Page 72 of Darkness

“There’s a room upstairs if you ever want it, but for now, you’re welcome to stay down here. Just remember, there might be times when we have to use it for… other reasons.”

She nods matter-of-factly and turns back to her television, effectively ending our conversation. So, I head off to find Void. When I get to his bedroom, I don’t bother knocking. I walk in, and he’s sprawled out on his bed with a near-empty bottle of whiskey in his hand, staring vacantly at the ceiling.

Shit.

I shut the door. “Pull your fucking head in, Void. Only one member of this club’s presidency can have questionable behavior at a time. I’ve filled that quota. I need you to be the sensible one.”

Void brings the bottle to his lips and takes a long gulp. I walk over and snatch the drink away from him, a small amount spilling from the top. He groans as I slam the bottle on his desk, then turn back to face him. “Void, stop! Like Ivy, don’t like Ivy. I honestly don’t give a flying fuck. Just don’t fall apart right now. The club needs you. I don’t know what’s coming our way, but I’m putting contingencies in place for everything. A hand at our backs if trouble comes knocking, cash flow with the help of Trixie and Alpha. Everything’s falling into place, but I need my VP to stand beside me, not fall to the floor in a damn heap.”

“She’s too perfect, Nycto.”

“So this is about Ivy.”

He sits on the edge of the bed, rubbing his face in frustration. “I can’t tarnish her.”

“Then don’t. Walk away. Don’t go back down there. Let her live her life, and you live yours, but brother, if she’s making you feel something, then isn’t that… something?”

His eye twitches. “You said Alpha? What’s the pres of Cali helping us with?”

Avoidance. Typical Void.

“We’re buying some weed until we can grow, and Trix is gonna make gourmet munchies for us to sell.”

A slow smile crosses his face. “You gonna sell them to the hipsters and tweekers?”

I chuckle. “More than likely. Atomic is delving into Trixie running a café and whether we can do some kind of online thing with her extra-baked goods being distributed from there.”

“Sounds risky.”

“Will be dark web, I’m assuming.”

“Makes sense. How do we afford to keep purchasing from Alpha, though?”

“Here’s the clincher. We’re gonna build a lab next to the Cell and grow our own crops. If we purchase semi-mature plants, it shouldn’t take too long. Until they’re viable, we’ll use Alpha.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“Hopefully. Now, I need my VP on board.”

He dips his chin. “I’m with you.”

“Then get out of bed, stop your wallowing, and let’s get this club back into action.”

Two Days Later

It’s just after lunch, and all bellies are stocked full of Trixie’s Mexican Fiesta Friday feast. She does this once a month—goes nuts on all the best Mexican food for lunch. We make a real day of it, so I’m glad Eva was able to share this one with us.

She’s currently over with Trixie, Freya, and Pepper talking about God knows what. I’m amazed at how well she fits in here. She’s walking around like she’s a part of the family. Even when she found out I lied to her and she fell apart, she still came back. She’s strong. It’s what makes me sure she belongs here—her resilience. The fact everyone respects her without question helps as well.

Atomic slides into my side, distracting me from my obsessive watching of Eva as he pushes his iPad across in front of me. “Alpha’s confirmed the shipment will be here within the next day or so.”

“Good. Then we can get everything underway and start bringing in an income.”

Crow steps in behind me and slaps my back. “This is a good move, Pres. Being the eldest member here, I’ve seen more than most. Our club getting involved with Andrés was never right. But this… partnering with LA and having Trixie at the helm? Well, I’m proud of you, Nycto. This club is finally moving in the right direction.”

I dip my chin. “Thanks, old man. Appreciate it. I’ve listened to your opinions all through this. Maybe you were right all along, but we had to get to a point, and we have. I’m glad I stuck it out this far, though, or we wouldn’t have gotten Eva and Ivy.”

Crow glances over at Eva and smiles. “She’s a breath of fresh air. Shame Ivy didn’t come up for the feast. Think it has anything to do with our VP?”

---