Page 12

Soul

I never wanted to watch a kid go through that again. The next three days with Maci were rough. Slasher ended up visiting constantly because Maci was in agony. Each time he blocked the pain gave Maci a few hours relief before the Guillain-Barré syndrome roared back. For the first time since I’d known him, Slasher looked helpless.

Maci didn’t complain once, just took it on the chin, although she cried from being hurt. Bryony called Madden and informed him Maci was in hospital and got bitched at for disturbing him on set. Next time I saw that fucker, Keres would be re-arranging his face.

Lindy and Spike had kept Ham while we were at the hospital, and he was having a wonderful time. The kid was naturally curious about everything MC, and I thought we might have started an addiction in him. Bryony hadn’t clocked on yet, but it was there.

Finally, Maci was strong enough and was released, and I took them all home. Once at Bryony’s house, I helped her sort things out with Maci, and then I sat down. Bryony was shattered and didn’t need to cook tonight.

“What do you all have from takeaway? Do you eat Chinese?”

“Yeah!”

Ham beamed.

“Do you know what you all have?”

“Yup.”

Ham rattled off a list of items, which I ordered. Then, he asked out of the blue, “Do you like my mom?”

I jolted. “Yes, she’s a nice lady and works very hard at taking care of you two,” I said.

“No, I meant, do you want to kiss her?”

Ham pushed, and I laughed.

“Dude, come back and have this conversation in a few years. That’s private between me and your mom,”

I responded.

My phone rang, and I looked down, relieved to be saved by the bell. “Hey, Lila.”

“Saph’s spoken to me. She received a call about Jenson,”

Lila said without preamble.

“I mentioned Jenson, yeah, unless she is joining the Royal Harlots,”

I replied.

“No, she’s not. Saph has reached out to her, and Jenson is interested. Jenson will contact Warden directly. Just remember, Soul, Jenson is fragile,”

Lila warned.

“Did Saph brief Warden?” I asked.

“Yes. She wouldn’t send Jenson in and risk exposing her to danger,”

Lila stated.

“Not a problem, sis. Let me know when Jenson is coming, and I’ll be there with Bryony.”

“And how’s that going?”

Lila pried.

“Butt out,”

I retorted.

“Jayden…”

“Nope. Stay out of shit. Warden’s already caused enough issues,” I said.

“Seriously? Tell me!”

Lila demanded with glee in her voice. I sighed and shook my head.

“Nosey sisters, Ham, they never change!”

I informed him, and Ham chuckled.

“You’ve got company? Sorry, catch you later, bro!”

Lila cackled and hung up.

I looked at the phone in my hand and rolled my eyes.

“Chinese!”

I said, and Ham laughed.

◆◆◆

Bryony smiled when she came down and saw the takeout boxes.

“Ham told me what you like, so I just ordered everything,”

I explained.

“That’ll feed us for a week,”

Bryony exclaimed. “Maci is asleep, so I’ll put her some aside.”

“Not a problem, babe. Come and eat, you’ve had a long few days.”

“Detective Myers said statements have been collated, and he’s waiting to hear what the outcome will be. That kid needs a good fucking hiding as far as I’m concerned,”

Bryony announced, sitting down.

“I could beat his ass again, Mom,”

Ham offered.

“You won’t be going back while Mr Kane is in charge. I’ve lodged a series of complaints there as well,”

Bryony added.

Ham looked delighted. “No schoolwork?”

Bryony smiled, and it had a wicked edge to it. “Oh no, darling, you’ll be attending the online classes I signed you up for.”

Ham pulled a face and whined as Bryony laughed.

“Dude, if you want a good job, you need to get your qualifications,”

I said to him.

“What do you do?”

Ham asked.

“I run a cemetery and funeral director. My brother Scorch runs the crematorium,”

I replied.

Bryony and Ham’s mouths dropped open.

“You do what?”

Ham exclaimed.

I repeated my words

“Holy cow. You work with dead people? Aren’t you afraid they’ll come back as zombies?”

Ham demanded.

“No. They’re dead.”

I chuckled.

“Do you handle the bodies?”

Ham questioned around a mouthful of noodles.

“No. I have staff who do that. I run things and get involved if there’s a problem.”

“Do you put makeup on them? Someone told me that dead people wear makeup. Or do you drive the big black car? Do you have horses and a carriage?”

Ham spat questions at me as I glanced at Bryony, a little shocked.

Bryony laughed. “Ham loves his zombies.”

“So I see!”

◆◆◆

It was a good night, and once Bryony had put Ham to bed, we sat out on the porch swing watching the stars.

“Thanks for the last few days. Why did you come?”

Bryony inquired.

“Lindy texted me as she knew I’d want to be there.”

“Why?”

“Because if you’re in trouble or need me, then I’m your support,”

I replied.

“But why?”

Bryony pushed, and I could tell she was confused.

“Babe.”

I didn’t know how Bryony would take this next bit, so I watched her closely. “I like you a lot. You are the entire package, kind, caring, smart, beautiful, and a great mom. I want to start something with you.”

“Because I’m your anchor.”

“No. That has nothing to do with us. Our bond has formed, according to Aura and Maci, and you’re already easing my pain. No offence, I don’t need to be romantically involved with you for you to be my anchor. I want you for you, Bryony. Is that hard to understand?”

“Soul, I’m twenty-seven years old and have two children and an ex-husband. How old are you?”

“Twenty-two. Age doesn’t—”

“Yes, it does matter. Why would a twenty-two-year-old man want to be saddled with kids? Or are you thinking of a quick fling because I don’t do those either?”

“Bryony,”

I said, cupping her face.

“Yeah?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

I pulled her close and cupped the back of her neck and took her mouth. I felt Bryony’s shock as she stiffened, but gently, I nibbled her bottom lip and sucked on it until her lips opened. Without hesitation, I claimed her and teased her tongue.

Bryony was hesitant at first, and I got the inkling she’d not been kissed much. She appeared unsure of herself and what to do. Honestly, I’d not kissed many women like this either, but I was going with instinct. And mine seemed to be working just fine as Bryony let out a little moan.

Our tongues duelled, and I hauled her onto my lap as I banded an arm around her waist, and Bryony positioned herself over my cock.

The kiss deepened, and I’d never been so aroused. Everything about Bryony was perfect: her taste, her smell, her feel. Bryony had the power to drive me insane. A noise made us spring apart, and we stared into each other’s eyes. Bryony quickly shifted off my lap.

“I want you as more than an anchor or a cheap fling. If I have to prove that every day, then I will,”

I said as Ham appeared at the door.

“Maci is awake, Mom.”

“I’m coming,”

Bryony replied as she got up.

“I’ll get Lindy to babysit on Friday, and I’ll take you on a date.”

With that, I strolled down the path, whistling. But I felt Bryony’s stunned gaze boring into my back.

Bryony

“The children will be fine,”

Lindy insisted as she herded me out the door. Spice, Pipe, and Fists were watching the kids, and I wasn’t going to lie, I was apprehensive.

Soul had laughed when I asked him if Ham and Maci would be safe with the three older men. He told me to be more worried about coming home to an intact house.

“I don’t know…”

I muttered as Lindy guided me towards her car. Inside was Rosalea, Iona, and Lissy.

“Day two at shopping!”

Iona squealed.

“And still no morning sickness,”

Lindy complained, glaring at Iona.

“Ain’t it a bitch!”

Iona chortled.

“You’re a damn bitch,”

Lindy snapped in reply, and everyone laughed.

Lindy pulled out, and we headed back to Camden’s main shopping centre.

I like the fact the ladies felt like I did and ignored malls and favoured supporting local shops. We wandered around doing the side that we missed the other day, and I found a cute dress to wear on my date with Soul.

“That is adorable!”

Lissy squealed.

“That’s a date night dress,”

Rosalea said, tilting her head.

A blush began at on my cheeks.

“Who do you have a date with?”

Lindy demanded.

“Soul!”

Lissy guessed.

“Yeah. We’re going out Friday, but I don’t know if I should wear jeans or a dress,”

I replied.

“Soul has a car, so get the dress,”

Lindy advised.

“Do you think so?”

I wondered.

“Yes. Now, you need some cute strappy heels. Come on, ladies,”

Iona ordered and marched in the direction of the shoe store.

I found some perfect sandals with a little heel and a band that wrapped around my ankles. I wasn’t one for wearing high heels as I always thought I’d break my neck in them!

“Shall we get a coffee?”

Lindy asked as she looked at her phone.

“Please. I need to pee as well,”

Iona commented.

“Oh yeah, wait until you’re seven months along, and the little shit lies on your bladder,”

Lindy griped. I nodded in agreement.

“Stock up on panty liners, you always end up with a trickle because you don’t make it in time,”

I advised.

Iona looked horrified.

“And then there’s the recovery period for your pelvic muscles. Sneeze and pee!”

Lindy said.

“Yup,” I agreed.

Iona stared in horror as we began to laugh.

“You are kidding? Tell me you’re joking!”

Iona exclaimed.

“About what, bitch?”

a male voice demanded, and we all stiffened.

“Hello… ladies,”

a second guy drawled, and we turned around.

Lindy pushed us behind her as she drew herself up.

“You’re on Royal Bastard territory, Tap. Starting shit here is a mistake,”

Lindy warned.

The guy, Tap, looked at Lindy and grinned. “As beautiful as ever, Lindy. Ain’t it time you left that old fucker and got yourself a real man?”

Tap grabbed his crotch and thrust forward.

Lindy didn’t look too bothered. “I’m still with Spice.”

“I recognise two of these bitches. Warden’s woman and sister. Who are the others?”

Tap asked. To my growing fear, he reached out and slid a lock of my hair through his fingers.

Lindy knocked his hand away, and Tap laughed. “You should have been mine. Spice never appreciated your fire.”

“Spice treats me just fine. You don’t need to worry.”

Tap stepped closer, and I grabbed Lindy’s arm, scared for her and myself. Tap didn’t look like the type of man who gave a shit he was in public to start trouble. He had a grizzled appearance and there was a thick, jagged scar running down his left cheek. His left eye was cloudy, with the scar continuing on the eyelid and into his brow.

“Like what you see, bitch? Tired of those pussies at the RBMC? Mind you, you ain’t got a cut on, which means you’re not claimed,”

Tap said. He reached out, grabbed my arm, and tried to pull me closer.

“Let her go, or I will shoot your dick off,”

Lindy warned. The second guy’s eyes widened, and I followed his gaze and saw Lindy holding a gun by her side.

“Shit, woman. You’d have made a fine Queen Bee for me!”

Tap laughed.

In the distance, I could hear bikes roaring and guessed that was the Royal Bastards. At least, I hoped it was.

“In your dreams, Tap. Get gone. Whatever you wanted to achieve is done,”

Lindy warned.

Tap leaned closer. “Tell Warden I can get to his weak spot whenever I want. Lindy, make him back the fuck off. We’re quits right now.”

“Warden will be here in a few moments. Why don’t you wait to give him your message in person?”

Lindy taunted.

Tap smirked and ran a lustful glance over Lindy. “Shit, Spice is a lucky bastard. You are fuckin’ perfect. See ya around, ladies.”

Tap and his buddy disappeared down an alley and Lindy shoved her gun back in her handbag and watched.

“You’re carrying?”

I demanded.

“I have a licence to carry concealed, and so, yes. Women are snatched all the time. No fucker is taking me without a fight,”

Lindy replied.

“Does someone want to tell me what that was?” I asked.

“An asshole flexing his muscles, except he won’t get what he wanted. Warden will be rabid over this,”

Lindy answered.

“Who was that? They wore cuts!”

I nearly yelled.

“Calm down, Bryony. That was the Bloody Scorpions. They are at war with the club. Tap also has an issue because he wished to claim me once, and I turned him down for Spice,”

Lindy said.

“It’s not so easy to calm down, Lindy. This isn’t my life. I’m a suburban house mom who works from home and is trying to raise two children. Confrontations with enemy MCs are not in my remit,”

I hissed. “I’ve children to consider, and if getting involved with your club puts them at risk, then I need a serious rethink.”

“Thought you had more spine,”

Lindy sneered.

“And Soul assured me that my kids and I wouldn’t be in danger,”

I retorted.

“You weren’t! I had us covered,”

Lindy replied sharply.

“With a gun. A damn gun! I should be able to go shopping and not worry about random guys issuing threats and touching me without my permission!”

Bikes squealed to a stop as five men and Vogue arrived.

“Are you okay?”

Vogue asked as she swung off the bike.

“We’re fine. Tap wanted to flex his tiny muscles,”

Lindy replied.

“Speak for yourself,”

I snapped at Lindy. “I’m calling an Uber. This is too much!”

Another Harley pulled up, and Soul climbed off and grabbed me in his arms, holding me tightly. I could feel the worry in his body, as Soul was tense.

“Are you okay?”

“No!”

the word burst from me as tears formed in my eyes. “I was terrified. Tap touched me, and Lindy had a gun,”

I babbled.

“You got her bags?”

Soul asked over my head as he drew me in close again.

“Yeah. Go on, Soul,”

Iona said quietly.

“Come on, baby.”

Soul led me to his Harley and mounted it. He showed me how to get on, and I obeyed.

Soul wrapped my arms around his waist, and his big bike vibrated between my legs.

I wasn’t paying much attention as Soul pulled off, as my mind was a whirl of emotion. What the hell was Soul’s club involved in that other clubs confronted and threatened women linked to them in the streets? How did I let my children be anywhere near this? Thoughts came and went as I questioned everything Soul had told me, and then I realised we were riding in Camden State Park.

Soul parked his bike and tapped my leg.

“Climb off, babe,”

he said. I did as I was told, and Soul followed and grabbed my hand. Without another word, he began walking a trail, and I allowed him to lead me.

“Are you going to kill me?”

I blurted, and Soul stopped and gaped at me.

“What?”

he finally managed to get out.

“You heard.”

“Why the fuck would you think that?”

Soul demanded, drawing me into his body and rubbing my back.

“Because of what happened,”

I answered as I clung to him. My potential murderer shouldn’t smell so good. “Don’t kill me, Soul. Madden would get custody of Maci and Ham, and he’d treat them terrible.”

“Jesus, Bryony. Nobody’s going to hurt you. I brought you here to see something,”

Soul replied and dropped a kiss on my lips.

“Oh,”

I muttered, feeling rather stupid as Soul started walking again. My tension began to ebb away, and the beauty surrounding us made me relax as we walked. Finally, Soul stopped and plunged off the path, taking me with him, and a few moments later, we arrived on a large outcropping of rocks, and I gasped.

In front of me lay the state park in all its glory. I could see for miles, and in the distance, the sea sparkled in the sunlight. Nature soaked into my very bones as I sat down and wrapped my arms around my knees and gazed out. Camden was a beautiful town, and it had never been clearer until now.

Minutes ticked past as Soul sat behind me and yanked me between his legs. His chin rested on my shoulder as he embraced me, and we both stared at the wondrous scene in front of our eyes. It was a feast for a starving soul.

“This is where I come when I need to get away if I can’t head to the cabin,”

Soul murmured.

“I can see why.”

“It reminds me of how insignificant I actually am, that long after I’m gone, this will still be here,”

Soul muttered.

“That’s deep.”

“And true.”

We sat for several more minutes. I could have stayed here all day in honesty.

“Why would you think we’d hurt you?”

Soul asked finally.

“Because of that man and Lindy pulling a gun and Warden and everything…”

I blurted, unsure where to start.

“Lindy is licenced to carry concealed. We all are, Bryony.”

“But that means none of you have criminal records,”

I surmised, and Soul nodded. “That means you’ve never been caught, or you’re not as dark as I thought.”

“Bit of both? I told you, we have illegal businesses. We like money and enjoy nice things in life. And if we have a woman, we don’t want her to go without. If she wants to drop fifty k on a car, we want her to be able to. If she desires vacations abroad, then that’s not an issue. But Bryony, we don’t touch the big three. No drug or gun running and no human trafficking.”

“I forgot. Normal people hear things, and we don’t know if they’re true and think back to the eighties. Biker wars were notorious from then. That man scared me. He touched me, Soul, and stated I had no cut. Almost as if he was saying I was free game. I do not live like this and don’t understand this world,”

I replied.

“Firstly. Tap is the President of the Bloody Scorpions here in Maine. They are based in Millinocket, two and a half hours away from us, babe. This is RBMC territory, and Tap breeched it because of the club’s actions lately. We informed the law of a huge drugs shipment, which got several of their members locked up. And we also let leak a place where they were doing a trafficking sale. People died, and they lost roughly over one hundred thousand when the Feds busted them.

“It was worth it as a truckload of women and children were saved. That’s why Tap was here. They set fire to the laundrette that Undertaker runs, and we hit back with the drugs bust. Tap was sending a warning today. He thinks we’re even, but we are not. The Bloody Scorpions need wiping off the earth. They’re in almost every state we are in, and they are our natural enemy, as I explained.”

“He scared me.”

“I won’t allow him to hurt you. Warden will retaliate over what happened because there’s an unspoken rule that women and children are off limits. Tap pushed that, and Warden won’t let that stand,”

Soul assured me.

But the question circling in my head wouldn’t go away. Was this what I wanted?