Chapter Thirty-Five
We stepped out the doors of the airport and my eyes widened. It looked as though the whole club was here.
Their bikes were lined up perfectly next to the curb, and each man stood next to their bike. I couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto my lips.
Optimus stepped forward, grasping Leo’s hand and pulling him in and patting him on the back. “Welcome back.” They pulled apart and Leo grinned. “Let’s get home.”
Optimus nodded. “Got Ham to bring your bike. He’s gonna catch a ride home in the truck with Chelsea.” I looked past the bikes to see Op’s truck, Chelsea waving out the window with a wide smile. I waved back before Leo grabbed my hand, and led me to where his bike was parked, next to Blizzard.
Blizzard folded his arms across his chest and smirked. “You gonna buy me a new ride?”
Leo snorted and handed me a helmet, before putting on his own. “Buy your own.”
I gave him an apologetic smile, but he just laughed, throwing his leg over his bike and starting the motor. Leo waiting for me to climb on the back before he started his up. The familiar rumble of a bike between my legs was nice. Being around Satan’s Sanctuary for the last few years, I knew how to ride. To me, it was a thrill, and I could already feel the excitement filling me as I wrapping my arms around Leo’s body, plastering myself to his back.
The roar of engines surrounded it, everyone at the airport turning to stare in awe as around fourteen bikes pulled away from the curb. We rode in a large pack down the highway, Chelsea’s truck in the middle surrounded by the deafening purr of Harley’s. As we cruised, I took the time to admire each of the brothers’ bikes.
Optimus’ had the Brothers by Blood logo airbrushed onto the side, something I noticed only he and Kit had on their bikes. I assumed it was an honor given to the presidents of their chapters.
Blizzard’s bike stood out too. While all the other men had varying styles—they were all black, a couple with accents of color. Blizzard’s though, it was a beautiful dark blue. It reminded me of his name, the dark shade of navy that the clouds would go when a storm was brewing.
It really was stunning.
The chrome on the bikes glistened in the sunlight, every single bike sparkling and clean. These men took pride in them, they were important and to be respected. You fucked with a man’s bike, you were looking for a world of hurt.
As we pulled into the road heading to the clubhouse, I noticed the black marks were still evident from where I’d slid Leo’s truck into the corner at high speed. The marks traveled across the road and bumped up onto the curb.
I shuddered. It was a day I’d never forget, the scars it left were a reminder.
Leo’s hand covered mine and he squeezed it. I squeezed back, telling him I was okay.
We pulled through the club gates, and the men backed their bikes back into line with flawless precision. I was saddened as I watched the men gather around Leo, realizing someone was missing from the group.
“Where’s Slider?” I asked, drawing the attention to me.
Leo looked around, realizing his brother wasn’t gathered with them.
“In the hospital,” Optimus said.
I grabbed Leo’s arm, I wasn’t sure why. It was like an automatic reaction, like touching him would give me strength. “What happened?”
Some of Leo’s brothers moved away while Blizzard and Op stayed.
“He came off his bike,” Blizzard explained.
I squeezed my eyes shut. “The drugs, they make him dizzy and lightheaded. It almost happened once before, I should have told you.”
“No,” Optimus said. “He should have told us.”
I opened my eyes, seeing Optimus clenching his jaw tightly.
“That should have never been put on you, and I apologize.”
“Op’s right,” Leo said, taking my hand. “We are his brothers and he kept it from us. That hurt us all.”
I leaned into Leo. “He’s hurting, too. He’s scared, he thinks he going to die.”
“Is he?” Blizzard asked with complete seriousness. I pulled my brow together in confusion. Blizzard sighed. “He won’t tell us anything. And there’s so much shit going on here at the moment, we’ve sort of just let him have his peace.”