“I don’t know what to say,” she admits, fighting back what she’s actually feeling.
“You don’t have to do it now, but when you’re ready, I’d claim you in true club fashion, and formally you and the family will be protected by the club.” I search for her eyes, those bright green beacon eyes. “But. When you’re ready.” I reassure her.
She bites her bottom lip, I pull it away from her teeth, caressing her cheek. I can see the last layer of brick starting to fall.Don’t be afraid.
As I lean in to kiss her, a doorbell echoes through the house. The color drains from her face, knowing trouble is brewing.
Chapter 32
Keola
“I’llgetit,”Finnyells, rushing to the door. Charlotte trembles in my grasp.
I cup my hands around her cheeks, “Angel, everything will be okay. I won’t let him get to you. Just lean into me.”
She softly chuckles, “How did a grumpy, mean ass biker become a softie?”
“When he’s got everything he wants right here, he’ll take down anything in his path.” I say, placing my forehead on hers, breathing in her warm vanilla scent, “Also, you’ll never have to worry about anything being soft.”
She goes back to biting her bottom lip.
“Grandpa and Brayden are here,” Finn announces, and Charlotte holds back a snort.
Brayden walks in with an ugly christmas sweater with an elf hat with the ears attached to it. The only thing missing.. Oh wait there’s the shoes. I try to suppress a laugh, but fail as I sputter out a laugh.
“Don’t hate me because I’m more festive than you, you oaf,” Brayden smirks, passing by to hug Charlotte, scooping her into the kitchen.
Elias Ashers.
The man wore a suit to a family Christmas gathering. He dresses like he’s striking a business deal, his eyes gazing cautiously. His face stern with age creeping in his eyes and cheeks. The only slight happiness is when Finn rejoins the group standing next to him. Elias pats his head, like staking a claim. Lilly sits up from the couch, ready to strike. “Brother.” she hisses.
“Lillian, come out of your witch’s hut,” he fights back. His slight anger pours out, the look on Finn’s face stirs something in me.
From what Coda could gather, Lillian and Elias are estranged. Lillian was always the free-spirited, easy loving woman we see today. But it was Elias that fell into his own path and demons. Elias has a gambling addiction and has yet to fight his way through those trenches. There had been CPS cases of neglect when Charlotte and her brother were younger, but the people he surrounded himself with made the courts look the other way.
He’s a fiery snake that can't be killed.
“Grandpa, you promised,” he reminds him. Elias pulls Finn closer to his side. Charlotte thankfully isn’t here and somewhere in the kitchen, possibly giving herself a shot of tequila or something.
Elias focuses his attention on me, puffing out his chest.Keep puffing it out old man, you have nothing on me.
“Mr. Ashers,” I acknowledge him.
He shakes his head, “I’m sorry, my boy. I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.” He extends out his hand, masking his disgust with a charade of politeness and respect. I’ll play nice for Finn and Charlotte.
“Keola Johnson, sir.” I reach out my hand, gripping his hand with force, silently telling him that he has no ground here.
“You are in relation to the friend over there,” he shakes out his hand, Finn’s mischievous smile returns and I ease up.
“No sir, I belong to your daughter,” I fold my arms.
His eyes widened, “I beg your pardon.” And on cue, Aunt Lilly stands up, placing an arm on my shoulder. “Why Elias, what’s wrong? Charlotte went and found herself a man worthy of her.”
Worthy of her.
Am I worthy or just damn lucky? I thought for a long time I wouldn’t be worthy, I have a past that can come back to haunt me, put people in danger. I’ve killed with the instinct of protection, like a monster rattling the cages to get out.
“Hmm,” he simply says, then ushers Finn to the couch to hand him what I would imagine to be his presents.
