Page 25 of The Devil's Conflict

Me: I can bring them to you tomorrow. I just finished cleaning the apartment and am about to head to bed.

Theo: Please, Sis? You don’t want me to be in pain the rest of the night, do you? I’ll owe you one.

I groan. I really just want to go to bed, but I also know that if I don’t, he’ll be after me all night and then never leave me the hell alone about it. My brother is a pain in the ass that way.

Me: Fine. What’s the address? And you’re damn right you owe me.

Theo: Best sister ever.

He gives me the address, and I head into my room to change out of my ratty cleaning clothes and into a pair of jeans and a tank top. The nights are still hot this time of year, and I don’t need to be any more annoyed than I already am. I grab my keys, the boots, and head out the door.

It takes me about twenty minutes to get to the bar, and it’s busy, despite being late. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. There are a lot of motorcycles in the lot, along with every different kind of vehicle that you can think of. Including a sportscar if I’m not mistaken. It’s an interesting mix.

I find a parking spot and climb out after grabbing the boots. I head toward the front door, looking around but I don’t see Theo. The kid at the door has a Prospect cut on just like Theo, and he smiles politely as he asks me for my ID. “I know you’re Theo’s sister, but I’d get my ass kicked if I didn’t do my job,” he explains sheepishly when I hand it to him.

His cut declares him as Carson, and I don’t put him much over twenty, maybe twenty-one. He’s got such a baby-looking face that it’s hard to tell completely, not to mention his dark hair and dark eyes and pretty smile.

I smile back at him. “I get it. Do you know where he is? He asked me to bring him these.” I hold up the old boots and roll my eyes.

The kid smiles wider. “Yeah, he said something about wanting his good boots. He’s inside monitoring things but he’ll be back out any second.”

Of course, that’s the moment that the door opens and out walks Theo. He grins when he sees me. “Hey, Sis!” he cries,reaching out and pulling me into a quick hug before grabbing the boots. “You’re the best. Are you going to come in for a drink? You really should. All the women are here that they call the Coven and they’re a riot. Well, most of them. I guess a couple are pregnant or not around but the ones that are here are great. I see why Eric likes to talk about them so much now.”

I just blink at him and then at the other Prospect. “Is what they say about this Coven group true?”

“’Fraid so,” he replies ruefully. “They’re always getting themselves into trouble.”

“Then I think I should go in, don’t you?” I say with a grin. I wasn’t planning on staying, but well, what kind of opportunity can I pass up here?

“Enter at your own risk,” Theo jokes. “I’m inside tonight, so I can come over and help if you need me.”

I nod and follow him inside, and I’m immediately hit with loud laughter, the smell of something delicious, and music that is just loud enough it makes conversation somewhat difficult. It’s a nice bar, with darts, pool, a dance floor and stage, and plenty of booths, tables, and chairs. The bar is long, and currently, every stool is occupied. I also notice that all around the room are men with Devil’s Soldiers MC cuts. Though I don’t see one in particular, and after earlier, I definitely am okay with that.

I hear a loud whoop and turn my head to see Rose standing with a group of women near the dart boards, and I can’t help but smile as I take in the expressions of all the men around them. They look wary, and in one case, terrified. He’s young, though, so maybe he’s just not used to loud and happy women.

“That’s them?” I ask Theo loudly enough for him to hear.

He nods. “Yeah. That’s them. You should go and say hello. Viper’s over there too.”

I don’t react to that. After earlier, I don’t really want to talk to him or Shadow, or any of them. Instead, I head to the bar to get a drink. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asks loudly when I find a space to lean. I order a beer. She nods and walks away, and I just nod when the guy next to me smiles at me.

“How you doing, baby?” he drawls, wearing a cowboy hat and a button up shirt that is far too bright for this time of night if you ask me. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a yellow or gold color, but he looks like he’s trying too hard to look like a cowboy despite giving off city-boy vibes. “Looking for a good time tonight?”

“Nope, just here for a drink,” I reply, careful to keep my tone polite but not inviting any further conversation.

“Too bad,” he replies casually. “I was looking for some fun, and you look like you need it. Or are you just always uptight?” Ah, there it is. The city-boy who doesn’t like to get rejected, and dropped the stupid attempt at an accent. I don’t bother answering him, instead, I grab my beer the bartender slides across to me, slap a bill on the counter, and turn to walk away. “Bitch!” he calls after me. Which of course garners attention from those around him, including a few of the MC guys. One heads his way and I have a feeling he’ll be out on his ass before long. The tension in the room grows just enough to feel it, but not enough to stop the party.

I don’t even look back, heading for the group of women who have also seemed to pick up on the tension and glanced my way. My gaze connects with Rose, and her face pulls into a beaming smile. “Thea!” she calls, waving her hand excitedly at me. “Come and join us.” The other women in the group smile at me as I make my way over. When I reach them, Rose moves forward and pulls me into a hug, and I have to fight not to spill my beer. I pat her back and then pull away. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,”Rose gushes, beaming. “I’ve been telling the girls all about you and how you’re going to have these boys whipped into shape in no time at the security office.”

There’s a loud snort from one of the women and I turn my head to look at her curiously. She’s wearing a cut that says Sage, Property of King, so I have to assume she’s one of the Old Ladies. She’s taller than me, at I’d say five-ten, with long dark brown hair, amber eyes, an exotic face and curves that I would kill for. She’s stunning, and she gives off a kind, welcoming vibe. She grins at me and says, “I was imagining you standing there with a whip in hand and trying to wrangle all these knuckleheads. I’m Sage.”

I grin. “Thea. I’m more of a knife person, but I’m up for anything.” I shake her hand.

“A woman after my own heart.” Another woman laughs, drawing my attention. She’s not wearing a cut, but she’s also stunning. Five-nine with dark brown, almost black, long hair that hangs down to her lower back in a thick braid, with honey-brown eyes and an exotic-looking face. “I’m Eden. My man’s Viper, and if you need to keep his ass in line, you do whatever you have to. And if that doesn’t work, just call me.” She winks. “I have a few tricks up my sleeves to make sure he does.”

A couple of the other women laugh. “I’m still surprised he hasn’t thrown out every knife and stiletto in your closet,” one of them remarks. She’s wearing a cut that declares her Property of Torque. She’s wearing a simple T-shirt, and if I’m not mistaken, she’s got a grease stain on her forearm. Her blonde hair is up in a simple bun, and her bright blue eyes are watching me with both curiosity and amusement. She’s lean like me, but there is no missing the definition in her arms or shoulders. This is a woman who does hard physical work. I like her already. “I’m Izzy,” she says, holding her hand out for me to shake.

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