“Make a list and give your keys to Patriot. He’ll make sure one of the prospects takes care of it for you.”
“I’m capable, Rael.” She tried to hide her irritation and failed.
“This is about your safety while I’m out of town. I know you’re a little hellcat, just don’t think you need to go far for a few days. Okay?”
Nylah saw right through me. “There’s other stuff going on, huh?” When I didn’t confirm it, but didn’t deny it either, she finally agreed. “We’ll stay here.”
“Thank you, baby.” I kissed her hard, clutching my woman close as I gripped her tighter. Nylah had become precious to me and for the first time since Willow’s death, I was afraid to lose someone else that I loved. It didn’t sit well with me or my Reaper.
THE FLIGHT DOWN TO NOLA was quiet. Grim didn’t have a lot to say. His head was wrapped around a lot of shit back home and although he didn’t get into it, I knew he was missing Trish. Bodie’s ol’ lady Sasha was one of her best friends and whenever Sasha brought up Trish, Grim would become quiet, lost in his own head. That shit hadn’t changed since the moment he met that little blonde bartender. Grim was attracted to her instantly. When she left town after we took down Acid, I think she took a part of him with her. My pres just wasn’t the same.
Papa and I talked off and on, but it was just to pass the time. I had my head wrapped up in enough of my own problems, thoughts of vengeance, and how the fuck I was gonna find Rancid. Papa leaned back his seat a little and took a nap, more than happy to be left alone. We landed without a hitch only a couple of hours later.
The bayou was exactly the same as I remembered. The Spanish moss lined the roads and the sand was always underfoot. Humid, hot days that didn’t relent. People moving at a slightly slower pace. It was a welcome reminder of where I came from and grew up. If I asked Elrik Jameson, he’d probably say the same.
Bulldog Jameson had built the Royal Bastards with his own sweat and blood. Twenty-six chapters spread across the U.S. He sacrificed everything, even his life for the club he loved so much. Passing it down to his son Elrik was the happiest moment of his life. This club was in my best friend’s blood. Leadership was cultivated in Elrik since his birth. If anyone deserved to be National President, it was Elrik Jameson.
The air seemed charged with expectation as we arrived at the clubhouse. I knew something was off the moment we arrived. My gut clenched and I turned away from the building, looking toward the swamps.
“What you feelin’, Rael?”
My Reaper sensed that Rancid was near. Not sure how, but maybe it was being back on NOLA soil that allowed such a connection. I didn’t voice it aloud to Grim. We’d find out soon enough.
“Don’t know, but trouble is comin’.”
Papa also seemed to sense the same ghosts of the past. He patted my shoulder a couple of times.
“Well, that’s always true when you gather a bunch of Royal Bastards together.” Grim chuckled lightly. “We should make our way inside. Came here for answers. Can’t get ‘em staring out at the gators.”
He was right. We entered the bar, all three of us on alert
. Didn’t have a clue what we’d find.
None other than the Guardian, Leo Winters was seated on a barstool next to Saddle. They were both founders and had been loyal to Bulldog Jameson. Leo’s son Colt grew up with me and Elrik. It all felt like a distant dream. Six years . . . and it might as well have been twenty.
Papa was unusually quiet this entire journey, but his grin was a mile wide when he spotted the older bikers at the bar.
“Well, if ain’t a couple ol’ buzzards,” he announced with a laugh.
“Papa!”
Saddle and Leo slid from their seats, both of them sauntering forward.
“Ian?” Leo had spotted me just a few seconds before Saddle. “Holy shit, son. You’re back from the fuckin’ dead.”
I couldn’t help laughing at his words as the old man came forward and slapped me on the back, giving a brief hug. “Good to see you, Leo. You too, Saddle.”
Saddle greeted both me and Grim, Leo continuing to shake his head.
“Can’t believe you’re alive. It’s like seein’ a ghost. Thought the devil had taken you way out there in the desert. Nevada ain’t no joke, boy.”
Grim smirked. “Got that right.”
“What brings you back to NOLA?” Saddle asked, glancing between me, Grim, and Papa.
“Heard Rancid was out on bail and Jameson might be on his way home. I needed to find out in person if it’s true,” I admitted.
“He’s back,” Leo confirmed. “Takin’ his rightful place too.”