Allie:
From then on, the cities started to blend together. The road seemingly endless as it alternated between periods of heavy traffic and entire areas with no other cars around. The only constant was the uninterrupted humming of the Harleys that drove beside us the entire way. The sound turned out to be more soothing than bothersome in the long run, lulling me to sleep when it was mom’s turn to drive.
Crash and Ax had been left behind a long time ago but just as promised, groups of two kept meeting us every couple of states that we crossed. Our entire trip had consisted of switching between drivers, bikers, and sources of caffeine. It worked out fine until my eyes caught a sign that we were passing into Nevada. We were pretty far away from home now and an all too familiar feeling of restlessness and anticipation had started to kick in.
I didn’t know what to expect when we got there. Two days of driving with minimal conversation gave a girl lots of time to think. Whenever I was driving, mom would be asleep and vis-versa so I was left to my own imagination.
I’d always wondered what my dad would have looked like. Other than our shared eyes, I’d often imagined him being tall with a kind face. The kind of smile that crinkles your eyes on the sides and you can feel the warmth radiating from it. That’s how I wanted to see him when I was younger. As I got older those images started to fade. A ‘father’ to me wasn’t a real thing. Any of mom’s longterm boyfriend’s would generally be considered my step fathers. She never wanted to get remarried, yet she would always refer to someone that stuck around longer than 2 years as her husband.
I knew my real dad couldn’t have been too great either. He was apparently the president of a biker club and nothing about these men screamed law abiding citizen. I’d taken a chance to look up some of the patches on a few of these men’s vests and all of them had different meanings. Some were their position in the club, some had patches that said men of mayhem, but all of them had a 1%er patch. I’ve never been one to be intimidated but the looks of some of these guys made my blood run cold.
From what I’d learned from my mom, the life of a biker club is totally different. They have their own set of hierarchy and rules that outsiders wouldn’t understand but the bond within the club makes everyone a family. I hadn’t stopped myself from rolling my eyes at her use of that term. Family. Clearly they didn’t care too much about family if they’d sent my mom and I packing. 3,000 miles and twenty two years had gone by and not once had I heard from anyone in that family.
The sound of the car turning off woke me. Careful not to smudge my makeup, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. The mid-afternoon sun beat down hard into the car and my eyes caught the time. We hadn’t been driving for long this time so it wouldn’t be time for another stop. I looked over at mom. She’d been fixing her long blonde hair in the mirror. Applying whatever lipstick she could get her hands on in the car. Red. Somewhere along the road she’d found time to apply mascara, bringing some light into her ocean blue eyes. There was excitement in them. It had been a long time since I’d seen that look in her eyes. She looked like a different person. A strength omitting from her that I had never witnessed before.
“We’re here, Allie.” She looked over at me, placing a hand in my arm. “We’re finally safe.”
I looked out through the window, taking in the look of the tall brick building. This was a bar. Large white letters spelling out Hollow Reapers MC named the building. A long row of bikes lined the front, the two that had been accompanying us from Nevada pulled their bikes into place beside them.This was a bar owned by the Reapers. My dad’s bar with my dad’s biker club.
My dad. Shit. He’d be in there. Over the course of our trip, I’d thought of hundreds of different ways to approach this. To approach him. Now that we were in the lot, my mind went blank.
I saw mom get out of the car before coming over to my side and opening my door. She was my height, an average 5’6, slender figure, but right now, she stood taller. A confident aura surrounding her. She seemed happy to be here, but I couldn’t say the same.
“You ready, baby?” She asked, taking my hand in hers.
I shook my head. “You go ahead. I just need a minute.”
Her eyes met mine as she tried to read me but nodded, knowing I’d need my time. She adjusted her top, showing the slight hint of cleavage before making her way inside.
My eyes rolled but I leaned into the center console to pull out my pack of cigarettes and pulled one out, putting it between my lips. I tossed the pack back in the seat and pulled my lighter out to light it. Inhaling deeply, I let the smoke fill my lungs, holding it in until I stepped out of the car and leaned back against it to check out my surroundings.
The lot was large, gated. Bikes lined the front. A few pickup trucks, parked on the far end while other cars filled parking spots closer to the entrance. Taking another puff, I let it out in a deep sigh. This was really it. Soon, I’d be face to face with the man I’d blamed for all of my problems for so long. I felt my temper building up inside of me but my body was at war with itself. My anger wanted me to act out. To go in there screaming. But my exhaustion kept me from caring all that much. I knew I’d have to get over it. I was going to be here. It just really pissed me off that this is what it took to finally meet him face to face.
I took a deep breath, enjoying the last few pulls from my smoke before stubbing it out on the ground. Pulling up my jeans, I tucked them into my boots and brushed any lint off of my blood stained shirt. I thought about changing, but I was too tired to make any unnecessary movements, instead, I brought my hair towards the front, letting it hang over my shoulders and down to my chest. The fullness of it hid a majority of the marks on my neck. It’s dark color blending in with my t-shirt while the blonde streaks on the underneath layers contrasted through.
I desperately needed a shower and a warm bed but that didn’t seem to be an option yet. There was no way around this.
Upon entering the building, the first thing I saw was the bar right in front of the doorway. Wooden stools surrounded it while an older blonde woman covered in ink with leather short shorts and a red corset top tended the bar. I didn’t know what I expected walking into a biker bar but this was certainly fitting.
“What’ll you be having sugar?”
“Jack Daniels.”
I blurted a little too instantaneously than I would like to admit. I leaned forward against the bar, watching her pull the bottle and pour me a glass before she placed it in front of me. With the day I had ahead of me, liquid courage was just what I needed. I took a sip, letting the liquid slide down my throat while I savored the taste. It felt so good to drink something other than coffee and red bull but I knew we wouldn’t have made it through the trip without copious amounts.
Drink in hand, I turned to lean my back against the edge of the bar, taking a look around. Stipper poles lined the back wall with couches and chairs surrounding each platform. Small tables and chairs were scattered around the middle, two pool tables against one wall and couches arranged together were against the other wall overlooking the place.
There were a few people hanging around. Women on the stripper pole, some guys playing a game of pool, one or two sitting by the tables getting lap dances. But mostly men wearing the leather cuts. Ax had taken it upon himself to correct me whenever I called them vests.
Mom was sitting on one of the couches against the wall talking to a few men and one other woman who looked exactly like her. The two women held hands, looking almost reminiscent as they group of them were discussing something but then her eyes caught mine.
“Allie!” She waved me over.
I looked around to see a few people had turned their attention towards me before I made my way over.
“Allie, this is Carver. He’s your father’s best friend and Vice President of the club.”
Carver was an older man, much like everyone else, he was covered in tattoos. His dark brown eyes glanced over me. There was a darkness in them, like the light had gone out years ago. All of these men looked like they’d been through some shit, but I’d never seen anyone’s eyes quite like his. He stood and I instinctively took a step back. It was something out of reflex but he grabbed my arm and pulled me in for a hug. His enormous body wrapping around mine as his muscular arms hugged around me. All that intimidation went away and a sense of comfort came over me. I held my cup in one hand and gave him a half hug with the other.
He pulled away and grabbed my arms in his large hands as he looked over my face. I could feel the anger coming off of him but I pulled away slowly.
“It’s good to have you back kiddo. You won’t have to worry about this happening ever again.”
I nodded my head. What was I supposed to say?
“This is Carver’s old lady, Marla. Marla and I grew up together. Carver and Marla are your godparents.” Mom continued.
Marla didn’t look old to me but I guess that was more club talk. She was mom’s age, same body type but a few inches taller. Her hair was naturally blonde like mom’s and she wore dark, smouldering eyeshadow and bright lips. The two looked like they could be sisters. Marla was dressed in all black. A lot more clothing on than the others and that wasn’t saying much. She work high heeled boots up to her knees with dark denim jeans tucked inside of them. Her black tank top had slits all along the side with her cleavage showing and her bright red bra peeking underneath. Mom and Marla’s presence commanded respect and attention in the room. It was definitely badass but I hadn’t seen this side of mom. I couldn’t tell whether it was a good thing or not.
Marla smiled brightly, her eyes glistening as a teardrop fell and she pulled me in for a tight hug. “Welcome home, baby!”
I had godparents. Awesome. Would’ve been good to know 20 years ago. Did they think we were here to stay? I hugged her back and looked at my mom for clarification but she was way too busy rekindling friendships to even notice. I took a long sip of my whiskey after Marla let go. I’d be needing a lot more of this before the end of the day.
“I’m Tex.” Another man in a cut spoke up. “This is Nate.”
I shook their hands and looked at the two. Nate eyed me up and down with a cocky smirk. He was closer to me in age than the rest of them. Short blonde hair, swept up in the front. His sun kissed skin gave him a beautiful glow, face free of facial hair. He was pretty for a guy.
Tex, while blonde, was younger than Carver but significantly older than Nate. He had a full beard and a harsh exterior. He was heavier set than the rest of them and his accent sounded southern, must by why they called him Tex.
“Nate grab a prospect and show them to their rooms. You two have got to be exhausted” Carver ordered and Nate’s eyes narrowed in on mine with a teasing grin. Maybe my stay wouldn’t be so bad. With eye candy like this around, I could find a few ways to keep myself entertained.
“We only got two duffels.” I finally spoke up, taking my eyes away from Nate to look at Carver. “Didn’t have time to grab much else. I’ll grab ‘em”
Carver nodded his head towards Nate and we started walking towards the front door but they swung open and 3 men filed in. I locked eyes with the first one and I felt my heart sink into my stomach. It was him.
I didn’t need anyone to introduce me. I looked exactly like him. His hair was black like mine. His eyes green, the same ones I’d seen millions of times throughout my life not only in the mirror but also in my dreams on nights where I wanted nothing more than my dad to be near me. His body was solid, tall and muscular, chiseled features, covered in ink along his neck and down his arms. It was clear he took pride in how he looked. I just wish he’d taken that pride in being a father.
I knew he saw it too because he’d stopped moving as he looked at me. It was like everyone else in the room disappeared. I saw Nate’s eyes darting from me to him before he mumbled “Shit.” Under his breath.
“Duke.” Mom said breathlessly as she walked up to us. “Allie, this is Duke. Your dad.”
“Allie.”
He took a step forward and I took a step back. I wasn’t ready for this. I could hear my heart beating out of my chest and I could swear everyone could hear it too with how silent the room had gotten. There was anger in his eyes, undoubtedly from looking at the bruising on my face but he could only be mad at himself.
“You let that piece of shit lay his hands on her, Vivian?” His voice came out in a low, threatening tone. “Why didn’t you call me, sooner?”
“Duke..” Mom said, her voice a hushed whisper compared to his.
“Don’t.” I spoke up firmly. My initial shock quickly wore off as I saw my mom going back into her shell. They both looked at me. Confusion in his eyes but worry in hers. “Please. Please don’t act like you would’ve given a shit. She had no reason to call you then and I don’t know why she called you now but please. Please don’t act like father of the year on account of us being here.”
Mom’s jaw dropped and he just stared at me. There was hurt and regret in his eyes as he looked at the anger behind mine. You could hear a pin drop in the room as everyone around us stared.
“Goddamit, Allie.” Mom sighed.
Maverick:
“Mav, church in 20!”
Pyro’s voice came through the door followed by incessant knocking.
“Mav?”
“Aright!” I threw an ashtray at the door and the knocking stopped. “Get out.”
I said to Scarlett who was working her way down my abs and she pouted her plumped up lips at me. We’d already gone one round but girls like her will try to suck you dry repeatedly just for a few more minutes of attention. Pushing her off of me, I got up off of the bed and walked to the bathroom to turn on the shower.
“Come on baby, you’re always up for a second round.”
She whined as she sat herself up on the bed, leaning forward on her arms, purposely pushing her enormous chest breasts together. Scarlett was pretty, soft brown hair, thin waist, fake tits. She’d come to the club in hopes of becoming an old lady but ended up being a sweetbutt. Everyone had taken their turn. She’s had her eyes set on me since I got my patch. I’ve told her that wasn’t going to happen, but if she wants to suck my dick and clean my dorm, why would I say no?
“I said, out.”
I repeated myself firmly and this time she didn’t make another sound, just got off of the bed and started getting dressed.
The water felt great down my back. It’s been one hell of a drive back from visiting our Washington charter. Boonie and I had just gotten back earlier this afternoon and he got some time with his old lady and I got to get my dick wet. It was just the muscle relaxer I needed but now I had to get back to business.
Thing’s weren’t going well up there. The Tribe was inching their way into our brother’s territory and we weren’t going to let that shit slide. This had to go to the table. Our treaty with the Tribe MC was walking a very fine line. The two clubs had been in a dangerous war years ago but had come to a truff agreement. Now that they were encroaching, it could mean war.
I dried off and pulled on a clean pair of boxers, a white t-shirt, and my jeans before stepping into my black tim boots, luckily I kept my hair pretty short, buzz cut on the sides and longer on the top just enough to sweep it back and be done with it. There was still another 10 minutes to go, just enough time for a cigarette. The roof was my spot for that. It overlooked the lot and gave me time to clear my head.
As I reached the top of the stairs, I noticed the door was wedged open and instantly got upset. No one was ever up there but me. I walked out and saw a girl standing by the ledge and the unmistakable smell of weed filled my nose.
“Ay,” I called out as I approached her. “This area’s for employee’s only.”
That was bullshit, but I didn’t like to share. The girl turned around slowly, without any urgency in the world, and blew out smoke.
“Sorry. I just needed some air, mind if I finish up?”
“Only if you’re willing to share.” I nodded my head towards the joint in her hand.
She smiled then winced slightly from the cut on her lip. I took the blunt and took a hit, taking the opportunity to look over her features. Her face was soft and feminine, but had a few mark in an ugly shade of purple. I felt the pain for her. I hadn’t missed her curves but my eyes were stuck on hers. They were the color a emerald, sparkling in the light of the setting sun. Glimmering with gold, they looked like they as though they could hold the universe. Endless like crystal marbles. I’d never seen anything as beautiful.
I blinked and I’d lost her gaze. She put the joint up to her lips and took a long, deep, pull before passing it back to me.
“You’re old man do that to you?” I asked, pointing at her face.
“What? My Dad?”
She asked. Her confusion confirmed that she wasn’t from here. She fit the role, tattooed half sleeves, black clothes that accentuated her body, and an effortlessly cool demeanor of an old lady but she had no idea what I was talking about.
“No,” I laughed. “Your man – you’re boyfriend?”
She shook her head again. “Nah.”
“Must’ve been one hell of a fight then.”
“You should see the other guy.” She laughed lightly.
“I can see you putting up a fight.” I smirked, a beautiful chick with no Old Man and daddy issues seemed like my kinda girl. I passed the blunt and watched her take a hit.
“Shh” She whispered and she took a pull before her hand came up and rested weightlessly on the back of my head before she pulled me in closer. Her full lips met mine and I couldn’t stop myself from parting my lips at the softness of hers and she blew the smoke into my mouth, her tongue brushing lightly against the inside of my top lip before pulling away with a smirk on her face, flicking away the rest of it before she stood up, brushing my hair back before she walked away, disappearing between the doorway.
Looking at the doorway, I stared in awe. My dick was throbbing at this point and if I didn’t have church in a few minutes, I would’ve followed her down there and made her finish what she started. I couldn’t grasp what just happened. It had taken me completely off guard. Not many things could surprise me, but she did. I didn’t know if I liked it.
We flooded into the room into chapel, each taking our seat around the table. Being Sergeant at Arms, mine was on Duke’s right hand side. I expected to fill them on my run but to my surprise, two women walked into the room with us, one of them being the girl from the roof.
She walked in with a confidence not many girls her age had. Not the ones around here anyway. She was battered but unafraid, like she’d seen it all before. Coming to a stop behind Duke, she leaned back against the wall and I got to take a better look. Long black lashes framed her eyes, high cheekbones, flawlessly sculpted lips. Her body looked small but it was fit with curves in all the right places. She had changed her shirt. Her tank top hung down just enough to get a peek at her full chest framed by her long hair, pitch black with blonde streaks along the bottom. She wasn’t tall by any means but the way those jeans wrapped around her legs made them look like they went on for days. Wouldn’t mind having’ them wrapped around me a time or two.
Tex nudged me to catch my attention but even while I leaned in, I couldn’t take my eyes away from her.
“Eye’s off, man. That’s Duke’s kid right there.”
My eyes widened and I cleared my throat, forcing myself to look away. Duke never said anything about having a kid. I’ve been apart of this club for almost nine years and not once did he mention he had a kid, let alone a daughter that looked like that.
“For those of you who don’t know. This is my old lady, Viv and my daughter, Allie.”
A few eyebrows flew up across the room as we heard him speak but he just kept on explaining. My eyes again found Allie as she leaned back against the wall, beer in her hands and her eyes staring at everyone with a profound intensity and I felt my dick twitch when they meet mine. Jesus Christ.
“Twenty two years ago, things were shit around here. Our war with the Tribe was worst than it had been in a long time. Men were dropping like flies, old ladies getting raped and killed left and right. If that wasn’t bad enough, they made an attempt to take Allie while Viv was coming back from a run to the store. She was three at the time. They ran her off the road and if Carver hadn’t been there they would’ve succeeded in taking them.”
He looked at Carver and gave our VP’s arm a grateful squeeze before continuing on.
“ Viv and I talked about it and decided we needed to get her out of here. It wasn’t easy but at that time it was our best option.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Allie roll her eyes behind him as she took another sip of her drink. I could tell she was abundantly annoyed as she was practically shooting daggers at his head with her heated glare.
“Viv took her to New York and we cut all ties so they couldn’t be tracked down. We thought it’d be safe but I guess my old lady has some pretty shit taste in men and now they’re in trouble and I’m asking that you help. I know this is a personal problem but I need the club behind me on this.”
Grunts and nods went around the table in agreement. We would never let a brother down, especially regarding something like this. The older woman stepped up and Duke pulled her onto his lap and again Allie rolled her eyes behind them. She was definitely holding a grudge but her mom sure wasn’t.
“His name is Leo. Leo Walters.” She started. “I met him ten years ago. I started bartending at this strip club trying to make ends meet. He was real sweet at first, he’d let Allie hang out in the dressing room while I worked. It wasn’t ideal. I get that but I had nowhere to go. Money was tight and being a single mom in New York City wasn’t cheap. He took us in. Helped with Allie, bought us all types of expensive things, put us up in his condo, the works. Anyway, time moves on and he starts putting his hands on me. More time passes and he starts putting his hands on Allie. I tried to leave but he’d threatened to kill me if I did. I kept trying to get Allie out of there after she turned 18 but she wouldn’t leave if I stayed.”
I could see Duke squeezing his fist tight as he listened to the story. His knuckles were stark white compared to his tan skin. Allie was just staring blankly at the floor at this point and I felt myself getting angry. I couldn’t stand a man who beat women but this felt closer to home than I’d care to admit. My dad was a drunk. ended up killing my mom one night. He went to jail and I spent the rest of my childhood in and out of foster homes until I turned 18 and the club took me in.
“Anyway, I was out for a while when I got a phone call from the hospital saying Leo had been in an accident and was being treated. After about an hour they let me see him and he was wrapped in bandages all over. His car had exploded when he was about to get in and he had severe burns from the fire but they told me he had some head trauma and that he’d been stabbed pretty badly. 40 stitches on his side and 17 across his face.”
“So someone has it in for the guy, what’s that got to do with you?” I spoke up, leaning forward with my arms on the table.
“It was Allie.”