Page 49

Reaper

Lying in bed, with my woman in my arms, I tried and failed to get my head to shut down as I constantly ran scenarios in my head. Each was more damaging than the other. No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t end well for Montana. While a small part of me didn’t give two shits about the fucker and believed he got what he deserved, the other part couldn’t stand by and do nothing because, like me, he too was a fucking victim of the powers that be.

Only he had no fucking clue.

Throwing the covers back, I sat up, resting my feet on the cold floor as I hung my head and sighed.

“Max?”

“Go back to bed, baby,” I whispered, reaching for my phone as I stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“To call a friend.”

Saying nothing more, I headed downstairs and walked out onto the front porch. Standing there, I looked around the compound. Everything looked the same. As if the last couple of years never happened. Part of me wondered if it really happened, but seeing the Golden Cemetery up on the hill, I knew it had. No amount of time would erase the blood, pain, and heartache of everything my club lost. Brothers died so we could live. So many good men gone, and for what? All because of a few greedy men who didn’t give a damn who they killed along the way.

I didn’t want that legacy for my son. For any of them. I needed to break the chain and set a fresh course for the club. But to do that, the secrets of the past needed to be aired out and resolved.

Holding my phone, I dialed his number.

I knew it was late, but I needed to talk.

I needed to hear his voice.

“What?”

“You got a minute?”

“It’s two in the damn morning, asshole.”

“It’s important.”

“Fine,” he growled. “Give me a minute.”

Taking a seat on the front porch, I said nothing while I waited for him to find a quiet place to talk.

“This better be good.”

“Remi’s pregnant.”

“You did not call to tell me that.”

Sighing, I asked, “What do I do?”

“You already know what to do, Reaper. You’ve known since before you made that stupid fucking pact with that asshole. Nothing’s changed.”

“Why does it feel like everything’s changed then?”

“Because you know what’s coming and you can’t stop it. Look, man, you knew this would not be easy, but you set all of us on this course a long time ago. We’ve all done our part. Now it’s time for you to do yours. You’ve played the long game, Reaper, and it’s almost over. Don’t be a pussy and chicken out now, just because shit’s about to get real. Remi’s on board, right?”

“Yeah. She knows everything.”

“Then what’s the fucking problem?”

“How do I stop him from starting a war?”

“You can’t. He’s going to do whatever he wants. He can either listen to reason or ignore it, man. You know that. All you can do is protect those around you. In the end, what Montana decides will be on him.”

“He’s innocent.”

“I know, and his actions moving forward will decide his fate. You knew that from the beginning. He is the only wild card in this fucked-up mess. How he handles the truth is on him. Not you.”

I scoffed. “You know, even after everything that fucker’s done to me, I still want to help him. What does that say about me?”

“That you’ve learned from your mistakes. Look, Reaper, Montana is a grown ass man. He can either accept the help when you offer it, or he can go it alone.”

Changing the subject, I asked, “How are things on your end?”

He groaned. “Painful.”

I smirked at that. “Problems?”

“What the fuck do you think? I live in a house filled with estrogen. I can’t escape it. Zeke and I run to the barn every fucking chance we get. Everywhere I turn, I’m bombarded by my sisters or my daughters. I swear, I did something wrong in a previous life. Poor Zeke has taken to sleeping at the fucking clubhouse when Joan works nights, just to get some peace.”

Chuckling, I muttered, “Then maybe it’s time for you and Ari to come home, brother.”

“Maybe it is,” he groaned.

“Balthazar?”

“Shit,” Ghost cursed. “I gotta go, Max. Don’t think. Just stick to the plan, brother. Talk later. Bye.”

Ending the call, I sat there and stared into the darkness, no closer to sleep than I was before I called him, when I felt her arms wrap around me.

“What can I do?” she whispered, laying her chin on my shoulder as her hands rested against my beating heart.

“Tell me everything is going to be okay.”

“Everything is going to be okay.”

As I looked out into the darkness, I so wanted to believe her, but I knew before this ended, more good men were going to die.

Ghost was right. The only way forward was to stick to the plan.

By the time morning came and I walked in the back door of the clubhouse and saw all my brothers sitting around the large table quietly drinking coffee, I clearly said, “I know what we’re gonna do.”

“Baby, you don’t have to go,” I said, leaning against the wall as she packed a bag.

“And leave you and Montana alone, I think not,” she replied, shutting her suitcase and looking at me. “Contrary to your belief, it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than your snarky demeanor to sway Montana. You are going to need Tessa on your side.”

“He doesn’t inform his wife on club business, babe.”

“Well maybe he should,” she snarked, glaring at me. “If you had told me from the beginning, then maybe you wouldn’t be in this current mess, and I wouldn’t have gone a year thinking I killed my husband.”

I groaned. “You are never going to let me forget that, are you?”

“Not a chance in hell.”

“Fine,” I muttered, pushing off the wall. “But I’m serious, babe. Montana keeps his wife away from club business. He’s old-school.”

“So were you until you grew the fuck up. It’s time he did the same. Besides, you can’t do what you need to do with Montana and handle Solomon. You need me with you.”

“Sandman can keep his ass home.”

“No. He’s coming. You said yourself you are only going to New York to discuss Delany. All that other shit can wait. One problem at a time.”

“I don’t need you there for that?”

Standing to her full height, my woman glared at me and said, “So, you can control Solomon all on your own?”

Before I could reply, she added, “Without bloodshed?”

“Well, there might be a little blood. But nothing serious.”

“And that’s why I’m going. Sunny wants Solomon home in one piece, and I am going to make sure that happens. Just like Bullseye and Massacre will keep you in line.” She smirked, grabbing her bag as she marched out of our room and stormed down the stairs.

Following I growled, “Woman, did you order my brothers to babysit me!”

“I sure as hell did!” she snapped, handing her bag to Massacre who just smiled and quickly left the house while she rounded on me, pointing her dainty finger in my chest. “If you think I’m having another baby without you then think again, buddy. For the next nine months, I’m going to make sure your ass stays alive by any means necessary, and if that means going over your head to do it, then so be it!”

Grinning, I pulled her toward me and said, “Aw, baby. I love you too.”

“Uh, Reaper!”

Groaning, I walked outside and cursed, “NO!”

“Oh, how pretty!” Remi gasped as she walked down the steps to where Phantom was holding another fucking bouquet of red roses. Taking the card, she opened it and smiled before smelling the vile things.

“Who fucking delivered them!”

“Some florists from San Francisco.” Phantom smirked.

“Burn them.”

“You will do no such thing,” Remi grumbled, taking the bouquet from Phantom before she walked back towards the house and stated, “They were given to me and I’m keeping them.”

Looking at Phantom, I sneered, “I don’t give a fuck what you do, find the motherfucker and kill him, fast.”

Phantom snickered. “Sure, boss. I’ll get right on that.”

I growled then turned and yelled, “REMI! LET’S GO!”

The flight from California to New York took just over six hours and by the time we landed, Remi was exhausted and I was already itching to get the fuck out of the state.

I hated New York City.

Couldn’t stand the place. There was no room to breathe here. Everyone was right on top of one another. I felt like I was suffocating. As soon as I settled this legacy shit with Montana, I was fucking out of here. No sightseeing, no extended visits, I was gone.

“Will you relax?” My woman leaned against the counter as we waited for the hotel desk manager to give us our hotel room keys.

Yeah, that was another thing.

Unlike almost everyone else I knew in the fucked-up state, the Golden Skulls didn’t have a fucking private apartment, penthouses, or boatloads of cash to throw around. Hell, I didn’t even think I owned a fucking suit. Well, at least I didn’t think I did.

Nope, the Golden Skulls were paltry compared to a lot of other clubs. Oh, we did okay. We weren’t paupers by any means, but we worked for what we had.

“What the fuck is taking so long?” I grumbled as I leaned against the counter, glaring at the hotel manager.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t seem to find your reservations.”

“Doherty,” I growled. “Do I need to spell it for you?”

“No, sir.” The young man visibly cowered while he quickly typed into a computer.

“Max, leave the man alone. He’s only doing his job,” Remi scolded.

“He’s pissing me off.”

“That’s not hard.” I heard Massacre chuckle, and I turned and glared at the fucker.

“Maxwell Doherty?” a tall black man in a fancy suit smiled as he walked over to me.

“Yeah, who the hell are you?”

“My name is of no concern. Please forgive my tardiness. My employer has made arrangements for your stay, along with your guests, while you are in the city. If you will please follow me, I will escort you to the Langham.”

I chuckled, leaning back against the counter and snarled as I looked this fucker up and down. What was it with these men wearing suits and ties? What the hell was wrong with a comfortable pair of jeans and a good Henley? “Ain’t going anywhere with you, Jack, not until you tell me who the hell you work for?”

“He works for me.” Another man in a suit walked over, extending his hand.

“Great. Another suit,” Bullseye mumbled.

“Does seem to be the dress code in this fucking state,” Massacre added.

“Mr. Doherty, or would you prefer Reaper?”

“Reaper’s fine.”

The man nodded. “My name is Rowen Shay. I believe you’ve requested a meeting with Crispin Sinclair?”

“And how the hell would you know that?”

The man smirked. “Let’s just say that we have a mutual friend.”

Groaning, I looked over at Bullseye who moaned, “Lena.”

“Yes.” Mr. Shay nodded. “Ms. Collins is very well known.”

Bullseye growled. “Her name is Franks now, asshole.”

“My apologies.” He smirked, then took a step toward my wife and smiled. “And you must be the effervescent Remi Doherty. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Stepping in front of my wife, I snarled, “Mine.”

The man didn’t look repentant one bit and added, “I have taken the opportunity to reserve all of you rooms at the Langham, as it will suit your needs better than this place. Now, if you would all follow me.”

“And why would we do that?” I asked, refusing to move.

“Because Mr. Sinclair is waiting for you at the Langham.”

“I want McDonald’s,” Solomon grumbled.

Rolling my eyes, I ignored the cranky hungry fucker and simply said, “Bullseye, if you feel anything off, put a bullet in this fucker’s head.”

My VP grinned. “With pleasure.”