Page 1 of A New Era

Chapter One

Leo

The sun beats down on me as I ride front and centre with my brothers behind me. With another run under the belt and more cash than the club’s ever seen coming in from the Haywards, our arrangement is going strong, considering that we still haven’t put Effie Rathbone in the ground. I’ve never known anyone to lay this low for this long before and the club grows more impatient by the day. I hit the road harder, trying to outrun the sun. JJ has no problem keeping up with me and I grin. A gas station comes up on the horizon, I wave my fingers, singling for us to pull over.

As we come to a stop, I kill the engine and hop off my motorcycle, relishing in the feeling of freedom and power that riding gives me. My body aches from the long journey, but it’s a satisfying ache that reminds me of the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

Filling my tank, the smell of gasoline and the hum of engines fill the air. I walk towards the small convenience store attached to the gas station, the cool air offers me a reprieve from the heat outside while I grab a cold drink and pay. I push my bike over to the rest stop and light a cigarette. Slinging my leg over the leather-clad seat, I straddle my ride then dig my phone out of my pocket and shoot Holly a text, letting her know I’ll be home by this evening. My dick twinges knowing I’ll be inside her tonight, knowing she’ll be as desperate for me as I am for her.

“How’s the wedding plans going?” Jay asks, parking his bike next to mine.

I snort. “You’d have to ask Holly, I’m just paying for it. I’m told the occasional plan, but I told her whatever she wants that makes her happy will make me happy. It’s worked so far.”

Jay’s laugh catches the attention of our brothers nearby. “Harper’s looking to head into the city to look for her dress. Probably gonna cost me a fortune and like you, brother, I’ll just be paying for it.”

My sister, Jay’s old lady and the mother of his son, has already assured me she’ll be at my wedding. After she missed Luca’s wedding, she needed me to know she wouldn’t let me down. I would’ve told her not to sweat it, but the guilt she still feels for Luca and Victoria still burned bright in her eyes. She’s been helping Holly with the planning and Holly’s been grateful. Mom took over the guest list as she knew everyone. With just under four weeks to the day, I’m looking forward to it. The sooner she has my name and my ring on her finger, the more I’ll feel content I’m doing shit right.

My phone rings and I expect it to be Holly, but Luca’s name fills the screen. Answering, I put the phone to my ear. “Yeah?”

The first thing I hear down the line is a woman’s cry filled with pain.Is that Victoria?

“Luc?”

Standing straight, alarm thrusts through me.

“Brother, Tor’s in labour. We’re on our way to the hospital. Can you let Ricky and the twins know? For some reason she wants every fucker there… and I want you there too.”

I snort. Trust my brother to want to keep every moment with Victoria to himself. Sometimes I don’t think he gets that he’s married to her and gets to keep her for the rest of his life. When Rayna was born, India had her parents at the hospital along with mine, I didn’t feel like I was missing out any more than Luca would.

Victoria cries out again and the line goes dead. Knowing my brother as well as I do, in his mind, he’s done his part in letting the family know and now he’ll be focusing on her.

“Rick,” I holler. He looks up from his conversation with Sparky. “Luca called. Victoria’s gone into labour, they’re on their way to the hospital.” The twins perk up and head for their rides. “Once we get to the turn-off for Dog City, we’ll head for the hospital. Everyone else, head home.”

With everyone preparing to ride, I call Holly.

“Hey,” she answers.

“Hey. Victoria’s having the baby…”

“Yeah, I heard. Your mom shot out of here so fast I nearly missed it.” She laughs.

Since Luca couldn’t make the time to call Ricky, I wonder when he called Mom.

“Get Rayna ready and go with them. I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

“Are you sure they’ll want everyone there?”

“Yeah. Go let Mom know to wait for you.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Ending the call, I store my phone away and once we’re back on the road, the traffic light, my mind wanders. Luca’s going to be a father. There was a time when I didn’t think he was capable of holding down a relationship, let alone committing to a life with a woman and reproducing. He’s been through so much and he’s got many responsibilities on his shoulders nowadays, I have no doubt he’ll be a great father. He’s smashing life in all other aspects.

The sun is setting as we split off from the club and ride into the city. We hit traffic and my phone vibrates in my pocket. While we’re not moving, I dig it out and see a text from Jay. Harper is with Holly at the hospital, and can I look out for her?

I shoot him a quick reply before putting the phone away and pulling off. The hospital isn’t far and by the time we park up, night has fallen, and I’m drained of all energy.

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