He’s so freaking adorable with his black locks he gets from both Nightmare and me, along with big brown eyes from his father that haunt my memories. Hopefully, no one looks close enough, or they’ll be able to figure out whose blood runs through his body pretty easily.
“Ummm…snacks?” Surprise, surprise; snacks was one of the kid’s first words.
“Got ‘em.”
“Ummm…Mr. Bwair?”
“Got Mr. Bear, too.”
“Ummm…” He looks at me, his eyebrow raising and shrugs.
“That’s what I was thinking. First trip this far away, I’m sure we’ll figure it out soon enough.”
Yeah, so I ended up forgetting my cash, and two hours down the road had to turn around when I stopped to get gas and only found a twenty in my purse. A four-hour road trip turned into eight hours, and let’s just say, Maverick was not amused in the slightest, at my mishap.
“I thought you’d never get here!” Princess squeezes me tightly, again. She’s done it three times since she opened her front door.
“God, me too. Just be glad the kid passed out, or you’d be ready for us to leave already.”
“No way, I love the little guy. I was hoping he’d be awake. I’m thinking once Viking gets around Maverick, he’ll want to have some kids of our own.”
“Trust me, he was super grouchy the hour before he finally gave in. His favorite word was ‘NO.’ I’m pretty sure he said it fifty times and threw so many damn action figures, they’ll forever be lost in my car.”
She laughs, finding enjoyment in my mini ride of torture. Payback—one day she’ll be calling me, flipping out because her kids being a brat and then I’ll laugh. It’s what best friends do.
“Well, hopefully after some rest, he’ll be in a better mood tomorrow. He can run after Odin and get some exercise too.”
“That sounds good to me. Now, please tell me you have some wine?”
“I have vodka and OJ; will that do the trick?”
“Definitely, hook it up.” I follow her into the kitchen and take a seat at the table. “Thank you for letting us stay with you, I hope we don’t bother you though. Mav still gets up really early.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t want you anywhere else. And besides, I’ve stayed with you, and he’s a lot quieter than I’d expect.”
“Yeah, cartoons and a bowl of cereal and he’s pretty calm. He needs time to wake up and get going.”
“Just like his mom.” She winks, and I smile. I love being here, even after a long trip and an hour of kid yelling to make it here.
“So what’s the plan for tomorrow exactly?”
I’m nervous, but at the same time, I’m excited to see the guys. I don’t expect them to remember me, but I could never forget the rough group of bikers. They’re Princess’ family now, and I’m so happy she’s found her tribe. I always knew she belonged in the MC world. Her parents and brother were deep into it; she just needed the right piece to make her fit as well. That turned out to be Viking, and he’s the President of the entire club. Go figure.
She sets the glass in front of me, taking the seat to my left and sips her own drink. “Pretty much just hang out. We’re having a barbecue at the club to welcome some visiting members, mostly the Nomads coming in for the wedding, but both clubs will be there.”
“The hybrids and the Oath Keepers?”
“Yes, but don’t call them hybrids; the Widow Makers were patched over to the Oath Keepers. Oath Keepers essentially took over the Widow Maker name. They let a small charter keep the patch in South Carolina, but Viking’s club here is Oath Keepers. You already know that much though. He works with Ares a lot; they’re practically BFFs now.”
“That’s crazy, considering they hated each other with a passion in the beginning.”
“I know, but they both love my father, and, thankfully, were able to bond over him and work through their shit. It makes things so much easier.”
“Okay, so the same guys that were with your dad and Ares are under Ares, and the others belong to Viking’s charter?”
“Right, that’s why we moved a little ways out of town. This way they can each have separate clubs.”
“Jesus, y’all must run Texas by now.”