“No.”
“Sin,” he hisses.
My eyes flit around the room, stopping on the doors to our sacred meeting spot, our oath slamming into me. The promise we all made to each other when we were voted in, when we accepted that our place was here, together, to live and ride by a certain set of rules that we vowed to keep beyond our last breath.
Whether this woman agrees to be mine or not, whether I’m in love with her or not, she still clearly needs help, or she wouldn’t have run here in the middle of the night seeking refuge. We protect those who can’t protect themselves. We take care of each other. This is family. Chaos clearly needs a reminder.
“We’re Hell’s Heathens,” I start, keeping my eyes on the door to church. Everyone hushes around us, quiet enough that you could hear a pin drop. “Forged in fire, bound by blood, and loyal beyond the grave.”
I pause, swallowing before continuing, finally meeting Chaos’ eyes, only, Malice speaks up first.
“We ride not for glory, but for each other.”
Wrath steps up next to me, putting his hand on my shoulder, adding, “In a world that turned its back on us, we chose brotherhood.”
My hand tightens around Bristol’s, offering her reassurance. I know she has no idea what’s happening right now. Rolo’s voice, deep and strong, continues our oath as Chaos stands there, looking at his club in front of him, his face falling free of some of the edge.
“We protect our own, stand for what’s right when no one else will, and never leave a Heathen behind.”
The rest of the club chimes in, loud and thundering.
“Family isn’t born; it’s earned on the road. Home is the clubhouse; family is the cut. We live and die for each other. The only way out is back through hell’s gates.”
The room goes so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Chaos’ mood has simmered, but not enough. He still glares at me, and I know I’ve royally pissed him off. Even though I know he’d be doing the same if the tables were turned and it was Saige. At least Bristol came here of her own free will. Saige was brought here handcuffed and carried over his shoulder and then cuffed to his bed. He has no room to judge me, but he’s still my president, and I’m disrespecting him in front of our entire club.
“I’m going to get Bristol settled in my room, and then I will give you two minutes. That’s all you’re getting from me tonight.”
Chaos nods, and Saige grabs his hand and pulls him through the common room, hopefully to calm him down.
“Let’s go, baby, my room is through here.”
“Your room?”
“Did I not mention we all live together under one roof?”
“You for sure left that part out,” she says, a bit panicked, her eyes glazed over like she’s in shock.
I guide her through the kitchen and down the hallway that leads to my room, pulling out my key and unlocking the door. Uncertainty and guilt come in crushing waves. I promised her she would be welcome here, imagined bringingher a million times, and how much everyone would make her feel comfortable, and she just got the welcoming of the devil himself.
My hand finds the small of her back, opening the door fully and urging her inside. I set her bag down next to my dresser as she stands there in shock. I’ve never seen her like this before. She’s breathing and blinking, but her expression is subdued, like she’s physically present but her mind is someplace else. She’s not even rubbing her hands together like she does when she’s nervous or uncomfortable. They’re just hanging limply at her sides.
Fuck.
I move in front of her, bending my knees to look at her straight on, my hands rubbing gently up and down her arms. Shock has well and truly set in.
“Look at me, my love. You’re with me. You’re safe. Nothing is going to happen to you here. Chaos just has some trust issues; he would never hurt you or let anything happen to you, either. I’ve known him most of my life.”
“Okay.” She trembles slightly, so I usher her over to my side of the bed, pulling her down into my lap as I wrap my arms around her. Her head rests on my shoulder, her breath warm on my neck.
“Just listen to the sound of my voice, baby. You’re safe. I’ve got you. Just breathe in and out for me.” I hold her close, whispering words of encouragement as she starts to relax fully into my arms.
“That’s my girl. How are you feeling?”
“Better now, I think.”
I shift us so her back is against my headboard and I’m facing her. Her face is so blotchy, her eyes bloodshot and swollen from how hard she was crying. I’ve never experienced so much pain in my chest before. But she’s here now, and I’m going to do whatever she needs to feel safe and secure. But first, I have to deal with my president.
“Good. I’m so proud of you, Bristol. I’ll be right back. Can I get you anything? Do you need anything?”
