“First order of business,” I say. “The Savage Legion is gone. Marcus Stone is dead. Mona is dead. The war is over.”
A few brothers nod. Some look satisfied. Others just look tired.
“Second,” I continue. “I know there are questions about my leadership. About why I wasn’t at the attack. So let’s address it now. Anyone got something to say, say it.”
Silence for a moment. Then Connor—the kid who questioned me before—speaks up.
“You left,” he says. “Right after we got attacked. Took off while we were still counting bodies.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“Because my wife needed me. Because Ghost was bleeding out and Bonnie was alone trying to save him.” I look around the table. “I made a choice. Family over being present for the counterattack.”
“But you’re the president,” someone else says. “You’re supposed to lead.”
“I am leading. I trusted Titan and Jackal to handle the offensive. And they did. Perfectly.” I lean forward. “Leadership isn’t about being everywhere at once. It’s about knowing when to delegate. When to trust your brothers to get the job done without you.”
“Easy to say when you weren’t there,” Connor mutters.
Before I can respond, a voice cuts through the room.
“He made the right call.”
Everyone turns.
Bonnie stands in the doorway. She shouldn’t be here—old ladies don’t attend church unless specifically invited.
But she walks in anyway. Head high. Shoulders back.
“Bonnie—” I start.
“No. They want to question your leadership? Fine. Let me tell them what leadership actually looks like.” She moves to stand beside me. “Ash trusted Titan and Jackal to destroy the Savage Legion. And they did. Completely. Not a single member is left alive. That’s because Ash chose the right men for the job.”
The brothers watch her. Some uncomfortable. Some curious.
“Ghost almost died protecting me,” she continues. “Got shot keeping me safe. And Ash made the choice to go save him instead of claiming a victory he didn’t need to be present for.”
“With all due respect—” Connor starts.
“I’m not done.” Bonnie’s voice sharpens. “You want a president who’s present for every fight? Who leads every charge? Fine. But what happens when that president dies in battle? When he’s too busy playing hero to actually run the club?”
She looks around the room, making eye contact with every brother.
“Ash made a strategic decision. He saved Ghost’s life. He protected his family. And he trusted his brothers to win a war.” She places her hand on her stomach. The small swell that’s visible now under her shirt. “I’m proud to be married to a man who knows the difference between being present and being effective. And I’m proud to be raising the future of this club—a club that will only grow stronger under his leadership.”
Silence fills the room.
Then Barnes says, “She’s right.”
“Damn right she’s right,” Rodriguez adds.
One by one, brothers nod. The agreement is spreading like wildfire.
Connor shifts uncomfortably but doesn’t argue.
“Any other questions about my leadership?” I ask.
