Page 23 of Claimed By The Club

I manage a small laugh. “I’m nervous because… I like you, Carter. And I’ve already crossed boundaries with Frost.”

He nods, sliding his hand to my cheek. “I’m aware,” he says softly, pausing. “Doesn’t change how I feel.”

A million questions churn in my head, but all vanish as he closes the last inch of distance, brushing his lips across mine.

The contact is tentative at first, a moment’s hesitation.

Then I exhale, leaning in. Our mouths press together more firmly, the desert around us fading into a backdrop of starlight.

Heat pools in my core, surprising me with its intensity.

His hand cradles the spot behind my neck, fingers tangling in my hair.

I respond, sliding my palms over his shoulders.

The kiss deepens, a slow burn that sends jolts of excitement through every nerve.

It’s different from Frost’s commanding touch, or Ghost’s haunted intensity.

Viper’s warmth wraps around me, disarming and enticing at once.

Time slips. The only sound is our breathing and the distant wind. Eventually, we ease apart, foreheads resting against each other, hearts racing in tandem. My mind whirls with conflicting emotions—pleasure, relief, anxiety.

“I shouldn’t,” I whisper, voice shaky. “Frost and I have this… agreement. We never really defined it, but we?—”

Viper hushes me with a soft chuckle, lightly thumbing my lower lip. “I get it. But believe me, you might be reading too much into MC rules. This life isn’t always about pick one man and lock it down.”

Confusion swirls. “What do you mean?”

He lifts a shoulder. “Sometimes we share. Sometimes we adapt. I’m not saying it’s all free-for-all. But we’re not as rigid as you think. If we’re loyal to each other, we figure out a way. Talk to Frost. You might be surprised.”

My cheeks burn. “You’re joking, right?”

He shakes his head. “I’m dead serious. Look, the club’s changed over the years. People have unique arrangements, and it’s not my place to detail who’s done what. But the world’s not black-and-white, especially not with us.”

I swallow, mind reeling. The idea that Frost might not care if I connect with Viper, or Ghost, feels surreal. Yet part of me senses a glimmer of truth—there’s always been an unspoken closeness among them, a brotherhood that might allow for unusual dynamics.

“You’re messing with me,” I say weakly, though I can see the sincerity in his eyes.

He smiles, brushing a light kiss across my temple. “Don’t worry so much. We handle our own. If you want this—whatever this is—just be honest. Don’t hide from it.”

My stomach twists in nerves, but I nod. “I’ll try. It’s a lot to process. My entire life, I assumed monogamy or nothing.”

He shrugs, an easy confidence in his posture. “You never know until you talk it out.” His arm rests against my waist, pulling me gently against his side. “For now, how about we just enjoy this view?”

I let out a trembling exhale, resting my head on his shoulder.

The moon bathes the desert in silver, and the city lights twinkle far behind us.

Part of me is still spinning with what he said, but I can’t deny the comfort in his presence.

The kiss lingers on my lips, reminding me that maybe I’m not the onle one experiencing this confusing tangle of feelings.

We stay like that for a few minutes, breathing in the crisp night air. I shut my eyes, letting the moment ground me. Viper’s body is solid and warm, a safe harbor in the swirling chaos of threats and shifting loyalties.

Eventually, he stirs. “We should head back before someone thinks we got ambushed. Don’t want Ghost freaking out.”

I laugh softly, picturing the stoic man scanning the horizon for us. “True.” I stand, dusting off my jeans. “Thank you for this… detour. It means a lot.”

He rises, taking my hand. “Glad it helps. You deserve a break from all those spreadsheets and shady bikers.”

I smirk, letting him guide me to the bike. “You know you’re included in that shady biker category, right?”

He chuckles, grabbing both helmets. “Fair enough.”

We mount up, and I loop my arms around his waist again.

The engine roars, sending a thrill down my spine.

The ride back is calmer, though I’m keenly aware of each rumble beneath me and the steady warmth of his body against mine.

My mind churns with questions about what he said: If we’re loyal to each other, we figure out a way.

By the time we roll through the gates of the clubhouse, it’s late.

A few lights glow in the windows, silhouettes moving inside.

Viper parks near the others, killing the engine.

He helps me off, a gentle hand on my elbow as I remove my helmet.

We share a lingering look, the tension from the ride still buzzing under my skin.

“I guess this is goodnight,” he says softly.

I nod, swallowing. “Yeah. Thanks again.”

He tips his head. “Anytime, Ms. King.”

I walk toward the safe house with unsteady steps, the echo of our kiss replaying in my head.

Uncertainty thrums in my chest—about Frost’s reaction if I tell him, about Ghost, about the entire club.

But a spark of hope glimmers, too. I can see a future that doesn’t force me to choose between ambition and love, or between different men who all protect me in their own ways.

Maybe they’re right. Maybe there’s room to figure this out, as long as we stay honest.

Reaching the safe house door, I slip inside, setting my jacket on a nearby chair.

My phone buzzes with a new message, but I don’t check it yet.

Instead, I stand in the small kitchen, pressing my palms to the counter, letting the quiet surroundings soothe my racing thoughts.

The night’s events spin in my mind—Viper’s laughter, the moonlit desert, the gentle confession that they’re not as rigid as I assume.

A shaky breath escapes me. The club’s finances are improving, members are beginning to trust me, and the men I’m drawn to might not demand I choose. It’s crazy, unconventional, and I’m not sure how to handle it. But I can’t deny how my heart feels lighter, even with the Reapers looming.

Exhaustion seeps in. I flip off the kitchen light, moving to the small bedroom.

A lamp casts a muted glow on rumpled sheets and a half-finished business plan on the nightstand.

Dropping onto the bed, I exhale. My body is alive with lingering adrenaline from the ride, from Viper’s touch, from the conversation about possibilities.

Sleep might not come easy, but I’ll try.

As I settle under the thin blanket, I think of Frost, how he’ll react if I mention Viper’s words.

The idea sends a flutter of nerves through my stomach.

I recall Ghost, his quiet presence whenever I’m in trouble.

Then there’s Viper who just invited me into a whole new way of seeing the world.

My life has changed so drastically that it barely resembles what I had in the city, yet I can’t bring myself to regret it.

I close my eyes, the hum of the night outside lulling me, the memory of the moon-soaked desert and Viper’s confident smile warming my thoughts.

Whatever tomorrow holds—rival gangs, expanding businesses, complicated relationships, I’m not facing it alone anymore.

And that realization feels like a single, steady light in a world that’s otherwise swirling with danger.