Page 48 of Hellfire

The rest of the club raised their beers in a toast. I grinned and raised my own beer in response.

“But I also want to take a moment to recognize someone else. Someone who helped me create the Dark Legion and make it what it is today.”

He walked over to grams, who was sitting at a nearby table, and put his hand on her shoulder. “Grams, you’ve been with us from the very beginning. You’ve seen us through thick and thin, and without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. You are the heart and soul of this club, and we all love you.”

The rest of the club cheered and clapped, and Scar turned back to the group. “So let’s eat, drink, and be merry, my friends. Here’s to family, here’s to community, and here’s to the Dark Legion!”

A chorus of “To Dark Legion” echoed around the table.

“This burger is delicious,” Katrina praised.

“Yeah man, thanks,” Nate said from across the table.

“You’re welcome.” Tilting my chin down, I hid behind a curtain of hair. I loved taking care of my brothers, but I had never done well receiving praise.

“Yo Reap! Where have you been?” Snake called out. Reaper nodded in greeting and took the seat next to Nate.

“Let me get you a plate,” Katrina said, hopping up from the table and dashing toward the grill. I knew she hadn’t met him before, and Reaper was even more imposing than I was. He had this air around him that even the bravest men had run from him in fear. I sighed and got up from the table.

“Hey, you okay?” Katrina was placing a roll along with a burger on a plate.

“Fine.” But her clipped tone and soured scent told me otherwise. Taking her shoulders, I turned her to face me.

“You don’t have to hide from me, pretty girl. I know Reap can be a scary dude, trust me. But I promise you you’re safe here, remember?” Her blue eyes lifted to mine, and she nodded.

“So come meet him. I promise he isn’t as scary as he seems.”

“Okay.”

As we headed back toward the table, I placed a hand on her lower back. Something told me she needed my strength right now.

“Reaper, this is Katrina. Leona’s mother,” I said.

“Hi,” she whispered, setting a plate before him.

“Thank you,” he murmured. “Your daughter made me this.” He pulled out the flower necklace that had begun to wilt.

“What the hell is that?” Snake said with a laugh. “Did you kill it already?”

“Shut up,” Reaper growled. “It’s a flower. It’s bound to die, eventually.” He shrugged like he didn’t care either way, but I knew him. He did care. Leona was the first one to not cower in fear from him.

“It’s lovely,” Katrina said with a shy smile.

Snake leaned across the table. “Let me see it.” Reaper narrowed his eyes at him, but did what he said. “Wanna see something cool, kitty Kat?”

He took Katrina’s hand in his and laid the necklace on the table. With his hand hovering over the petals, he mumbled something under his breath. The flowers slowly revived, blooming fully.

“Wow! How did you do that?” Katrina asked in aww.

Snake shrugged. “Just a little jinn magic.” His gaze shifted to Reaper. “Plus, I know this asshole loves them and this way they won’t die on him. Since he kills everything he touches.”

“Ha ha, very funny,” Reaper said, reaching for the necklace and placing it on his neck. “Thanks, Snake.” He grinned in reply.

I watched my crew eat and laugh together, and Katrina got more comfortable throughout the meal. And I’m reminded that there was no place I’d rather be.

Chapter Nineteen

Katrina

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