“I never thought about his fears. Still, he chose to keep his life hidden from me.”
“Because he thought it was for the best, but then he fell head-over-heels in love with you and realized how bad he fucked this whole thing up,” she reveals, making my mind spin. “Actually, the day Fury took us, he was going to tell you everything… but well, you know the rest.”
Her words soften the edges of my anger. If Silas had told me before the kidnapping, maybe I’d have reacted differently.But with everything crashing down on me at once, my trust shattered in every direction. Maybe now, with some patience and understanding, we can find a way forward.
“Alright, fine. I’ll go, but if there’s anything close to a bar brawl waiting, I’m out.”
“No brawls,” Londyn laughs. “I promise. Just real people, no pretense. You’ll see.”
“By the way. I’ve been meaning to ask. What’s your road name?”
With a chuckle, she replies. “Mystique.”
I take a moment to consider it, then smile. “Giving that I had no idea you were a Royal Bastard, I’d say the name suits you perfectly.”
We both laugh and I feel the warmth of our friendship rekindling, slipping back into place as if it never left. Maybe there’s hope for Silas and me after all.
We’d talked so long that I didn’t realize we were pulling up to the clubhouse and I’m stunned. This isn’t just a house, it’s a fortress, with a high iron gate and sprawling land. It’s nothing like the crime-ridden streets of the Rebel Riders’ club. Londyn enters a code and the gates open, revealing a place buzzing with life. Members are outside, laughing, working on bikes, and it feels… welcoming.
“Wow! This isn’t what I expected,” I admit, eyes wide, taking it all in as we drive up the path. The entire place hums with energy.
“All I’m asking, is that you give us a chance, really get to know Mav’s family and see what we’re about,” Londyn encourages before cutting the engine. A few members wander over, smiles and friendly nods all around.
“Em, this is Vandal, Turbo, Buckshot, and Enigma,” Londyn says, introducing everyone, and just like at the hospital, I’m greeted with warm hugs like they’ve always known me.
“Mav always talks about how beautiful you are, but damn, girl, he wasn’t lying! You’re fucking gorgeous!” Vandal comments, getting an elbow to the gut from Londyn. Warmth creeps up my neck, settling in my cheeks, blushing at how much Silas talks about me to these strangers. However, I don’t feel angry. It’s like I’ve always been here with him, even though I had no clue this part of his life existed. If anything, it makes me want to get to know them more.
“Thank you,” I say, shyly accepting the compliment as they disperse, laughing at Vandal getting chastised by Londyn. Turbo walks to the back of the SUV and grabs my bags.
“Uh, Turbo? You don’t need to do that. I have a hotel booked.”
Smirking, he says, “Not anymore. I cancelled it.”
“Wait, what?”
“Turbo can hack just about anything,” Londyn says, shaking her head. “How do you know she wants to stay here,” she asks him.
“I’m not giving her a choice,” he replies, giving me a wink and walking away. I can’t help but smile. In the last few hours, I’ve felt more love and acceptance from these strangers than I ever felt growing up in the Rebel Riders.
“This… actually feels like a real family.”
“That’s because it is, Em. Look, I know you have your reasons for being wary of MCs, but this club isn’t like the one from your past. The Bastards stand by each other, no matter what.” She pauses letting her words sink in. “I wanted you to see for yourself.”
“It’s just… the Rebel Riders caused so much pain in my life that I couldn’t see passed it. This is different.”
“I get that Em, and that’s why I wanted to bring you here. Mav isn’t just a part of some club; he’s part of something real,something built on more than just a name or a patch. It’s embedded in his DNA and he wants to share this with you.”
“Thank you, Londyn. For everything. This means more than I can say.”
“Anytime, sister. You’re home here. This is your family and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for you. I know that you and Mav will work things out,” she says, grabbing me up in a hug. “Now, are you ready to see the rest of the house?”
“Lead the way.”
As we walk through the house, I take in every detail, imagining Silas here in each space. The rooms Londyn shows me are spacious, well-kept, and welcoming… worlds apart from the Rebel Riders’ old clubhouse which was cramped, rundown and reeked of mold, beer, and cigarettes. When we enter the room where they hold church, I’m taken aback. At the center stands a massive, sleek black table surrounded by high-backed chairs with bold artwork on the walls. A black and gold gavel rests at the head of the table, ready for the next meeting. I can almost see Silas here, sitting at the head, leading his men, discussing issues, resolving problems. It hits me… this is where he belongs. Silas has always had a strength I never fully understood, but now I finally get it.
Londyn leads me into the main lounge where laughter and conversation fills the space. That’s when I see a striking woman by the bar, exuding confidence and grace. She notices us and walks over, her smile warm and inviting.
“Ember, this is Jazz, Steel’s wife. She’s one of the toughest, wisest women I know,” Londyn says, grinning as she introduces us. Jazz pulls me into a tight hug, her kindness immediately putting me at ease.
