Climbing out of the truck, I opened the back door and let Lord out, gathering his leash and commanding him to heel.
He let out a little whine and I smiled. “Okay, buddy, go do your thing.”
I unhooked his leash, and he ran into the trees, returning quickly, but sniffing every bike as he waltzed back to us.
“Oh my god, we’re going to be here forever,” I complained, leaning against Scooby.
He chuckled. “He’s just getting to know his surroundings.”
Lord threw his front paws up on a large bike that had a sidecar on it and before I could give him the command to leave it alone, he jumped inside.
“Oh, no. Crap. Honey, I’m sorry,” I said, rushing for the bike.
Scooby chuckled. “He found Shotgun’s ride.”
“Shotgun?”
“Wyatt’s brother,” Scooby said. “He’s Sundance’s brother-in-law. You’ll meet him tonight.”
“Lord, get out of there.”
“It’s okay, baby, he looks comfortable in there.”
“Won’t Shotgun be angry?”
“Don’t let the name fool ya, he’s the nicest one of all of us,” Scooby said with a laugh, taking my hand.
“Lord, come,” I ordered, and he jumped out, trotting over to us.
Scooby led us up the steps of the porch and through the front door and I held on tight as we walked further into the giant great room.
It looked like something out of a magazine with its log beams and wide planked floors and it was gorgeous. Bikers filled the room, along with women and children of all ages. One entire wall was filled with pinball machines which most of the kids were currently milling around, and I saw a very tall man standing with all of them, who appeared to be having more fun than any of them.
“That’s Shotgun,” Scooby said, following my gaze.
Before I could ask any questions, I heard someone squeal out my name from across the room. Lord growled beside me, and I knelt down. “It’s okay, boy. We’re good.”
“We can put him up in my room,” Scooby offered.
I stood and shook my head. “Let’s give him a little bit to get used to everyone. If he can’t deal, we’ll do that. But he needs to know I’m okay, and then he’ll calm down.”
“You just let me know.”
“I will.” I smiled up at him.
“You’re here!” Violet breathed out, pulling me in for a hug before pulling a tall rather Viking-esque looking man closer. “This is my husband, Aero. Honey, this is Rowan.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
“You, too.”
“No way, you brought Lord,” a deep voice sounded behind me.
I tightened my hold on the leash as I turned to see Orion walking calmly despite the excitement in his voice, and I relaxed. As did Lord.
Orion made his way to my dog and the two of them greeted each other like two long-lost friends. “Hey, boy,” Orion crooned, hunkering down in front of him to lavish attention upon him.
“Puppy!” a little girl squealed, and I was once again a nervous wreck.