I knew this was coming. Knew it the moment Ghost called Lena a "pregnant bitch" and sent her into premature labor at thirty-three weeks. Knew it when he started working the members, planting seeds about compromise and weakness and divided loyalties.
But knowing doesn't make it easier.
"Numbers?" I ask, because that's what matters now. Not right or wrong. Just math.
Tommy moves closer, studies Santiago with the expression of a man who's lost his own son and sees second chances in other people's children. "Joker, Blade, Colt, me—we're solid. Rope andKnuckles are with you. Scar's fence-sitting. Ghost has Torch and Diesel for sure."
"If it goes to vote—"
"You'll probably win. But probably isn't good enough when we're talking about your Presidency. Ghost is pushing for immediate vote of no confidence. Says you've been absent. Says the club needs a President who puts brothers first."
The irony isn't lost on me. I've been at this hospital because my son decided to arrive at thirty-seven weeks, one day, after his mother's body tried to evict him four weeks too early. I've been here because that's what fathers do—they show up.
But Ghost sees weakness where I see evolution.
"When?" I ask, already knowing the answer won't give me enough time.
"Nine AM. Two hours."
Santiago shifts against me, his tiny hand curling against my chest. Right over my heart. Right where he's been since the moment I held him.
"Can't postpone?"
"Tried. Ghost said if you don't show, he takes it as abdication. Club bylaws technically support him—if President doesn't attend mandatory Church, VP can call vote of no confidence."
"Fuck." The word comes out quieter than I intend. Don't want to wake Lena. Don't want her to see me like this—caught between the club I built and the family I made.
"You have to go," Tommy says, and there's no judgment in it. Just fact. "If you don't, Ghost wins by default. Becomes President. And then what? You think he maintains the truce with Coyote Fangs? You think he protects her?"
"He'd torch it all just to prove a point."
"Exactly. So you go. You fight. You remind those brothers why they voted you President five years ago."
I look down at Santiago. He's awake now, dark eyes trying to focus on my face. Doesn't know his father is about to walk out and potentially lose everything that keeps him safe.
The door opens again. Izzy enters with coffee and the expression of someone who's been eavesdropping and doesn't apologize for it.
"Club emergency?" she asks.
"Ghost is challenging my Presidency."
"Of course he is. Because assholes have timing." She sets down the coffee, crosses her arms. "Go. I've got them.”
"If Miguel shows up—"
"I'll handle Miguel. I've known him since Lena was twelve and he was seventeen pretending to be her father. I can manage him for two hours. You go handle your VP problem."
"Soon-to-be ex-VP problem," Tommy corrects.
Izzy gives me a look that's pure protective best friend energy. "Don't lose, Zane. Because if Ghost becomes President, this whole fragile peace we've built? It burns. And Lena and Santiago burn with it."
"I know."
I stand carefully, Santiago still against my chest. Walk to Lena's bedside. She's sleeping hard—the kind of exhaustion that comes from creating life and pushing it into the world through sheer stubborn will.
I touch her hand. She doesn't wake. Good. She needs rest more than she needs to watch me walk out.
"I'll be back," I whisper, though she can't hear me. "I promise. And I'll still be President when I am."
