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Preacher glances at me in surprise.

“I don’t want to lose Brigit, now that I’ve found her again.”

“You won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Good,” says Puma. “Now for the choices. The first choice is banishment. Leave the clubhouse and never return. But not just banishment from this club, but from all Demon Dawg clubs. You can’t live within the territory of any club. Which means you can go live in your cabin, but you aren’t welcome in Vegas. I’m not saying we’ll kill you if cross into our territory again, but we’ll remind you that you aren’t welcome. You’ll be a pariah.” Puma lets Preacher consider this option and the ramifications.

“Understood. And what’s the second option?” Preacher asks.

“You can rejoin the club as a fully patched member, but you’ll get the brand.”

Preacher sucks in his breath and his hand shakes as he strokes his beard.

“Before I decide, I have one question. A request, really.”

Puma raises his eyebrows, but nods for Preacher to continue.

“If I stay and take the brand, could I have a different road name? I want that part of my life to die before I start a new life here. Preacher was a fool. I’m no longer that fool.”

“That won’t be a problem. So you’re taking the brand?”

Preacher gives a single nod. “Yes, sir, I am.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: BRIGIT

When Viper leaves for their club meeting, what they call Church, I sit with my dad. Both of us lost in our thoughts. I know enough about club life to be grateful that they didn’t kill my father immediately after he shot Wildcard. However, I know they can’t let him get away with what he’s done without retribution. That’s how MCs work. The thought of them hurting my father makes me physically ill. Makes me wonder if I can live in this world. Possible scenarios flit through my mind, each one darker than the previous. Will they put him in the hospital? Wildcard mentioned they have a medic onsite. So, at least he’ll get immediate care. I want to find Wildcard and beg, no demand, to not let harm come to my father. But I know dad would be furious with me if I interfered.

My father leaves and goes back inside while I stay outside and lose myself in the imagination of children.

Alisa breaks through my musings to ask if I wanted them to take Colt swimming over at Desdemona’s.

“Did you say Desdemona?” I ask. That’s not a name one hears very often. In fact, the only Desdemona I’ve heard of is an artist. Desdemona Konstantin.

“Yes, she’s a good friend, and she’s in a relationship with my father. You might have heard of her. She’s a famous artist.”

“I love her work. I have an original Konstantin in my home. It’s a small piece, but I love it. I hated leaving it behind. Maybe one day I can go back to Boston and get it. Along with my other things.” Thinking about Boston, I wish I had asked the President of the Boston club, Havoc, if he could check on Abby. The thought of something happening to her because of me makes me ill. I make a note to ask Wildcard to have someone check on Abby and my home as soon as possible. In the meantime, Colt and I follow Alisa through the maze of corridors until she stops outside a door.

“This is a guest room that you can Colt can use. Looks like a prospect already brought in your things. He also brought a swimsuit for Colt.” She points at the boys’ swim trunks. They still have the sales tag. “We have a supply closet full of clothes for women and children,” she explains.

Colt grabs the shorts and rushes into the bathroom. “I won’t be long!” He shouts as he slams the door shut.

Alisa and I chuckle at his enthusiasm.

“I’d invite you to come with us…”

“But I can’t leave the clubhouse. I know. That’s okay. You’re certain that Colt won’t be a problem? There are enough people to watch them?”

“Absolutely. All the Old Ladies are going and some prospects. Desdemona and my father will be there. So will Avery’s grandmother. She’s sharp and keeps her eyes on the kids at all times. Each one will have at least one set of eyes on them, more often, two. Will Colt be okay without you there?”

“He’ll be fine. He’s used to doing things with other kids and their parents.”

Colt comes out of the bathroom, carrying his clothes. “I put on sunscreen and I’m ready to go.”

I stuff his clothes into a bag and hand them to Alisa. Elina and the rest of the kids are waiting for us in the common room. Igive Colt the usual spiel about behaving himself and listening to the adults. When I’m done, he gives me his usual response, but pauses before he follows them out. “Tell Dad I’m coming back, okay? I don’t want him to think I’ve left.”

His concern gives me a flash of guilt, but I smile and assure him I’ll pass along the message. I watch them drive out of the gate before going back inside. I see Wildcard moving toward me with a determined look on his face. “You were outside?”

“Oh, damn, I forgot. I just wanted to see Colt off. He’s going swimming with the other kids. He made me swear to tell you he was coming back.”