Eagle grabbed at his side, but it was obvious Jackal hadn’t really given it to him. “Okay, okay. Like I was saying, the new national president is none other than Hawk Jones.”
I sat, still holding in any emotion. Even though brothers around me gave me a knowing nod, some pounded the table in celebration, and some leaned to give me a pat, I wasn’t sure how to process it. I wanted it more than anything, and felt like I deserved it, but not anymore than some of my long-time brothers. Even so, I had to address the room.
Standing from my chair, I gripped my cut and squared my shoulders. “Brothers, I’m honored and grateful. I certainly didn’t plan to move up this way, but I’ll make Pops proud.”
Eagle handed me the patch.National President. Then he said, “Hawk, do you promise to always stay true to our destiny and enforce our bylaws?”
Nodding, I said, “I do.”
“Hawk, do you promise to always stay true to your brothers, the club, and yourself?”
“I do. I will.” Running my thumb over the embroidered patch that was still white and pristine, I added, “I won’t just make Pops proud. I want everyone in this room and everyone who wears our colors to be proud.”
The room erupted. Brothers knocked on the table, a few clapped, and some smacked the banner with all the fallen brothers. Before I could speak again, I was lifted off the ground by Eagle and Falcon and they were carrying me toward the bar.
Jackal cut past us and flung the door open. As we cleared the threshold into the bar, Eagle shouted, “Meet the national president, motherfuckers!”
More cheers and claps sounded and bunnies squealed. The guys paraded me around the room. Ma was standing by the bar where they finally put me down to grab shots.
“Can I see it?” she asked.
Opening my fist, she grabbed the patch out and held it up.
The apples of her cheeks and nose got pink, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly and coughed hard. “Shit. Got something in my eye.” She coughed hard again then smiled up at me. “He’d be so fuckin’ proud of you, son,” she said as she palmed my cheek.
I patted her hand. “I’ll make sure he’s always proud. And you. Love you, Ma.”
Her face fell, and my brows pinched. Before I could ask her what’s wrong, we were interrupted.
“Congratulations, my friend,” Petrov said. “I wished to speak tomorrow but I must get back home, Mr. President. ButI’ll be in touch soon. Please send my blessings to the new bride. Cindy, always a pleasure.” He took her hand and kissed her hand.
“You be safe, Niko,” she said before pulling her hand away.
He winked then walked away.
When I turned back, Ma was gone. I needed to investigate that look further, but a shot was shoved in my face.
“To the new president!”
Petrov was leaving, I was the new president, and the bunnies were swarming like vultures. For at least a few hours, I was going to just soak this up and enjoy myself. The rest could wait until tomorrow.
Chapter 4
Hawk
My eyes struggled to open, but the long night was rushing back to me as the heat from a woman kissed my skin and her sweet smell tickled my nose. Finally blinking away sleep, I tried to quietly roll over but was met with another naked body.
“Mmm, good morning, Mr. President,” a scratchy but dainty voice said in my ear.
My head was pounding, and not being in my own bed had left my neck out of whack. Climbing over Jeannie, I found the pile of clothes and hurriedly got dressed. One of us had the sense to be sure my cut wasn’t on the floor. After slipping my boots on, not bothering to tie them, I grabbed the leather fromthe hook on the wall and pulled it on as I left the room, not looking back at Jeannie and Sugar.
As I stomped down the hall, my hands went to my pockets. My wallet and phones were where they should be. Whenever I ended up with bunnies, I always used a clubhouse room. Maybe I was a dick, but my house was my fortress and solace. After earning the right to have it as VP, I’d gotten used to not sharing my space. Plus, I didn’t want the bunnies getting any wrong ideas. In the clubhouse, I could get up and leave. At my own house, I’d have to tell them to leave. While they respected the officers, they also knew how to play their part a little too well sometimes so I decided it was much easier to keep them out.
I wasn’t much of a morning person, and the bunnies knew it. Once I could grab a shower and a few cups of coffee, I’d be able to function. But we partied harder last night than in a long time. Even in my hungover state, my mind wouldn’t allow me to sleep in. Just because I wasn’t a morning person didn’t mean my body allowed me to sleep.
Finally shuffling to the bar, I was met with a steaming mug.
Ma passed the piping hot brew. She was already dressed for the day. Her hair was cropped short, but it still was fixed. While she wasn’t much for makeup, she always drew in her eyebrows. She was the only one from our family with lighter hair and she hated that her eyebrows didn’t stand out. She had on her cut, probably because so many other chapters were still hanging around. She didn’t wear it every day. None of the Old Ladies did around the clubhouse, unless there was a party.
