Page 45 of Demon

They better not have killed Ivy’s ex. But then I know they wouldn’t have. No point in killing a person who owes money—then they’ll never get it back—which is good for me. It’s not like I’m a serial killer who harms innocent people. I harm only people who deserve it... like her ex. My hand clenches when I imagine the parasite... The need to touch my switchblade is fierce. I want to get my hands on him, carve his face like a Halloween pumpkin... Ivy and Sammy won’t miss that oxygen thief.

I drive home and park out the front of the clubhouse, then stride inside. Bomber’s first to meet me. “You ready for church?” he asks, his voice gruff and his expression stern like it always is until Zara walks into a room.

“Sure,” I reply, and force the smile everyone expects of me. We pass the computer room, then I put my phone in the bowl outside and walk inside church. I sit down at the large wooden table in my designated seat, which is on Bomber’s left. The men file into the room and take a seat. Every man’s eyes are on me.

When Reaper takes a seat at the head of the table, the room quietens. He’s the president, and we respect him. If he hadn’t brought me into the club, I’d still be on the streets, or in jail or even worse... dead. The club is the only place I get praise for being a monster.

“I’d like to bring it to everyone’s attention that the loan sharking group that’s been after Ivy has found out she’s staying with us. They were at our gates this morning. My thoughts are to get in contact with their leader. See if we can work it out, before shit hits the fan,” Reaper tells us.

“Is this group harmless or is this something we need to worry about?” asks Viper.

The sympathy in Reaper’s eyes as he glances at me is unmistakable. “They’re one of the most dangerous in Las Vegas, so I’d like everyone to stay vigilant. I’m not sure if they see us as a threat because we’re keeping Ivy here, therefore withholding their money, even if she’s told them she doesn’t have it. I’d like the women and children to stay at the clubhouse until I find out and sort out a deal with them.”

I crack my neck from side to side... I’m feeling a little stabby. “Ivy’s still going to work. I’ll watch her... take her and bring her back.” There’s no negotiation in my voice. She wants to work. I’m not taking that away from her—she’s already lost enough.

Reaper lets out a sigh. “I won’t be able to convince Milly to stay put either.”

“Zara won’t stay either,” says Bomber in an exasperated tone. “She’ll want to work from the charity offices.”

“So, our resources are stretched thin,” adds Reaper. “I’ll keep you all updated when and if we receive a response from the organization. These sorts of people are unpredictable, and we don’t know exactly what Ivy’s ex has told them.”

Reaper looks at Twitch. “Twitch is handing out a picture of the men in the car who were seen out by the front gate.”

The paper stack goes around the table, passing from one to another until everyone has a copy. The picture shows two men in an old silver Lincoln Continental. The same car I saw driving slowly past Ivy’s house that night.

“Under the picture of the men, you’ll see details of the license plate.”

“Nothing we can’t handle,” says Axle. “Do they know who they’re fucking with?” Axle looks at me with a smirk on his lips. “That crazy motherfucker. He’s already slit two of their throats.” He leans back in his chair. “I’m just saying... He’s deadly—tortures, kills people who harm our club, and they are going after Ivy.” He shakes his head. “It’s going to be a bloodbath.”

I smile on the inside, but I sense Bomber’s eyes burning holes in the side of my head.

“No cowboy shit. I mean it, Demon. Wait until we find out what’s going on.”

He knows me a littletoowell... “Easier if I handle it now.” Get rid of those two. My inner psycho rejoices at the thought.

“Demon,” Bomber chastises as Axle snorts.

“I don’t want the whole organization to come to Crown Village and start an all-out war with us.”

Reaper has a point... even though I don’t particularly like it.

He peers around the table at everyone. “Let’s take it to a vote. If everyone is happy with our plan, raise your hand.”

Everyone raises their hand; my hand is a little slower to rise than the rest. Reaper bangs down the gavel.

Axle waits for me by the door. “So, when are you making it official?” he asks, his eyes radiating his amusement.

“Mmm... and what’s that?”

“Making Ivy your ol’ lady.”

I walk past him. This man loves to gossip. He catches up to me. “Oh, come on. You’re different.” He looks me up and down. “Lighter, happy even. Well, as happy as someone like you can be.”

I keep walking, searching for Sammy.

He wears a stupid grin. “And where’s your pretty little knife that’s usually glued to your hand?”

“I’ve got it.” I look down to where my gun and knife are kept in their holster and sheath.

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