Page 18

Kasen

A deafening roar shattered the quiet evening, the thunderous rumble of motorcycles growing louder as they approached. I stood outside the clubhouse, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The air filled with the acrid scent of gasoline and burning rubber as the Dixie Reapers and their allies rolled in, a sea of leather and chrome.

Tempest’s bike led the pack, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. He dismounted with fluid grace, his muscled frame commanding attention. My breath caught in my throat as he exchanged nods with the other riders, their silent acknowledgment heavy with the weight of the impending battle.

I hung back, watching as leather-clad men clasped hands and embraced, their gruff voices a low rumble beneath the dying engines. My father, Tank, caught my eye and gave me a subtle nod. I returned it, swallowing hard.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it?” Emmie, my mom, appeared beside me.

“Yeah,” I murmured, my gaze drifting back to Tempest. He was deep in conversation with Preacher, their expressions grim.

The clubhouse doors swung open, and the bikers began to file inside. I followed, the sudden quiet almost deafening after the roar of engines.

Inside, the atmosphere crackled with energy. Laughter erupted from a corner where Wraith was regaling a group with some outrageous tale. The clinking of glasses and the sharp crack of pool balls punctuated the air.

I made my way to the bar, snagging a soda. My sisters were already there, huddled together and whispering. They waved me over, but I shook my head. My eyes were drawn, as always, to Tempest.

He stood with a group of senior members, his presence magnetic. I wondered, not for the first time, how I’d been so lucky to snag a man like him.

“Earth to Kasen.” Owen’s voice broke through my thoughts. He nudged me with his elbow. “You’re staring again.”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “Shut up,” I muttered, taking a long sip of my drink.

Owen chuckled. “I’m glad the two of you finally figured things out.”

I tuned him out, but I had to admit he had a point. If Tempest hadn’t kissed me that day, hadn’t been watching me, would we be together right now? Probably not. I’d been too chicken to make the first move. Okay, so I’d sort of made a move. At least, to me I had. I wasn’t sure how Tempest saw it. I knew he’d had women throw themselves at him over the years. Before the club tossed out all the whores and locked the compound down, except for people Wire and Lavender vetted. Compared to those women, I’d probably been like an awkward teen.

The laughter and chatter around us seemed to swell, a defiant roar against the danger that loomed on the horizon. I let the noise wash over me, trying to lose myself in the moment, but my eyes kept finding their way back to Tempest.

As if sensing my gaze, Tempest’s eyes locked with mine. My breath caught in my throat. He moved toward me with purpose, his stride eating up the distance between us. Before I could process what was happening, his arm was around my shoulders, pulling me close.

“Let’s give them something to talk about,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear.

My heart hammered as we walked into the center of the room together. Conversations stuttered to a halt, all eyes turning to us. Tempest’s arm, heavy and warm across my shoulders, felt like a brand. A declaration.

“I think we can all agree it’s amazing our Sergeant-at-Arms got his head out of his ass,” Preacher’s voice boomed.

Laughter rippled through the crowd. I felt my cheeks burn, but Tempest’s grip only tightened.

“I’d started to think they were a lost cause,” someone called out.

That familiar tension radiated off Tempest, but when he spoke, his voice was controlled. “All of you think it’s so funny. Exactly how many of you were aware of how we felt about each other?”

Silence fell. I held my breath, acutely aware of every pair of eyes on us.

“Everyone but her parents,” Saint said.

Then Wraith raised his glass. “To Tempest and Kasen!”

The room erupted in cheers. Glasses clinked, liquor sloshed. The celebration took on a new energy.

“To fallen brothers,” Preacher’s voice cut through the noise. The mood shifted instantly, smiles fading. “And to the fight ahead.”

“To fallen brothers,” the crowd echoed, voices thick with emotion.

I glanced up at Tempest. His eyes were dark, filled with a mix of grief and determination that made my heart ache. I knew he blamed himself for what happened to Bats and Gears.

“We’ll make it through this,” I whispered.

He looked down at me, his expression softening for a moment. “Yeah,” he said gruffly. “We will.”

I tugged gently on Tempest’s hand, leading him away from the crowd. We found a quiet corner, the thumping bass muffled by the old wood paneling. My heart raced as I turned to face him.

“Tempest.” I knew my voice was barely audible over the distant roar of the party. “I… I’m scared. I don’t want to be, but I am. I’m supposed to be strong, and a support for you and the club, but…”

His calloused fingers brushed my cheek. “Me too, darlin’. Everyone here is worried about tomorrow, but we’re all dealing with it in our own ways.”

“Promise me you’ll be safe,” I demanded, gripping his cut. “Promise me.”

Tempest’s eyes, usually shining with barely contained fury, were uncharacteristically gentle. “I’ll always come back to you. Always.”

I pressed my forehead against his chest, inhaling the scent of leather and gasoline. I had a feeling he was lying to me, but I’d take it right now. “I’ve waited so long for this. For us. I can’t lose you now.”

His arms encircled me, strong and protective. “I know. I’m sorry it took me so long to see what was right in front of me.”

Across the room, I caught sight of my father. He stood motionless, his expression unreadable as he watched us. My stomach knotted. He’d begrudgingly given his approval when we’d returned from Florida, but I knew he hadn’t liked the thought of me and Tempest together.

I saw Dad’s massive frame shift, his boots scuffing against the wooden floor as he began to move in our direction. Each step seemed to echo, despite the noise around us.

Tempest tensed, his grip on me tightening fractionally. I held my breath, waiting for the confrontation I’d feared since I was sixteen.

Dad’s imposing figure loomed over us, his eyes flicking between Tempest and me. The air crackled with tension. I felt Tempest’s muscles coil, ready to defend us if necessary. He knew as well as I did that my dad didn’t like us being together.

But then, something unexpected happened. Dad’s stern expression softened, just slightly. He gave a single, curt nod to Tempest. “Take care of her. You get through this and don’t leave her alone.”

My heart leapt. Was this… acceptance? A true one this time.

Tempest’s grip on me loosened, but he didn’t let go. “I will defy the devil himself to stay with her.”

I opened my mouth, overwhelmed, but before I could speak, Preacher’s voice boomed across the room. “Brothers and friends! I need your attention!”

The cacophony of the party died down as all eyes turned to Preacher. He stood on a chair, his presence commanding even without the added height. “Our family has a surprise for Tempest and Kasen,” Preacher announced, a smile playing at his lips.

My pulse quickened. What was going on?

Preacher’s eyes found ours in the crowd. “We’re gonna make it official. Right here, right now. I’m gonna marry you two.”

Gasps and cheers erupted around us. I turned to Tempest, shocked. His eyes were wide, mirroring my surprise. It seemed he hadn’t known anything about this either.

Preacher held up his hands for silence. “Now, technically, Lavender already did the deed. You know how and she and Wire are about this sort of thing. So if anyone goes digging, they’ll find a marriage certificate on file. But I wanted to give you a proper ceremony, surrounded by your family.”

Tempest’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. “What do you say, darlin’? Ready to be Mrs. Tempest in front of everyone?”

I snorted then giggled. “That’s not what my name will be. I’ll be Mrs. Brewer.”

“You know what I mean. You ready for this?”

My heart soared. This was everything I’d ever dreamed of, and more. “God, yes.”

Preacher’s voice cut through the excited murmurs, steady and solemn. “Brothers, family, and friends, we gather here to witness the union of two souls forged in fire.”

I stood before him, Tempest’s hand a lifeline in mine. My heart hammered against my ribs as Preacher’s words washed over us.

“Love in our world isn’t soft,” he intoned. “It’s as hard as the road beneath our wheels, as fierce as the wind in our faces. Tempest, Kasen -- you’ve chosen a path that demands loyalty above all else.”

Tempest’s grip tightened. I glanced up, catching the intensity burning in his eyes.

Preacher continued, “In this family, in this life, we stand together against all storms. Your love must be a shield, your bond unbreakable.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of every word. This wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a vow to the club, to our way of life. He’d never done a ceremony like this one before. Was it because I was the daughter of the ex-Sergeant-at-Arms and was now marrying the new one?

“Tempest.” Preacher’s gaze locked onto him. “Do you swear to protect Kasen, to cherish her, to stand by her side come hell or high water?”

Tempest’s voice was raw with emotion. “I swear it. On my life, on my patch.”

“Kasen.” Preacher turned to me. “Do you swear to support Tempest, to be his anchor, his home no matter how dark the road ahead?”

I looked up at Tempest, seeing our future in his eyes. “I do,” I said, my voice stronger than I expected. “Always.”

Tempest’s hand trembled in mine as we exchanged rings -- simple bands that felt heavier than the world. I didn’t know how they had gotten them, or how they’d known our sizes, but they fit perfectly.

“By the power vested in me,” Preacher’s voice rang out, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love be as eternal as the brotherhood that binds us all.”

The room exploded. A deafening roar of cheers and whistles engulfed us as Tempest pulled me into a searing kiss. I melted against him, the world fading away for a heartbeat.

“Get it, brother!” someone hollered, followed by raucous laughter.

We broke apart, grinning like fools. Hands reached for us from all sides -- palms slapping Tempest’s back, gentler touches squeezing my shoulders. The air was thick with cigar smoke and the scent of leather.

“Welcome to the family, asshole,” Dad said, holding his hand out to Tempest. My husband shook it, just grinning like a fool. Then Dad gave me a bear hug, lifting me off my feet, before he walked off to join Mom and my sisters.

Tempest leaned in close, his breath hot on my ear. “You okay?”

I nodded, overwhelmed. “Never better.”

Someone cranked up the music, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” blasted through the speakers. Bodies moved, a sea of leather and denim.

“Drinks!” Preacher bellowed. “Let’s give these two a proper send-off!”

I caught a glimpse of his face -- the stern officiant replaced by a grinning brother, already reaching for a bottle of whiskey.

Tempest’s arm snaked around my waist, anchoring me. “Ready to face the madness, Mrs. Brewer?”

A thrill shot through me at the name. I grinned up at him. “Bring it on.”

The music shifted, a slower melody threading through the air. Tempest’s grip on my waist tightened, his eyes shining as he pulled me close.

“Dance with me,” he said, more command than request.

We swayed together, an island of calm in the swirling chaos. Tempest’s body was a solid wall of heat against mine, his hands splayed possessively across my lower back. I breathed in his scent -- leather, motor oil, and something uniquely him.

“Never thought I’d have this,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

I looked up, meeting his intense gaze. “Have what?”

“You. This.” His fingers flexed against my skin. “A Goddamn future worth fighting for.”

“We’re going to make it through this, Tempest. Together.”

He nodded, jaw tight. I could feel the tension radiating off him, the barely contained rage that always simmered beneath the surface. But when he looked at me, his eyes softened.

“I love you, Kasen,” he said, the words fierce and low. “Whatever happens tomorrow --”

I silenced him with a kiss. “Don’t. We have tonight.”

As we danced, I noticed the mood in the room shifting. Laughter died down, replaced by hushed conversations. Couples clung to each other a little tighter. Children, yawning, were ushered toward the exit.

Dad caught my eye from across the room. He jerked his chin toward the door, a silent command. It was time. Somehow, he knew exactly what I needed right now, and he was making sure I had it.

Tempest noticed too. His arm tightened around me possessively. “Ready to go home, wife?”

The word sent a shiver down my spine. “Lead the way, husband.”

I slipped my hand into Tempest’s, our fingers intertwining as we stepped outside. The cool night air hit my flushed skin, a stark contrast to the stuffy warmth of the clubhouse.

The parking lot was nearly empty now, most of our family and friends having already left. The roar of engines had faded to an eerie silence, broken only by the chirp of crickets and our soft footsteps on gravel.

We walked a short distance, coming to a stop at the edge of the lot. I tilted my head back, taking in the vast expanse of stars above us. They seemed impossibly bright tonight, as if the universe itself was bearing witness to our union.

Tempest’s grip on my hand tightened. I glanced up at him, struck by the play of moonlight across his features. He scanned the dark outside the compound as if searching for unseen enemies.

“What are you thinking?” I asked softly.

He exhaled sharply. “That I should be focusing on strategy, on keeping everyone safe tomorrow.” His gaze dropped to mine, intense and conflicted. “Instead, all I can think about is you.”

My heart raced. “Is that such a bad thing?”

“It’s fucking terrifying.” He pulled me closer. “I’ve never had so much to lose.”

I pressed my palm against his chest, feeling the rapid thud of his heartbeat. “You’re not going to lose me, Tempest. We’re in this together, remember?”

He cupped my face in his large hands. “Promise me something, Kasen.”

“Anything,” I whispered.

“If things go sideways tomorrow… you follow instructions and get your ass to the back of the compound. I have a vehicle waiting to get you, your sisters, and your mom the hell out of here. No matter what happens, you get to that vehicle. Understand?”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the raw fear in his eyes stopped me. Instead, I nodded, knowing it was a lie even as I spoke. There was no way in hell I’d leave him behind. “I promise.”