Page 60 of Claimed By The Club
He nods, jaw unclenching. “We keep watch, but maybe we finally have peace.”
Men around us share relieved mutters. Some grin, shaking hands or clapping each other on the back. Ghost offers a wry nod, the slightest hint of a smile crossing his usually impassive face. It’s done. We hammered out a truce with the Reapers, locked in the final piece of the puzzle. Our biggest threat was from within, and that’s over. Jen’s locked up, along with Knox. The rest of the Reapers are battered enough to yield. We can breathe.
As the men disperse, I slip into the clubhouse, scanning for Sierra. The smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke greets me. Flickering fluorescent lights highlight battered tables and scuffed floors. My chest tightens, recalling the countless days of stress here, but also the moments of intimacy we shared.
I find Sierra hunched over a spread of paperwork in one of the smaller side rooms. She’s wearing jeans and a black tee, hair pinned back. Her posture screams exhaustion, but a determined light shines in her eyes. She’s so immersed in scribbling notes she doesn’t notice me at first.
I edge closer, clearing my throat. “Hey.”
She lifts her gaze, tension easing into a soft smile. “Viper. Everything okay out there?”
I chuckle quietly. “We just parted ways with the Reapers. They’re backing down. No more territory fights.”
Her shoulders slump in relief. “So it’s really over?” Her voice is wary, as if afraid to believe it.
I nod, crossing to her side. “Seems that way. They’re done pushing. We came to terms. Frost wants to keep watch, but it’s as close to peace as we’ve had.”
Her smile widens, though weariness lingers in her eyes. “Thank God.”
I perch on the desk, scanning the documents she’s working on—budget forecasts for the bar, outlines for marketing expansions, legitimate business ideas we used to only daydream about. She’s shaping our future, guiding us into a realm where the MC’s not just about back-alley deals and gunfights.
“How’re the numbers?” I ask gently.
She exhales, tapping a pen against the table. “We’re better off than I expected, even after the damages. The bar’s thriving since we improved marketing, and some new sponsors want to partner with a ‘clean’ MC brand. Crazy, right?”
I grin. “Crazy but good. People want to see us as more than outlaws, maybe.”
She nods, eyes drifting up to mine. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Together.”
My heart thuds, a surge of warmth flooding me. “We need you for that direction,” I admit, voice thick. “I used to cravebrawls and wild nights, but now… I’d rather focus on building something stable. With you.”
Her cheeks flush slightly. “You do?”
I chuckle, propping my arms on my knees. “I’ve always chased excitement. This club gave me a home, but I never cared about the future until you showed us it could be bigger—legit, even if we keep our edge. I guess I got used to having you around, helping us see possibilities.”
She sets the pen down, turning fully in her chair. “Are you sure you’re not just saying that because the war’s over?”
I shake my head. “No. I realized it ages ago, but everything was chaos. I saw how you helped us unify, how you never backed down from a challenge. Hell, you shot traitors to protect us.” A laugh rattles from my chest. “You’re a badass, Sierra.”
She huffs a laugh, eyes glistening. “I’m just trying to survive. You guys gave me the courage.”
I lean closer, wanting her to feel the sincerity pulsing in my chest. “You gave us the push we needed to see a life beyond perpetual fights. Sure, we’ll always have an MC edge, but now we have the chance to be more than just outlaws. And personally…” My throat tightens, raw emotion brimming. “I need you in ways I never expected. I love you, and I’m not waiting any longer to say it.”
Tears shine in her eyes, but a radiant smile curves her lips. “Oh, Carter.” She reaches for my hand, linking our fingers. “I love you too.” Her voice trembles with the confession, but I sense the relief flooding her. “I was so scared this would tear you, Frost, and Ghost apart, or that the club would hate me.”
I squeeze her fingers. “Frost and Ghost are with me on this. We’re forging something new, something that includes you and all of us.” My heart thunders, the memory of stolen kisses, shared moments, and near-loses swirling. “We’re no normal family, but we’re ours.”
She stands, stepping closer until her hips meet my legs. I slide my arms around her waist, drawing her in. Her breath mingles with mine, a comforting hush as we lean our foreheads together. My heart overflows with an emotion that transcends the grit and violence we’ve endured.
“So you won’t mind if I change more than just your finances?” she teases gently, voice choked with feeling.
I grin, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. “Change whatever you want. I’m in.”
She laughs through tears. I hold her tighter, letting the pain and triumph of the last weeks wash through me. We’re battered, but we have a path forward. A path that includes building real businesses, forging new alliances, and maybe setting aside the darkest corners of our MC life.
A throat clears behind us. We pull apart, finding Ghost at the door, arms folded. He smirks faintly. “Am I interrupting?”
I grin, gesturing for him to come in. “Just finishing up.”
