Page 15 of Royal Sons MC

“Look, King, I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but this shit ain’t cool,” Tymber growled.

Ivy turned to see what Rooster did to Tymber. There were rules in an MC. One of them is respect for the President. Tymber’s little outburst could be deemed disrespectful. Her focus was trapped by the man whom she cared too much about. Within the club, the golden rule is that the club comes first; loyalty and commitment to the club's well-being are always the first priority. This is never to be questioned. After the club, the brothers and sisters, family, friends, jobs, personal possessions, and even personal safety come.

“Ah, look at that, boys, she’s already replaced my brother,” King said. His voice was deadly quiet.

She’d only heard him use that tone when he was pissed or discussing club business. The fact he was allowing Tymber to stay while she and he had their talk wasn’t good. Nobody but club members were allowed to discuss anything club-related.

“You know there’s two types of people in the world in my mind. There are my brothers and sisters, and then there are those who are a potential threat to our club. Which do you think your friend falls into, Ivy?” King let the silence linger, then he pointed to the chair again. “I suggest you sit down, little girl. Unless you want to see my bad side come out.”

It took her seconds to do as he said. Her heart pounded in her chest with fear and anger that she was having to go through this. “Why?” she asked.

King sat back, his arms crossing over his chest, drawing her gaze to the cut he wore and the patch that marked him as President. “How about we begin by discussing why you haven’t answered my calls or texts for the past few months.”

She tried to keep her hands from shaking as she placed them on the table. “I...I didn’t know what to say. I think you said it all at—” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You said enough the last time we spoke. I figured it would be best to remove myself from everything.”

“When we took you in, I promised Luke I’d look out for you. You promised to look out for Luke. It seems we’re not keeping up to our promises. Want to tell me why?”

“Dammit, what do you want from me?” she cried.

King sat forward, his face inches from hers. “I want the fucking truth, and I want it now.”

God, her throat felt dry. The need for liquid courage made her wish she’d gotten a drink before interrupting what was happening. Of course, she probably would’ve thrown it up the way her stomach was cramping. “I met Tymber only a few weeks ago. He’s not part of this.”

King got in her face. The scent of beer and mint wafted to her as he spoke. “He’s a part of this as long as I say he is. Ain’t that right, Rooster?”

His words had her swinging her head around. “That’s right. Want me to make him less pretty?” Rooster asked.

“For fucksake, what did you expect me to do? I didn’t go out looking for a man. Nobody can replace Luke,” she swore.

“In that, you’re correct. Let me tell you a story, shall we?” he continued without waiting for her to respond. “You and my baby brother have been together before you had grown pubic hair. Now, my brother’s dead because you wanted that pretty boy, Darian. My brother couldn’t handle your cheating on him, so he took the coward’s way out.” The last was said in a near yell.

“That’s not true. King. You have to believe me. Luke was my best friend, my only true friend in the world. I’d never hurt him like that.” She stayed where she was, her face mere inches from a fuming King.

“I know that, dammit. Now, why don’t you tell me what my brother was too chicken shit to do, and we’ll go from there.”

Her eyes darted around the gathered members, hating the thought of anyone but King and Duke, Luke’s brothers, to hear what she had to say. However, it appeared as though Tymber’s life was on the line. “King, please. Tell everyone to clear out first,” she begged, her voice a small whisper.

“These are our family, Ivy. You are family. Whatever you gotta say, say it.” King’s hand smacked the table, making her jump back in the seat.

She looked to Duke, hoping he’d step forward and do what, she didn’t know, but if there was anything he could do, she wanted him to do it. “Duke, this is your twin brother’s private business.”

“You know the rules, Ivy. Tell us, or that one will be sporting a new scar.”

She heard Tymber grunt seconds after the sound of what had to be another member hitting him. “Fine, you want to know, I’ll tell you. However, you need to know this isn’t something I say lightly. I promised Luke to never...” she broke off, a sob escaping her trembling lips.

The commotion behind her made her look away from King’s penetrating gaze. The breath froze in her throat while she watched Tymber grab Rooster’s wrist, twisting and turning until he was the one behind the brother, the deadly-looking knife placed against Rooster’s throat. “I don’t fucking like to be choked, feel me?” He gave Rooster a little shake, keeping the knife steady without cutting the throat he had it pressed against.

“Tymber, what’re you gonna do, fight all of us?” King asked.

Tymber shrugged. “If I gotta, yeah. I’ve faced bigger shit than this.” He gave Rooster a shove.

“Wait. Just stop everyone. King, you have the power to stop all of this.” She half stood from her seat, halting at King’s glare.

“I didn’t have the power to protect my baby brother. Let’s cut the shit, and you speak,” he growled, stabbing his finger toward Ivy.

She licked her lips, her focus bouncing from King to Tymber. “Won’t you let him leave first? This is club business, and he’s not...”

“I know what he is and what he ain’t, little girl.” King placed his hand over hers, stopping the nervous twitch.

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