By the time I re-enter the common room, she’s right on my heels and stops me once again by grabbing my arm.
“I already told you not to fucking touch me or I’d beat your ass. You are one of the Feral Girls. From what little knowledge I have of motorcycle clubs, that means you don’t get to make demands on anyone here or start shit you obviously can’t finish. You’re at the bottom of the totem pole so to speak,” I say as I feel every eye in the room on the two of us. “This might be my first time here, but I rank higher than you because I came in with an officer. I’m guessing this is more about you thinking you can force Master into making you his ol’ lady when that willneverhappen. I’ve owned his heart for ten years. You’ve known him for maybe two. You don’t have shit on me.”
“You think you got it all figured out, don’t ya? I’ll tell you right now, Master ismine.He was in my bed last night and I was in his two nights before that,” she lies as I start laughing in her face and feel Rex at my back as I hold my hand up to stop him from coming closer.
“That’s a lie and we both know it. Rex was in my bed last night. And every night for the last few weeks. Yeah, I get to call Master Rex and you don’t. He gets done doing whatever he has to here and is with me for the rest of the night. Rex hasn’t stayed the night in his room here at the clubhouse for weeks now. So, it’s impossible he was in your bed or you were in his bed. Unless you broke into his room and rubbed your skanky ass all over his bedding. That’s disgusting,” I say as several guys start laughing and don’t bother hiding it.
The girl doesn’t respond with words as she launches her body at me. I side step her and watch as she falls to the floor at my feet. She quickly gets up and tries to punch me as I catch her fist in my hand.
“First of all, you never tuck your thumb beneath your other fingers. That’s the quickest way to break it. If you’re gonna throw a punch, this is how you do it,” I inform her before throwing my own hit and landing it against her nose. Everyone hears the bones crunch before she starts screaming overdramatically.
“You hit me!” she says, blood pouring from her nose and covering her lower face as she looks around the room for help. “You aren’t supposed to touch anyone else here.”
“You tried to hit me twice before I landed a hit. I warned you twice not to touch me and you didn’t listen. I didn’t throw the first punch, you did. I’m simply defending myself. And, unlike you, I know how to fight because Master and my brother taught me. I’ve trained for eight years on my own as well. Ifyou’re gonna act like you’re a bad bitch, I suggest you learn how to fight and stand up for yourself. If you weren’t such a dumbass, I’d offer to train you, but I don’t want your nasty stench anywhere near me. I’m gonna say this once, and only once. Master ismyman. You don’t look at him or go anywhere near him. If I catch you trying to pull some slick shit, I’ll drag your ass out of here once I get permission from Reckless since he’s the President of the club. Now, get the fuck away from me,” I tell her as two of the guys wearing Prospect cuts walk up and pull her away from me as she cries and screams about me being out of line.
I find myself being spun around and crash against Rex’ body. He looks down at me with a smirk on his face.
“You realize you just claimed me in front of every man and woman in this room, yeah?” he asks me while leaning down to kiss me.
He deepens the kiss despite our audience and I melt into his body. I break our kiss this time and look up at him while I catch my breath. This man always steals my breath so easily and there’s nothing I can do to stop it from happening.
“I’m sorry, Master,” I say, my voice low so only he can hear me.
“You got nothin’ to be sorry for, Doll. That was sexy as fuck and you did exactly as I told you to. You can claim me every damn day for the rest of our lives if you want and I won’t say a word to stop you,” he says before leading me back to my seat with the girls so he can examine my hand. A few knuckles will end up bruising, but I’m okay. Rex doesn’t agree with me as he orders one of the guys to bring me an ice pack.
“Damn, girl!” Annistyn says when she stops laughing. “I’m glad I was here to witness you putting that bitch in herplace. We’ve all been there and have had to take our turn dealing with them. You shouldn’t have any more problems moving forward. They know not to mess with you now.”
“Annistyn’s right. Maysen has even dealt with one of the girls before. I’m sure they’re not done with her yet because she’s so sweet and innocent,” Cali says, standing from her seat at the table. “Why don’t we all go make dinner for everyone? I don’t see anyone leaving tonight with you here for the first time.”
“I’d love to help you,” I say, following Cali and Annistyn in the kitchen as Dakota follows us.
We prepare a feast. There’s steak, pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas, asparagus, biscuits, rolls, and brownies or pie for dessert. Cali assures me most everything will be devoured by the guys and kids with very little left over. As we make dinner, we talk and laugh, getting to know one another better. I share stories of Rex and his sister when we were growing up. None that will embarrass him, but enough to feel included in their group. I also share my own story about losing my brother and that I dated Rex when we were younger and this is our second chance. They don’t ask me any questions right now, but I know they’ll eventually come as we become more comfortable around one another. Annistyn also talks about the ranch and building a second location. I volunteer to help because it’s something I truly believe in after experiencing the help they offer for myself. It’s a great day and I hope I get to spend more time at the clubhouse with everyone. Hopefully Rex approves of my actions and will bring me with him again.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Master
EVERYONE LOVES TALEAH at the clubhouse. We spent all of last weekend there and she really got in good with everyone. Most of the guys gained their respect for her because of her interaction with the Feral Girl. She established herself as someone who demands respect from someone lower than her in the club hierarchy with her words and one hit. Taleah didn’t get into a fight and drag the situation out longer than necessary. She tried to walk away from the girl and not escalate the situation. The Feral Girl followed Taleah and put her hands on her more than once. After that my girl helped out wherever she was needed and talked to everyone in the clubhouse. To her, it doesn’t matter if it was a Prospect, Feral Girl, or club member. She gave every single person respect and remained true to herself. The kids love her because she got right down on the floor to play with them and never once made them feel as if they weren’t the most important people in her circle while they had her attention. Annistyn is eager for her to come back to hang out.
TJ’s parents are still in jail. Their lawyer is trying to get them out on bail, but the judge refused to give it. After everything their son did, he wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice. I went to court that morning so I could look his parents in the eyes as they were told they wouldn’t be released on bail. TJ’s dad was pissed as hell and I know it’s just a matter of time before he makes a move against Taleah. He’s definitely the kind of asshole who will do whatever he can in revenge for any slight against him. It’s just a matter of time beforeeverything goes down. I’ll be right at her side when it does and protect my girl. They won’t ever get close to her again.
This weekend, Taleah and I are staying at her house again. A massive party is going on at the clubhouse and neither one of us wants to be there for it. I’ve been to more than enough parties since Feral Dragons was started and the only girl I want to spend time with is Taleah. Elara told me a few days ago that Taleah hasn’t really been to parties since she lost her brother. Birthday parties for family and friends are different because there’s not typically any drinking and she’s not reminded of that night. She explained it to Cali and Annistyn who completely understand her reasons for not wanting to show up knowing there will be a party. They were going to show up just so she’d be more comfortable and I know it’s the only reason she shared what happened in our past. Taleah is definitely letting the two of them in easier than I’ve ever seen her get close to other people.
“Rex, you might want to stay here or find something else to do for a while. I have to leave,” Taleah says walking into the bedroom as I finish getting dressed for the day.
“Somethin’ happen at Fantasy Realm?” I ask her, turning and pulling her into my arms.
“No. I haven’t been to Bhodi’s grave in a while. I need to go there today,” she says, avoiding my gaze because she knows I haven’t been there since his funeral. “I’m the only one who goes there now. Mom and Dad still aren’t able to visit the cemetery and I can’t stand to have him there with no visitors. I know you haven’t been back there and I won’t force you to do anything you’re not ready for.”
That was the last thing I was expecting her to tell me. I know she goes to the cemetery on a regular basis to visit her brother, but I didn’t know her parents haven’t been back sincehis funeral. I won’t allow her to go on her own. Not today when she’s been through so much shit over the last few weeks.
“I’ll go with you, Doll,” I finally tell her as she looks up at me with wide eyes.
“You don’t have to, Rex. Going to the cemetery isn’t for everyone and I understand that. You’re not ready to go there and I refuse to be the one to force your hand,” she says as I look down at her and pull her closer because this is one of the many reasons I love her so much.
Taleah will do everything in her power to make those she loves comfortable and won’t ever push them to do things before they’re ready. She’ll be your biggest cheerleader and support system while also understanding if you’re not ready to do something. This is a big step for me and she won’t make me do it if I’m not ready.
“I want to go. We’ve both made promises to move forward with our lives and deal with things that have been holdin’ us back. The guilt I feel for not bein’ there the night he lost his life is somethin’ I need to start dealin’ with. That starts by goin’ with you today,” I tell her as she pulls back a little and looks at me.