Page 85 of Darkness

I begin to breathe a little faster as president after president of the Defiance chapters filter in through the bunker doorway. I have to admit, I’m starting to feel the strain as even more walk in.

I was worried about Andrés killing me.

But there is something worse than death.

Losing my presidency.

Or worse, losing my fucking patch altogether.

If that’s what these presidents are here for, to de-patch me in front of my club, I’d rather die.

I puff out my chest, standing my ground. I’ve fucked up, but I’m not letting them think I’m sorry for it. The last president walks in, and the sight hits me like a sucker punch to my stomach.

Hawk.

My lip twitches as I watch him watching me. He’s helped me so fucking much. Knowing he’s here to dish out whatever shit is coming my way stings, but I also understand that if Torque calls, you come running.

“Brothers, presidents, we all know Nycto has been a loose cannon. I’ve filled you in on what happened with the two women. While I understand this was a good outcome for them, it brought death to two patched members of our club. Tampa and Miami both suffered casualties and deaths because of your actions, Nycto. In saving two, we lost two brothers-in-arms, and their lives cannot be replaced.”

Eva’s soft whimpers and sniffles echo through the room as I tense further. “I understand, Torque. I also mourn for Crow and Spite. I lost those brothers like you all did, and while I wish they weren’t dead… if it meant I get to keep Eva and Ivy safe, then I’d do it all again. That’s the God-honest truth. Eva’s wearing my property patch, Torque. It might not say much to you, but it means a hell of a lot to me.”

Torque glances over at Eva, taking in the cut. “I know you well enough, Nycto, to recognize that’s a big deal. I respect your stance on this. You were trying to do the right thing. In a small way, you did. You saved two women from a terrible life, but that does not excuse putting your club in danger, putting us all in danger. Let us not forget that your actions contributed to their lives being endangered in the first place. And you know the loss of two brothers can’t go unpunished.”

“I take full responsibility. Do what you need to, but if I can ask one thing, please… make sure Eva leaves. I don’t want her to witness this.”

Torque folds his arms over his chest. “No. She stays. She’s as much a part of this as you are.”

My chest squeezes as I face her and mouth, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s coming, but I definitely don’t want Eva to see.

I make my way to the center of the room, and tension fills the air. The presidents of my brother chapters circle me. I stand tall, trying to keep my shit together.

“Alec,” Eva whimpers.

Her desperation almost kills me.

“Nycto, you’ve been found guilty of endangering the Defiance brotherhood. Your sentence… each president will take out their form of punishment in their own way.”

I grit my teeth.

Fuck.

This could go on for hours.

Eva will have to stand there and witness me being tortured. I don’t want this for her. She didn’t sign up for this. Anger flares inside me.

Gunner steps forward and glares. I ball my fists tight, staring right back at him. “This is for that time you slapped my Old Lady on the ass after I gave her my property patch,” he says. He balls his fist and slams it straight into my jaw. My head snaps to the side, then he grabs my shoulders, pulls me forward, and slams his knee right into my groin. The breath is immediately knocked from my lungs. My balls feel like they’ve been pushed up inside my body, and I let out a groan as I drop. I try to catch my breath, and he bends down, staring into my watering eyes. “Hopefully, now that you have an Old Lady, you’ll be more damn respectful.”

I grimace, my balls aching like a motherfucker as he walks past Alpha, slapping his hand as he goes.

What is this, a fucking tag-team match?

Alpha moves in, circling around me as I sit back on my knees. I know I must roll over, take the beatings like a man. I fucking deserve it. He stalks me, my adrenaline pumping as I wait for him to make his move. He stops behind me and shoves me forward. I fall flat on my face, going limp, letting my body lie there.

I’m embarrassed this is happening in front of my brothers.

But I’m doing this for Eva.

Everything is for Eva.

---