Chapter 1

Damian

As we’re sitting here in church everyone is silent. Not a single person wants to get on Skulls bad side and I don’t fucking blame them. He’s ruthless and doesn’t give a shit if we’re 1% or not. His word is law and that’s that.

“Your club looks good D.” He looks over my members who are all giving their best scowls. “None look like their gonna shit themselves.. yet” He lets out a scoff and then sets his eyes on me.

“What do you want skull?”

“Oh come on now, can’t an uncle just stop by to see his nephew?” His mouth has a smirk and his eyes are telling me that he’s up to something.

“Yea they can. You can’t. So tell me what you want or leave. You know your club is wanted around here from your last visit. We don’t need any trouble here.”

Skull looks over at me and his eyes get dark. “That bastard had it coming. He looked at my bitch like he wanted to fuck her.”

“Skull, that ‘Bitch’ was his sister. He was making sure she was okay after going on a three day bender with your fucking crew.”

“Eh fucking pansy anyway, he’s still breathing ain’t he?”

I just shake my head a little. I’m letting him change the subject. Fuck! He always does this and usually it’s too late for me to fix whatever fuck up he does. Not this time. “What are you doing here Skull? I’m not asking again.”

“I had a meeting in the town over. Figured I’d stop on my way through.”

Now I’m starting to see red. I know that little nonchalant answer means he went to California or wherever to pick up drugs, most likely coke, and is planning to sell on his way back through to his come town which is north of us somewhere in Montana I think. I don’t really care where just so long as it’s not here.

“Skull, I’ve told you before not to bring that shit here.” He looks at me and then before I can continue he looks around the club and realizes all his old buddies aren’t there anymore. He had a lot of ‘friends’ in my club. Which to him meant dealers. I got rid of them and dropped them off right in front of the police station bruised with their stash and some cash on them. Fuckers never saw it coming.

I got tired of my club getting a bad rep around town so I had to make an example. I’m not tolerating my club doing that shit. And now they now it.

“So you got rid of all my guys huh?” Skull looks at me and narrows his eyes just for a second then continues “You know boy, I’ve been around a lot longer than you and you’d be smart to listen to me. Bikers aren’t meant to be legit. And when your father ran this MC it ran with the blood of our enemies and the sweat on our brows as we made sure no one took up against us. You’ve turned this place into some kind of joke and I won’t stand for it.”

“What are you going to do old man? Your on our turf. We outnumber your club five to one even at your compound. Try it. You might get one shot in before everyone of my brothers tries to take you down.”

“That’s where you fuck up boy. You let them see you as their equal. Your Prez for a reason. And for that reason your better than them.”

“Shut up old man and get out! These men are my brothers through and through. I make decisions with them because they are what makes up the club. I won’t have you bad mouthing these men when they’ve had my back and I have theirs. So I don’t care what the fuck you want anymore. I’m done with courtesies. Get the fuck out and take your shitstorm with you!”

“Your gonna regret this boy” Skull says as he points at me and leans in the add “I know you in and out kid, I know you don’t have the stuff to lead. Never did. And when you choke I’ll be there to swoop in and steal this club from ya.”

“Is that a threat?”

“You bet your ass it is”

“Brothers, please escort this old ass out. And fast!”

I watch as my club moves Skull to his bike and makes sure he leaves. I even had a couple prospects follow them out of town for an hour or two to make sure he left without causing trouble. It’s bad enough I’m related to that asshole and now he’s got it out for the club. Damn it!

Brody walks into my office where I’ve been since Skull left and sits across the desk from me. He just sits there not saying a word and that annoys me just as much as his constant nagging.

“What is it Brody?”

“Oh nothin Prez. Just wondering when the girls are allowed back in...” He trails off and looks at me with hope.

“Tomorrow.”

“Got it.” He knows better than to question it this soon after Skull leaving. I don’t want Skulls spies to know which of the women are important to the members here. Those of the men that have found their One or their Ol’ Lady tend to buy houses outside the compound. The officers however live on compound with their families. It’s safer that way.

My house is at the top of the hill behind the compound. It overlooks the entire building along with the other houses. Next to me is Brody. And then down the line are our Seargant of Arms, Ax. He’s a big guy, only a couple inches shorter than me and I’m 6’7”. And next to him is our Enforcer, Rock. His name kind of says it all. He looks like a boulder with arms and legs. He’s got the most muscle out of anyone in the club and the fucker is quick too. I don’t know how he does it but he’s saved my ass on several occasions.

There are other houses for treasurers and other club roles that are important but most of those members keep to themselves except for church meetings which is fine. Every club needs some book keepers I guess. But they’re always there if we ever need some back up.

When Brody finally left my office I slipped into my adjoining room and laid on the bed just enjoying the quiet. I know the man are upset about not getting their dicks wet tonight but for the first time in a while I can enjoy some quiet time at the club. It’s kind of nice but soon gets interrupted when the guys start drinking. Well those few minutes were nice while they lasted.

Lilith

When I finally landed I rushed to the house my mother-in-law is renting and get to cuddle my little man for hours. We both teared up a little but held it in. We’re not an emotional family so that’s as good as it gets. We are now just sitting here watching TV and I’m trying to figure out a way to break it to Lisa that I want to move to Colorado. I know she’s not going to be against the idea but she has a job here.

“Hey Lisa, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure sweety, what’s on your mind?”

“Well I’ve been thinking about my next step and I think I want a change of scenery.. again”

“Where are you thinking?” Her voice is steady but I can sense something behind it. Whether it’s hope or anticipation I’m not quite sure yet.

“Well I was thinking about a big move this time. Maybe Colorado? Kelly just moved there and I know Aubrey wants as far away from her ex as possible. And little Emy and Jax are such good friends I want to ask her to come along.”

“Well since you brought Colorado up. I’ve been meaning to tell you I’m moving there aswell.” She just dropped a fucking bomb outta nowhere. “Well you know Logan is being stationed out there and I want to be close to my boy.”

“Well now I kind of feel stupid for even asking, of course you’d want to move there.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself honey. You’ve had a lot going on and no one to share the weight on your shoulders with.” Here we go again.. “Lily, you need to get out there. I know my son would want you to be happy.”

“Lisa, I am fine as is. And I don’t need a man to make me happy. I have the best one already.” I look over at Jax who is engrossed in some video game and barely listening.

“I know, I know. You say your fine. But I want you to say your happy.”

I just nod my head and make it look like I’m pondering what she just said when in reality I’m shaking my head on the inside. I don’t need anyone else in my life. I have my little man, and my two best friends Aubrey and Kelly. What else could a girl want?

“Colorado?!?”

Okay maybe Aubrey isn’t taking the news as me moving so well. “ Okay Aubrey I’m going to need you to chill out there hun.” God she’s freaking out and I’m not good with emotion. Where’s Kelly when you need her? Oh right Colorado!!

“Lily, what made you think Denver was a good idea? Did you look at the crime rate? The schools? The fucking cost of living? Anything yet?”

“Well no that’s why I have you!” I’m laying it on thick here. I really want her to move with me. “Your the one who thinks about all that stuff. Come on! Kelly lives close to there and she says the town she lives in is so nice and quiet. Hardly any crime. And tons of great guys.”

“Didn’t you just tell me your not interested in dating?”

“Well yea… but you are!”

“Oh Lily what am I going to do with you? What am I going to do for a job??”

“Well I have some money saved up I’ll support us until we figure the rest out.” I tell her trying to get her to cave.

“What about the kids?”

“Oh come on Aubrey, you know they are each other’s best friends. And they only need each other to thrive in a new environment.” I almost have her now. She just needs a little push over the edge. “Lisa’s moving too so we even have a babysitter that’s trustworthy when we need too!”

“Lisa is really moving to Colorado??”

“Yea Logan is stationed out there.” Logan is her other son. The only one left after my ex’s death.

“Your going to leave the place your ex is buried?”

Damn, didn’t think she’d pull that out. “It’s not like we can’t come back to visit on his birthday every year. And besides, you all say I spend too much time there anyway.”

“Ugh, Lily.. I can’t believe I’m even considering this.”

“Come on, just think about it! It’d be so great to get a fresh start!”

I can see in her eyes that she is considering it and I know this is my chance to reel her in. So I come up with a plan.

“How about this? We take an extended vacation. You take a month off work and we go out there and see what it’s like. You don’t like it I’ll take you back here myself because I know how you hate to travel alone.”

She’s looking around the room and it seems like she’s trying to find memories that will keep us here. Too bad there are none. We’ve been living at this apartment for 5 years together and the only reason we haven’t moved is because neither of us want to leave the other. We’ve been through the ringer together. Aubrey with her break up and custody battle and me with my fiancé’s death. Although no one really knows that I fell out of love with him a long time ago. His death still hurt but every time I think about him I feel guilt from having this slight sense of relief.

Aubrey snaps me out of my downwards spiral of thoughts and gives me a look and just says “Okay”

“Okay? You mean we’re moving?”

“I mean we’re testing it out. Don’t get overly excited. I’m making my decision in one month. And you better take me home if I don’t like it out there. I’m serious Lily!”

“Yes I promise! Oh my god this is going to be fucking awesome!”

I can’t fucking wait to see what Kelly’s been up to in Colorado! I just have to find a job first!