Page 7 of Claimed By The Club

Viper hops up, examines the part, then breaks into a broad smile. “This is exactly what I need. You’re a lifesaver, Dolly.”

She shrugs, placing a hand on her hip. “You owe me one. Now, how about a drink before you go?”

I glance at the clock on the wall—barely past noon. Viper catches my hesitation and laughs. “We’d better pass. Got to fix that cooler ASAP.”

We thank Dolly and step outside, blinking in the sudden brightness.

Viper secures the clamp in a compartment on his bike, then gestures for me to hop on again.

I feel a flicker of apprehension and excitement.

This time, sliding my arms around his waist feels slightly less awkward.

The engine’s rumble resonates up my legs, through my core.

It’s an odd mix of fear and raw exhilaration that sends my thoughts spinning.

The ride back to the Bluelight Bar passes faster, the desert whipping by in sun-baked waves. I tighten my hold around Viper, noticing the warmth of his torso under the leather cut. It’s strangely comforting, even though I hardly know him.

When we arrive, Frost and Ghost are outside discussing something with the bartender from earlier. They glance up as we park. Ghost’s pale gray eyes flick from me to Viper, then settle on the clamp in his hand.

“Perfect timing,” Ghost says, voice subdued but surprisingly welcoming. “We were just about to head out, but if you two want to tackle that cooler, go for it.” He turns to me. “You sticking around?”

I nod, sliding off the bike. “Might as well learn how it all works.”

Frost approaches with that same composed demeanor. “We’ll catch you both later at the clubhouse. Viper, keep her safe.”

With that, he and Ghost mount their motorcycles.

The roar of their departures fades into the surrounding emptiness.

I glance at Viper, who’s already heading inside with the clamp.

There’s something about these men—Frost’s calm intensity, Ghost’s silent watchfulness, and Viper’s easy charm—that makes me feel unbalanced yet oddly safe.

They’re suspicious of me, sure, but they’re also acknowledging my capabilities.

Viper kneels near the cooler, rummaging for his wrench. “Mind the flashlight again?” he asks without looking back.

I find it where we left it and hand it to him.

The overhead bulb is dim, so I kneel too, shining the beam on the cooler’s interior.

Our shoulders brush. This close, I notice small details: the edge of a scar peeking from under his sleeve, the faint lines at the corners of his eyes, probably from smiling in the desert sun.

He maneuvers the clamp, tightening the connection until the drip slows to a stop. “That should do it,” he mutters triumphantly. Standing, he reaches out and helps me to my feet.

I tug my blouse straight, heat flushing my cheeks. “Thanks.”

He nods, wiping a smear of grease from his arm. “No problem.”

The bartender, overhearing, appears from the other side of the bar. “You two fix it?”

Viper gestures at the cooler. “Give it an hour to stabilize, but yeah. Should keep your drinks cold now.”

“Appreciate it,” the man replies, relief easing his features. He slips Viper a small envelope, probably a token of gratitude or payment. “I’ll let Frost know we’re good.”

As the bartender heads off to tinker with the registers, I return the flashlight to the table. My eyes flick around the dim room. “You handle a lot of random jobs, don’t you?”

He chuckles. “Club life is basically that: fix problems, patch holes, protect our turf. We’re family, so if something’s broken, we step up.”

That word family sends a pang through my chest. I used to feel that sense of unity with my business partner, Jen, until she stabbed me in the back. Now I’m clinging to the hope that these new people might provide the support I lack.

Viper’s phone buzzes, and he checks it, shooting me a half-smile. “Frost wants us at the clubhouse to talk. Probably about your proposal.”

My heart lurches. “All right, let’s go.”

I follow him outside, rummaging for my car keys. “I’ll drive my SUV this time. I’ll meet you there.”

He gives me a two-finger salute. “See you in a few.”

We part ways in the parking lot, engines starting in unison, though his is thunderous while mine merely hums. My mind whirls with everything I’ve witnessed: the camaraderie among them, the quiet authority they command, and the unspoken tension that laces every interaction.

I feel like I’m standing at the edge of something big, uncertain if I should leap or back away.

When I reach the Renegade Cross compound, I spot Viper’s bike already parked.

Dust plumes behind my SUV as I roll to a stop, stepping out into the relentless sun.

At the entrance, I pause, letting the AC from inside brush my face.

My thoughts tumble in every direction, but I push them aside and walk in, determined to show I belong here.

Frost is there, leaning against a battered pool table. Ghost hovers near a wall, arms folded, silent as ever. Viper stands between them, fiddling with a playing card he must’ve snatched from somewhere.

“Welcome back,” Frost says evenly, meeting my gaze.

Viper sets the card down and gestures at me, a small grin curving his lips. “Told you she can handle herself.”

I glance between the three of them, feeling my pulse thump. This is the moment that determines if our arrangement will move forward. If they accept me, I might finally gain the security I need. If not, I’ll be right back where I started—alone, vulnerable, and desperate.

Frost surveys me for a long second, then inclines his head. “We’re going to talk with the club tonight. But we’ve all agreed to give your plan a chance. You’ll be under our protection as long as you’re straight with us and keep up your end of the bargain.”

Relief flutters in my stomach, though I remain composed. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

Ghost speaks in that quiet tone that makes every syllable count. “If the Iron Reapers show up, or if you see anyone suspicious, you come to us first. Understood?”

“Yes,” I say, voice firm.

Viper exchanges a glance with Frost, then returns his attention to me. “We’ll get you set up in a small safe house on the edge of our property, if you want. It’s more secure than that motel.”

I pause, debating. “That might be best. I’ll feel less like a sitting duck.”

Frost nods. “Good. We’ll gather your things, move you in. In return, you focus on analyzing our businesses. Start with Bluelight Bar. See what’s needed to boost revenue.”

My heart lifts. They’re giving me a real chance to prove myself. “Deal.”

Ghost straightens from his lean, crossing the room in a few swift strides. He’s taller than I realized, the silver of his eyes piercing as he stops near me. “Welcome to our world,” he murmurs. “Hope you’re ready.”

I sense caution under his words, maybe a hint of concern. I swallow the sudden lump in my throat and manage a small smile. “I am.”

Frost steps forward, crossing his arms. “Then let’s do this. You’ll have to meet the rest of the group soon, but for now, let’s move your stuff. Viper and Ghost can help.”

The idea of letting these men see my battered suitcase and half-baked escape plan twists my stomach, but I know it’s necessary. “All right,” I reply, voice steady.

We head outside. The blazing sun hits us immediately, and I squint against the brightness. Viper moves to his bike, and Ghost does the same. Frost climbs into a black pickup parked along the fence. I stand by my SUV, debating who to follow.

Before I can decide, Frost calls out the window, “You can follow me in your vehicle. We’ll load your things and head back here.”

I nod, sliding behind the wheel. As engines rumble to life, I can’t help peering into the rearview mirror.

Ghost’s motorcycle is right behind me, and Viper rides in tandem next to him.

The image of them escorting me, acting as guardians, unexpectedly warms my chest. I finally don’t feel entirely alone.

I grip the steering wheel and breathe. Step by step, I’m forging an agreement with these men.

Their world is rough, but it beats being hunted without backup.

I remember the moment I met Frost, his quiet authority balanced by an undercurrent of protectiveness.

Then Ghost, so controlled yet intense, and Viper with that playful spark in his eyes.

I still don’t know how all this will evolve, but there’s a sense we’re on the cusp of something big—and I’m not about to run from it.

With the Renegade Cross MC backing me, I have a shot at reclaiming my life. And from the way each of them looked at me today, I suspect they’ll challenge every notion I once held about loyalty, danger, and maybe even love.