Page 25 of Vengeful Mates

My old lady was right. No point in getting pissed at my new men. Acting like an asshole wasn’t the best way to introduce myself to my new brothers.

Today we expanded the Jackals’ Wrath MC with the Lithgow chapter. Zethan and I visited to get our new members up and running. Get Dash and his shifter pack on their feet to take over the risky elements of our club and take the heat off my men and me.

“You’re right, sugar.” I crossed my arm over my chest to feel her silky hair beneath my coarse palm. “I’m just getting impatient to kill Colton.”

“We’ll find him.” I loved my woman’s warm, reassuring patience. Melting ice cubes to my burning frustration.

I ran an eye over the front door. Rusty fucking hinges, cracks in the wood, and chipping paint. This wouldn’t do for the damn Jackals. Dash said they rented the place cheaply until they could get something permanent. Part of our business plan to expand. Start off small with fewer men and expenses, rent a clubhouse with a garage, and once we got back on our feet and they were making money, invest more in facilities.

Anticipation boiled in my veins, and I thumped a fist on the front door.

Dash answered a few moments later, swinging the door open. Stormy grey eyes homed in on me, predator to predator. I had a good five inches on him, probably fifty pounds too, but he was still tall at six feet five. Good-looking fucker, like Alaric and Castor. Neatly kept, no facial hair, torn jeans, tank top like me, and denim jacket.

My new protege leaned in the doorframe, a cocky smirk reminiscent of Castor on his face. “Slade! Glad you could make it.”

I threw out my hand. “Dash. Happy New Year.”

Both of Dash’s hands clapped over mine. “Same to you, Slade. Looking forward to this new chapter of my life.”

His gratitude and excitement at being given this opportunity washed away some of my earlier annoyance.

“So am I.” I glanced down at my old lady, and she smiled, doing her polite thing so well.

For good measure, I threw a cursory glance at Zethan, nodding at him. “You met Zethan, my V… fuck. Enforcer.”

No matter how good of a job Castor did, in my heart, he’d never be my true VP. And I wanted Zethan back by my side. Another fucking war to wage with the club. First I had to ferret out the source of dissent and steer my club back to harmony. Throw in a vote and assure Zethan ruled by my side.

Dash respectfully shook Zethan’s hand.

Magick buzzed on my skin as my enforcer scanned him.

One last introduction. My grip on my mate’s hip tightened. “This is Aaliyah, my old lady.”

Dash’s gaze panned down my mate, appreciation shining like it did for most men I introduced her to. Aaliyah was more than easy on the eye. Fucking stunning. Dark hair to below her breasts. Full lips as luscious as silk. Aqua eyes that I couldn’t get enough of. Hourglass body like a damn goddess.

“Nice to meet you, Aaliyah.” Dash kept his reply clean. Smart man. Kept him alive, his head intact and his teeth unbroken. He hesitated, hands clenched to his side, as if he didn’t dare touch my old lady. Bikers never touched another man’s woman. A code of respect between brothers.

“Nice to meet you too.” Aaliyah broke the ice, breaking the code and offering her hand, and he shook it. One quick pump, then he let go. A touch I’d allow this time only. I didn’t like any other males besides her three mates touching what belonged to me. “Slade tells me you’ve got a big job ahead of you.”

“I’m up for a challenge.” Dash’s youthful enthusiasm reminded me of when I took over as president. We needed that kind of energy for our new chapter.

Fuck. Here came the part that got the eyebrows launching off foreheads. “She’s also with Zethan, my V… fuck. Enforcer. Castor, my VP, and Alaric, my road captain.” Important information he ought to know. If he fucked up with Aaliyah, he’d have to deal with her other three mates too.

Dash’s eyebrows crashed down in opposition to the reaction I anticipated. “I’ve heard of some couples shacking up in harems.” He scratched his jaw. “Don’t know how you share her, Slade. Kudos. I’m too much of a jealous, possessive asshole to share my mate.”

“Mate?” The fertility goddess in Aaliyah took notice, leaning forward, eyebrows inclined, lips parted.

“I was recently matched at a moon ceremony.” A dark look flashed behind Dash’s eyes, one I didn’t like. One that spelled lies.

Not that his love life was mine or the club’s business. He could do as he pleased as long as it didn’t bring the wrong kind of attention on the club.

Fuck. I needed to get on with business.

I lifted a box and stretched it out to Dash. “I had your men’s cuts made. All to the sizes you gave me.”

Hope burned in Dash’s eyes as he flipped open the box’s folds and peered in at the Jackals vests. Gratitude that I gave him this chance when he didn’t have the experience. I was taking a huge risk, one I hoped paid off for all of our sakes. But that was me. Gambler. Wild bastard.

Set’s powers also told me Dash’s pack would be a good fit for the club. Rebels. Good soldiers. We shifters had to stick together, especially if the Guild gave us any fucking trouble.

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