Page 3 of Jack

I start my bike and lead the way out of the parking lot. With any luck, by noon tomorrow, we’ll be riding through the gates at the Viking’s Den. It’s time to go home and take my place in the Viking Warriors MC. When my dad steps down as President, it’s already predicted that the position will be mine.

Chapter 2

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Jack

Usually, I’d sleep late on a Saturday morning, but not today. Coty and I checked out of the hotel early this morning and were having breakfast at aWaffle Houseby 8 am. We planned to ride easy today and be home by the middle of the afternoon.

We called our families while we waited for our food. Nana and Coty’s mom were already at the clubhouse. They shouted the happy news that we were on our way home to everyone. Our families and club members shouted so loudly the customers sitting near us gave us dirty looks. One lady was seriously unhappy. She huffed, rolled her eyes, and grumbled under her breath. Maybe she wasn’t a morning person. I ignored her. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a homecooked meal and sleep in our own beds. My tummy growls at the thought of a real meal. No one cooks as good as my mom and grandmother.

We pull up at the gate in front of the Viking’s Den around four in the afternoon, just like we planned. The parking lot is packed with cars, trucks, and bikes. Wow. Mom and Nana have been busy today.

“Looks like we’re having a party,” Coty says through the radio in our helmets.

“Wonder what the occasion could be.” I can’t help but laugh. This is the biggest welcome home party I’ve ever seen.

“Well, well, well.” Ross walks out of the guard house with a huge grin on his face. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

Roscoe Barnett has been a Viking since before I was born. He’s a big man, standing over six feet tall—all muscle. Of course, he has a full beard. Most of the older guys take the Viking image seriously.

I take off my helmet and clasp hands with him. “Ross, good to see you.”

“I don’t like cats,” Coty grumbles as he takes off his helmet.

“Too bad. Deal with it.” Ross stomps around my bike to Coty. He stares Coty down for a moment before grinning again and clasping his hand. “Welcome home, Rodeo.”

“Thanks, man.” Coty nods toward the clubhouse. “All that for us?”

Ross turns toward the clubhouse and nods. “Your moms and Jack’s grandmother organized this after you boys called this morning.”

Boys? We’re almost thirty-year-old grown men. The old guys don’t believe a man’s grown until he’s forty. Got a way to go for that status.

“Mom, Nana, and Mrs. Michaels did this?” I’m no fool. All three ladies are great, but they didn’t put out a call this big.

Ross chuckles. “The moment your dad heard you were on the way, our Pres demanded the biggest party in history for his son’s return.”

I knew it. Mom and Nana may have all the ole ladies’ numbers, but they don’t have the entire club’s numbers. From the looks of things, half the town is here too. Dad definitely had a hand in this.

“Well, let us in, old man. Let’s get this party started.” Coty has talked nonstop for the last two hours about everything he’s missed about Willow Creek.

“Alright, alright,” Ross grumbles as he heads back to the guardhouse to open the gate.

“Sorry, you’re stuck out here.” I feel bad for Ross. He loves a good party.

“I ain’t stuck, boy.” Ross hits the switch, and the gate rolls open. “Got a couple of prospects taking over at six. I ain’t missing nothing.”

“See ya later, Ross.” I toss a couple of fingers up in a little salute.

The two front spaces near the door to the Den are waiting for us. I mean, literally waiting. Welcome home signs with our names are staked in the ground, reserving the spots for Coty and me.

“Our sisters did this.” Coty stares at the signs covered in glitter.

“Yep.” When I find my little sister, I’m dumping pink glitter in her hair.

Before we make it to the door, it flies open, and my little sister runs out. Maci launches herself into my arms. Seriously, I literally have to catch her.

“You’re home,” Maci squeals. “You’re finally home.”

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