Page 206 of Seizing Control: Part One

My cousin bounds into our bedroom with the energy of an overstimulated puppy. He shoves the rest of his cinnamon donut into his mouth, then claps his hands like a performing seal. I laugh at his antics, despite my anxiety over their departure. Toker is understandably excited to get away from Perth and all the drama between him and Delia—an enthusiasm I wish I shared.

I’m dreading the upcoming separation.

My dependency on my husband is scarily prescient.

The last time I was this reliant on someone, he died.

Swallowing hard, I do my best to ignore the memory of Zeke’s broken casket.

My cousin takes in our intimate embrace, then shakes his head. “Fuckin’ newlyweds.” Despite his grumbling, I can see the delight in his face. Toker scuffs his palm over his fresh crew cut. “Everyone’s waitin’, prez. We gotta get goin’ before the day gets away from us.”

“Fuck.” The curse word that is ripped from Slash is guttural. I do my best to hide my reluctance to let him go as I push at his shoulders in a silent request for him to set me down. “It’s only a week and a half.”

“Are you trying to remind yourself of that or me?’ I quip when he places me back on my feet. Dodging his hand as he tries to swat my butt, I zip up his bag. Both my husband and cousin surge forward to stop me from lifting the saddlebag. With a grin, I roll my eyes. “I’m pregnant, not disabled.”

“You won the argument about returnin’ to work—take the W, wife, and allow me to look after you in all other respects.” Slash hands the bag to Toker, then he lowers to his knees and takes hold of my stomach with both of his hands. The kiss he presses below my belly button makes my eyes well. “Love you. Love our baby. Love our life.”

My hand ghosts over the top of his head. “And we love you too.”

I don’t miss the flicker of worry that invades my husband’s expression as he pushes back to his feet. Slinging an arm over my shoulders, Slash walks with me to the ground floor. The house is overflowing with leather clad bikers, old ladies, and kids who are gathered to see off the club brothers on their first run since Zeke died. There’s a dark cloud hanging over everyone, a niggle of apprehension that we can’t dodge as life continues to settle into a new rhythm.

Our alliance with the Trinity has brought about peace.

The Shamrocks are flourishing.

The Maddison clan is decimated.

My dad remains in hiding.

Aside from everyone tiptoeing around me, and the avoidance they’re exhibiting toward the compound because of the bad reminders that linger there, there’s no sign of the turmoil that stalked us for almost a year. Which is why it’s so important that the Shamrocks go on this run, whether I want them to or not.

It’s time for the other chapters to meet with the new president and his SAA.

Slash needs to give them face time.

He has to explain his curious choice to lead the club without a VP by his side.

Establish himself as the man to usher the Shamrocks safely into this new era.

We’re the most powerful organisation in the Australian underworld right now. Backed by the Trinity, the other entities have either agreed to ally with us or taken a vow of neutrality.

Without Joseph Kingsley’s interference, the cops no longer cause problems for us.

The media is also leaving us alone after the melee proceeding Zeke’s funeral.

As the memory of the black denim covered leg and boot pushes into my head for a second time, I stroke my swollen stomach. The physical reminder of my miracle baby settles me, like it always does. My second chance. A blessing in the midst of chaos, one that I will protect as fiercely as I can.

When Slash goes to speak to Meeyal, I survey the club brothers.

They’re almost ready to leave.

Passing through the kitchen, I smile at Crystal, accepting a mug of Milo from her as we follow the men out to the driveway. They quickly load up their Harleys, the swags strapped to the sissy bars double checked a second time. Although the club van will drag a support trailer behind them, the bikers still need to be prepared in case they’re accidentally separated.

The Australian outback is harsh.

The conditions they’ll meet on their trip ever-changing.

This journey is to the two western-most South Australian chapters. Later in the year, hopefully after our baby is born and I have them as a distraction, Slash will need to leave again to meet with the East Coast chapters. This visit will be much longer. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already anxious about it.

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