Page 94 of Chubs

“I’d just cut him,” Lottie insists as she crowds in close.

“Bloodthirsty bitches,” Terry mutters from next to me.

I glance up and smile when I see the soft look in his eyes while he looks at the two aunts. I step back out of the way, then take my seat again as others approach Bella with words of support. I notice not a single club member does, though, and that gives me cause for concern for Bella’s dream.

“Hey, Lucy!” Mac screeches as he lands in the center of our table.

“Hey, Mac. How’ve you been?” I ask as I give him a fist bump to a wing.

“Mac’s good. A dog?” he asks with his adorable head tilt.

“Yeah. His name is Greer.”

“Better name than Mac,” Axel says from beside Lisa.

“Suck my birdy balls, Assman!” Mac screams in an angry voice.

“Mac, my God, dude. How many times do I have to tell you I didn’t steal your cashews?! Really, birdman, I didn’t!” Axel asks in an exasperated voice.

“Rotten vagina!” Mac continues with his snit while Bailey calmly reaches over and covers Alex’s ears.

“Nothing’s rotten about vaginas, Mac, but you wouldn’t know since you’ve never been laid,” Axel taunts, then instantly regrets it.

Mac launches off the table, claws outstretched for Axel’s face, hurting my ears with his war cry. Axel ducks, but Mac is determined to do damage. After a few swipes and near misses of his face, Axel decides that running is his best option. He bolts across the room, vaulting over a couch before screaming for Ava.

Prissy lifts off and joins the fray by trying to take Mac out of the air. Man and two birds sail around the room, and I don’t know who to put money on for the win. While people shout either warnings or encouragement, depending on the side they’ve chosen, the pets start joining in by raising the noise factor.

Greer barks, as do Loki and Cain. Duffy snarls and takes a swipe at Prissy as she flies past. Gee starts racing around the room, snorting loudly. Bart stands on the bar top and stomps his front paws, and Snots runs behind a couch. The clubhouse is in total chaos, and not surprising anyone, it’s because of Mac and Axel again.

Ava storms out of the kitchen and stares in dismay at the mayhem. Speaking to Craig, he nods, and they move in unison. Ava waits and, when the time is right, snatches Mac by his feet from the air. Holding him upside down and at arm’s reach, she waits for Prissy to come after him. When she does, Craig jumps off the stool he’d climbed on and wraps his arms around Prissy, taking her to the floor with him. Axel comes to a stop, breathing hard, and slowly the other animals quiet.

Turning to Axel, Ava orders, “Just fucking apologize to him and replace the cashews!”

“I’m innocent! I was framed!” Axel shouts back.

“He didn’t take them. He was set up,” Craig informs Ava, grin on his face, cockatoo tucked tight to his chest.

“I knew it was you! You demented little fucker! Pooh? Pooh! Get over here and beat this kid!” Axel shouts.

“I didn’t do it, you asswipe! I saw someone else do it! I just saved your useless ass from a bird beatdown, and that’s how you thank me?” Craig sputters in disgust.

“Craig’s telling the truth. I did it. I thought it would be funny to piss Mac off because I knew he’d blame you. It was for entertainment purposes only,” Chubs admits from a place close behind me.

I don’t turn around. I instead keep my eyes on the drama playing out in front of me. I watch Axel’s face turn incredulous before he narrows his eyes.

“You’re just digging holes left and right these days,” Axel says with a glare before turning to Craig.

“Sorry, kid. I was wrong, and I’m sorry for that.”

“My feelings are very hurt. It may cause me trust issues for years to come. I’m not sure how I’ll overcome it, but money may help ease my suffering,” Craig responds with an evil glint in his eyes.

“Nice try,” Axel responds with a laugh. “You know, Craig, if we worked together, we could rule the world.”

“I’ll be doing that anyway. Who needs to share the glory?” Craig states while handing Prissy over to Axel.

“This place is just too much fucking fun! Can I be invited each Sunday from now on? I’ll pay for a ticket if need be!” Lisa says in a loud voice.

“It’s why we’re holding on even at our ages,” Lottie states. “Who wants to miss whatever the hell one of these guys is going to do next? We’ll pick you up on our way next week.”

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