PROLOGUE
NICKEL
The room where we hold Church is empty.
I sit in my old chair at the table we had custom-made for this room with our insignia carved into the middle. It’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship from one of our allies—although he’s now family, as his wife is the sister of Jeanie, my sister-in-law.
I want a few minutes to myself as I wait for the brothers and Old Ladies to arrive. I’m handing back the VP position to Copper today, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Copper’s undercover assignment is now over, and he and Bee, his Old Lady, are back at the clubhouse. I’ve enjoyed being busy, handling the things Coal didn’t have time for, but I’m relieved I no longer have to make the heavy decisions when Coal isn’t around.
My brothers put a lot of faith in me when they elected me as interim VP while Copper was undercover. I wasn’t sure I trusted myself as much as they did.
I’m the quiet Tin brother, content to fade into the background. Becoming invisible is easy in a family like mine. They’re all loud. Obnoxiously so at times. I prefer peace and quiet and my own company.
Not that I don’t enjoy spending time with my family and my brothers, because I do. But they can be a bit much at times. Best taken in small doses.
When Copper put my name up for the vote, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather.I didn’t realise he saw me that way. I’m not sure he understands how much it means to me that he put his faith in me in front of our brothers. Over the last months, I’ve done my best to navigate my way around being VP. I think I did a good job. At least, I hope I did.
The position has brought me closer to my eldest brother, Coal, who’s our President. It’s a closeness we’ve never had before, for no reason other than I’m a loner and Coal is a natural leader, like Copper. Then, when Bolt lost his way for a few years, I fell by the wayside. It’s been a good experience for both Coal and me, especially since we’re now working more with the Cursed Skulls in the fight against human trafficking.
The door opens, and Coal walks in. When he sees me in my usual chair instead of beside his, he stops short and stares.
“Fuck, Nickel. Today’s the day, huh?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“How are you feeling about it?”
I should’ve known he’d be concerned. It’s part of what makes him the right man to be president. He keeps his finger on the pulse of every brother, always making sure we’re steady. He’s been that way from the start.
I grin. “I’m okay. Not gonna miss all the extra work, that’s for sure.”
Coal chuckles as he walks towards me. He pulls me from my seat and hugs me hard, pounding his fist against my back. “Thank you, brother. Couldn’t have done the last few months without you. You did a fucking amazing job.”
I return his back-breaking hug for a few seconds before pushing him away. “No worries, Pres. Glad I could help.”
We hear the brothers approaching. With one last long look and a nod, Coal sits in his chair. Brothers file in, some doing a double takewhen they see me in my old seat after nearly a year as Coal’s right hand.
Copper comes in last with Bee, seating her in the chair next to Coal. The Tins are adding Old Ladies to the table at a rate of knots. Makes me wonder if I’ll be doing the same soon. I’d have to find a woman first, one who won’t mind my solitary, awkward ways. I come with a kick-ass family, though, so there’s that.
Coal slams the gavel on the table. “Church is in session. Before we get down to business, let’s welcome back our VP.”
The brothers hoot and holler, making me smile. Copper grins. I know he’s happy to be back with us. Fuck, I’m happy he’s back with us. The hole he left in our lives is now filled.
“Right, settle down,” Coal orders, waiting for the brothers to quiet before looking at me. “Before I turn the meeting over to the Cursed Skulls, I’d like to thank Nickel for being a fucking fantastic interim VP while Copper wasaway. I couldn’t have done everything we’ve done in the last few months without you, brother. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I turn to Copper. “Damn glad to have you back, Cop.”
“Glad to be back, little brother,” Copper replies with a grin.
The meeting continues with Coal welcoming Bee to the club. Then he opens the floor for Cahir, who fills us in on the trafficker who kidnapped and beat Bee and held Noah, my new nephew, captive.
The brothers want blood. I don’t blame them.
I have no idea when we finalise plans to go after the fucker how much this operation is about to change my life.
CHAPTER 1
