Page 9 of Ghost

As the men asked questions and continued to talk, the less I listened,andthe more I focused on not tossing my lunch. The club had too much going on to add my little issue to the mix. Especially, since I wasn’t ready to share the information.

When I heard Sledge mentioned, I shook my head. It was still hard for some us to believe that heused his old club to advance himself within the Black Hearts leadership until he held the president spot. Because of that asshole, Fork’s half-brother was shot in themixand had to be transferred out of thetown. Our men still hadn’t found a trace of where the club went, it was as if the wind carried them off.The only good thing to come out of itallhad been getting Raven back. Even after it all was said and done, we still had no clue what the hell set the Black Hearts on our tail in the first place. But whatever it was, it wasn’t over.

“A few of their members have been spotted outside of San Diego,” Creed said, then raised his hand to stop Harmony who was prepared to speak. “I know what you’re going to ask, and no we didn’t grab them. But it does mean they’re getting closer.”

“Why the hell did you not grab their worthless asses? We could be torturing the bastards rightnow,and that would send a message to the others that we aren’t just going to sit around and wait to see what happens. Fuck that!” Harmony crossed her arms over her chest and sat backagainstthe chair.

Rebel leaned forward and held out her hand to Harmony to give her a fist bump, then said, “Hell yeah, we could have. I don’t mind adding, thatI do not likethis whole, women remain in the background shit.”

I was surprised the meeting hadn’t gotten out of hand then. But I had no doubt it would before it was over. No meeting with the women and men together ever end peacefully.

I saw Shark’s eyes roll before he pulled Rebel back in between him and Blade and then he snapped loudly, “Dammit, we are not discussing this anymore.”

“It is going to be some long ass months with Harmony’s hormones. You know that, brother?” Fork leaned over and mumbled to Creed, but it wasn’t low enough, and Harmony glared at him while a few of the men tried not to laugh.

I’d been a part of the Ops Warrior MC for years, andstill,it amazed me that the men had no clue about their women. Paybacks came in many different ways, and Fork and Creed would pay in spades by the time Harmony got done with them.

“Enough! Can we get through this meeting without all the bullshit and drama? And would you quit saying that, Fork, you know she wants to stab you in the eye every fucking time you repeatit.And she won’t do it while you sleep either,” Creedsaidand pinched the bridge of his nose between his finger andthumb.

By the stress reflected in Creed’s face, I was surprised he hadn’t snapped before now. When the entire room went quiet at his tone, I knew he wasn’t the only one on edge. The seriousness of the situation could begaugedby the dangerousness radiating off the men in the room. Like the ones who looked as though they stood casually leaning back against the wall, to someone who didn’t know them, they could pass as men without a care in the world. An observant person would notice the men stood in strategic places around the room: off to each side of the windows, beside the two entrances into the room. Even the ones who sat in chairs were positioned to see through the doorways or out the windows. I also noticed that each man was positioned to where the other women and I were surrounded and covered if a threat occurred.

I saw that each man’s eyes shone with knowledge, awareness, anddangerthat, ifunleashed, would destroy anything in its path. My stomach rolled againatthethought,and I rubbed my hand across it, then tuned back in to listen to Creed.

“When the Black Hearts hit Ricco’s place, they depleted the club’s numbers, but not totally. Intel shows Sledge was able to build the club back using every piece of scum he could recruit. Black Hearts outnumber us even with the Furies added into the mix. If we leave half of our men back to protect the compounds, the Black Hearts will outnumber us two to one. We already know they had those men in LA who have disappeared, so more than likely they are eitherhereor close by. Considering the number of men, it would have to be a large place they’re hiding in. Or they split up. Either way, we need to find them if we want the upper hand. Any questions or thoughts?” Creed asked and looked around the room.

“We could help secure the compound to free up some of the men, Creed,” Shady commented and all eyes cut to her. From the looks, I knew not one of the men would agree to let the Lady Riders fill in. “What? We can handle a gun or knives,” Shady looked at Harmony and winked before she continued, “as well as some of you.”

“That won’t be happening, Shay,” Cajun replied from his spot across the room,andI saw Shadystiffen, thenher mouth open. Thank God, Creed noticed too because he raised his hand and stepped in before the meeting took another turn. At that point, I just wished they would finish because my stomach refused to settle down.

“Shay, no man in this room questions that you and your girls can’t take care of business, but goddammit, we won’t take that chance. Ever. Now several of you are carrying the next generation, so give us a fucking break and let us take care of you without giving us shit over it,” Creed said and looked at each woman.

“Fine, as long as you know we won’t be locked away while the crap’s hitting the fan.” Shady relaxed back in her seat.

“No one would expect anything less,” Creedsaid,and the men in the room chuckled.

That had to have been a huge worry off the men’s shoulders because the air in the room actually felt lighter. I almost felt bad for my part in some of their distress over the years until Fork opened his mouth.

“Wecouldeven up the odds if Black Hawk would lend some support,” Fork said and cocked his brow.

“They did take great care of Jas, brother. A lot of their members have specialized training like us, too,” Cajun brought up.

“Black Hearts wouldn’t be expecting it,” Kink added.

Other shit was said, but after they hadmentionedBlack Hawk, their voices sounded as if they were in a tunnel. Before I had time to think, I was up and on the move. When I reached the bathroom, I kicked the door shut and dropped to my knees with my head bent over the toilet. I realized the time I wanted to get used to my situation had run out.

The dooropened,and the water turned on andoff,and I was thankful for the cold cloth that was placedonthe back of my neck. After I finished and rose, Harmony handed me another cloth to wipe myface. Thecoolness felt good on my skin and settled the last of my upset stomach.

“How long have you known?” Harmony asked.

“A couple weeks when I missed my period, but I didn’t want to believe it. I mean, come on, one time without a condom. Then the morning sicknessstarted,and I couldn’t deny it.” My voice sounded almost defeated to myself.

“Sweetie, are you scared whoever it belongs to won’t want it?” Boo asked and frowned.

“Tell us who, and we will make damn fucking sure they take responsibility. Not using a fucking condom, the asshole should know better. Who the fuck is it?” Shadyranted, and I knew she wouldn’t hesitate to light one of the men up for being so careless.

“Shay, it, well...” I started, then stopped. I blew out abreath to relax,but I didn’t getto finish before Harmony jumped in.

“Oh my God, it’s the bigguy’s! That is why you ran out when the men mentioned Black Hawk. It is, isn’t it?” Harmony stared at me along with Boo and Shady. A seasoned spy would crack under their scrutiny.

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