Page 21

Piper

My head was spinning with everything Beast had explained at the meeting.

Church, they called it. Before leaving, my father gave me a big hug and promised to be in touch real soon.

After this mess, we both agreed we wanted a closer relationship.

First though, he was off to coordinate the takedown of the cartel.

From the steely look in his eyes when he mentioned them, I almost felt sorry for them.

We exited the church building to find a roaring fire going in the pit behind the clubhouse.

Mom had coaxed the FBI contingent to carry the wood over and start one.

She also enlisted their help to bring out coolers full of beer and ice.

She had steaks sizzling on the king-sized barbecue, and the old ladies and some of the club groupies had set up a table laden with a variety of salads and desserts.

I was impressed and told her so.

“Not a biggie. Organizing food is my thing.” She grinned.

“I knew the guys would come back hungry, and we haven’t had a barbecue in weeks.

Jake loves barbecue and he’s been hinting loudly that it’s about time.

So, I made a bunch of salads up ahead of time and pulled some steak out of the freezer.

I figured if the news was good, they’d want to celebrate, and if the news was bad, they’d need fuel up for whatever they had to do next.

Either way, I was prepared.” She looked around at the bikers laughing as they grabbed beers out of the coolers. “I take it the news was good?”

I nodded as Beast strode over and draped his arm around my shoulders. “Yup. Short version -- her ex isn’t quite as much of an asshole as we thought. He was set up. We know the source. The Bureau is taking care of it, and we just have to sit back and wait for things to shake out.”

“Celebration it is, then.” She tilted her head. “And what about you two? I heard Ace referring to you as Beast’s old lady.”

“Yeah, he did mention it that way during church.” Beast looked down at me, the corner of his mouth twitching with a suppressed smile. “And she didn’t object.”

“I was being polite.” I feigned disinterest. “He might have made a mistake. I don’t recall anyone asking me to be their old lady.”

“Well then.” Beast held up his hand and hollered for everyone to pay attention.

I felt my face go red as everyone turned to stare at us. “Beast,” I hissed, “what are you doing?”

He grinned and got down on one knee, keeping a firm grip on my hand so I couldn’t escape. “Making an honest woman out of you. I was hoping your father would be here, but I got his blessing before he left.”

“His blessing?” Could my face possibly get any redder as I tried to ignore the snickers from the crowd. “What century are you living in?”

Beast ignored my outburst. “Piper, love of my life, keeper of my heart, will you do me the honor of being my old lady and wearing my cut?”

“Your cut?” I knew he called his jacket with the Riptide patch on it a cut, but me wearing it made no sense.

“Yes or no? Please say yes.” He actually looked nervous. Like he thought I might reject him.

“Yes. Of course, yes, but --”

Jake interrupted, stepping forward to hand him something.

Beast let go of my hand and stood, holding the item Jake had given him at arm’s length so I could see it. A leather vest, my size. He turned it around. The Riptide Logo was emblazoned on the back, and in bold letters around the logo it proclaimed --”Property of Beast.”

I held my arms out, and he put it on me to the cheers and hoots of the club. Ace walked over, a half empty beer bottle in his hand. “Welcome to the club.”

Before I could answer, Beast swept me up in his arms and kissed me so thoroughly I could barely breathe. The crowd whistled and hooted, and I could see Mom and Jake smiling at us from beside the fire pit.

Just like that, I had a family. A group of people who cared for each other and kept each other safe. I wrapped my arms around Beast’s neck and kissed him right back.