Page 148 of Malice and Surrender
Tanner was shrugging off the very real possibility of another attack and us losing more people, all while grabbing his cock and saying bring it on. It was a sure way to get us all killed. I did dangerous shit all the time, but this was different. I’d never been this cavalier with my attitude. I spent ten years in prison looking over my shoulder and protecting those that would protect me. I had looked out for Raine before that, and now I looked out for those in this MC. I would’ve thought that a kid that came from a shit start—like me—would have more respect for the home he’d found. It was obvious that he’d been spoiled, and I had no intention of feeding into that. I almost died tonight, and with that came clarity.
“Everyone take a fucking breath. We’re all on the same side,” Mannix said.
“Are we though,” Roach asked, shocking me. He stood by my side, his arms crossed and his stare fixed on the two men. “Snake was almost killed by one of our own. Someone we thought we could trust.” He pointed toward the door, the sound of music and laughter getting louder.
“We have no way of knowing how many more men were pulled into other clubs. Snake is right. We need order. We need our men and our prez back. We have no idea how many are sitting out there right now waiting like sleeper agents to be activated. What’s next? Slit our throats in the night?”
Tanner rubbed at his chin, and I could tell by the smile on his face he was still thinking about the shootout and the fun he had killing the Vipers. Or the girls he was getting later. Tanner rolled his eyes and made a scoffing sound like Roach was overreacting.
“Give it up, Roach. No one wants to slit your useless throat,” Tanner said. “And so what if we lost some people, we always do. It’s just the way it is.”
If I weren’t leaning against the wall, I would’ve fallen over when Mannix punched Tanner so hard he flew off the chair he was sitting on and crashed to the floor in a heap.
“What the fuck? Why the hell did you do that?” Tanner growled as he rubbed his face.
“Do not disrespect our fallen members, not ever. They were part of this family, and they deserve to be remembered with honor.” Mannix roared. I’d never seen the man so angry, and his presence filled the room as his stare stayed firmly on Tanner.
“Inside this room is all business Tanner and we are meeting about real issues. If you can’t handle that or the responsibility that comes with your potential position in this club, I’ll speak to Chase when he gets back about removing you for good.” Mannix placed his hands on his hips. “I will not put up with any more of this crap from you,” Mannix said.
“Chase wouldn’t do that. We’re family,” Tanner argued. “And I’ve done things to help. I’ve done lots of things.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Tanner. You’re no longer in Ashen Springs, fucking all the lonely, married housewives. The members of this club hardly know you, and they will vote you out if you keep this attitude up. Chase’s hand will be forced, and I’ll be the first to nominate you to leave.” Mannix growled. He was fucking scary when angry. The fact we rarely ever saw him that way made it more impressive. “Are you listening now? If not, I’ll happily knock your fucking teeth out of your head one at a time until you do.”
“Fuck, you’re all wound way too tight. I just wanted to party off this energy, and we could’ve talked tomorrow or something,” Tanner grumbled.
“But I’m asking you now, and that’s what matters. So, answer the question, or my next move will be to call Chase and settle this once and for all.”
Words I never thought I’d hear.
“Fine, Chase said he’d be three to four days tops. Some of the men were wounded, and we lost a few. Chase is making arrangements to have their bodies brought home. Happy now,” Tanner asked as he picked himself up off the floor. “And don’t fucking hit me like that.”
Mannix puffed out his chest, and his hands balled into fists as large and destructive as any sledgehammer. “Then stop acting like I need to tune you in. You might be the youngest member at twenty-two, but you’re not a kid anymore. It’s also not just you and Chase in Richie Rich world, where you can play all day without any cares. You might know Chase better than I do, but I’ve been helping run this club since before you were cum shot from your father’s body. So don’t think because Chase likes you that, you have an unlimited shield of protection.” Mannix stepped up to Tanner and stared down at him. “This is a motorcycle club with real business and real family. This is not your personal playground. Do you hear me?”
I almost heard the balloon pop as his attitude fizzled. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked his age. “Yeah, fine, I get it. Can I get on with my night now? My ass is sore from the long ride, and I’m hungry,” Tanner said, his voice missing all the earlier cockiness.
I still had a million questions, but Mannix nodded and stepped out of the way for Tanner to head to the door. He stopped with his hand on the handle and turned to look at the three of us.
“I am sorry you got shot, Snake, and if anyone is playing two sides, I’ll find them,” he said, walking out.
“I swear that guy makes me want to kill him some days,” Mannix grumbled.
“Get in line,” I said.
“At least we have an answer,” Roach said, lighting a smoke. “The question is, can we keep shit together until the rest of the men are back.”
“I’m just happy that at least the two of you see why I’ve been so fucking angry.” I shook my head and went to cross my arms and thought better of it. “I’m heading home unless you need me for anything else?”
“Naw, whatever is going to happen isn’t happening tonight,” Mannix said and made his way to the door. Roach and I followed. I expected Roach to veer off and hang out with the group, but he stayed with me instead.
“What’s going on,” I asked as we reached the bottom stair.
“I may need you to help me check on Lane tonight. I haven’t seen her in a couple of days and need to make sure she’s okay. I think she found ways to avoid me following her around.” Roach looked genuinely concerned, but it was never too early or too late to fuck with your best friend.
“Oh, I saw her,” I said.
“You did?”
“Yeah, she was giving some frat guy a spit polish. She had good form too,” I lied, keeping my face straight as Roach’s eyes narrowed, his lip pulling up in a snarl.
