Page 26 of Panther’s Magpie (Mountain River MC #1)

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

MAGGIE

T he first thing I notice when we approach the gate is all the bikes out in front of the clubhouse and how it’s lit up like the Fourth of July.

Weird.

I wonder if something happened.

We pull to a stop right in front of the clubhouse, and Calloway shuts off his bike. I get off and take off the helmet.

“What’s going on?” I ask as I look at the building that has music pouring out its doors.

“We’re having a small party.”

I raise my brow. “I thought you guys don’t do that anymore here.”

Calloway shrugs. “We don’t. Not really, at least. That’s why we bought the bar, but with it closed right now, we decided to open the doors again.”

“Oh, so this is temporary?”

“Yeah, as soon as the bar opens back up, everyone will go back there, but until then, we will all be hanging out here. The boys need an outlet, and if we don’t give them one, shit’s bound to hit the fan.”

“An outlet, huh?” I tease.

Calloway groans as he pulls me into him.

“Yeah, an outlet, kind of like the one you just had,” he teases as he nips my ear.

“Outlets are good,” I say breathlessly.

“You two going to fuck out here or are you going to come in and join us?” someone hollers, making everyone laugh.

Calloway glares daggers into the dark toward where the voice came from.

“On second thought, maybe they don’t deserve to let loose.”

I slap his chest lightly. “Please, we both know they’ve more than earned it. Especially with all the tension right now going on with Aspen and me. The boys need a little light where everything right now is dark. If getting drunk and hooking up is their way, then let them have it.”

His hand moves to the back of my neck, and he pulls me in for a kiss.

“You get it,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I do. Now come on. I want to see what this kind of party looks like.” I step back and toward the clubhouse.

“Hold on, let’s wrap my jacket around you so no one sees what’s mine,” he says, making me blush.

He grabs a hoodie from his saddlebag and wraps it around my waist with the arms tied over my hip so nothing shows. It’s so fucking sweet how he takes care of me.

Calloway’s hand finds mine as we walk up the steps. When we step inside, I can’t help but shake my head.

This. This is what this place is supposed to look like. Guys are spread out across the room. Some are at the bar, while others are at the pool tables. There are even a couple of guys playing darts while some hang out at tables. There are a couple of women I’ve never seen either thrown into the mix.

For the first time since I showed up here months ago, this place is alive.

I understand why they bought the bar, but the clubhouse is meant to look like this.

I wonder if there is a way to have it both ways. Make this place a hangout, but keep the bar for the really wild nights.

Not your place to figure it out , a little voice in the back of my mind reminds me.

“Let’s get you changed.”

I nod, and we head down the hall toward the room I claimed. After changing and a quick bathroom break, we join everyone.

“Come on, let’s get a drink,” Calloway says over the music.

We weave through the brothers and head to the bar. I find a small gap and saddle up against it. Calloway cages me against the bar as he steps up against my back. My breath catches as he kisses the spot where my neck meets my collarbone.

“Your hair is getting long,” he murmurs against my skin.

“I know. I need to get a haircut.”

“You don’t like it long?”

“No.”

I could tell him how my mother was almost obsessed with me having long curly hair in the family photos they would have done once a year but don’t. She wanted us to look like the perfect all-American family, and for some reason, that included having long hair.

“No, it’s hard to maintain, but if you like it…”

“Magpie, wear your hair however the fuck you want. It’s your choice. Short or long, doesn’t matter to me. It was just a question.”

I love how he just accepts it and doesn’t push. It makes me feel seen and heard.

“Hey, you two,” Rain says as she approaches from behind the bar.

“Hey, are you working?” I ask.

“I am.”

“I thought Prospect Three was supposed to be behind the bar tonight,” Calloway barks.

Rain nods. “He is. He went to change out the kegs, though, and he was drowning on his own back here trying to keep up.”

“Fine, but don’t work too long,” Calloway tells her.

“Yeah, I want to have a drink with you,” I add.

Rain’s eyes light up. “I’d like that. Now tell me what do you two want?”

“Vodka cranberry, please.”

“Beer for me.”

Rain taps the bar. “Coming right up.”

As she makes our drinks, I look around the room and smile. The brothers look so happy and carefree.

Booing has me looking over at the pool table. Eagle stands there, arms wide with a smile on his face and a pool stick in his hand.

“I take it he won,” I say, pointing at him.

I love playing pool. We had a table at home growing up, and I used to spend hours playing by myself. I became obsessed with learning all the trick shots and how to hit the ball at just the right angle to make it do what I wanted.

When Aspen and I first got to California, we used to hit up a pool hall on campus. We paid for our couch with our earnings from hustling guys who were too stupid to realize that we knew the game.

I smile as I think about it. It’s been too long since I’ve played.

Calloway looks over and chuckles. “Yeah, never play against him. He’s kind of our resident pool shark. Everyone always thinks that they will beat him, but they don’t.”

“They think that today will be their lucky day and then are sorely disappointed.” I laugh as an idea takes root.

“Exactly.”

“Here you guys go. Enjoy,” Rain says as she drops off our drinks.

“Thank you,” we say in unison.

Calloway turns toward me. “Do you want to find a place to sit?”

I shake my head as I fight back a smile. “Actually, I want to see if I can worm my way into a game.”

Calloway’s eyebrows shoot up. “You want to play pool?”

“Yep.”

“Do you know how?”

“I don’t know…only one way to find out.” I brush past him and start walking toward the table. I pause and look over my shoulder. “Are you coming or not?”

PANTHER

Leaning against the wall, I smile.

She’s a goddamn pool shark.

How in the fuck did I never see that coming? My little Magpie is full of surprises, and I fucking love it.

Eagle bows dramatically. “You are the queen of the table.”

Maggie laughs, tilting her head back. God, she’s gorgeous.

“I want a turn,” Prairie, one of our younger members, says.

I shake my head and push off the wall. “Not happening. My girl owes me a dance.” I pull her into my arms, loving the way her hands touch my chest.

“I could use a break. Later, boys,” she says without looking away from me.

We head onto the dance floor and start to move. With one hand right above her ass, I hold her close while the other weaves through the hair at the back of her neck.

“You are full of surprises.”

She winks. “A girl’s got to have her secrets.”

“Where did you learn to play?”

“At my parents’ house. What you saw was a result of a lot of alone time and the internet.”

I hum, loving the way her body moves against mine. I know I just had her a couple of hours ago, but I want her again.

I always fucking want her.

She’s like a goddamn drug, and I’m always itching for my next hit.

“Kiss me,” she demands quietly.

“With pleasure,” I murmur as I bring her face to mine.

Just as our mouths touch, someone clears their throat.

“Sorry, Pres, I need you.”

“Is someone dead?” I ask without opening my eyes.

“No…” the prospect says.

“Then go away,” I say as I lean back in.

“But…”

Maggie chuckles quietly before turning her head. “What’s up?”

“There is a problem at the gate that needs your attention. I’m sorry for interrupting.”

“Fuck me. Stay here. I’ll be right back,” I mutter.

Maggie shakes her head. “I’m going to come with you.”

“Magpie,” I warn.

“Don’t Magpie me, Panther. I’m coming with you. Now let’s go.” She steps back and turns toward the door.

Girl is going to be the fucking death of me. Sometimes she listens so well, and then other times it’s like she forgets who’s calling the shots. She’s always keeping me on my toes.

Quickly I catch up with her, my hand finding the back of her neck as we walk.

“When we get to the gate, I want you to stay back a little bit just to be safe.”

“That sounds over the top. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

I see the car next to the gate and frown. Something about it is familiar, but I can’t make out the color from here.

When we approach, Talon turns toward us. His eyes widen when he sees Maggie next to me.

“What’s up?” I ask, bringing his attention to me and off of Maggie.

I know she’s gorgeous, and I trust my brothers around her and her with them, but tonight my possessiveness is riding me hard. I want them all to know that they don’t have a chance with my girl.

Talon opens his mouth, but before he can say anything, another voice rings out.

“He won’t let me in. He said my privileges have been revoked, which can’t be true,” Ava hisses as she steps out of her car.

Goddammit.

“That’s true,” I tell her.

Ava scoffs. “That’s bullshit, Panther, and you know it. Now let me in.”

Maggie steps in front of me and crosses her arms. “No.”

Ava’s eyes narrow at the woman in front of me. “Excuse me, little girl, this has nothing to do with you. Now let the adults talk.”

“Actually, I think it does. The way I see it, the only reason you’re here is because you’re pissed off that Panther moved on with me, not you.

I know for a fact he’s told you on more than one occasion that he has no interest in you, and you have yet to take the hint.

As far as I can tell, you are obsessed with him.

You don’t like that he’s happy with someone else. ”

Ava grabs onto the fence. “Say that to my face.”

“I just did,” Maggie deadpans before turning toward me. “Have you ever thought about getting a restraining order on her?”

“The thought might have crossed my mind a time or two,” I tell her as I fight back a smile.

Maggie nods before turning back to Ava. “This is what’s going to happen.

You are going to get in your car and leave.

You won’t come by here or the bar ever again.

You see one of the brothers anywhere, you turn and leave.

If we ever see you at a club event or, hell, in public near us again, Panther will be filing a restraining order. ”

“It won’t go through.” Ava scoffs as she takes a step back.

“Are you sure about that? I happen to know a judge or two in the area. With all the text messages I know you send him that he doesn’t respond to and the video evidence of you trying to break in, I know for a fact we could get one.

The question is, do you really want that on your record? ” Maggie asks.

I’m glad it’s dark outside because it hides my shock. How in the hell did she find out about Ava trying to break in?

Ava’s eyes meet mine. “This is bullshit.”

“No, Ava, your behavior is. You heard my woman. It’s time for you to leave and stay gone.”

Ava shakes her head. “You’re going to regret this.”

“The only thing I regret is sticking my dick in you. Now go.”

As Ava gets into her car, I look down at my girl.

Surprises. So many fucking surprises with her.

“You like that?” she asks quietly.

With my hand on her neck, I push her toward the fence. Spinning her, I pin her against it while Talon and the prospect make themselves scarce.

“Like that? Try fucking loved it.”

She tips her chin up. “I protect what’s mine.”

Mine.

Hearing her call me hers lights me on fire. Leaning down, I kiss her with everything I fucking have until we are both breathless.

“Take me home, Calloway ,” she murmurs against my lips.

I love the way she emphasizes my name.

“With fucking pleasure.”