Page 42 of Daughters of Chaos

Every one of Misty's friends stands to leave while she crosses her arms and snarls at Phoenix, making no move to obey. Viper notices immediately. "Are you fuckin' deaf? Get out!"

Always a glutton for punishment, Misty whips around to face the club president. "Why do they get to stay?" She pouts, pointing a gnarled claw at me and Phoenix.

Viper storms closer to the mouthy idiot, making her curl in on herself. "They stay because I say so. Now get. The fuck. Out. And don't ever come back here.Youare officially banned from this house and its members. I don't ever want to see your face in here again."

That left a mark. The blonde's lip starts quivering, and she tries to plead her case through watery eyes. "B—but, I—I didn't mean it. I—I just—"

"Get. Out!" Viper spits venomously, his word final. There is no arguing or pleading her way out of this; Misty sees that too. Finally, she'll be gone, and Nix won't have to put up with her bullshit anymore.

When she leaves, the room is still silent. No one dares breathe too loudly as Viper turns his sights on Nix and Raptor. "You two, with me." He leads the way to a room off the kitchen, closing the door behind them. I can't make out what's being said, but the sound of raised voices echoes through the door more than once.

It feels like an eternity before the three of them emerge. Viper's face is bright red as he exits the room. He zeroes in on me and Jesse, narrowing his eyes. When he approaches, he notes Jesse's arms still draped around me. "Do I need to remind you what happens here?" He nods my way as he speaks to Jes.

Jesse shakes his head. "Nah, Prez. I know what happens if things go sour. Don't need to tell me again," he says.

With a curt nod, Viper turns back toward the kitchen. "Meeting's on. Raven, Phoenix, wait here with the prospects."

The room empties and the MC closes the doors to talk about whatever club business is so pressing. Once the doors shut, I take a good look at my sister, wondering what happened with Viper. To my surprise, she's wearing a small smile on her lips. I sit next to her, nudging her side.

Without further prodding, she summarizes what happened with Viper and Raptor in the other room. "He figured out that Raptor and I are together. He was livid at first. He turned purple and started yelling. I thought he was going to force us to break up, but then Raptor told him that this thing between us isn't just for fun. He said that he cares for me and he'd do anything to protect me."

She pauses, looking down at her hands in her lap. "He said he'd step down from the club if that's what it took for Viper to accept it. He was willing to do that for me."

More brownie points for Raptor.

Nix smiles to herself. "He cares about me, Rae. He was going to give up so much for me."

I pull her close, rubbing her arm soothingly. "Of course, he would. You're worth it, Nix. He'd be stupid not to see that."

She chuckles as she tells me the rest. "Dad told him that wasn't necessary. He said that he couldn't lose his treasurer, and then he told him that could change if he ever hurt me. Gave him the whole lecture on making me happy and keeping me safe. There was a vague reference to an unmarked grave out in the desert, and that was that."

I can't help but laugh. "You know, if he ever does hurt you, whatever threats Viper made will look like child's play compared to what I'll do to him."

Nix's shoulders shake with laughter. "Oh, I know. I think he's more afraid of what you'd do to him than the club."

My lips twitch at that. "Smart man."

We stay there, talking quietly as the meeting in the other room continues. Our conversation stays light, but we both know the truth. Whatever is being said behind that door could be serious. That realization anchors me as we wait for the door to open.

Is this meeting a good omen, or are our troubles only beginning?

24

Phoenix

Mason told my dad he cared about me. He would have left the MC to be with me. That realization makes my head spin and my heart soar. I know how I feel about him, but he never said aloud how deep his feelings went for me until tonight. I start to fantasize about our future together when the door to the meeting room bursts open.

The guys filter out, Dad, Hammer, and Bear taking up the rear. Dad grabs Mason's shoulder and says something I can't make out. Mason nods before flitting his eyes in my direction.

When my dad lets him go, he makes his way to me. "Hey, I have to take care of something. Are you good to head back with Raven and the guys?"

I nod as a twinge of sadness hits me, knowing he won't be coming back with us. He gives me a sad smile as he grabs my face gently, leaning his forehead against mine. "I won't be too long.I'll be sliding into bed with you before you know it," he promises, kissing the crown of my head.

"Hey," my dad yells, "that shit ain't gonna take care of itself. Get going."

With a nod and a quick kiss, Mason heads out with a few of the guys, leaving me feeling cold in his absence. I cast a glance at my dad, who looks like he's about to burst a vessel in his forehead.Maybe that display of PDA wasn't the wisest choice.

"You two, get my girls back safe," Dad tells Reaper and Jesse after composing himself.

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