Page 37 of Bane's Beginning

The boys nodded in acknowledgment.

“I hate to point out the obvious,” I said, looking around the room. “But some fuck nuts covered in tattoos and calling himself Preacher sounds a lot like a biker, which means we’re probably dealing with another club.”

I looked over at Ares, and he nodded his head. “Which means that we need to pay more fucking attention. If another club is making marks on our territory, we need to be more vigilant. We don’t know what else they’re planning or when they’ll decide to make their presence known. Ride in twos and old ladies will have at least one prospect on them when they leave.”

“Seconding what Ares said,” I added. “Right now, we have the upper hand, so let’s keep it that way and get these motherfuckers fast and as under the radar as possible. Club doesn’t need more heat. Got it?”

Various grumbles in agreement filled the room, and then we moved on to other club business.

“Moving on,” I said. “Circuit, anything on the other Santoro brother?”

We had about three weeks before our next gun drop, and it would be likely Matteo Santoro would be our contact for the next few months.

“Not much, Prez,” Circuit said, as he scanned over his laptop. “I’ve sent you all the standard information I’ve been able to pull, but it’s not very telling. I’m getting some information from acontact that knows him overseas. He should be reaching out any day now.”

“Luca mentioned setting up a meeting with us and Matteo in the next week or so,” Crash said. “I think you and Ares should be there, Prez.”

“Let me know the details once they’re set and we’ll be there,” I said. “Make sure we meet somewhere on mutual ground. Maybe Prey?”

“Yeah, we should meet at Prey,” Ares said. My phone started to ring and I looked down to see Cage calling me from the pen.

“Got to take this. It’s Cage,” I said to my brothers. “Church is dismissed.”

Chapter 20: Thea

I woke up as I felt someone shuffle into the bed next to me, wrapping their arms around my body. I immediately knew it was Bridgette. I sighed as I pulled her arms tighter around me.

“Why did you save me?” Her voice whispered to me. I could hear the faint sound of sadness in her voice.

“You needed to be saved,” I said matter-of-factly.

“But why?”

“He was going to kill you,” I answered.

“I thought I loved him,” she cried and I felt my heart break alongside hers. “But he was only using me, hurting me to get to you, Thea.”

I didn’t know what to say to her, so I softly whispered, “I know.”

“You knew he was evil and you still took my spot, and all I’ve done is treat you like shit because of him,” she said as the tears continued to fall from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Thea. I thought I loved him.”

“I know,” I repeated as I squeezed her tighter around me.

***

Family day.

So far during my time at the clubhouse, Sundays have proven to not be a very good day of the week for me. The club was in full swing for today’s cookout. We were all outside gathered around the picnic tables and benches.

Maverick was sitting next to me, along with Bridgette, Chase, Marcus, Anna, Serena and Dav. I would hate to see if things could get any worse.

Excusing myself to grab a drink, I returned and Maverick pulled me down to sit on his lap. I tried to hide the blush creeping across my face as Serena and Anna cooed.

“So how did you two meet?” Bridgette asked, and it seemed genuine. Since I regrettably roughed her up yesterday and then had a mini therapy session in bed, we had been in a better place.

“The club,” I said, and Marcus laughed. Chase and I both shot him daggers as if to say not to embarrass us. I wasn’t sure why they were all still here. I’m sure it had to do with Maverick. He probably wanted to make sure all of the information from last night’s overdose had been rehashed before sending them out.

“Figures,” Bridgette said. “We always meet the hottest guys when clubbing. You remember the twins?”