“That’s why you saved us, cause you love us?” A bashful smile tilted his lips up.
“That’s right. You will always be safe when you’re with me, okay?”
“Okay.” Rocket launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her neck. “I love you too, Ardy.”
Her vision wavered. She blinked rapidly to keep tears from leaking out of her eyes. This little boy who’d been through so much placed his trust and his heart in her hands. She patted his back, ignoring the smell of burning. Rocket could take as long as he needed.
Releasing her, he stepped back, instantly going into cool as biker kid mode before her eyes.
Like father, like son.
“How about you go wake up Harley while I finish up breakfast?”
“I can do that.” He smiled and dashed out of the room.
This is exactly where I belong. She returned to the stove, scraped the crispy, blackened circle off the skillet and started fresh.
A little while later, they were all seated around the table with Rambler and Mumble. The adults pretended everything was normal while the kids enjoyed the special company. Her mind drifted to Demon. What is he up to right now?
He didn’t need to tell her he was out for blood when he’d all but breathed fire last night. A vein throbbed in his forehead and his nostrils flared. He’d curled his hands into fists so tightly, his knuckles turned white. A terrifying violence boiled inside him.
She saw it in the murderous intentions in his eyes. The brown practically turned black with rage. It reminded her of how much she needed to learn about the man she’d practically married.
A ring tone sounded. Rambler stood. “I need to take this.”
Ardy watched him leave with her heart in her throat.
Chapter Two
Demon walked into the clubhouse, following the two massive prospects with Lefty behind him.
The Loa Calaveras bordered the Southern portion of town, a few miles out of Newsom city limits. Family oriented, they had a well known affinity for minding their own business. They’d formed a M.C. around the same time as the Dueling Devils, about fifty years ago. After immigrating into the southwestern town from Mexico, the members banded together for safety. They quickly earned themselves respect and a safe place to raise their families. It made sense for Los Calaveras and the Dueling Devils to be allies, so they struck a deal to stay on their side of the city limits. When motherfuckers rolled in looking for trouble, they came together to put them down.
The room seemed quiet. People lay passed out at tables, on couches and the floor. Speedy, the President stepped up and offered his hand. “You missed one hell of a party brother, but I’m guessing you aren’t’ here for entertainment.” The burly man grinned. His once coal black hair had turned silver. But the sharpness in his eyes remained.
He’d been the leader for as long as Demon could remember. He trusted Speedy as much as he could anyone who wasn’t actually apart of his own set. “I’m afraid not,” Demon replied.
Speedy inclined his head. “It never says quiet for long, does it?”
“Shit, no.”
Speedy smiled. “Come on then young Porter, we’ll step into my office.”
“Ain’t nothing young about me anymore, Juan,” Demon commented amused. It’d been a long time since he heard his given name.
“Compared to me, you’re practically a newborn, Jonah.”
Demon tilted his head back and laughed. “You aren’t that old.”
“Bless you mijo,” Speedy snorted as they stepped inside and shut the door.
“Where’s Creeper?” Demon said glancing around for the hulking shadow never too far away from.
“Hah.” Speedy grinned. “He’s down for a little R&R with a group of bitches, if you know what I mean.”
Lefty laughed. “Yeah, we get you.”
“Sit, let’s talk shop.” The humor left Speedy’s eyes as he sank down in the chair behind his desk.