I wasn’t sure how I’d feel in this moment, watching Mayhem’s role as tail gunner officially get filled. He stepped in as road captain while I was in prison. He was a good second to the ranked members, and I’m torn between grief and pride as I watch Venom preparing to take that role.
The tail gunner is only a step below the six ranked positions in the club, but I have no doubt that someday Venom will be sitting in one of the chairs beside us.
“Days like this don’t come around often, and they aren’t taken lightly,” Steel says, lifting his glass. “You’ve done more for your club in the last year and a half than some do in a lifetime. Taken bullets. Blades. Protected our families like you’d protect your own. You’ve looked out for your brothers above all, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Steel pauses, lifting his beer higher as the rest of us follow.
“When I asked the men who they trusted to be our next tail gunner, your name was out before I even finished my question. We lost a loyal brother…”
“To Mayhem.” Venom lifts his glass.
“To Mayhem,” the roomrepeats.
Steel nods. “We’ll always honor the blood he gave for his club, but we move forward tonight. And you have the support of your brothers. Your family. Here’s to the next tail gunner of the Twisted Kings Las Vegas Chapter. To Venom.”
“To Venom.” The room erupts in cheers.
He barely has time to down his shot before he’s tackled by brothers. They drag him to the bar, and patch bunnies are already hanging all over him. I chuckle, remembering that day. It was one of the best of my life until I got Willa back.
I look down at her, and she smiles. “I’m happy for him.”
“Me too.” I lean down and kiss her.
We pull apart, and she catches Tempe waving her down from across the room. She doesn’t look as tired as Reagan, but Ember is a couple of months older, so she might be getting more sleep. Either way, both girls showed up tonight for the club.
“I’m going to go catch up with them,” Willa says.
“Have fun. Stay where I can see you.” She might be wearing my property patch on her back, but tonight will rival Reaper’s parties in Reno.
“Yes, sir.” She gives me a mocking salute, and I pull her in to whisper in her ear.
“Keep up the attitude, princess. I’ll have fun taming it out of you later.”
She blushes, turning to leave, and I watch her go, loving how my name looks on her back.
The party quickly devolves, turning into madness, like most patching-in parties do. They’re even worse whena new ranked member is brought in. Venom is dragged away by the patch bunnies at some point in the night, and when he reappears, he looks the happiest I’ve ever seen him.
Members filter in and out until it finally quiets down as the sun starts to rise. The old ladies have taken over the patio. Reagan is sleeping on a lounger in Legacy’s arms while the rest talk. Willa stopped drinking hours ago, but she doesn’t look tired yet.
A few brothers linger around the room. Venom is passed out on the pool table.
“Nothing like having a reason to celebrate.” Soul drops onto the barstool beside me. “It would be nice if these parties weren’t the result of tragedy.”
“Agreed.” I tip my mug up, taking a sip of coffee.
A headache throbs between my temples. I’m drunk and hungover all at once. But I’m thankful because the Twisted Kings are moving forward, promoting someone who deserves it. It’s a reason to celebrate.
“It hasn’t been the same without you around here.” Soul swirls his beer.
“You should have come to Reno. Reaper’s club is always a good time.”
“Don’t I know it.” Soul grins, still staring at his drink. “You two good though?”
He glances over his shoulder at Willa, who’s laughing at something Tempe said.
“We’re good.”
“And the ranch?”
