Page 126 of Kings Against the World

I drowned myself in destructive behaviors, because I didn’t want to own up to the fact that I was in control of my life and could have the things I never thought I deserved. I could find a woman who I really connected with and I could be a Steel King with his shit together instead of the opposite.

Silver’s made me Sergeant at Arms. Tito decided to step back from the role to focus on his family at home, and with the position open, Silver turned to me.

“It’s a real responsibility, Oz,” he’d said. “But I think you can do it if you actually try. Are you up for it?”

I’m back at the head table during club meetings. I’m back as one of the leaders of the club, proving each and every day that I can handle the role and that my brothers can depend on me.

Having a support system helps, and nobody’s been a bigger cheerleader than Zoe. It’s something that’s mutual in our relationship, as we get each other and our conditions more than anybody else we know. I help her open up and let loose and she helps keep me grounded in the best way possible.

We’re still taking things slow, going day by day, but even a couple months in, it’s the best relationship I’ve ever had, and nothing else was ever even close.

“I’ll get you another,” I say, winking at Zoe. I grab her empty glass and head to the bar counter to order another from Mick.

He grins wide at the sight of me. “Look at you. Never thought I’d see the day Oz, of all the guys, was falling in love.”

“Mick, how many times are we gonna have this conversation? Zoe and I are taking things slow.”

“Yeah, yeah… whatever you say. That’s what Mace said too. Now look at him.”

I look over my shoulder, back at the pool table where we’re in the middle of a game. It’s Mace and Sydney’s turn yet he’s gotten distracted by the good luck kiss she’s giving him. I crack my own grin at the newlyweds, but I’m not the only one—even from afar I can tell Zoe’s giving them hell. Her lips are moving as she says something and shakes her head, clutching her pool stick as she waits for her next turn.

“I guess there really is something in the air,” I say, facing the bar counter again. “Two Diet Cokes, Mick.”

“Coming right up. Light on the ice.”

“It’s good the club’s still able to have nights like these. We’re all about to ring in the New Year and we’re more united than we’ve ever been. Stronger than ever. The Road Rebels are gonna have their work cut out for them if Wheels and his crew try anything again.”

“I’m sure they will. It’s only a matter of time.”

“He never should’ve been released early in the first place.”

“That’s what happens when police departments make mistakes,” sighs Mick. “Shame that couldn’t have happened with Cutty.”

“Not sure if Mace or Ghost would agree with you—or Silver either. Cutty being back would… complicate things.”

“What about Cutty?” comes Silver’s voice. He appears on my left at the bar counter. He’s nursing a bottle of Pike that I suspect he’s been sipping on slowly for the past hour.

“Oz was just saying that maybe it’s for the best if Tom’s not released early like Nathaniel was… before he was sent back and then busted out with Boone.”

Silver finally takes another sip of that Pike, taking his time to answer. “I have to agree with Oz. I’ve been in regular contactwith Tom, and I’m not sure if his return to the club would be for the best either.”

“We might as well make you prez… officially. Or Mace or Ghost,” I say as Mick slides the two drinks I’ve ordered across the counter.

“I don’t think Ghost would be up for it right now, all things considered.”

“You’re right. Something tells me he and Teysha are about to be a baby factory.”

“The club’s growing. Now we just need the rest of you to get to work.” Mick cackles at the expressions on our faces, slapping his dish rag over his shoulder.

Silver shakes his head. “I’ll let Oz, Mace, and Cash lead on that. I’ve done my part. One failed marriage and two kids later, I’m closed for business.”

“Can I get a vodka and cranberry?”

The three of us glance over at the young woman who’s just stepped to the counter and interrupted us without a second thought. At first I don’t recognize her, then it hits me once two and two add themselves together.

She’s got a youthful face she’s tried to disguise in bright makeup like the glittery eye shadow on her eyelids and the magenta lipstick on her lips. Her locs hang down the middle of her back, a split color mix of black and copper brown. She’s in a cropped leather jacket and denim skirt, her midriff bared and belly button pierced. The ring there matches the one in her nose piercing.

All three of us are speechless for a second ’til I blurt out, “Solana? Big Eddie’s niece? Weren’t you, like, twelve just a few weeks ago?”

---