I stood stoic alongside my brothers when the three rank-and-file survivors were given bullets to the head. I stood my ground as the VP and prez pissed themselves in fear. I watched on, swallowing down vomit as their Hell’s Damnation tattoos were burned off, then the two screaming, begging for mercy fuckups of officers were put down like the animals they were.
Instead of disgust, all I could think of was that no one should do this tomyclub. No one tries to take something from the Devils and gets away with it. They signed their own death sentences when they admitted that no Devil, woman, or man, would have been left alive on the compound.
Instead of them cleansing Devils from this town, there were no remaining Hell’s Damnation members left to deal with.
As it should be, I think with satisfaction, heading at last for my suite, and my all-too-welcome bed.
Would Manny have recognised me? Would my dad?Would Cheryl?For once, I’m glad she hadn’t come with me. She wasn’t cut out for this life. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and while civilians might not understand, I’m more than happy to be part of it.
My bruised back got me out of having to help dispose of the bodies. Wraith, too, had a pass because of his injured arm. I do, however, become aware of what use the club puts the forest behind the compound to. It’s a burial ground for our enemies.
As for the one person we hadn’t yet dealt with, the betrayer who swallowed secrets as readily as cum, Peg and Blade set out to pay her a visit. When they returned, it was with the news that the ex-sweet butt wouldn’t be troubling us anymore. She’d met with an unfortunate accident.
The day after we’d taken the Hell’s Damnation down is a strange one for me. Instead of running around, being at everyone’s beck and call, I’m allowed to sit on the couch, my only task sewing the new patches on my cut. A task I do with much pleasure. Slick, looking on obviously envious, but with a grin on his face, can’t do enough for me. A needle? Thread? Anything I ask for magically appears.
“Hey.” Wraith flops down next to me. “There’s your patch-in party later.”
“Yeah?” Usually that comes after the vote in church, but last night we were all somewhat distracted.
He nudges me. “You know what that means, don’t you?”
“We get drunk?” I wince as I prick my finger and hold it away from the patch not wanting to get blood on it.
He snorts. “Pussy!”
“What about her?” I’m sucking my finger, hoping the bleeding will stop.
“No, notPussy.” He laughs. “Pussy.” As he spread his arms out wide, I catch up with him at last.
“Oh yeah.” I try a lecherous wink, but it doesn’t quite work.
He narrows his eyes at me. “You don’t sound overeager. After nine months of using your hand, thought you’d be all up for it. You haven’t got a woman in town, have you?”
Truth be told, I’ve not been near a woman since Cheryl. Damn woman is still on my mind. It has to be lack of opportunity that I’ve stayed faithful to her. How can you carry a torch for a woman you’re never going to see again? My one attempt at a casual relationship had failed at the first hurdle.I’d fallen for her.Fuck the woman for still, after all these months, being on my mind. Getting laid might be a good way to forget about her.
Multi-tasking and my finger finally stopping bleeding, I sew the last few stitches, admire my cut, then ease myself forward to slip it over my shoulders. A sense of fulfilment comes over me.
Wraith’s still waiting for my answer. Going with a sweet butt? I frown. They can, and do, have any man here. A fact I point out to Wraith.
“So, they know what they’re doing.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Take Pussy.” He chuckles. “There’s not a lot you could do that would surprise her.” I doubt it myself. I’m not the most inventive lover. “Hey, get a few drinks inside you, Brother. You won’t care how many other fuckers have had her. Or Selina, now her cunt’s tight as fuck. And as for head?” He leans back and adjusts himself. “She’s like a fuckin’ hoover. You’ll see stars, Brother.”
Men start to flood in. More than one has mud on their boots which gives me a clue as to what they’ve been doing, and I now suspect our enemies are safely six feet under. When Peg enters, he heads to the bar and going behind it, stops whatever’s been playing and puts his choice of music on. A collective groan goes up, but I just grin. I can listen to Bob Seger anytime. It reminds me of my dad and his eclectic taste in music.
When he’s sorted out the songs, Peg grabs a bottle of Jack and a few shot glasses and brings them over to where Wraith and I are sitting. Placing them on the table, he slaps his hand down on my shoulder. His jolt makes me lean forward.
Peg whistles softly. “That patch looks fuckin’ good on you, Brother.”
Wraith sets out the three shot glasses and pours the spirit out. “To Red.” He lifts his drink. “May he always stay shiny side up.”
“And dirty side down.” Peg adds his salutation, raising his glass in a similar manner to Wraith.
“Hey, what’s it like to be a fuckin’ hero?” Rock grins as he joins us and meets my eye.
Damning my skin once again for making my flush obvious, I shrug. “I just did what anyone would have done.”
Beef appears from behind. “Nah, not at all. You had an inkling and ran with it. Others might have ignored it. Hey, Prospect?” He turns, beckoning at the bar. “Another bottle here, pronto. And more glasses.”
Fuck but this feels good. I’m not drunk—yet—but am pleasantly buzzed. I feel part of something, knowing I’ve earned my place in this club. I begin to feel like a king seated on my throne as one by one, every brother comes up to offer congratulations. Soon it seems every member, including the prez and VP, have shared a glass with me.