“On it, pres!” Nessie calls back.
Zero grabs his drink raising it in the air. “To Prinie and Wraith!”
My club family all cheer, stomping their feet. Wraith clings to me, kissing my temple.
Finally, Zero’s on board, finally we have his blessing, and finally, I feel like I’m home. I might have viewed this club like it was the place that took a whole lot from me, but because of this club, I’m starting something brand new—bringing a life into to the world with the man I love and adore.
What more could I want than making my home a home for our family.
No matter what’s in store for us, no matter what these tests show, we will work through it together. Not just me and Wraith, but this entire club—my family. Because that’s what this clubhouse represents, and I understand that now.
It’s not about the losses and the pain you feel.
You can’t live in the past and wallow in regrets.
You have to fight for those you love, live every day to the fullest and embrace the moments you have because you never know when it could come crashing down. We know that all too well. The point is, not to let fear drown you. Live for what you have and cherish it. Enjoy every day with family by your side and at your back because that is what the club is all about.
That is what Houston is about, and I had forgotten that fact.
Well, I’ll never forget it again.
Houston is my home, and I’m never leaving again.
WRAITH
The Next Night
It’s been a long time coming, and it’s great to know things are going the club’s way for a change. I wrap my arm around Prinie, kissing her head as the club girls set up the room for Luc’s patching-in ceremony.
Cherry’s taken Luc and Ruby out on an errand. We’re all certain they’ll be suspicious something is amiss, but we want it to go smoothly for them.
Chills is rushing about like a madwoman making sure the decorations are placed everywhere they need to be, and Chains is ordering everyone around like he’s the damn president. For a couple of people who have been in this club for a short while, they sure have settled well. I have to remember this day is just as big for them as it is for Luc.
Their history with the prospect goes back further than I’m sure I know all the details of. I’d love to get into the nitty-gritty of Chains and Luc’s past. Of when they were kids growing up together in what sounded like a boys’ prison camp. The Sovereigns are disbanded now, but when Chains left Luc, there were years when the practically brothers were separated and living apart. Chains went into a foster family with Chills, but Luc stayed behind in the prison camp, ascending the ranks with his father. His intentions became tainted. When they met again years later, shit got heated between them, and all hell broke loose. It was Chills who brought them together in the end. She got through to Luc by stopping his vengeful mission.
She’s the glue that binds them.
Luc’s come a long way since being a Sovereign.
Actually, he helped bring them down.
Luc joined Chicago Defiance, then moved halfway across the country to stay with his family.
Luc is loyal. There’s no doubting that—I owe him my life. That’s part of the reason he’s getting his patch today because he proved himself.
Nessie rushes inside the clubhouse doors waving her hands through the air. “They’re here!”
Everyone chuckles at Nessie’s excitement as we all take our places.
I kiss Prinie on her temple, then head over to stand with Zero in the middle of the main room. A single stool sits proudly next to a small bench with a medium-sized wooden box sitting on it. We all stand back waiting for the trio to walk inside.
Their chatter becomes louder as they approach, then recognition appears on their faces at us all standing around, and that halts their movements. Ruby gasps, her hand rushing to her mouth as Luc tries to hide his excitement.
“Well, get your ass on over here, prospect,” Zero exclaims.
Luc turns to Ruby, smiling at her so fucking wide his cheeks must be hurting. Then he spins back striding like king-fucking-dick through the middle of the room. We all cheer loudly.
Chains drowns us out, he’s that fucking loud as he throws his fist in the air in celebration. “‘Bout fuckin’ time!” Chains hollers.
Luc turns back to him. “Been trying, brother, not like I didn’t have a reason.” His eyes shift to Ruby, and her eyes flood with tears as she wraps her arms around herself trying to keep her shit together.
“Okay, it’s safe to say we all know what’s happening right now. So, Luc, take a seat. We wanna have a little chat.”
Luc turns and sits on the stool facing out to everyone.
I place my hands on his shoulders. “Thing is, Luc, you’ve been a prospect for a long-ass time… we all know your story. From villain to hero. You were willing to withstand the heat it took to come from your past and join the MC you tried to bring down… that takes fucking guts.”
Zero strides out circling him. “You started off small, but when small things are compounded, they can turn into something big. A force so strong it’ll withstand extreme temperatures and corrosive environments.”
I open the box, pulling out his club cut. “Bringing you into the club is only going to make us stronger. Make us a force to be reckoned with.”
Zero yanks Luc up by his shirt, his head turning around to face me. I move in hooking his arms into his cut. “Accept this
