Page 28 of Judge (Devil’s Rose MC #7)

Judge

“ D id you ban Jovie and Elio from using your laptop yet?”

Wire gives me a look and I chuckle as I walk past him, taking my place in Church. I chuckle again as I think back to dinner last night, Kai and the kids pissing themselves with laughter over what the big littles did to Toby and his friends. Fucker deserved it if you ask me.

“We gonna have a problem with them?” Marx asks, looking around the table, gaze landing on Tav.

Tav shrugs, “Depends. If we try to stop them, we’ll end up on their shit list. Wouldn’t it be better to nurture their, ah, talents?”

Looks of horror fly around the table, and I can’t help but sit back, arms crossed, feeling smug. My kids are fucking angels.

Marx squints his eyes, looking around the table with a frown. “Where’s Sniper?”

Looking around, we all shake our heads, except for Pops who put on a real show of shrugging dramatically.

Sniper has been struggling ever since his brother showed up.

He seemed to shake off whatever was weighing him down when Kaia put his brother down, but he’s still not himself.

Anyone with eyes can see the man is barely holding it together.

“I’ll catch up with him once Church ends,” Rhodie murmurs. He’s probably the closest to Sniper, and even then he isn’t super close.

The curse of being a sniper means long periods of time on your own, isolation, silence. I’m not sure whether my brother Sniper was always solitary or if the job made him this way. Marx nods his thanks and clears his throat.

“Well, now is probably the best time to get this shit outta the way.” He looks around the table at us.

“As you know Moss Davies has recently been placed in the sheriff role. That means fucking good things for us.” Everyone’s fists bang the table in agreement.

“But, shit aint gonna be all smooth sailing and a fucking bed of roses. There are snakes in the PD who worked for our dearly departed sheriff and are happy to be on the take, no matter who’s paying.

” I nod, following along. Marx will have a plan, the question is, who will it affect?

“Moss is looking for men to have his back.” His gaze moves to Fox and Nitro.

“You two are the only members who have a background in military law enforcement. How would you feel about giving up the garage, and taking on roles at the PD? Not as full time officers, because, I can’t see you both being pen pushers and beating the streets, but just as backup for Moss as he cleans house? ”

Fox and Nitro share a look, much like my twins do. They nod once, before turning back to Marx.

“He can have us for a year. No more,” Nitro says, tapping his hand on the table.

“Moss will have you for as long as I say.” Marx nods, Wire tapping away at his laptop, probably putting that shit into the minutes.

“Good. Second order of business. The Landrys, as with the Tombs, have done their time and are now fully patched. They’re also ready to get home.

Sniper has already put his hand up to transfer to the new chapter, help get it squared away.

I’m opening it up for any brother who wishes to transfer. ”

We all share looks around the table. If I were younger and single I’d let it cross my mind. But as it stands, I have a family to think about.

“If you want an old fucker on your team, I’ll throw my hat in the ring,” Flack says, slapping a hand on the table.

“Flack?” Wire raises a brow.

“My baby girl is grown Wire, and she has you to take care of her.” Wire nods, accepting Flack’s decision. “Besides, you’ll see me every time you lot get caught up in shit,” Flack grins.

Chris snorts. Shit, not Chris, Saint. The Landrys finally got their roadnames and either we are fucking geniuses, or damned lazy. Each road name is a play on their government names. Chris is Saint, Victory is Vex, and Wisdom is now Omen. “So, every other week then?” Saint says dryly.

Our laughter rings out, only stopping when TumTum clears his throat. He shares a look with Chef, “I’d like to go, too. Seems like it’d be cool.” Marx nods in his direction.

“Me too.” Chef says in his low voice, earning a growl from Tav.

“Does my daughter know that you’re thinking of up and leaving?”

“We’ve spoken about it. She ain’t happy, but shit, I’m older than she is, she needs to live her life a little, without me holding her back,” Chef frowns.

“Ah, another dumb shit,” Pops mutters under his breath. “Get back to me in a year or so kid, the Love Pres will sort you out,” Marx and I laugh way too hard at his words. But hell, if anyone can sort out the clusterfuck Chef is going to get himself into, it’ll be Pops.

“You find cover for the gym, I’ll transfer.” Our shocked gazes move to Dex. Of anyone I’d have thought he’d stay here, with Savage. “I ain’t got a woman or a family. You’ll need numbers to get shit moving in Louisiana. It makes sense to go.”

Marx stares at Dex for long enough to make the brother squirm under his dark gaze. His eyes narrow, clearly scheming, before he nods in Dex’s direction. “You sure about this?”

Savage slaps a hand on Dex’s shoulder, giving him a shake. He looks gutted that his best friend and ex-VP is moving on, but shit, it’s a good move. Dex will never progress to being part of the council here as we’re so well established and he’s not wrong, he ain’t got nothing tying him to Texas.

“Yeah, I’m sure Pres.”

Marx tips his chin, “It’s settled then. It’s going to be a fucking sad day for us, but having men I trust with my life and more importantly, with the lives of my family sitting not even four hours away, feels good.”

“Never thought I’d see the day DRMC expanded past our little town limits,” Mad Dog says, sounding choked up. “Fucking proud of you men.”

We all nod, the gravity of the situation dawning on the faces of the Landrys and the men who are opting to move. It’ll be weird without them, but having allies close by is a fucking bonus. Besides, if they grow as big as we have, DRMC will be a force to be reckoned with.

“OK, well that’s that shit done. What have we got on this Seth Carrick slimy fuck?”

Banging in the hall has us all turning to look at the door. There’s another bang and then it flies open, Sniper on the other side with a big fucker hogtied at his feet while Pops laughs and high fives him.

“Well, I guess we all know where Sniper was,” Rider quips.

“It’s a present for Kaia,” Sniper grumbles.

“What a thoughtful gift.” Saint says, eyeing the bruised and bloody man at Sniper’s feet.

Marx lets out a sigh, “Right, lets get this shit over with.”

“Want me to call the women?” Rhodie asks. Marx gives him a look and Rhodie snorts, pulling his phone out of his cut. “Chewy? Rally the girl gang.”

Kaia

“Oh Kaiaaaaa, open uuuuuup!” Chewy yells from outside, before knocking incessantly at the trailer door.

Throwing the door open I’m met with not only Chewy, but the whole girl gang on my door step.

“Hey kids,” Mira waves, “Do you mind helping Mama Debs, Sage and Niko with the little kids for a couple of hours?”

The twins share a look before getting up from where they’re lounging on the couch to put on crocs and head out the door. But not before stopping to look at me.

“Go on, I’ll be fine.”

Jax raises a brow. “It’s not you I’m worried about,” he grins. Annie doing the same.

“What the hell?” I mutter. I hate when they do that. It’s like they know something I don’t know.

Before I can go down that rabbit hole Chewy reaches in and grabs my hand, before dropping it and wiping hers on the back of her pants. “Yuck I thought I knew you well enough to touch you but it grossed me out.” She gives me a long look then turns and leaves.

I lean out my door, eyes following her before looking at the rest of my girls. “What was that about?”

“Dunno, but I heard Sniper has a gift for you,” Blanche answers, waggling her brows.

“Yes! So let’s get moving,” Remy says, “To the Rev Room!” She lets out a giggle then follows Chewy, the rest filing after her.

Shoving my own feet into crocs I move to head out.

“Might want to wear closed toed shoes, girl,” Pops says, staring at my crocs.

I eye him up then kick them off, opting for sneakers instead. “Perfect!” Lovely coos, twining her elbow through mine.

We walk in a loud, messy line from my trailer to the Rev Room, talking crap and giggling the whole way. Never in a million years did I see myself living this type of life. I have all these blessings thanks to Leo, and I think I owe it to him, to us, to try this thing. Properly. All in.

Walking through the door I’m stopped by Pops’ long, low, whistle. “Damn, she’s going to love it.”

“I’m going to love what?” I make my way to the front of the girl gang only to stop in my tracks.

There, hog tied, bloody and bruised, is Seth Carrick. The asshole.

“Surprise,” Sniper mumbles, looking awkward.

I gape from him, to Seth, then back to Sniper before launching myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck. Sniper stumbles back, surprised by my reaction.

“Thank you, Sniper,” I whisper.

Leo’s low growl reaches my ears but I ignore him. When you have a brother that does something so damn sweet, you need to thank him.

“You’re welcome, little sister.” He pushes me back gently, bending a little lower so his gaze holds mine. “You got rid of my monster, I’ll help you get rid of yours.”

“We all will. Now, where do we want to start?” Chewy asks, standing in front of floor to ceiling shelving filled with all manner of things.

Everyone turns to look at me. “Ah, can I help you?”

Leo chuckles, his large bulk moving behind me, bathing me in his warmth. His arm snakes around my middle as he leans down, “You’re in charge, little mama. Tell them what you want to happen to this motherfucker.” He presses a kiss to my temple before standing to his full height, not letting me go.

Seth’s eyes are wide, darting between me, Leo and the rest of the DRMC.

I can’t help but look at him in disgust. I can’t believe this asshole had me thinking so little of myself.

I stare at him for long moments, thinking of all the things I want to do to him, the things I’ve seen Chewy and Pops do to men, and yet, I don’t care enough about what happens to him in the immediate future.

I only care what happens to him afterwards.

Raising my head I look at my friends, my family, all on tenterhooks on what my decision will be.

“I don’t care what you do to him, I just don’t want him to die.”

“Huh?” Rider stops fiddling with some nunchucks made of dildos, to stare at me.

“You sure about this, Kai?” Leo murmurs softly.

“I’m sure. I want him to suffer. I want him to feel pain and fear and then when he’s almost done I want someone, anyone, to disable him. I want him to live the life my father begged to leave. I want him shitting his pants. Incapable of caring for himself. I want him at the mercy of others.”

“Damn girl, that’s diabolical,” Nat whispers, bumping me with her hip.

“Well, then, looks like we get to try some new techniques,” Pops claps his hands, rubbing them together.

He and Chewy walk off to look at their supplies while I stand, warm and cosy in Leo’s arms. We all watch on in silence as Pops and Chewy hold up all sorts of stuff and giggle amongst themselves.

“You said he made you foot cam, right?” Chewy calls out.

I nod once before ducking my head in embarrassment.

“No need to hide, babe, I for one think your feet are fucking adorable,” Leo growls in my ear.

I can feel my face heat some, and Sniper smirks at me, having overheard Leo.

“He sold underwear too, huh girl?” Pops calls this time.

I can really feel myself flushing now. My whole body feels hot and it’s equal amounts shame and anger. I break out of Leo’s hold to rush up and kick Seth in the gut for what he made me do. Leo pulls me back against him, his scent and his warmth calming me slightly.

“Where did he sell them? Like online?” Mira asks, notepad at the ready.

“Um, yeah, a few sites,” I mumble.

“So, you’d like wear them, and then just put them in an envelope?” She raises her brows, waiting for me to answer.

“Ah, no, he’d ah, vacuum seal them first.”

Her eyes grow impossibly wide and it’s almost as if the whole girl gang leans closer. “That’s genius,” she whispers.

The girl gang all share a look, before looking at me. Oh hell, they want me to help them sell their underwear.

“No one is selling panties!” Marx shouts, frowning down at his woman.

“Why not?” Chewy asks, head tilted, holding what appears to be metal underwear.

Huh. Weird. “Sounds lucrative and people would pay good money for that. You could probably charge extra for wearing them to workout at the gym or something because they’d be more, what’s the word?

Flavorful? Anyway, it sounds like a great money making opportunity. ”

I nod along with her train of thought because she’s right. It is a lucrative side hustle. “Worn underwear can be anywhere upwards of $30. Sweaty ones $80 and up.”

All eyes stare at me and before I can shrink away I’m bombarded with questions. “Are there men’s boxers on there or will I have to wear women’s panties to make bank?” Rider shouts out, causing silence to descend. “What? We all need a side hustle in this economy.”

“I repeat, no one is selling underwear from the fucking compound.” Marx growls.

“What about from off compound?” Rider yelps as he jumps away from Marx’s death glare.

“Now that we’ve agreed to start selling product to panty sniffers, can we get on with things now?” Chewy asks, blowtorch in hand.

I can’t help the giggle that bursts out of me.

The rollercoaster of emotions that comes with what we’re about to do, with my ugly past dragged up and then somehow everyone now wanting to join the business I was ashamed of, all of it somehow breaks me down and puts me back together again.

I beam at everyone in the Rev Room, hoping that my gratitude and love for them shines through my face.

I watch as Rider and Tank untie Seth and then hang him from the ceiling while Pops cuts off his clothing none too gently. Once he’s standing in the nude, Pops’ knife work clear to see, everyone shares grins. The show is about to begin.

Sniper bumps me with his elbow, a small smile on his face. “You good, little sis?”

“I will be.”