Page 17 of Mace

I’d noticed that his headstrong wolfdog was missing when I came out of my room, but I thought he might be protecting the exterior of the shelter or even hunting for his own breakfast.

We both took a minute to gather up our stuff and stow it in our backpacks before we headed out. I noticed that Mace was moving easier. That must mean he’s healing, I thought to myself.

The minute that I stepped out into the sunshine and took a deep refreshing breath of the cool morning air, I couldn’t help but to feel exhilarated. We headed down to river where Mace had hidden the canoe, and it took us back to the cabin. Gliding across the calmly moving waters was the best thing I’d experienced in a while. On the journey here, I’d been too distracted to take in the scenery. Canoeing was something I planned to do a lot more of once this was all over.

When we got to the cabin, I was surprised to see Mace’s motorcycle parked there. Turning to him, I asked, “Are you sure you’re up to riding your motorcycle?”

“Only always. Are you sure you’re up to being on the back of my bike?

I eyed his motorcycle with new eyes. It was a big sleek Harley with tons of chrome and a smaller padded seat on the back. If I were a gambling kind of girl, I’d bet it would fit me perfectly. I looked back at Mace who was waiting patiently for my answer. Suddenly, I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Between finally getting away from my father and the man he picked out to be my husband, canoeing, and now getting to ride on the back of motorcycle, my life was quickly looking up. “Yes, I want to ride on the back of your gorgeous motorcycle.”

I swear that Mace’s chest puffed up and he preened a bit as he walked over to his bike and began loading our bags in the luggage compartment. He took a minute to go into the basement and came back with a jet-black helmet and helped me fasten it in place.

For some reason he kept stealing glances at me as he put on his own helmet, helped me onto the back and got onto the bike himself. At first, I thought it might have been because I looked so out of place in a motorcycle helmet. But something about his expression told me he liked the way I looked in it.

I put my arms around his waist, making sure to avoid his injured side when he revved the engine, and we took off. The faster he rode, the harder I clung to him. The moment we were on the highway, I understood why he loved riding so much. It was a totally different experience from riding in a vehicle. I enjoyed the way the wind blew through my clothing and how the seat vibrated between my legs. Getting to be so close to Mace physically after him keeping his distance for the past few days only made me want him more. I slid my arms more firmly around his waist and laid my cheek against his back, intent upon enjoying every second of this amazing new experience with him.

***

When we pulled up to the Dark Slayers compound, the other prospects at the entrance all rushed out to open the gate and greet him. They wore happy smiles and joked freely with him before allowing him to pass. It drove home to me exactly how much brotherhood meant to these men. It was nice to see how happy it made Mace to spend time with his club brothers.

The clubhouse itself, looked much like a fancy pub, like I’d seen on American TV shows. The building was newish redbrick with large smoked-glass windows and double doors in the front. Huge potted plants stood proudly on either side of the doors. A large sign that said Dark Slayers MC hung on the front of the building along with their club logo. It was all well done. Then again, most things in America looked snazzy and new to me.

The inside of their clubhouse was just as nice as the outside, maybe even more so. They had a huge bar that ran along the side of one wall and lots of square tables with chairs. Nine came out of the back and ran up to us. When I saw that he was going to launch himself at Mace the last thing I wanted was for him to tear Mace’s wound open while it was still healing. So, I stepped between the two and he landed on me instead.

Since I’m smaller, he took me all the way down to the ground. I laughed when he tried to put his mouth around my throat like he did with Mace. I put my arm up to block my throat and the poor animal didn’t know what to make of it. I had come to know Nine so well in the last few days. He might look like a wolf and hunt like a wolf, but he loved and played just like a big dog. “Heel, boy!” Mace shouted.

Nine immediately sat on his bottom and his tongue fell out as he panted. I was surprised he was so obedient, especially in a new environment and when he was so worked up, but maybe he knew this place already.

When a pretty redhead yelled at Mace from the bar, he put his hand on the small of my back and guided me over to meet her. Before he could get the words out, she gushed, “Why aren’t you just the prettiest little thing I’ve ever seen.”

I held out my hand and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alicia.”

She glanced at Mace. “And so polite. You picked a winner with her Mace.” Reaching out to shake my hand, she said, “My name is Rosie and I’m the bartender here. It’s nice to meet you too, I love your accent.” Holding tightly to my hand, she whistled loud and long before yelling, “Hey, Thunder. Come and meet Mace’s new lady.”

Mace didn’t correct her that I wasn’t his lady, so I didn’t either.

An older club member meandered over and extended his hand. Before he could say anything, Rosie asked, “Isn’t she the cutest little thing you’ve ever seen?”

“Oh, yeah,” he responded with a roll of his eyes. “She’s cute as a button.” Turning to the redhead, he added, “Not as cute as you, darlin’ but pretty damn close.”

Rosie just laughed and explained, “This is my old man, Thunder.”

The man straightened his cut by pulling down the bottom and grumbled, “I’m not old.”

Before anyone could reply, Thunder turned to Mace. “Are you ready to get voted in as a club brother today, Mace?”

He nodded, seemingly happy and content. “If my club brothers see fit to vote me in, I’ll make you all proud.”

Thunder clapped him on the back and said, “Save the speech for winning those votes, prospect.”

It was Rosie’s turn to roll her eyes. “Don’t pay any attention to Thunder. It’s been a hundred years since he was a prospect. He doesn’t remember what it was like to be a big ball ofexcitement and anxiety. Don’t worry about your speech, I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

“Yes ma’am,” Mace replied. “I’ll remember your words of encouragement when I’m standing before my club brothers today.”

This was a whole new side of Mace that I haven’t seen before, super respectful and mannerly. It was a good look for him.

All too quickly, Storm, their club president stuck his head out of one of the back rooms and called. “Time for church. Hustle. We’ve got a lot to cover today and we’re burnin’ daylight.”

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