CHAPTER FIVE
Aggie
It's been a week since I've been here at the club, but it feels like coming home.
I push open the heavy wooden doors of the clubhouse, and chaos erupts in my face like a glitter bomb.
The air is thick with iridescent bubbles, floating lazily upwards and catching the light.
They're everywhere, a shimmering storm of soap and water.
Aurora's high-pitched squeal pierces through the rest of the noise.
The wee lass is tearing across the room, her chubby legs pumping furiously.
In her hands, she's wielding what looks like a plastic ray gun, but instead of lasers, it's spewing an endless stream of bubbles.
I can't help but grin. "Aye, look at you, ya wee troublemaker!"
As Aurora zigzags past, I spot Widow near the bar.
He's got a wrapped gift in one hand and the other's pressed against his mouth as he coughs violently.
Poor bugger's probably inhaled half the bubble mixture by now.
I call out, trying not to laugh at his misery. "Ye all right there, Widow?"
He waves me off, his eyes watering.
"Just peachy," he wheezes, voice rough as gravel. "Remind me to thank whoever bought her that damn thing personally."
I snicker, watching as he takes a swig of beer, likely trying to wash away the taste of chemicals.
The scene before me tugs at something deep in my chest.
It's mad, aye, but it's also... it reminds me of back home.
I feel a pang of homesickness so sharp it nearly takes my breath away.
Christ, I miss this.
The sense of belonging.
Sure, I've got my sorority sisters and my classes, but it's not quite the same.
Jolt's voice cuts through my musings. "Oi, Ghost!"
He's lounging on one of the worn leather sofas, feet propped up on the coffee table. "You gonna stand there all day or are you gonna join the party?"
I roll my eyes at him, but there's no heat behind it. "Keep yer knickers on, I'm coming."
As I make my way deeper into the clubhouse, dodging errant bubbles and laughing children, I can't help but think about home.
It's only a few more weeks till winter break.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to take a winter course, but now I know I’m not.
I need the damn break.
Just a little longer and I'll be back in Montana, surrounded by snow, my annoying little sisters, and my father’s watchful eye.
But for now, I've got this.
This beautiful, chaotic mess of a family right here in Vegas.
And as Aurora runs by again, shrieking with laughter as she's chased by a bubble-covered prospect, I know I wouldn't have it any other way.
Suddenly, a blur of dark hair and colorful fabric rushes past me, nearly knocking me off balance.
It's Camila, Booger's ol' lady, her eyes wild with frustration as she chases after a group of sugar-fueled toddlers.
Camila shouts, her Mexican accent thickening with frustration. " ?Cálmense! Calm down!"
The little ones slow for a moment, looking back at her with mischievous grins, before darting off to another corner of the clubhouse.
"Christ," I mutter, running a hand through my bleached blonde hair.
I catch my reflection in a nearby mirror and smirk.
The skin-tight denim jeans I've poured myself into hug every curve, and the spaghetti strap top I've chosen leaves little to the imagination.
It's different from what I’d normally wear to the clubhouse, but college life is turning me into my own woman.
Now I have to throw together outfits that say I’m a sorority sister, and a badass bitch.
I’m pretty sure this does the trick.
"Aggie!" a familiar voice calls out.
I turn to see Sienna, my sorority sister and roommate, weaving her way through the crowd.
Her eyes are wide, taking in the scene around us. "This is... intense."
I laugh, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "I knew you might think so, it’s why I brought you along with me. Bit different from our sorority mixers, aye?"
Sienna's gaze lingers on a group of patched members, their leather cuts adorned with the Reapers Rejects MC logo.
"You can say that again," she murmurs.
I feel a twinge of... something.
Pride?
Defensiveness?
"It's not always like this," I find myself saying. "Just wait till ye see it on a normal day. It's... well, it's home."
Sienna nods, but I can see the questions in her eyes.
I know she's curious about my past, about the life I left behind in Montana.
But those are stories for another time.
"Come on," I say, steering her toward the bar. "Let's get ye a drink. Ye'll need it to keep up with this lot."
As we make our way across the room, I can feel eyes on me.
Some curious, some appreciative, some wary.
I stand a little taller, chin up, shoulders back.
I might be in college now, but I'm still the daughter of Montana’s Sgt. at Arms, and no amount of sorority life is going to change that.
"So," Sienna says as we reach the bar, "this is really how you grew up?"
I pause, considering my words carefully. "Aye, more or less. Though things were a bit different back in Montana. This lot..." I gesture around us, "they're family too, but in a different way."
Sienna nods, her eyes still roaming the room.
I can see the questions forming, the curiosity building.
But before she can ask anything else, a familiar figure approaches us—Siren.
"Aggie, it's good to see you again," she says, her voice carrying a hint of the Bronx.
Her gaze shifts to Sienna, curious but not unwelcoming. "Who do you have here?"
I feel a surge of pride as I introduce my friend. "This is Sienna, my roommate and sorority sister."
I turn to Sienna, "And this is Siren. She's practically family."
"Welcome to the madhouse, sweetheart," she says with a wink. "If you need anything—and I mean anything—just holler. We take care of our own here, even if they're just visiting."
I watch as Sienna shakes Siren's hand, a mix of awe and nervousness on her face.
"Thanks," she manages to say. "I appreciate that."
Siren nods, then turns back to me. "I heard your mom's been asking about you. Might want to give her a call soon, yeah?" With that, she saunters off, leaving us alone at the bar.
I feel a pang of guilt at Siren's words.
I've been meaning to call Mum, but between classes and sorority life, time's been slipping away.
I make a mental note to ring her tonight.
"She seems... intense," Sienna says, watching Siren's retreating form.
I can't help but chuckle. "Aye, that's Siren for ye. Blunt as a hammer, but with a heart of gold." I pause, considering. "She's been through a lot lately."
Sienna's eyes continue to dart around the clubhouse, taking in the mayhem.
Her brow furrows as she leans in close, her voice low. "Aggie, I have to know. Why on Earth would you want to go to that frat party later when this looks like it could turn into a real rager?"
I follow her gaze, watching as Aurora tears past us again, her tiny legs pumping furiously as she brandishes a bubble gun like a tiny, determined outlaw.
Bubbles float in her wake, catching the light and creating a surreal, shimmering trail.
I can't help but grin, my heart swelling with affection.
"This?" I gesture broadly, my Scottish becoming more pronounced. "This is Aurora's birthday party, ye numpty." I point to the pint-sized whirlwind wreaking havoc across the room. "She's just turned two."
Sienna's eyes widen in surprise. "Oh! I didn't realize... It's just so..."
"Wild?" I finish for her, laughing. "Aye, that's how we do things 'round here. Ye should see Christmas."
As if on cue, Aurora lets out a gleeful shriek, spraying bubbles directly into Widow's face.
The gruff biker splutters, coughing harder than he was earlier, and I try like hell to hold back my laughter.
I lean against the bar, soaking in the familiar chaos.
It's different from the polished sorority events we're used to, but there's a raw authenticity here that I've missed more than I realized.
My eyes unconsciously scan the room, searching for a particular face.
When I spot Jolt across the clubhouse, my breath catches.
He's leaning against the wall, a drink in hand, laughing at something Spark just said.
The way his t-shirt stretches across his broad shoulders makes my mouth go dry.
As if sensing my gaze, Jolt looks up, his deep green eyes locking with mine.
The intensity in his stare sends a shiver down my spine.
I feel the air between us crackle with unspoken tension, memories of our first time together surging back.
"I'm gonna grab a drink," I mutter to Sienna, not waiting for a response as I push away from the wall.
My feet carry me toward the kitchen, away from the bar and the main party.
But, more importantly, away from Jolt's burning gaze.
But as I reach for a bottle of water, I hear a familiar voice behind me.
Jolt's voice is low and husky. "Running away, Ghost?"
I turn, finding him much closer than I expected.
The kitchen suddenly feels very small.
"Just thirsty," I retort, trying to keep my voice steady. "Ye following me now?"
Jolt steps closer, his body heat radiating between us. "Maybe I'm thirsty too."
The double meaning isn't lost on me.
My heart races as I look up at him, taking in the sharp line of his jaw, the hint of stubble.
Before I can stop myself, my hand reaches out, grazing the front of his jeans.
I feel him harden instantly under my touch.
"I know ye like it when my hand's on ye—" I breathe, fueled by the fire I see flaring in his eyes.
Jolt's eyes darken with lust as he glances around quickly.
In a swift motion, he shoves me back against the wall, his hand wrapping around my throat.
The sudden pressure sends a jolt of excitement through my body.
"Don't test me, Ghost," he growls, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll ravage you up against this wall and take you, not caring who fuckin' sees me do it."
My pulse races under his grip, a mix of fear and desire coursing through me.
This is exactly what I've been craving—the danger, the passion, the intensity.
I can't help but giggle, the sound breathy and slightly manic.
"This is the kind of energy I want from ye," I manage to say, biting my lip. "Ye know that?"
I pull him in for a searing kiss, our lips crashing together with hunger.
His grip on my throat loosens slightly, and I seize the opportunity.
In one quick movement, I bring my knee up, connecting solidly with his groin.
Jolt doubles over, groaning in pain. "Fuckin' hell, Aggie!"
As he's distracted, my fingers deftly slip into his back pocket, retrieving his phone.
The adrenaline pumping through me makes me feel invincible, reckless.
"Pain comes with pleasure, sweetheart," I say with a wink, my Scottish accent thickening with excitement. "And I've got a party to go to."
I slip past him, pausing at the kitchen doorway. "Catch ye on the flip side, laddie!"
As I saunter back into the main room, I spot Sienna chatting with Spark and Zoe.
My heart is still pounding, and I can feel the ghost of Jolt's touch on my skin.
Part of me wants to go back, to finish what we started, but the thrill of the game is too enticing.
I approach the group, tucking Jolt's phone deeper into my pocket.
The weight of it feels like a secret victory, and I can't help but grin as I join the conversation, wondering how long it'll take him to notice it's missing.
I sidle up to Sienna, gently tugging on her arm. "Time to go, hen," I say, my voice still carrying a hint of breathlessness from my encounter with Jolt.
Sienna's eyebrows shoot up, but she nods, bidding a quick farewell to Spark and Zoe.
As we make our way out of the clubhouse, the cool night air hits my flushed skin, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
Sienna’s dark ponytail swings as she turns to look at me. "You all right there, Ag?"
I flash her a mischievous grin. "Never better. Let's get out of here before the real fireworks start."
We hop into an Uber, and I give the driver directions to our sorority house.
As we pull away from the clubhouse, I can't help but glance back, wondering if Jolt's discovered his missing phone yet.
Once we arrive at our destination, I turn to Sienna. "Fancy a wee walk to the frat party? It's only a few blocks away, and I could use some fresh air."
Sienna nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure, why not? It's actually pretty nice out tonight."
As we start our stroll, the silence between us feels comfortable, but there's a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I glance at Sienna, noticing the way she's hugging herself, despite the mild temperature.
"So," I begin, breaking the quiet, "how're you finding life in the sorority? It must be a far cry from what you're used to."
Sienna lets out a soft laugh, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "You could say that. It's... different. Sometimes I feel like I'm playing catch-up with everyone else's normal, you know?"
I nod, encouraging her to continue.
As we walk, Sienna's story unfolds, each word painting a picture of a childhood vastly different from my own.
"My mom... she wasn't really around much," Sienna says, her voice barely above a whisper. "And my dad, well, he tried, I guess. But most of the time, I ended up with my grandmother."
My heart clenches at the pain in her voice. "That's bloody awful, Sienna. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
She shrugs, trying to brush it off, but I can see the hurt in her eyes. "It is what it is. My gran, she did her best."
I think about my own complicated family history, the trauma I've witnessed and experienced. "Family's not always what we expect, is it? How does your gran feel about you being here now?"
Sienna's step falters for a moment, and I see a flash of something—grief, maybe—cross her face.
But before I can ask, she quickly changes the subject.
"So, tell me more about this frat party we're heading to. Is it going to be as wild as that clubhouse?"
I let the deflection slide, making a mental note to circle back to this conversation another time.
I burst out into laughter, “Hell if I know!”
As we near the frat house, the bass of the music already audible from down the street, my nerves start to settle in me a bit.
There's more to Sienna's story, and I'm determined to uncover it—just as soon as I deal with the stolen phone burning a hole in my pocket.
Sienna's eyes glisten in the soft glow of the streetlights as we approach the frat house.
The thump of the bass grows louder with each step, but I barely notice it.
My attention is fixed on the subtle tremor in Sienna's voice as she finally answers my question about her grandmother.
"I’m not trying to evade your questions. It’s just hard. My gran... she passed away last winter, just before I graduated high school," Sienna says, her words barely above a whisper.
My heart clenches. "Oh, Sienna, I'm so sorry."
She shrugs, but I can see the pain etched in the tightness around her eyes. "It's okay. I mean, it's not, but... she left me a little inheritance. It's how I can afford college."
I reach out and squeeze her arm gently. "That must have been hard, losing her right before such a big milestone."
Sienna nods, swallowing hard. "Yeah, it was. But the money... it's enough to get me through four years here, with a bit left over to start my life after graduation. It's more than I ever expected, really."
I think about my own family back in Montana—Mom, my father, my sisters.
Despite our complicated history, I've never truly been alone.
The thought of Sienna facing the world without anyone makes my chest ache.
"What about Christmas?" I ask, a plan already forming in my mind. "Do you have somewhere to go?"
Sienna shakes her head, her ponytail swaying with the movement. "Not really. Gran was... well, she was the only person I had left in this world."
The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Come to Montana with me."
Sienna's eyes widen. "What? No, Aggie, that's too much. I couldn't possibly?—"
"Nonsense," I cut her off, my Scottish stubbornness flaring up. "You're coming home with me for Christmas, and that's that."
"But—"
"No buts," I insist, channeling my mother's no-nonsense tone. "We've got plenty of room, and trust me, one more person at the table won't make a difference. Besides," I add with a grin, "you haven't lived until you've experienced a proper Montana Christmas, and add in the fact you’ll be with Reapers Rejects. Well, that’s an experience in itself!"
Sienna looks torn between gratitude and hesitation. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose..."
I loop my arm through hers, pulling her close as we near the frat house. "Sienna, listen to me. Where I come from, family isn't just about blood. It's about who you choose to surround yourself with. And I'm choosing you."
As the words leave my mouth, I realize how true they are.
Despite our short time knowing each other, I feel a kinship with Sienna.
Maybe it's because we both understand what it's like to have complicated family histories, or maybe it's just the bond of shared experiences at college.
Whatever it is, I know in my gut that bringing her home is the right thing to do.
Sienna's eyes well up with tears, and for a moment, I worry I've overstepped.
But then she throws her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Aggie," she whispers. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
I hug her back, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "That's what family does, lass. We take care of each other."
As we break apart, wiping away tears and laughing a little at our emotional display, I can't help but think about how different my life is now compared to just a few months ago.
The bass from the frat house reverberates through my chest as Sienna and I approach the sprawling two-story building.
Red cups litter the lawn, and the air is thick with the scent of cheap beer and weed.
"Ready to raise some hell?" I ask Sienna with a wink.
She grins back, her earlier vulnerability replaced by a mischievous glint in her eye. "Born ready."
As we step inside, the chaos engulfs us.
Bodies writhe to the pounding music, and shouts of laughter punctuate the air.
I scan the room, taking in the scene, when my fingers brush against the hard edge of Jolt's phone in my pocket.
A wicked smile tugs at my lips.
"Give me a sec," I yell to Sienna over the noise.
She nods and drifts toward a group of our sorority sisters by the makeshift bar.
I duck into a quieter corner, fishing out Jolt's phone.
My heart races as I unlock it—thank fuck for his predictable password—and pull up his contacts.
I find Shiver's name and start typing.
My thumb hovers over the send button for a moment.
Is this too far?
But then I remember Jolt's hand on my throat, the heat in his eyes, and how he thinks he can just toy with me whenever he wants. Fuck that.
I hit send:
Catch me if you can.
A thrill runs through me as I imagine Shiver's confusion, followed by Jolt's panic when he realizes his phone is missing.
I can almost hear Shiver's vulgar response, picture that cocky grin of his as he figures out what's happened.
Sienna's voice cuts through my thoughts. "What are you smirking about?"
She's holding two red cups, offering one to me.
I take the drink, tucking the phone away. "Just setting up a little game of cat and mouse," I say cryptically.
Sienna raises an eyebrow. "With that hot biker from earlier?"
"Maybe," I reply, taking a swig of the sickly-sweet punch. It burns going down, but I welcome the warmth. "Let's just say I'm keeping him on his toes."
As we rejoin the party, I can't help but feel excitement coursing through my veins.
Part of me hopes Jolt will come storming in, all righteous anger and barely contained desire.
The other part knows I'm playing with fire, taunting a man who's part of the world I both love and fear.
But isn't that what I do best?
I down my drink and grab Sienna's hand.
"Come on," I shout over the music. "Let's show these frat boys how real women party!"
As we make our way to the dance floor, I push thoughts of Jolt, the MC, and my conflicted feelings aside.
Tonight, I'm just Aggie—college student, sorority sister, and queen of raising hell.
Let the night bring what it may.