I love Donna Leigh, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t love her addiction. – Michael Ray
The clubhouse was full of brothers and old ladies on Monday night. Chance and Celt were playing a round of pool waiting for Trigg to call church. As always, Chance was winning. But Celt had been hanging out with Molly’s daughters and was giving his friend a good game.“Imogen is not allowed to help you anymore.” Chance laughed.“There’s plenty of other pool sharks in training over there.” Celt smirked as he sank another ball. “You just miss me scratching on every other shot.”Chance laughed as his friend missed his next shot. “Keep working on it.” He advised lining up for a shot.A small, tattooed hand with busted knuckles pushed the last two balls into pockets. Both men looked at Dom as she picked up the two ten-dollar bills and placed it on Celt’s chest. “Congratulations, you won. Chance, I need to talk to you.”Knowing better than to question her, Chance handed over tYoung lady, if you’ll stand here, I’ll have them open the blinds in this window. Take your time, let me know if it’s your mother. – CoronerChance looked up at the knock on his door and was surprised to find Werewolf. His normally surly expression seemed even more sour. He wore his club cut over a black polo shirt with the Wolf Pack emblem, dark jeans and his motorcycle boots. “What’s up?”“Where’s your wife?” Werewolf asked gruffly. “Out shopping with mom, I think.” He said reaching for his phone. “Want me to call her?”“No.” came the rough answer as Werewolf pulled out his phone and dialed his mom’s number. “Mom. Where are you? No. Is Rye still with you? I need you to take her to your place. Mom. Just do it. Chance and I are on our way. Mom. Fucking hell, mom. Just.” His voice softened and there was a plea in it, “please.”“They found Leigh Anne.” Chance said as his brother put the phone away.“Yeah. Murphy is pretty sure it’s her.” Werewolf said as t
Dad had a thing about bugs crawling through him. So… cremation. – RyeThe Thursday of the last week of August, Anthony, and Tilly and their two boys flew in. The same day that Leigh Anne was found, Phineas had gotten in touch with Sebastian Lynch. A few hours later, he called the man back to let him know his oldest niece was dead.Uncle Bass arrived early Friday morning. Along with his own family and lawyers. Saturday afternoon the family gathered at Sticks’ shop next to the river. Standing on the back pier, Chance helped Rye to scatter Leigh Anne’s ashes into the water. A small quantity of ashes had been placed in a gold heart charm. Abernathy Jewelers made it to match the other two that Rye already had. She held all three hearts close to her chest as Chance held her close. They were all together on a single gold chain. Dad. Mom. Sister.Alana stood next to them holding Michael with her other children standing close by. Anthony, Tilly and their sons also
Something about bad boys with babies makes the ovaries go boom. – TammyThe group of women watched Chance with both envy and admiration. None of them ever imagined him being such an attentive father. Especially to a child that was not his. Nor his wife’s. And yet, Michael was unquestionably theirs.“Oh hell.” Bambi said as she stepped out of the bar and saw what the women were looking at. “Hey! Did your ovaries just explode?” Yvonne yelled and there was a chorus of yes from around the room. “Molly, I want another baby!”“I will get right on that!” Molly replied.Somewhere Karan’s voice echoed around the room with a single demand. “Cookie! I want a baby!”“Come here, darling!” Cookie yelled back. “Let me plant a milk chocolate baby in that belly!”As everyone around them laughed Chance tipped Rye’s face up to him. “Did you ever make an appointment for your birth control?” “No.” she said softly as tears filled her eyes. “He’s so perfect, even with eve
I suggest a neutral location. Tell Celt I’ll meet him in my conference room. – PhineasChance explained the situation to his best friend and brother-in-law. After a quick call to his dad, he suggested that they go to the office. Mia offered to go for moral support, but Rye declined the offer. The fewer people who saw her fall apart, the better it was for Rye.Chance asked his sister to watch Michael while they were gone.“I don’t have chest hair for him to grab.” Mia pointed out, watching as Chance carefully freed his beard and chest hair.“Take him to his grandpa.” Chance grinned at Ryder.Shrugging his shoulders, Ryder accepted the infant. “What’s up, squirt?”With that settled, Chance and Rye followed Celt over to his families building. Anthony and Tilly and Bass and Johanna also followed in their rental cars. Bass also had his lawyer with him. On the elevator ride up, Celt explained that his parents were already at the office.“The bottom half of the
She tried, but her Demons were stronger. – Bass Bass looked at his niece and saw the strength of his brother in her. There was no doubt, she was his child. She looked like him and had some of his mannerisms. And his stubborn streak that made her keep going even as she knew her world was falling apart around her. He was proud of her. She made it out of hell and became a strong young woman. He wished that he could take even a little credit for that. The only person who had that right was Ryanne herself.“She refused to get help.” Bass finally said. “Tried to kick the habit on her own. She could function and have a normal life when she was on her medication. But she always felt disconnected from everything.”“It’s sometimes referred to as living in a fog.” Anthony interjected. “I have a lot of patients describe living as though they are watching their life happen around them. Like they’re trapped inside themselves. Drug zombie.”Bass nodded. “She did try. But with
Why couldn’t she just love us more than the drugs? - Rye As soon as Carly received the call from Chance, she headed straight to the horse barn. She saddled the two horses and led them out to the front area. Walking the two over to the small green grass paddock, she climbed up on the panel fence and straddled the fence. Pulling her phone out she read the string of texts from a very angre Celt. She had known him long enough that she could tell his mood by the way he wrote.His wording was precise. Sentences were technical. If he were standing before a jury, he would be impeccable. He hid his anger behind the law. Used the law as a shield. Carly doubted that Roman Centurians could build a shield wall as well as what Celt had so precisely constructed.Looking up, she watched as the car pulled up the long dive and parked in the parking lot. As they walked towards her, she hopped off the fence and led the horses over to meet them halfway. Carly handed over the reins to Butte
You have the advantage of already knowing some of these kids. – Mrs. KellyThe classroom was a combination of Rye and Mrs. Kelly. Mrs. Kelly was retiring over winter break and offered to let Rye keep whatever she wanted. Rye was thrilled to receive so many tools so early in her career.There were a few things that she added and changed. Mrs. Kelly wasn’t sure about the music, but when the younger woman showed her the studies, she had to admit it was worth trying. Chance had Trevor build her a laptop to fit her needs. Rye wasn’t sure if the large man built the machine or just programmed it. Either way, she was in love with the pink machine.The library that Chance was building for Michael was growing almost daily. And with every book that he bought for the house; he bought at least one for the classroom. Elizabeth had been one of the first kids to arrive. Rye wasn’t sure who she was more excited to see, Ms. Rye, Mr. Chance, or Michael. Mrs. Kelso, an older
If she ever asks if you want to help deliver a calf, just say no. – CeltThe Monday after the new school year started, the old ladies and their kids sat in the common room of Pops Place. They were all talking about the first week of school. Not just for the kids, but also for the several teachers that were associated with the club. Two of the brothers and three of the old ladies were teachers. Alana had retired from teaching but was still working as a substitute at the junior high. According to her, the little kids were too whiny, and the big kids were already turning into assholes. Junior high was the perfect age. No longer whining about everything, hadn’t quite become assholes and the awkwardness made them all cute and adorable.Mia’s twins were in seventh grade at the junior high. It was their first year not at the parochial school and they were thrilled to be in classes with cousins and other Saints kids. Although they were already quite a bit ahead of the rest of t
I’m very good at being Sophia. I just don’t like being her. – ShilohThe door to the Shack opened and a large group of men in suits entered with a woman in the middle of their pack. As they moved through the building, the men moved off and took up positions around the large space. The woman stopped in front of Pagan who wrapped her up in his arms.“We’re going to get them back.” She quietly promised.“I know.” Pagan whispered against her neck.She pulled away from him and pressed a kiss to his lips before she turned in his arms. “Werewolf, what do you know?”“They were taken by Aranya. We know where their president is.” He answered.She spoke in Italian, and six men stepped towards Werewolf. “Tell them.”Werewolf nodded and pulled up the map on his tablet. He explained where the Aranya clubhouse was located and what he knew of the buildings. “Don, with your leave?” Nico asked and Sophia nodded.“Yes, bring him to me.” The men turned to leave. “Nico," Sophia warned, "do not spill any
Mother, I’m not sure who you think you are but let me assure you who you are not. – SophiaNico leaned over and spoke softly in Sophia’s ear. “Do not let her take hold again. You are in charge of her. You control her.”Sophia nodded and gave him a small smile. She needed the reminder. Shiloh only had to be Sophia for a little while longer. They were winning the last few hold outs over to their side. There were a few that her mother still had convinced that it should be her stepson to take the position.With Sophia at his side to make it legitimate.Otherwise, he was just another son of just another capo. Elizabeth did not want to admit that she had moved down the ranks of the family. When she had first married Joseph, he had been second in line to the throne. His older brother and wife were both killed only a few weeks after Joseph had married Elizabeth.Joseph would be the next to lead the family. But then, the inner war took place and Joseph was caught in the crossfire. His father,
I don’t give a damn how it’s done. I just want it done. – PaganPagan was hammering out his frustration along with the hot metal on the anvil. It was the second day of the meeting with the family, and he was missing his wife.He couldn’t help the smile that crept across his face when he thought of Shiloh as his wife.When it was confirmed who her family was, he understood why she did not want anyone to know that they were married. Until everything was settled, it could put him and his girls in danger. He didn’t understand everything about her family, but he knew it worked like the Saints.They had a family leader and CEO of the company. Shiloh was Nonno’s only living heir and should take his place. Be the next CEO. But it was not what she wanted.She would do it out of duty and obligation. And Pagan was certain that she would be good at it. Shiloh had a good mind for business and could lead the family and business with very little effort. But her heart was n
If it goes well, you will never have to use your old name ever again. – NicoPagan loved waking up in the morning with Shiloh in bed with him. Most mornings, he woke up with her sucking on his cock. Or his balls. Or moving between the two.This morning was no different. He moaned as his hips thrust up and she took him all the way down to his base.“Fuck, babe.” Pagan growled.She hollowed her cheeks and bobbed up and down on him. His hands fisted in her hair and guided her as she bobbed, and he thrust. Pagan pulled her off him and towards him for a kiss.“I need in you.” He said between kisses.Her hands moved to his shoulders as she moved up his body. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Shiloh wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. Moving his mouth to her neck, Pagan guided her onto his cock. “Pagan.” She sighed as his head pressed against her folds, sliding into her slickness. He growled again
I love you, Shy, but if you say you’re going to wear a white dress, I’m calling bullshit. – GertieSaturday after they got married, Shiloh went with some of the other ladies to a bridal shop. Surrounded by so much white and ivory, she and Gertie stood out. They looked at each other and shared a smile before they both busted out laughing.“Yeah…” Karan smirked. “I don’t know if we’re going to find anything for Shiloh here.”“Yes, we will.” Rye assured her as she walked towards the back of the large warehouse style store. The rest of the women all shrugged and followed her back. They weaved their way through racks and racks of gorgeous white, ivory and pale pink wedding gowns. There were large and puffy ones, others that were slim and fitting. And there were yards and yards of skirts, hundreds and thousands of beads. Satin, silk, taffeta and tule.Several of the women stopped to admire a gown or dress here and there. Mia pulled one out and held it in front of her.
I won’t even tell Toad. I’ll just tell him that we got the marriage license. – PaganPagan and Shiloh walked into the Shack holding hands just like they always did on Church nights. Ashlyn ran towards Priscilla to show the teen the new outfit. Alyssa headed for Athos to try to con him into a ride. Pagan was never sure if she was going to try for a ride on the bike, or a horse.Nessie looked at the couple as they came through the door from her usual table between the pool tables and the couches. She grinned at them, and Pagan headed towards her having learned not to avoid her. Nessie always knew way more than she should and said that the ghosts talked to her.Pagan had seen the poltergeist activity. Heard her say things about people that very few knew. “It looks good on yeh.” Nessie grinned at Shiloh. “What?” she asked quietly.“A new last name.”They both were quiet as they stared at her.“Yeh’ll not hear it from me. It’s not me place. We can put it
This is just for you and me. The other wedding will be for our girls. – Shiloh Shiloh walked into the front office of the fab shop and did not miss the loud annoyed sigh from the woman behind the counter. Pagan had told her about Carrianne and admitted that if it wasn’t that she was so freaking efficient, he would certainly fire her.But she kept the shop stocked with the iron and other metals that they needed. The other supplies and equipment were never low. Water and sports drinks were always on hand in the coolers and protein bars on the shelves. Project schedules were laid out with monthly, weekly and daily time allotments. Custom jobs were priced and bid for a hefty profit while not discouraging the buyer. Phones were answered when they had to be, although she preferred emails. And those were responded to within a business day at the most.Pagan knew that she did most of her work while she was at home, and he had no problems with it. Carrianne had told him onc
Most people make the mistake of overcooking the lasagna. – NicoOn the second Saturday of the new year, Nico invited himself over to teach the girls how to make authentic Italian lasagna. He showed up with almost all the ingredients that they would need. As he mixed up the pasta dough, he explained everything to the girls. Pagan and Shiloh sat at the table watching them. “Daddy always just thaws out the lasagna and puts it in the oven.” Ashlyn declared and Nico acted like he was going to die in the kitchen.Shiloh laughed at her cousin as he lay on the floor clutching his heart, mumbling a prayer in Italian. “I’ve made it from scratch before.” Pagan grumbled with a smile.“You never made the pasta.” Ashlyn pointed out.“Or the sauce.” Alyssa added.Shiloh laughed harder. “They have no loyalties to you when it comes to food.”“None.” Pagan agreed as Nico slowly and dramatically stood back up. The girls were helping him as he clutched the cabinet door
I don’t think that you understand your place within this family. – Elizabeth GiordanoPagan and Shiloh spent New Year’s Eve at the Shack while the girls went to a kid’s party over at Chance’s house. He knew that his new wife would not be comfortable with the New Year’s Eve activities and hosted the annual party for the kids. When Pagan had called Chance at ten in the morning, Rye answered the phone whispering.“Hey, Pagan.”“Good morning, Rye. How are the girls?”“Still asleep. Hang on.” Pagan could hear her moving around in their house and then she took a picture. A moment later, his phone chimed as the picture came through and he clicked the speakerphone button before he moved the phone so that both he and Shiloh could see the screen.Chance was lying on his back asleep on the living room floor. He had his niece, Morgan, asleep on one shoulder and Alyssa asleep on the other. He looked happy and content asleep surrounded by a dozen or more club kids.