Dawson’s hanging on every word. I can’t tell if Shelby’s making stuff up on the fly to ease the sting of the card or that’s really what she sees. Either way, it’s entertaining as hell.
“Thank you, Shelby.” Dawson grabs his beer bottle and moves closer to the fire.
“My turn?” Trinity asks, crawling out of Wrath’s lap. She and Shelby stare at each other, then Dawson for a few seconds, then shrug at the same time.
“Come on over.” Shelby pats the blanket in front of her and picks up her cards again. “Want to try a three-card reading?”
“Whatever you’re in the mood for.”
Shelby shuffles her deck slowly, careful not to let any cards escape. Finally, she lays them out and has Trinity pull three and leave them face down. One by one, Shelby turns them over. This time, she smiles as she studies the cards.
“Is it good? That one looks a little scary.” Trinity taps the first one—a leaning towering inferno.
“Past.” Shelby taps the card. “The Tower represents abandoning truths we’ve held for a long time. Discarding the old ways and taking on new beliefs.” Her gaze shifts briefly to Wrath. “Major changes in the foundation of a relationship.”
Trinity wrinkles her nose and turns toward her husband. “Do we still technically count as newlyweds?”
“Maybe.” He sits forward, showing more interest in the reading now.
“The present.” Shelby moves to the next card. “Two of Cups.” Her lips curve into a serene smile. “This is nice. See how connected the two of them are? It’s about the power of two people coming together. Bonding.”
“Aww.” Trinity reaches over and curls her fingers around Wrath’s hand.
“Future.” Shelby holds up the last card. “The Sun. Moving toward something great, good fortune, happiness, and success.”
“That definitely sounds good.”
Shelby sets the sun card back down and studies all three again. “Looking at them as a whole, I’d say you’ve survived major changes that shifted your world view. More than once, maybe. You’ve found a loving partner, and will have a happy future together.”
“She’s a genius.” Wrath nods at Shelby. For once, I don’t think he’s being sarcastic.
“Phew.” Shelby rolls her shoulders. “I always get nervous reading cards for other people.” She flicks her gaze toward the brooding Dawson and lowers her voice. “Never know if you’re going to hit a nerve or piss ‘em off. Yours was a good one. A nice high note to close the readings.”
“You’re not going to do mine?” I ask.
“Nope. I already know what your future holds.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
She beams the widest smile I’ve seen all night. “Me.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Rooster
It’s not often I roll into our national headquarters. I’ve certainly never been here without my local president. And while I met with Priest after getting voted in as VP in my charter, I haven’t been in his castle since then.
I don’t want Shelby to worry about any of that stuff, so I keep my expression impassive and my movements easy as I take her hand and help her out of the truck.
Hopefully Priest won’t razz my ass too bad for riding in on four wheels instead of two.
Jiggy ambles over to us, rubbing his hands. “Ready, bro?”
“Yeah, you?”
Pants walks over and thumps Jiggy on the back hard enough to propel him forward. “Feels good to be here, right?”
Jiggy shoots a glare at him over his shoulder. “Easy, ya fuckin’ beast.”
Dex joins us, glancing over at the clubhouse every couple seconds like he’s dying to get this over with. “Your show, VP. Lead the way.”
“Thanks a lot,” I grumble. Though, Dex has a point.
Wrath probably has the most seniority out of all of us but the fucker only smirks at me when I suggest he go in first.
Since it’s the middle of the day, no one’s guarding the door. I don’t doubt for a second whoever’s inside is already aware of our arrival. This place has more security than a damn diamond vault.
“Phew. I’m melting.” Shelby pushes her damp hair off her forehead. “Mississippi heat is no joke.”
“Texas heat is pretty rough,” Jigsaw says.
“Ain’t no heat like Mississippi heat,” Pants adds.
“Great. Thanks for the weather update, everyone.” Dex peers down at Shelby. “Not you, sweetheart.”
As we reach the door, it swings open. A prospect hurries to step out of our way. I motion for Shelby to go ahead and follow her.
The dark, cool air of the clubhouse is a welcome relief from the outside heat.
“I’ll go grab the prez,” the prospect squeaks out before running away.
“Welcome!” Priest’s booming voice greets, approaching from across the room. He stops to shake hands and share a few words with Dex first. Knowing Priest, he’ll get to me last.
“Dang,” Shelby whispers. “I never knew there were so many silver fox bikers. Or is that a Lost Kings thing?”
I squint down at her. “He’s probably old enough to be your grandfather.”
“Prime age for my momma, though.” She grins up at me and squeezes my hand. “I’ve got all I can handle right here.”
“He has an old lady he’s pretty fond of.” I return her smile. “Hopefully, you’ll meet her.”
She narrows her eyes. “Is she like Tawny or more like Hope and Lilly?”
Wise question. “She’s nothing like Tawny.” Valentina’s in a category of her own, really.
“Rooster.” Priest stops in front of us and squeezes my shoulders. He looks me over like a proud papa bear. “One of my youngest VPs. Glad to see you outside of National.”
Well, shit. Is that a hint he thinks I should visit more often? No offense to Priest, but Mississippi isn’t real high on my list of vacation spots.
Best keep that thought to myself.
He pulls me in, slapping my back a few more times. “Make yourself at home while you’re here.”
“Thank you, Prez.”
His gaze lands on Shelby and tension runs through her body. She squeezes my hand tight and lifts her chin.
“Priest, this is my old lady, Shelby. Shelby, this is our national president.”
“Welcome to Mississippi.” Priest nods at her but doesn’t offer to shake her hand. He’s never been in the habit of touching other brother’s old ladies that I can remember.
Valentina glides through the room offering hellos to the guys. Everyone—even Jigsaw—is on their best behavior. She finally stops, brushing against Priest’s side.
“Shelby, I’m so happy you’re here. Welcome.” She holds out her arms and bundles Shelby up in an inviting hug. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Not sure if she’s a country music fan or she just wants the opportunity to vet another Lost Kings old lady. Either way, I appreciate how welcoming she is to Shelby.
“Thank you for having me, ma’am.” Shelby’s Texan twang spills out thicker than usual, as I notice happens when she’s nervous. My fingers twitch with the need to touch and reassure her but Priest might see that as a sign Shelby’s weak, and Valentina could take it as an insult. Shelby’s made of tough stuff. She’ll be fine.