I can have my happy ending after all.
KEVLAR
The Next Evening
The clean-up was massive. It’s taken us hours and three brother chapters to get this place back to somewhat normal again. Bullet holes still line the second story of the clubhouse on the outside. We were able to patch them from the inside, but it’s like a fucking cheese grater on the outside.
Cherry said it gives the place a tougher vibe.
I think she was trying to make us feel better about it.
Chicago and NOLA Defiance both left this afternoon. They have to get back to their own lives, though we can’t thank them enough for their contribution in saving our asses. At any other time, it would be great to see them, but when it involves a war, it’s always a tougher greeting.
The aftermath of that war was good, letting our hair down and reveling in the win. You have to count your blessings.
Our families were released from lockdown, which means Ethan and Lou went home. Honestly, I think Ethan couldn’t wait to get out of here. He knew if the cops were called, and he was found here, he’d be in a world of hurt. I need to check in with him. Make sure he’s doing okay. He killed someone, and it wasn’t in the line of duty. That shit haunts you the first time you do it. But for now, he needs to be with his family, and that is Lou. So, I will give him that.
Needless to say, we put in a rush bulk order for new bikes. Having our rides demolished like that ate at the very soul of this club. They’ll be arriving soon, but in the meantime, Zero arranged to rent some Harleys.
I sit back, enjoying the quiet of the clubhouse. With the number of people we had here over the past forty-eight hours, it’s no wonder everyone is keeping to themselves. Having so many people here was good, but sitting and drinking a beer in peace, there’s no feeling quite like it.
Zero, Cherry, Wraith, and Prinie sit at the table next to me, seriousness written all over their faces.
I try to block out their conversation, but they’re talking loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Honestly, Prinie, this should be discussed with Koda here,” Zero urges.
Prinie huffs. “The thing is, Zero… Koda wants one thing, to be part of this club. He just got shot in the leg and nearly bled out all over the goddamn asphalt. I love him, Zero. I care about him too much to lose him to the next war that comes this way.”
“So, you think sending him halfway across the country is the answer?”
Prinie shrugs. “His grades have improved since coming back to Houston. Wraith and I were talking to his principal at school. He’s already applied for the scholarship at Stonewall in Albany. He may not even get in, but I want us to know the option is there if he gets approved.”
Zero glances at Cherry, his stance softening a little. “What do you think?”
“Honestly? Koda is young, he’s impressionable. He’s trying so hard to be like the rest of you, and it’s going to get him killed. If he goes off to college, tries to work out who he is, finds his own footing, I think then maybe if he wants to come back to the club and join, then that’s his choice… but, my opinion is that he should go. Grow up a little. Have a life away from the club. Be a teenager before trying to be a man.”
Zero scrubs at his face. “This family has spent so long apart. I hate the fact he won’t be here under my protection.”
“It’s a plane ride away. He’ll come home for the holidays. We can talk on the phone. Zero, he needs to be with kids his own age,” Prinie urges.
Wraith shrugs. “This isn’t my place, brother, but I have to agree. He’s trying too hard to be like us. Without the training, without the instincts, he’s not. His leg is going to take time to heal. That should be enough to convince you he’s not ready for the club. Not yet.”
“But New York? Why so far away?”
“It’s an elite school. He’ll get the best education. Meet the right people. He could be someone, make something of himself,” Prinie relays.
“Look, we have to see if he gets in first. Maybe we table this until he gets the call?” Cherry suggests.
“No,” a voice murmurs from the bottom of the stairs. “I want to go.”
We all turn as Koda hobbles in on his crutches.
Zero sits taller. “Are you sure?”
“Zero, I love it here, I love being with my family, with everyone. But Prinie is right, I see that now. I need to be with kids my own age. I want to experience life. I don’t want to leave the club, but being shot proved to me I’m in over my head.”
Prinie’s eyes flood with tears.
Koda groans, she stands, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m sorry, it’s the hormones.”
“I’m gonna miss y’all. More than you know.”
Prinie lets out a sob, making everyone chuckle.
Wraith pulls her away from Koda and to him. He tries to comfort the overly emotional pregnant woman.
Zero cocks his head to the side, reaching into his pocket. “I’ve been holding onto this, waiting for the right time to give it to you… I think maybe now is that right time.” He steps forward, his closed fist held out to Koda as Prinie sobs quietly, obviously knowing what this is about.
Koda puffs out his chest then places his palm forward to receive the gift. Zero drops the item into Koda’s hand, and Koda lets the string of chain drop from his fingers as he assesses the item with a ‘W’ pendant dangling from the bottom. The W is engraved with skulls, and immediately I recognize it as one that Zero and his father, Frenzy, have both worn before him.
Koda’s eyes widen as his head snaps up to his brother. “This is the Walker family heirloom… I thought—”
“I’d only get this if I joined the club?” Zero interrupts, and Koda nods. “No… you get this handed down to you when you become a man, brother.”
Koda tries to fight his smile, but he can’t. Stepping forward, he pulls his brother in for a tight embrace. “Thank you, Zero. I’ll never take it off.”
“You better fucking not. That thing is a huge deal in our family.”
Prinie sniffles as Koda bobs his head. “I know… thank you,” Koda states with pride while sliding it around his neck.
Zero’s cell phone beeps. He looks down at the screen, then stands, stepping into the middle of the clubhouse. He sends a loud whistle through the space, gaining everyone’s attention. “Brothers, we have incoming.”