Page 94 of Blood of Vengeance

“We’ll see about that.”

Mule opened the door to the meeting room where the vote count had been happening, slipping through the space with Cutter and Banger following. It was time for the official announcement—time to pay attention to the club business happening. But before I left Rush’s side, I wanted to return the favor with a little advice of my own.

“Be smart,” I said, grabbing his shoulder with one hand as I moved past him. “Be really smart and maybe apply all of what you just said to yourself. Eloise might also be a good ride.”

And then I headed across the room to stand with the executive members. Thoughts swirling from club to Locklyn and back. Unable to focus but standing tall and unflinching in the moment.

“The vote has been counted and certified,” Mule hollered, waiting for every single man in the room to grow silent. “Cutter has received a unanimous approval vote to become President of the Desert Hellions.”

The cheer that erupted from the men in the room shook the foundation of the building, everyone happy and proud to have Cutter in control. I whooped right along with them, knowing this was the right decision for the club.

“Thanks,” Cutter said after everyone quieted down. “Thank you all so much for trusting me to lead this brotherhood. The loss of our esteemed Chiggy will scar us forever, so we will continue to avenge that death. We will forever right the wrong brought upon our house. And we will annihilate the threat any vampire colony poses to our friends and family.”

Another cheer rose from the crowd, barks and howls adding to the cacophony. Cutter nodded along, biding his time. Waiting for the boys to grow silent once more.

“Moving on to official business—I’m leaving my executive team intact with two additions. As is customary, the president gets to name his VP, and I’m bringing on Diesel to be my right-hand man.”

Another cheer went up as Diesel strode across the room to join the execs. He was a good guy, and Cutter had a strong relationship with him. A friendship of sorts filled with enough respect to call each other out on their bullshit when necessary. They would be a good leading team.

“And finally,” Cutter said. “With the attack of the vampires and the death of Chiggy, I have made the decision that we need a second official enforcer. Someone to step in if a brother needs help. Someone to help Preacher keep the club as safe as possible.”

The guys went silent, everyone likely wondering who would be promoted. Being on the executive team was a big deal and an honor, but it was also a responsibility a lot of these guys wouldn’t have wanted. I had a feeling we had made the right decision, though.

“I would like to offer the new enforcer position to Rush.”

Another cheer went up, though not as loud. That was to be expected—there would be some feelings hurt by the decision. Nothing Cutter and the team couldn’t squash, but the sting would hit in the moment.

Rush sidled his way to Cutter, who had his hand out in offering. The new enforcer didn’t even pause—just grabbed that hand and shook it, bringing Cutter in for a good backslap as well. Title accepted.

“There we go,” Cutter said as Rush took his spot next to Preacher. “It was a tough decision—we have a lot of great men in this club—but I think our team will be stronger with the addition. I want to thank Rush for being willing to take on the challenge and all of you for giving me the opportunity to lead you. I don’t take the responsibility lightly.” He gave the crowd another once-over, hesitating when he met my stare for the slightest moment before moving on. “Now that the formalities are over, let’s get shit-faced and fuck around.”

Another cheer—louder than any before—rose up, and the music immediately started pounding through the speakers. Men mostly headed for the bar, likely to grab more beers and shots to celebrate the new team. Or just to get stone-faced drunk so they could pass out in the parking lot later.

Nothing I was interested in. I wanted to talk to the man in charge.

I locked my gaze on my target and followed him down the back hallway. He should have gone out on the floor and mingled with the guys as the new prez of the club, and he likely would, but not yet. He was headed to his office, so I followed.

“Cutter,” I called before he could shut the door. “Got a minute?”

He looked over his shoulder, glaring my way. Up close, I could see the bags under his eyes, the tiredness bleeding through the expression of anger. The man looked a mess. Zella being gone must have hit him harder than I had thought, though I doubted it hit as hard as my loss of Locklyn. Which was what I needed him for.

“What do you want?” he asked once I entered his office.

“Have you heard from Zella?”

The look I received would have caused a weaker man to crumble. “That’s none of your fucking business.”

I nearly lunged at his throat in response to the anger in his voice. “I don’t know what crawled up your ass?—”

“Shut your fucking mouth.” He snarled violently, the noise making the hair on my arms stand on end. “Your stupidity caused Locklyn to leave, and now Zella is in another state, dealing with your mess instead of being here where I could take care of her.” Cutter stalked closer, words more growl than language. Rage fueling the warning in his voice. “It’s been fucking weeks. If you weren’t a Hellion, I would have skinned you alive already.”

The growl I released had nothing to do with his words and everything to do with my wolf not liking the feel of being threatened. I clenched my fists at my sides, fighting not to shift. Not wanting to go up against Cutter, especially not on Desert Hellions property. Thankfully, Zed and Rush came storming through the door at that moment and jumped between the two of us, Zed holding me back and Rush blocking Cutter once he had slammed the door closed.

“Stop, now,” Zed ordered. “The crew will revolt if they see you two fighting on the night of the fucking vote. You need to stop thinking about these fucking women and start thinking about keeping our club alive.”

And fuck if he wasn’t right. Still, I waited for Cutter to make the first move. He’d been the one to threaten me—it would be his job to set things right.

Cutter nodded once, obviously still furious but in control. “You’re right. We have to work together, and my anger is more at the situation than at you, Flinch.” He held out a fist to bump. “I don’t actually want to skin you alive.”

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