Page 22 of Claimed By the Rebel

I nod again, apparently unable to do anything else at the moment.

“Why don’t you scoot over to the other seat and Tank here, our VP, will drive you over to our clubhouse.”

It’s not like I have a choice. I do as he asks, getting settled in the passenger seat while another large and intimidating man sits in the driver’s seat. We’re silent for the entire ride, which is good. I don’t know what to say, what to tell, what to lie about. Where do my loyalties lie? Viper? The Serpents, who have always treated me like less than a human? Are the Rebel Hearts really as bad as my brother made them out to be? So far, they’re treating me with more respect than anyone in the Serpents. Razor was never cruel to me, he was only ever understanding and calming.

My world has changed so much in the last day. I don’t know where to go from here or where I’ll be this time tomorrow. Thoughts, doubts, and fears swirl around in my brain, making me dizzy. I rest my head against the cool glass of the window, trying to decide if I even want to survive this.

Honestly? I don’t know anything anymore.

11

RAZOR

Iburst into the Rebel Hearts clubhouse, which is an old converted warehouse at the end of a long driveway. My lungs are burning and my heart is racing right along with my mind.

I don’t know exactly what made Aurora run but I have a pretty good idea. When I stepped out of the shower and walked the short distance to the bedroom, I was expecting to see my princess still sprawled out on the bed, possibly sleeping.

Instead, the room was empty. A Rebel Hearts shirt was spread out on the bed and my closet doors were open. I winced when I saw the first article of clothing was my cut. I usually wear it all the time, but I’ve had to be stealthier with all the stakeouts. And yes, I wanted to avoid the conversation with Aurora. I guess the secret is out now. I just have to find my woman and beg for her forgiveness before it’s too late.

The place is surprisingly empty for this time of day. Usually, club members are mulling about, or at the very least, I can always find Aldis or Tank.

Did they call church? I would have gotten a call…

Pulling out my phone, I curse under my breath when I see it’s dead. I should have thrown it on the charger earlier but I was a bit distracted. Shit.

I grunt in frustration as I stomp through the otherwise silent space. I checked it when I discovered Aurora was missing, but then realized I never even got her fuckin’ phone number. How much of a jackass am I? Lying to Aurora, taking advantage of her vulnerability, and then not even having the decency to get her number? I have a lot to apologize for.

The backdoor of the clubhouse swings open, revealing several of my MC brothers. Tritan, Drak, and Aldis walk in, followed by Tank and…

Aurora? What the actual fuck?

I’m frozen in place as I watch my brothers march Aurora to the back. She looks absolutely petrified, shaking from head to toe and trying so damn hard not to cry. Everything in me shatters, knowing I caused this. I should have been honest from the beginning and had Aurora helping us all along. It seemed impossible at the time, but anything would’ve been better than this.

“Aurora!” I shout across the clubhouse. All four men and Aurora turn their heads, five sets of eyes staring at me, each with different looks on their faces. Aldis looks more confused than anything, while Drak looks pissed off.

Aurora… My princess looks absolutely stricken by betrayal. The tears she was holding back come rushing to the surface and she lets out a quiet sob that nearly has me collapsing on the floor with the weight of guilt and shame.

“You two know each other?” Aldis asks, his tone even. There’s a reason he’s our president. Aldis is naturally laid back, but he can be firm and commanding when he needs to be. Right now, he understands this is a delicate situation.

Aurora doesn’t say anything but I nod.

“What the hell? How–”

“Let’s take this somewhere more private,” Aldis says, cutting off whatever Tank was going to say. I nod and follow everyone into the back room, where we usually hold church.

Tank has had his hand around Aurora’s bicep this whole time, directing her where to go. I know Tank has a woman of his own that he’s crazy about, but tell that to the jealousy rippling through my muscles.

Once we’re all seated, Aldis starts the conversation with one word. “Explain.”

“I was on a stakeout checking up on the cartel lead we got from that prospect,” I say.

Aldis hums in acknowledgment while Aurora’s eyes widen. She doesn’t say anything but she must be so hurt right now. We met because I was, and am, trying to take her brother’s club down. We met because I became obsessed and couldn’t let her go. Now look where we are.

“Aurora was there that first night,” I continue. “She was with the club, but not part of the club. I didn’t know she was the VP’s sister.”

“You’re Viper’s sister?” Tank asks in surprise. “And he sent you on a drug run?”

Aurora hangs her head and sniffles, finally whispering, “Yes.”

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