Page 40 of Rev

My brothers greet us with a mix of relief and concern. They’ve been holding things together while we’ve been absent, but there’s an unspoken understanding that they need us.

Hades and Racer both look over at me and offer me a nod, giving me permission to catch the rest of the brothers up on what we’ve found.

“There’s been a lot of shite going down in South Shields. The organisation Hades and I worked for when we were youngens was under attack.” There’s a slight Irish twang returning to my accent as I speak to them. “The leader, Shaun Hunt, had become increasingly unwell. He was bein’ poisoned in a way that wasn’t noticeable from a blood test.”

“And ye caught the cunt who was doin’ it?” Monster asks, his voice rough, filled with violence and anger.

“Aye,” I say with a nod. “It was the leader’s right-hand man, Gordon. He wanted ta take over the organisation. He thought if Shaun could no longer run the business, then he’d be asked to take over. He was put out when Shaun asked his daughter, Harley, instead.” Even mentioning her name makes my chest ache.

“Feckin’ hell,” Tye mumbles, shaking his head.

“Gordon wasn’t working alone,” I continue. A sick feeling twists in my gut, causing me to lean over and place my hands on the table. “He was workin’ with the Mod Boys, a rival gang,” I tell them.

“Oh?” This comes from Sully, who’s been listening intently.

I know he also had to make a choice between the club and his woman, and it’s all worked out for him.

“Aye,” I say then, looking at our President, Monster. “It was our da,” I say, waving a hand between my twin brother and myself.

The room falls silent, and I’m thankful no one speaks. I’m still reeling when I think about it.

“You never amounted to anything, either of you,” Dad gasps. “I always knew you wouldn’t. Becomin’ a fuckin’ priest, Hadrian. What the fuck is that all about? Then both of you end up joining a fuckin’ motorcycle club.” His dark stare flicks between my brother and me.

“You’re going to pay for your sins,” I tell him, trying to keep my voice steady. I don’t want him to see how much control he still has over me.

“Aye,” he spits out. “Let me pay, then.”

“Lads, I’m sorry ta hear that,” Monster says as he pushes to his feet. He rounds the table, and stopping in front of me, he gives me a one-armed hug and then offers one to Hades. “Nobody should have a da that’s a cunt like that.”

“Thank you,” we both say at the same time. But I continue, “There is more...”

I glance at Hades, and he offers my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He knows why I’ve come back, and he respects my need to find a way through this.

“Go on,” Monster gestures.

I stand before my brothers, my family, and I lay it all out. I tell them of the love I have for Harley, the responsibility I feel towards the club, and the struggle I’m having reconciling the two.

“I met Harley when she was too young for us ta be together. I left her once. I broke her heart, and in the process, I feckin’ broke my own.”

My chest still tightens when I think about that day.

“We’re both older now, and we want to make it work between us, but I’m not sure how. That’s what I want to talk to you lads about. I don’t want to leave the club. It’s my home, and you’re my family, so I’m asking if you’ll allow me time to figure out a way to be with her, the woman I love, and still be a part of the Royal Bastards.”

There’s silence when I finish speaking, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Then Hades steps forward, his gaze steady. “Rev, you’ve always been there for us. I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say that we won’t stand in the way of your happiness. If Harley’s the one for you, then we’ll find a way to make it work.”

His words are a balm to my soul. The other members nod in agreement, their support giving me the strength to believe that maybe, just maybe, we can find a way through this.

Monster takes my hand and shakes it. “I’m not one ta stand in the way of love,” he says. “We’ll figure this shite out. Don’t ye worry, lad, I’m not sendin’ ye packin’.”

As the days turn into weeks, I throw myself into my duties with the club, ensuring everything is running smoothly. But my thoughts constantly drift back to Harley and the life we want to build together, despite the distance between us.

Straddling the two worlds is a challenge that I haven’t been able to resolve, so after much deliberation, I decide to speak to Monster and ask his advice.

When I arrive at the clubhouse, I spot him sitting by the bar, his hulking frame unmistakable. He’s nursing a pint, his brows furrowed in thought. I make my way over, weaving through the crowd, and slide onto the stool next to him.

“Rev,” he says, looking up from his drink.

“Monster,” I reply, giving him a nod. We sit in silence for a while, the noise of the clubhouse providing a backdrop to our thoughts.

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