Page 37 of Celtic Dragon
“And what else?”
“I’m a badass biker!” he says proudly.
“And don’t forget it!” I pause briefly and then say, “Now that we got that out of the way, I’m gonna ask you again: are you sure this shit with Ciara isn’t gonna fuck with your head?”
“I’m sure, Ice. You were right to set my head straight about my brothers. They’ve fucked with me all my life, but I see now I don’t have any reason to feel inferior to them. Like you said, I’m a badass biker.” He laughs. “But where Ciara is concerned, I meant what I said. She means nothing to me and I’m thrilled that she is now Damon’s headache. Ari means the world to me and I won’t do anything to fuck that up.”
I nod, convinced. “So, where do we start tomorrow?”
“I know a few people we can talk to, we can start with them.”
“Ok. I’m letting you take the lead on this. You know the people we need to find and where to look. Doc, Ryder, and I are your backup.”
“Thanks, Ice. We’re gonna find them,” he says with determination, but it sounds like he’s trying to convince himself more than he’s trying to convince me.
Rebel
I’m home. I never thought I’d be back in my old room again. And I can’t fucking sleep. I’m just laying here in my bed thinking about everything that’s happened since we left the States—and everything that happened before we left the States. In the midst of all this chaos in my head, I realize that Ice is right about everything. And the more I think about his words, I come to another realization: he’s more a brother to me than both Damon and Patrick combined. I’d give my life for Ice. He’s my brother and my prez. But I’m not sure I feel the same loyalty to my biological brothers.
Damon has always believed that since he’s the oldest, he’s in charge. He’s always been the take-charge type, and with Mom and Dad always being gone, Damon believed that Patrick and I were his minions to control. He and Patrick were closer in age, with only a couple years separating them, but there was an eleven-year gap between Patrick and me.
Damon was always right and Patrick was his loyal follower. If Damon was giving me shit for something, Patrick always joined in whether he agreed or not, just to stay in Damon’s good graces. It was always them against me.
I do find it hard to believe that Ciara is sleeping with Damon. It almost pisses me off. Not in a jealous sort of way; I feel no jealousy where they’re concerned. But what makes me mad is that she’s sure that her being with my brother is making me jealous. And worse yet, Damon doesn’t care that it might bother me. I guess they both deserve each other, ‘cause their plan failed miserably. I don’t give a fuck about either one of them.
Knowing what I know now, I don’t think I ever really loved her … not the way you should love a wife. We were so young, just kids ourselves, and we had no business even thinking about getting married. When I compare what my feelings for her were then and what my feelings are now for Ari, the difference is like night and day. I look at Ari and I see my future. I see us getting married and having a home of our own. I see her pregnant with our children and I see us growing old together, swinging on a porch swing while surrounded by our grandchildren. She’s the one for me and I’m not going to do anything to screw that up.
I really hated leaving my parents when they sent me to the US, but it’s been a relief to be rid of my brothers and their constant dominance over me. Going to the States gave me the opportunity to grow and find my own niche in this world. Coming back has made me absolutely certain that my place is not here in Ireland. My place is with my club, my brothers, and my girl. I still love my family, but I could never return to this life.
I needed this. I needed Ice to set me straight and the time to think all this shit through. This is me getting my head out of my ass. I’m ready now to take on this task that I have enlisted my MC brothers in. I’m ready to get done what needs to get done and get my ass back home where I belong. Damn, I feel great!
Chapter 14
Emma
It’s been two days since I’ve heard from Caden. I’m beginning to worry for his safety. Hell, for all of them. I hate that he is so far away. I think back to our last conversation and remember that he did say that he didn’t know when he would be able to call again. I shrug; I guess I just have to trust that he’s safe. Besides, I think I would know in my heart if he wasn’t.
It’s been quiet around the house with the boys gone. My mystery stalker hasn’t been around and we haven’t heard back from Sgt. Briggs. I wish he had some answers so we can put this mess behind us, but I have a sinking suspicion that it’s not gonna be that easy. Whoever is doing this wants something from Cade and me, and I believe the only way we are going to find anything out is to play his game.
On a happy note, Honey and I are planning a day out, shopping, spa, etc. She and Hawk are going out tonight and we are going to spend the day pampering her. It’s been a long time since I’ve had some girl time, so I’m really looking forward to it.
I come downstairs and find Spike, Dbag, and Honey sitting at the kitchen table having coffee. I plop my purse down on the table, look at Honey, and say, “Are you ready for our big day?”
Before she can answer, Spike asks, “What big day?”
I reply nonchalantly, “Honey and I are having a girl’s day out today—hair, nails, makeup. The works.”
“Oh, hell no!” Spike replies.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“You ladies are NOT going out shopping and doing girly shit today. Hawk told you both to stay put!”
“We weren’t planning on going alone.”
“I’m not having a spa day with you girls. That would be emotional suicide for a guy like me!”
Spike is beginning to grow on me; his resistance to spending a day out with the girls just makes me giggle. “It won’t be that bad. What do you think, Dbag?” I ask.
