Formally titled - Sugar Spice and a Little bit of Vice.
When the leather clad regulars roll into your small bakery, you can't help but feel sorry for the quiet one they call "Happy." What kind of cruel joke is it to give such a name to someone who never seems to smile? Determined to brighten his day, you leave a little treat at Teller-Morrow, hoping to coax even the smallest grin from the serious biker.
You think you can handle knowing what he does for SAMCRO. You've been told outright, seen it when he showed up during a robbery at your bakery, you've seen the respect and fear in people's eyes when they look at him. The Tacoma Killer. It doesn't matterânot until the day you witness it firsthand.
Now the man who once made you feel safer than you'd ever been has become a stranger, and you can't unsee what you saw. Happy has always been patient, but winning back your trust will be his greatest challenge yet.
Sometimes the sweetest treats come with the most bitter truths.
October 28th Story 4 Happywfree use/cockwarming. As always 18+
Requested by a lovely Anon
You and happy both had the day off. After a morning o cockwarming him while he cleaned his various weapons the two of you had spent the day just hanging out with you in your free use headspace.
Happy kept up a brutal pace while using his other hand yanked down your top letting your breast spill out. "Just look at you. Tits out and gagging on my fingers in the hallway" whispered Happy as he pressed himself into you grinding his erection against you as his free hand found one of your hardened nipples. Giving it a twist you cried out from the jolt around his fingers. Happy chuckled as he continued to flick and twist your sensitive nipples.
"Turn around. Spread your legs and grab onto your ankles" ordered Happy as he stepped back form you and pumped himself a couple times as he watched you present your self to him. "This ass is mine" stated Happy as he gave you two swift slaps to each cheek making your yelp and your body clench around nothing. "This arousal is mine" stated Happy as he rubbed the head of his cock along your slick folds teasing your entrance slightly. He grinned as you whimpered and pushed back on to him some. Gripping your hips tightly to leave bruises he slammed into you making your eyes roll back as you screamed his name. "This pretty pussy is mine" he growled before pulling out and ramming into you again relishing in the feel of your gripping him tightly as he pounded into you over and over.
Happy threw the shot of tequila back as he bucked his hips forcing his cock deeper into your throat. Looking up at him with mascara stained cheeks had him smirking and then groaning as your hands massaged his balls. "Good girl" he whimpered as he grabbed your hair tightly before yanking you off him. Gasping for oxygen and rubbing at your aching jaw you looked up at Happy with a soft smile.
As your threw your head back and rolled your hips he grinned at the control he had on you. Pulling his fingers from you he shoved them into your mouth. "Clean them" he ordered relishing in the feel of your tongue swirling around his fingers.
Happy moved so that he was raised slightly and grabbed your knees pushing hem open more so he could watch himself slide in and out of you. His pace picked up as he chased his own need while your body involuntarily tightened around him finally making him close his eyes as he slammed himself inside you once more before releasing himself deep within you.
After a couple minutes Happy pulled from you grinning as he watched his cum drip out of you. He could feel himself already getting hard again. "Happy " you whined as you felt his fingers pushing into you as he kissed your inner thigh. "Your too good baby girl" he murmured into your core as he worked on cleaning you up. Your whines and the buck of you hips making him grin into you.
The Wall - Bishop comes home to find you covered in blood.
TheWall!Series:
Part One: Poker Night - Bishop's poker night is interrupted by gunshots.
Part Two: Ambush - Bishop finds out why you were at The Wall that night.
Part Three: Risk - Your dedication to the cause may be the death of you.
Bishop digs a grave. The muscles in his arms burn as he hefts dirt over his shoulder and onto the ground alongside the hole, heâs standing in. Thereâs blood rushing in his ears, itâs the only sound he can hear as he loses himself in the rhythmic movements of the shovel.
Sweat clings to him despite the cool nighttime air, the high beams from Rizâs truck lighting up the space heâs working in. A couple of metres away Nestor is dragging the first of the bodies across the dusty ground towards the hole. If they want to keep a lid on this they need to dispose of the evidence, which is why thereâs a small crew of them clearing up the crime scene.
âYou donât need to help with the clean-up.â Hank had told him back at Vickiâs. âMe and Taza can take care of it.â
âYea I do.â He says fiercely as he stands at the bottom of the staircase. âItâs the only thing Iâm good for right now.â
He canât stand to be near that bedroom, not while Stitches is working on you. He trusts the other woman implicitly but knowing that sheâs cutting into you, cauterising blood vessels and all that other shit puts him on edge. Heâs been on the verge of lifting you out of that bed and taking you to the hospital when sheâd thundered up the stairs, medical bag slung across her body. Heâd never been so relieved to see another person in his life.
When sheâd ordered him out of the room, heâd wanted to fight her, but youâd shaken your head. Things were about to get messy, and you needed him to take care of other shit, the shit you couldnât deal with right now, you trusted him with that. So, he does as heâs told and leaves you in the capable hands of Stitches and Coco.
âItâs going to be a few of hours.â Stitches had said. âOne of us will call you when weâve finished up.â
Itâs been two hours and a half already and still thereâs been no call.
âThatâs deep enough.â Taza says from alongside the hole. âThe three of them should fit.â
Heâs talking about the men that Rosa and Nestor took out during the ambush, the two whoâd blocked your vehicle in with their own and the man who had aimed a high calibre rifle at your chest and pulled the trigger. Bishop wishes that he could resurrect the piece of shit, just so he could murder him all over again. The physical exertion hasnât curbed that impulse.
It had been Nestor whoâd taken out the shooter, heâd been about to reload when the prospect had blown his brains out, spattering them across the desert floor. Bishop doesnât give a shit about the vote, that man is getting his kutte as soon as they get back to the clubhouse. Tonight, heâs proved his loyalty to both the MC and to you.
Between them they manage to dump the corpses into the hole and fill in the earth around them. Hank is supervising the second crew, cleaning up the scene of the ambush, disposing of the other vehicle and making sure it doesnât tie back to them. They know the cops will come sniffing around after the massacre at Alice Reedâs place, Bishop wants the whole fucking thing airtight. There canât be any blow back on them, on you, he wonât allow it.
It's an hour later when they get back to Vickiâs. He sends the others home.
âRest, recuperate and weâll discuss all of this shit in the morning.â he tells them before he waves them off.
Taza refuses to leave his side, instead he situates himself at the bar pouring himself another whisky before he offers one to Bishop. Bishop shakes his head; he wants to have his wits about him when Stitches makes an appearance. He knows thereâs going to be a lot of shit to process.
When their medic descends the stairs, heâs on his feet immediately, searching her face for clues on your condition. The poor girl looks exhausted, sheâs practically swaying by the time she sits down on one of the plush couches. She pats the seat next to her as an indication for him to do the same.
âSheâs gonna make it.â Stitches tells him, her voice tinged with fatigue. âShe lost a lot of blood so itâs going to take her some time to recover. Sheâs going to be weak and exhausted over the next couple of weeks while she replenishes, sheâs going to need some extra care.â
Bishop reads between the lines. You and Stitches are friends, he knows that she does work for you on the side with the folks who come over the wall. Sheâs telling him you need to ease off a little, take the time to recover. They both know that isnât in your nature, that heâs going to have to be firm with you.
âIâll take care of her.â He promises Stitches. In his head heâs already making the arrangements. Youâll be more comfortable at home he thinks, his place is too sparse. Heâll have to swing by his apartment and grab a few things before they move you. âGive me a list of the shit she needs, and Iâll make sure itâs all in place.â
âGet Nestor to help you.â Stitches suggests as she slips a small notebook out of her back pocket and tears out a prewritten page before handing it to him. âHeâs been through something similar before with Rosa, heâs a good guy to lean on in a situation like this.â
Bishop nods his head in understanding before Stitches continues.
âI managed to get the bullet out but there was some damage to the muscle.â She tells him, tapping the space where the bullet pierced your body. âIf she wants to maintain mobility in that arm sheâs going to have to go to rehab, I can set her up with a clinic once sheâs healed but itâll be expensive since we have to do it under the radar.â
Jesus, he hadnât even thought of that. Itâs a bitter pill to swallow because he knows how active you are. Youâre always in motion, a flurry of activity and movement.
âIâll pay for it.â Bishop says roughly, folding the paper between his fingers before slipping it into the interior pocket of his kutte. âWhatever she needs Iâll take care of it.â
âShe got lucky Bish.â Stitches tells him shaking her head. âJust a few centimetres to the right and weâd be having a different conversation.â
âI know.â He tells her, his hands trembling as he runs them through his hair. âTrust me I know.â
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The Wall - Bishop comes home to find you covered in blood.
Itâs poker night at Vickiâs.
Bishop thinks itâs going to be quiet. A couple of drinks, a few rounds of cards while the rest of the guys blow off a little bit of steam. Itâs more toned down than it used to be now that most of them have coupled up, but theyâve got a few guys up from Yuma who were looking for a specific form of entertainment and Vickiâs happy to oblige.
Bishopâs playing out the best hand of his life when they hear the gun shots. He knows the sound of a high calibre, long range weapon when he hears it. Despite your best efforts the Reed Coalition are still hunting down immigrants. He knows youâre not out there tonight. Youâre meeting with the accountant to discuss the community centreâs finances. Still hearing those gun shots, it puts the shits up him. They were close, too close he thinks.
It's the flash of headlights that makes his heart sink, the sound of wheels spinning out on gravel. Creeper slides the curtain back and Bishop sees the colour drain out of his face before an expletive leaves his mouth. Heâs on his feet as the door is thrown open.
Itâs you that Riz is carrying, you whoâs bleeding out in the other manâs arms. Drops of blood trail down your limp wrist, pattering onto the hard wood floor. Bishop knows that heâll hear that sound in his fucking dreams.
Coco uses his arm to sweep the cards and poker chips from the table, the plastic disks scatter across the floor, rolling under chairs that are being shifted to make way for the causality. Riz is careful as he lays you down, Bishop takes in the sight of him as Gilly assists. Theresâs glass in his hair, miniscule shards glittering in the warm glow from the lights above. Streaks of crimson run down the left side of his face in rivets from slices across his forehead, cheek and neck. His shirt is soaked with blood, a mixture of both yours and his.
Youâre awake, your hand is pressing Rizâs hoodie against the wound just under your clavicle. Coco covers your palm with his own, taking over the task. Bishopâs hand slips into yours, clasping it tightly, quiet reassurance that heâs there, that you arenât alone. He feels that relief thundering through his system when you squeeze back. You hiss when Coco removes the hoodie, his features pinched as he tries to assess the wound.
âStitches is on route, but she's an hour out.â Creeper informs them before Vicki shoves a First Aid kit into his hands and directs him to one of the bedrooms up the stairs. Her attention switches to Riz, guiding him onto one of the barstools as Hank flicks open the clasps of his own First Aid box.
âWe need to take you upstairs.â Bishop tells you. âGet you some privacy so that Coco can get a better look at that wound. Iâll follow you up alright?â
You nod, a tear leaking down your cheek that he chases away the calloused pad of his thumb.
âIâm gonna be right here Mi Cielito.â He promises you. âEverything is gonna be ok.â
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The Wall - Bishop comes home to find you covered in blood.
TheWall! Series:
Part One: Poker Night - Bishop's poker night is interrupted by gunshots.
References in to Burning Love and Grief!Series Part Two: Blame
Itâs Gilly that carries you upstairs into the bedroom youâve been allocated, Coco follows closely behind snapping on a pair of surgical gloves heâs snagged from Hankâs first aid kit. Bishop waits until the door closes before he turns his attention to Riz, who is perched on a barstool having glass pulled out of his face and scalp by Hank. Bishop surveys the collection, each jagged and blood-stained piece sits in a white ramekin, reflecting the light from above.
âWhat the fuck happened?â Bishop asks him, his voice dangerously low. âShe isnât even meant to be in the fucking area.â
Riz tilts his head towards Bishop, wincing as Hank pulls another piece of glass out of fleshy part of his neck.
âI was at the community centre finishing up some of the intake paperwork for the mentor program weâve been working on.â Riz tells him, his eyes flicking up to meet Bishopâs. âCarmen popped her head in, said sheâd gotten a call form one of her contacts telling her someone was coming over the wall tonight. They gave her a very specific set of coordinates. They told her it was a girl they thought had been trafficked, that she wouldnât trust menâŠâ
âYou think they were trying to get her to come alone?â Hank asks, his palm guiding Rizâs head to the side so he can get a better look at the wound in his scalp.
âYea.â Riz says frankly. âI think Carmen did too, which is why she asked me to go with her. We decided to take my truck just in case someone was on the lookout for her vehicle.â
âWhy even go in the first place if she suspected it was a trap?â Taza asks picking up a set of glasses from the bar and a bottle of Vickiâs top shelf whiskey.
Bishop knows why. You couldnât take the risk that there was someone out here that needed help. He thinks the caller knew exactly what they were doing when they used the term trafficked to lure you to the wall.
âCarmenâs sisterâŠâ Bishop trails off, shaking his head. âShe canât help herself when it comes to something like this.â
He doesnât need to say anymore, he can see they all get it.
âI called Rosa and Nestor, told them to meet us at the crossing point.â Riz continues his story. âI figured it was better to have some back up just in case. We were five minutes away when the first shot came through the windshield, thatâs what all the glass is from.â He says gesturing at himself. âThe first bullet hit Carmen; the rest are in the seat because she managed to get low after that. They tried to block us in, cut off our escape route but Rosa and Nestor intervened. They managed to take down a few of their guys before they disappeared into the darkness. The two of them are hunting them as we speak.â
It gives Bishop a level of comfort to hear that. El Cuchillo and their braided prospect are a deadly combination, he knows that before the night is over theyâll be seeing even more bloodshed.
âYou recognise any of them?â Taza asks as Bishopâs phone bleeps signalling a message. He removes it from his pocket, studying the details of the screen intently.
âDennis Reed, Aliceâs son.â Riz says knowingly. âI saw him, he saw me. Thereâs no way he would do something like this if he wasnât acting on her orders.â
He picks up the glass of whiskey that Taza has poured before looking meeting Bishopâs eyes.
âTheyâre gonna be expecting retaliation. I wouldnât be surprised if they decided on a pre-emptive strike, I think we need to get the girls out of here and through the tunnel, take stock of the weapons we have on handâŠâ
âThereâs no need.â Bishop cuts him off with the swipe of his hand before tilting his phone towards the group. Itâs a video from Nestor, a grainy one of an inferno, flames licking up towards the night sky, tearing through a large farmhouse. Itâs the Reed residence, and the HQ of Santo Padreâs very own white pride militia, the Reed Coalition.
âFuck.â Taza says before taking a sip of his whisky. âI see retirement hasnât diminished Rosaâs skill set.â
âCarmenâs her friend.â Hank says distractedly as he applies a butterfly stitch to the wound across Rizâs cheek. âTheyâre lucky Nestor has mellowed her out over the past couple of years otherwise sheâd have burned them all alive.â
Itâs true, each of them know it. The young girl theyâd watched grow up had become the thing of nightmares after what happened to her overseas. The name El Cuchillo still instils fear to this very day. Â There were rumours that sheâd died up in Reno, but the reality was Rosa had retired, settling down in Santo Padre with her lover.
Instead of taking lives, she was helping people coming over the wall, leveraging her contacts to guide them towards a better future. You had played a big part in that, helping Rosa to overcome her own demons and use her skillset into a tool for good. Bishop knew how much Rosa valued that, how sheâd come to think of you as one of her closest friends. He knows the other woman is hurting as much as he is, that sheâs taken care of a problem that has needed solving for a very long time.
âI need to see Carmen.â Bishop tells the others, his hand coming to rest on Tazaâs shoulder. âHold down the fort for me while Iâm gone.â
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Marcus Ălvarez x Jackson Tellerâs sister!Reader
Anon asked: could you write an imagine with Marcus Alvarez in which you are Jax sister and youâre dating Alvarez behind Jax back. and he finds out because he finds you two cuddling
Word Count: 2.6k
Thanks to my lovely beta reader @chibsytelford đ
Author comments: I hope you all enjoy. Gif isnât mine.
Tag list: @starrynite7114 â @chibsytelford â @dazzledamazon â @mara-mpou â @sammskellington â @gemini0410 â @1-800-imagines â @briana-mishell24 â@sassymox @whyisgmora @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada @samcrobae @jade770 @witchy-wish @rebel-without-cause-x âš (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)
Fluff - âNever speak of this again.â With Al and/or Trudy, pretty please đ
@indelibletraces - I *love* the way you think!! đ
I could write for this prompt over and over so I think I might leave it as a staple on the list. The possibilities are endless...
I was going to wait and post this later in the week âcause I didnât want to bombard you with content but I literally *cackled* my way through writing this and I wanted to share the mirth!Â
Really hope you enjoy! đ
âââââââââ
Prompt: âNever speak of this again."
Word Count:Â 1.1k
Warnings: None
Timeline: Set between C7 and C8 of âBrand New Dayâ.
âOk, wait for my signal. We spook these assholes and theyâll go scorched earth.â
Hank killed the transmission, listening to a ripple of confirmations from his team before he pressed the radio against his lips, eyes trained on the derelict stash house that they had been surveilling ever since Kevin and Adam had disappeared from view almost an hour ago. It was supposed to be a simple buy-bust, in and out inside of ten minutes but, thus far, he hadnât heard hide nor hair from either of his officers.Â
âThe hell are they doinâ in there?â He grumbled, jerking his arm away from his body to get a glimpse of his watch before returning his forearm to the strip of plastic just inside the window, fingers tapping rhythmically in an unusual display of impatience.Â
âTheyâll call it if they need to Hank.â Trudy reasoned, casting a glance across the cab towards her friend. The two Intelligence Officers had been cultivated by the very best and there was no doubt in Trudyâs mind that they would know when to pull the plug if the time came but his insistent tapping was making her unnecessarily anxious.
âSo, howâre the sleepless nights treatinâ you?â Trudy asked, hoping that idle chit chat about his newborn would distract him from his goddamn tapping!Â
âLast time I slept through the night was before Justin and Erin got their drivers permits.â He muttered with a huff of amusement. He had lost count of the number of nights he had lain awake waiting for the phone to ring and, knowing them both as he did, it had...many times. âAt least I got some company now.â
As a matter of fact, he actually quite enjoyed those quiet moments in the middle of the night where it was just the two of them pacing the length of the nursery, her warm weight nestled securely against his chest and her sweet baby scent surprisingly soothing as he bounced, rocked and shushed her back to sleep.Â
âKate doinâ okay at home all day?â
He hiked a shoulder, shifting slightly in his seat. âItâs not been easy but sheâs findinâ her rhythm.â
While her transition into motherhood hadnât been without its hurdles, he wasnât at all surprised by how naturally Kate had adjusted to parenting. Having been through the process once before, he sometimes forgot just how soul destroying it could be to cradle a tiny human in your arms, screaming at the top of their little lungs and having absolutely no idea how to get them to stop. She valiantly fought to put on a brave face every time Alexisâs earsplitting wails would fade into little whimpers the moment he stepped through the door and scooped her into his arms but he could see in her eyes how much the thought of not properly bonding with her firstborn was killing her. But with time and patience, she had steadily grown in confidence and both mom and baby appeared to be thriving.Â
Before Trudy could respond, his cell phone began to vibrate in the centre console, Kateâs caller ID flashing up on the screen. He connected the call via the bluetooth speakers and instantly his SUV was filled with the familiar sound of Alexis howling in the background.
âEverything okay?â He asked in lieu of a greeting, his brow pinched as he instinctively listened for the subtle nuisances that differentiated the fussy from the serious.Â
âAside from the fact weâve had two blowouts in about as many hours, everythingâs peachy.â Was Kateâs slightly terse reply and he couldnât help but grin in amusement having already been on the receiving end of an explosive diaper once already.
It soon became clear the that the cry he was hearing was a âyouâve dunked me in the bath twice today and now Iâm royally pissedâ kind of cry. Bath times had been categorised as a âdaddy taskâ early on given how much of a fuss Alexis made being at submerged in a tub full of soothing warm water and, obviously, the experience was much more bearable when you had your favourite person on hand to get you through it.Â
âListen, um, could you stop at the drugstore on your way home?â
âWhat do you need?â He asked, thinking that she might be out of diapers or wipes given the unfortunate morning sheâd had but what she actually asked for was so unexpected that it stunned him to silence.Â
âNipple what?â He eventually blurted when his brain finally caught up with her request.Â
âNipple cream. Between you and your continually ravenous daughter, my nipples could guide Santaâs sleigh right now.â
âChrist Almighty Kate.â He mumbled, trying desperately to look anywhere other than Trudy who had, thus far, remained blessedly albeit suspiciously silent.Â
Of course he knew the toll breastfeeding was taking on her body and, admittedly, his obsession with her chest hadnât waned since sheâd given birth so stopping to pick up some products that would ease her discomfort felt like the least he could do.Â
âItâs in a pink jar.â She continued, entirely oblivious to that fact that she was on loud speaker and he was, unfortunately, not alone. âYou know the one, itâs next to the lube on the nightstand.â
âOh sweet Jesus.â
Never before had he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him more than he did in that very moment. Grinding out a few words of acquiescence, he jabbed his index finger at the button on the steering wheel and cancelled the call as quickly as he could, the car suddenly falling completely silent.Â
For a few painfully long moments, neither of them said a word. Hank idly wondered if sheâd just let it slide but he had known Trudy for far too long to even begin hoping that heâd get a free pass on something this embarrassing! Typically Hank was a man who valued his privacy but Trudy was one of the very few individuals who had enough dirt on him to fill a damn canyon.Â
âYa know, Iâve known you over thirty years and yet I feel like Iâve learned more about you in the last thirty seconds-â
Hank scrubbed a hand over his face with a groan of utter mortification, resigning himself to the fact that it was probably going to cost him a fortune in favours, scotch and candy to buy her silence on this one.
âIâm begginâ you Trudy...please, letâs just...never speak of this again.â
He shot her his best pleading expression but he instantly knew it was a lost cause when she levelled him with a look that very clearly said sheâd be filing this particular incident away for future use.Â
âOh, not a chance.â She scoffed, folding her arms across her chest with what could only be described as a shit-eating grin plastered across her face.Â
It's a short one. Like... I don't think I've ever posted a chapter this short. However, I'm just getting back in the saddle so you'll have to forgive me. I do have plenty more written. We're not done with Megan and Hank. It's about to get interesting.
Please don't copy my shit. This is the only place it's published. Don't translate it. Don't steal it. Don't copy it. I'm just getting it back. Don't piss me off now.
Warnings: Fluff. I don't even think I cuss in this part. It's just a bit of filler.
A short while later, Taza chuckled as he realized that it would be a tight fit for all of them in the Bronco. It was an older model and could only comfortably fit five. There were seven of them.Â
Bishop sighed looking at the vehicle as he came to the same conclusion. âShit.â He finished his cigarette in frustration.
Chibs laughed. âWell⊠thaâ lass is tiny, but thaâ rest of us ainât.â
Angel shrugged. âIâll sit in the back with the pooch. Put Shorty on someoneâs lap though. With a seatbelt.â
Marcus nodded. âItâs fine Primo. Itâs not a long ride.â
They piled in with Bishop driving and Marcus in the front. Taza took the middle seat in the back with Chibs and Hank against the doors. Megan sat in Hankâs lap and snuggled down so Taza could fasten the seat belt for them with a giggle.
âComfy, Chica?â he asked with a chuckle.
âMmmhmm.â She tucked her feet in between Taza and Hankâs legs and her head under Hankâs chin. Hank just grinned and pressed a kiss to her hair since Bishop had put her hat on the dash for her.
A short ride later, Bishop parked the truck on a side street near the center of the city of Santa Madre. âWeâll walk from here. Where are we meeting them in the market?â he asked Angel.
Angel checked the burner phone from his kutte pocket. âTheyâll meet us near the church. Weâre a little early though.â
âThatâs alright. We can take Poquito shoppingâŠâ Marcus said grinning as Megan stuck her tongue out at him.
They wandered to the open square where an open air market was held continually. At the far end of the square a beautiful church stood. Megan could see the steeple from where they were. As they entered the square, the buildings blocked the warm sun causing the temperature to drop several degrees. Megan cuddled close to Hankâs side as he automatically wrapped an arm around her back to warm her. Megan hooked Rexâs leash to her belt loop to free up her hand and took a deep breath as they entered the crowd.
They browsed several stalls. Megan enjoyed looking through the different vendors. She grinned as she found small hand carved figures at one of them. A horse made of light wood caught her eye and she couldnât help but show it to Taza. âPapa, look. Itâs Rocket.â
Taza grinned at the flagged tail and flowing mane on the figure which looked to be in full gallop. âIt does look like him.â He waved down the vendor and in quick Spanish bought the little horse. âThere, Chica. Now you can take Rocket home with us.â
Hank chuckled as Megan tucked the little figure into her hoody pocket. She looked up at him with a smile. âWhat?â
âNothing, mi reina. Just enjoying the market.â Hank pressed a kiss to the top of her hat and guided her to the next stall.
Bishop laughed and sidled up beside Taza to ask under his breath âSo does she realize how much that thing cost?â
Taza shushed him. âDonât even say it. She doesnât know conversion rates and Iâm enjoying it for a bit.â
Marcus laughed aloud at that. âIf Poquito enjoys it - who cares?â He pointed to a stall further down the row. âThink sheâd like another cowboy hat?â
Eventually all the men carried bags of things that theyâd managed to point out to Megan. Even Chibs had a bag with a pin in the shape of a Celtic knot for her kutte and another to fasten shawls or rebozos with.Â
Megan was staying close to Hank in the crowd and kept Rexâs leash short. She couldnât help but notice - their group seemed to be drawing a lot of attention. That wasnât exactly the best thing for a covert meeting with what actually qualified as international terrorists. Four men and a woman that she didnât recognize kept popping up at stalls nearby. Something about them just bugged her.
Angelâs pocket beeped as Hank was buying Megan a bag of candy. âTheyâre here and ready to meet,â he said quietly to Marcus and Bishop.Â
Bishop nodded. âWeâll head that way then.â He flagged Hank down as the big Mayan handed over the cash for Meganâs treat.
As a group, they all headed for the church. Megan noticed that the woman had moved to the balcony of a nearby house and the men kept getting closer as they started for the church. She didnât like it. Adelita and another man waited on a side street as they got close.
âLuisa!â Megan said, smiling. âImagine seeing you here. Papa and the tĂos wanted to show me the market!â She stepped closer as if she and Adelita were just friends who happened to meet in town. âWe had visitors from our overseas friends so they came along for the ride.â
Adelita paused, but then went along with Meganâs act. âAh⊠Hola Megan. The market is always a great place to bring visitors.â
Hank glanced around to see several men who were paying too much attention to their meeting. He nodded at Taza to draw his attention to them as well. Somehow - despite not having the training - Megan had picked up that they had a tail before any of the men. Instead of drawing undue attention to it, sheâd taken matters into her own hands. She smiled and popped up on tiptoe to kiss Hankâs cheek and whispered âTheyâve been there this whole time, but close for about fifteen minutes.â He smiled a bit and nodded.
âPapa,â Megan smiled at him. âCan Luisa show me that carving we were talking about? The one in the church? It wonât take longâŠâ
âOf course, Chica. Your tĂos and I can wait. Weâll head home when youâre done-â Taza said as he subtly moved to put himself between Megan and the tails.
Angel looked confused, but kept his mouth shut, and the others trusted that Megan had a reason for suddenly acting like she and Adelita were childhood friends.
She handed Hank Rexâs leash reluctantly, but moved to link her good arm through Adelitaâs and move towards the door of the church chattering away. To anyone nearby it looked like two friends wandering off for a moment. Adelita played along.Â
Megan leaned close. âAre they L.O.?â she asked quietly, keeping a smile plastered on her face.
Luisa shook her head. âNo. Not mine. We thought they were yours.â She made a show of smiling as they walked up the church steps.Â
âJust the seven of us. Did you recognize any of them? Maybe as Galindoâs?â Megan asked. They paused for Luisa to cross herself like a good Catholic girl as they entered the sanctuary.
âNot any that I have seen.â
Megan nodded and followed Luisa to an alcove off the sanctuary where they could see everyone coming or going. âThen we have to assumeâŠâÂ
âThat theyâre unfriendly,â Luisa agreed.
Megan nodded. âSo - neither group knows who they really are. Do you want to continue with the meet, or should we try again later?â
âWe should wait for the official meeting,â Luisa said quietly.
Megan nodded. âAgreed. We do, however, have our Irish connection in town. Is there any information that I can give him to help settle their minds? Even the name of the port theyâd be shipping to?â
Luisa turned to face Megan and watched her face for a moment, then she nodded. âEnsenada is the port. Weâll work the rest out when we can. Your liaison - do you trust him?â
Megan snorted a bit. âAngel? For the most part. As long as heâs not too pissed off and not making any life changing decisions that affect meâŠâ
Adelita nodded. âGood. Iâll set a meet with him to pass on more information.â She smiled. âYou tend to draw attention with your escorts.â
That made Megan smile. âWe are a bit conspicuous. Weâll send Angel to the meets for now with our prospect - his brother. EZ has a cooler head for strategy and a trained memory.â
âGood.â Adelita smiled. âWe should get back. Only so much excuse we can use. When we part as friends, my man and I will lose any tail. Weâll contact you within twenty-four hours.â
Megan nodded. âAgreed.â
Adelita squeezed Meganâs good hand gently. âBe careful. Donât push yourself too much.â
âYou be careful too.â
The two women strolled out, just as theyâd strolled in to the church and made a show of parting outside like best friends.
Megan struggled to keep up the act a bit once they were back with the men. She took a minute to fuss with Rexâs ears to compose herself. Cloak and dagger didnât come easily to her.
âYou good, Princessa?â Angel asked.
Megan smiled her Southern Belle smile. âAll good, Angel. Just getting tired.â
âWell Poquito - letâs get you home then,â Bishop said. âYouâve had a long day.â
Once they were all piled back into the Bronco, Megan breathed a sigh of relief.Â
âAlrighâ now. Whaâ the fuck jusâ âappened?â Chibs asked.
Hank rubbed a hand down Meganâs spine and relieved the weight of her sling a bit. âMegan clocked that we were being followed to the meet point.â
Chibsâ eyebrows nearly hit his silver hairline. âHow many?â
âAt least fourâŠâ Bishop said. âAfter Megan started acting off, I caught sight of them.â
âFive,â Megan corrected. âThere was a woman on the balcony of the squareâŠâ
âWho the hellâŠâ Angel asked.
âAdelita didnât know. She thought they might be ours.â
âPoquito, that cool head of yours just saved our asses. Again,â Bishop said, watching his mirrors for a tail. âActing like you were just meeting Adelita for a chat⊠perfect.â
Taza and Marcus nodded.Â
âWell, luckily, Adelita believed me that they werenât ours. We pushed the meeting. Sheâs going to contact the burner within twenty-four hours for another meet.â Megan turned to look at Angel over the seat where he sat in the bed of the Bronco with Rex. âAngel - youâll go meet ehr with EZ and be our go between for now.â
Marcus sighed. âProbably best. We have too many eyes on us.â
Chibs ran his ringed fingers through his silver hair. âDid she give you anything I can take back to the Kings? Anythinâ at all?â
âI got the port name. The L.O. control Ensenada port. Thatâs where the shipments will go. Itâs all sheâd give me under the circumstances.â Megan leaned her head onto Hankâs shoulder tiredly.
Chibs smiled gently at her over Taza. âGood Lass. That will help.â He reached over and patted her knee. âYou look exhausted.â
Taza frowned. âAre you hurting, Chica? You havenât had any pain relief since this morning.â
Hank immediately dug in his pocket for her pill bottle. âHeâs right, Princessa. You shouldnât let the pain get ahead of you.â
Megan smiled tiredly. âIâm okay. Just the adrenaline.âÂ
âAnd tension,â El Padrino said. âTake your pain meds, Poquito. Weâll be home soon.â
*insert evil laugh here* I know some people have been waiting for this chapter.
I want to note - this chapter has the bonfire at the Rez. I am associated with a completely different tribe than Megan and Taza. Completely different. Other side of the country. So I tried to keep it a little vague while still catching some of the wonder that I experienced at my first bonfire. No offence is intended if I got some tribal things wrong.
That being said, let the fun begin.
Don't steal my shit.
Warnings: cursing, vague doctor shit (that actually happened to me when I was younger), negotiations with (technically) terrorists, Megan's first Templo at home.
Taza knocked softly on the adjoining door of the bedrooms and cracked it when Hank didnât answer. He smiled as he saw Megan curled against his friend. âAll good, hermano?â he called softly.Â
Hank waved him forward. âA hard conversation. She wore herself out again.â
âAnything I need to know?â Taza asked, stepping fully into the room.
Hank sighed. âThatâs for her to decide, Taza. Itâs⊠not something I feel comfortable sharing on her behalf.â
Taza nodded. âWe have plenty of time. Adam sent her up something. His daughters canât wear the skirt and shirt anymore. He thought she might like something like what the other girls will be wearing tonight.â
Hank smiled. âShe might.â
Taza sat the outfit down on the dresser. âWhen she wakes up, let me know if she wants her hair done, will you?â
A few hours later, the bedroom door opened and Megan stepped out. Hank had helped her dress in the white peasant blouse and colorful ribbons skirt Taza had left for her. She carried her jewelry box and hair stuff.
Marcus grinned. âWell arenât you pretty, Poquito.â He stood and took things from her hand so that he could spin her. Her skirt flared prettily.
Megan giggled. âThanks, TĂo.â
Bishop smiled at her from his seat. âYour papa will be out in a minute.â
âOkay. Hankâs getting changed too. Weâre leaving our kuttes here tonight. I hope thatâs okay.â Megan walked with Marcus as her escort to join Bishop at the table.Â
âWhat do you mean, Papa?â
âGood,â Taza said as he joined them minus his own. âTonight, you get to learn right along with Hank, Chica.
Â
Taza took her jewelry case and pulled the beaded choker out to tie on for her. âHankâs never been to one of these either. He wonât know the dances any more than you do. He wonât know the stories or the culture. Youâll be on completely equal footing.â
Megan laughed and lifted her hair for him to fasten the necklace. âFor onceâŠâ
Once the necklace was on, he kissed her hair. âDo you want your braids, Chica? Or do you want to leave your hair down?â
âI think Iâll leave it down, Papa. Hank likes it down.â
Bishop snorted into his glass. âTrying to short circuit his brain, Poquito?â
Megan giggled. âMaybe a little bit.â
Taza laughed. âAlright, Chica, but how about if I just braid the top part back? I found something pretty in the lobby storeâŠâ
âOkay.â She smiled and sat in one of the chairs where he could braid just the top part of her hair back out of her face. He fastened it and then slid a few silver rings though the braid with tiny beaded feathers hanging from them.Â
âThere. Beautiful.â Taza pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.Â
Hank came out fastening the sleeves of his button down with Meganâs rebozo over his shoulder. âYou forgot your wrap, mi princessa,â he said before he looked up. He smiled when he did. The way Taza had done her hair showed off her high cheekbones. âMi reina hermosaâŠâ Rex followed him out with his harness already in place.
Megan took her rebozo from him with a kiss and a smile. âThank you, mi caballero.â
Creeper joined them shortly after and they were ready to go.
The bonfire was taking place in the desert behind the casino. The fire had been lit at sundown and now in the full dark, it was easy to find. Drum beats echoed through the desert night and rhythmic singing in a language Megan didnât recognize joined it. As they walked towards the fire, Taza explained that the musicians and dancers took turns with the elders of the tribe telling legends and stories. Most of the people there were Navajo to their Apache, but there were some of their tribe there as well. Around the fringes of the firelight were pop up canopies that served things like frybread, Navajo tacos, and chili.
âSo itâs like a pow wow, almost,â Megan said smiling. âI used to go to the public pow wow back in Tennessee.â
âBasically,â Taza said. âBut thereâs no prize money or competition here. Just celebrating culture. They donât advertise these. Anyone at the casino who gets curious can come, but most donât.â
Megan stumbled a little in the dark and Hank steadied her.
âThere will also be some tribal artists there, so donât be afraid to look around, Chica.â
They reached the bonfire and spread the blankets theyâd carried with them on the ground that was still warm from the sun. They were in a good spot to see the dancers who were currently in the circle.Â
The men smiled as Megan became immediately entranced by the drums and the dancers. She sat on the beach blanket with Rex. Taza sat down next to her and began explaining the stories behind the dances while Hank sat behind ehr. He scooted so that her back was to his chest so she could lean back into him and rest. Creeper joined them after slipping off to buy bottles of water.
Megan spent the night learning about the culture around her. Taza introduced her to members of the tribe he knew and taught her the basic step to some of the dances. Hank joined in for the dance lesson and they all laughed when they realized that he wasnât actually that great at it.
Taza chuckled when some of the little girls nearby corrected him on the steps for a shawl dance. They led Megan to the side and taught her the way they had been taught, enjoying her questions and cheering her successes. They admired her rebozo and showed her their own shawls with colorful ribbons and designs sewed into them. When it was time for the shawl dance in the circle, the little girls led Megan out with them to dance it.
Hank videoed Meganâs laughing attempt to keep up with the little girls as they spun and bounced. He looked over to see Creeper and Taza snapping pictures as well.
When Megan was tired, she came back to the blanket to rest. She was joined by a few of the little girls who had so adopted her. Soon, the storytelling began. Taza translated for her when the stories were in tribal languages, but some of them were in English. While Megan was entranced with the stories, Hank slipped away.
He found the little girls from earlier who werenât already sprawled on the blanket with Megan, and recruited them to help him find Megan a gift. He explained that it was her birthday and he wanted to find her something to remember tonight by. They took him to the jewelry and clothing vendors on the other side of the circle. One little girl showed him beaded hair combs she thought would be pretty on Megan. Another found a bracelet woven of green string. The littlest one tugged on his pants leg and pointed out a pair of silver and turquoise earrings. Hank bought them all and tucked them away into his pockets. He also found a vendor who sold charms and bought a silver feather for her charm bracelet.
The night got later and Megan shifted to laying with her head in Tazaâs lap as he translated stories for her and stroked her hair out of her face. Mothers came to collect the little girls with smiles for the little family. As it approached midnight, Meganâs eyes blinked closed and she dozed to the sound of the drums.Â
Adam came and joined Taza on the blanket, grinning when he realized that Megan had fallen asleep. âHas she enjoyed herself?â he asked.Â
Taza chuckled. âI think so. She hasnât wanted to leave. Every time weâve tried sheâs insisted that she wants to stay longer.â
Adam chuckled. âMy granddaughter says she taught her to dance.â
âI apparently wasnât teaching her the right way. They corrected me,â Taza said with a grin.
âItâs good that sheâs interested in learning, brother. Bring her back anytime. She would benefit from some time with her ancestors.â Adam patted his shoulder and stood. âSheâs strong. Only fitting that we can help make her stronger.â
âThank you.â He looked down with a small smile and stroked Meganâs dark hair some more.Â
Hank carried Megan back to the rooms when everything started to wind down. Sheâd had a long and eventful day.Â
â----
The next morning, Bishop and Riz waited in the small conference room downstairs for Taza, Hank and Megan to return from the doctorâs office. Theyâd been waiting only a short time when Adelita joined them.
âBuenos dĂas, Adelita. Thank you for meeting us,â Bishop said, standing to shake her hand.
Luisa nodded politely. âBuenos dĂas, Bishop, Riz. When we spoke on the phone, you mentioned a possible allianceâŠâ
âOf course. If you donât mind, weâre waiting on a few more members before we discuss business. They took Megan to get checked out after her pain yesterday,â Riz explained.
âOf course. How is Megan? She looked⊠distressed⊠is that the word?... yesterday.â Adelita took a seat at the table and the men joined her.
Bishop nodded. âSheâs alright. She was in a lot of pain from her cast. More than any of us knew. Theyâve gone to get it taken care of this morning. They texted to say they were on their way back, so theyâll be here soon.â
âMay I ask⊠how was she injured?â Adelita asked quietly. âHer injuries are quite serious.â
âA car accident when she was abducted recently,â Bishop explained. âSheâs had a very hard time. Sheâs the one who actually thought weâd be able to help each other though.â
Luisa smiled. âShe is strong then.â
âVery,â Riz agreed.Â
There was a knock at the door, but before any of them could stand, it opened to reveal Taza. Behind him, Hank came with Megan tucked into his side and Rexâs leash in the other hand.
âAh! Good. Sorry weâre late. Doc made us wait while he gave Megan another shot,â Taza explained. âHe was worried about side effects.â
Megan smiled at them. âGood morning, Adelita, TĂo, Riz.â
âMorning, Poquito. Howâs the arm?â Bishop asked, standing to hug her.
âAlright. The doctor put me in a soft cast instead of plaster. He thinks my collarbone will heal much faster without the weight. I hope you havenât been waiting too long,â she replied, hugging him and then moving to shake hands with Adelita.
Once everyone was seated, Bishop gestured to Megan. âWell Poquito, your idea - your meeting.â
Megan frowned but nodded. âYes, sir.â She looked at Luisa. âWe have a proposal for your rebels, but first - do you have access to a shipping port in Mexico? One that can take fairly large shipments and that you have total control over?â
Luisa looked thoughtful. âWe might. It would depend on how large the shipments are. This is not a deal with Galindo, is it?â she asked calmly.
âNo maâam. This would be between Los Olvidados and Mayans M.C. Miguel Galindo is a buyer from us - but not part of this negotiation.â She looked to Bishop. âAs for shipment sizeâŠâ
âAnywhere from fifteen to thirty oil drums - about once every six weeks,â Riz supplied.
Adelita nodded. âThat could be arranged. What is being⊠hidden?â
Megan looked to Bishop again, but he just nodded at her. She smiled. âGuns. Mayans M.C. is taking over the gun trade from a club up north. Weâd be receiving shipments of weapons from Ireland,â Megan explained.Â
âAnd what would we benefit from this arrangement?â Luisa asked.
âFifteen percent of the profits weâd make from the sale of the weapons. Thatâs a large chunk of money, every six weeks for your organization to use in whatever way you see fit.â Megan said, looking at her. âLos Olvidados receives the shipment and assembles the weapons. Santo Padre Mayas transport and sell.â
Adelita leaned back in her chair thoughtfully. âFifteen percent? That seems low. Especially for the risk of storing the weapons⊠twenty-five would be more fair.â
Megan shook her head. âIf you control the port and already have strongholds for storing supplies in place - where is your risk? We risk it all transporting them across the border and to buyers. Eighteen percent.â
Luisa chuckled. âAh, but we would need to pay off more officials for dangerous cargo such as guns. This is not bags of rice to feed hungry orphans. Twenty-two percent.â
âFair - but you already own those officials and we know it. If you didnât we would have already found you weeks ago. And your people are most likely already trained in the assembly process. Twenty percent.â
âTwenty percent and first option to buy when we have a big operation,â Luisa said. âWe wonât even ask for a discount.â
Megan once again looked to her godfather. This time when he nodded she could see the pride in his eyes. She turned back to Luisa with a smile. âDone.â
Luisa smiled back. âYou are very good at this, Armorer.â She offered her hand to shake, which Megan took. âI will put you in touch with my second, Paulo. Weâll get things arranged.â Adelita rose. âNow, if youâll excuse me, Mr. Galindo is waiting to take me back to my people.â
As they exchanged goodbyes, a knock sounded on the door and it opened to reveal Angel. His eyes followed Adelita as she left and until she turned the corner. Megan noticed.Â
âNeed something, Angel?â Riz asked.
âJust wanted to let you know weâre all packed up. El Padrino finished his meeting about ten minutes ago too, so we can roll out at any time.â Angel said, standing a bit awkwardly at the door.
Bishop nodded. âGood. We can go home and call a table. Then we can call Charming with news.â He looked to Megan with a smirk. âBeautifully done, Poquito. Iâm impressed.â
Megan kind of ducked her head and shrugged, hiding her embarrassed grin behind a curtain of hair. âI didnât do anythingâŠâ
Taza scoffed and looked to the other men in disbelief. âYou just negotiated exactly what we wanted - with no extra concessions on our part - with one of the most dangerous women on this continent, Chica.â
âAnd you made her think it was her idea -â Riz pointed out. âPlus - you giving her first option to buy - that just means we gained ANOTHER client that no one had before. Do you know how hard that is to do in this business?â
Megan laughed. âI just treated it like a horse auction - not a big deal.â
Hank chuckled. âOnly you would compare an international arms deal to a horse auction, mi amore.â He stood and offered her his hand to help her join him. âCome on. Letâs go take the pooch for a walk before we get in the car.â
The drive back home was long, but Megan passed the time happily talking to Hank about her new bike and the plans for the party for her birthday. She was excited. Bishop had given in before they left and called Charming to see if Chibs was interested in meeting.Â
Chibs and Tig were on their way down even as the Mayans made their way back to SanPas. And - per request of the birthday girl herself - Venus was coming too. Happy had, unfortunately, been sent North to settle another issue for the club, so he wouldnât be able to come.
They pulled into the clubhouse gate at about dinner time. Chuckie rolled it closed behind them.
As the men all dismounted in the pit, Hank grinned at Megan from the driverâs seat of her car. âGlad to be home, mi amore?â
Megan smiled and leaned over to kiss him softly. âYeah. I am.â
Hank cupped her cheek in one of his large hands and kissed her back. âGood. Letâs go inside and debrief. Then we can go home for the night.â
He got out and unloaded Rex before coming to open her door. Rex followed him easily without a leash. Megan got out and immediately went to the trunk to retrieve Rexâs bowls for the clubhouse and one of the motorcycle tire toys.Â
Chuckie approached to help her, but stopped when the big dog growled at him.
âEasy, Rex. Just another new friend.â Megan dropped down to put her arm around him. âItâs okay, Chuckie. Come meet Rex. He just doesnât know you yet.â
âI accept thatâŠâ said the little book keeper as he came cautiously forward to be introduced. Once Rex had his scent mixed with Meganâs, the dogâs tongue lolled out in a doggy grin. Chuckie did his best to pet the dog.Â
Hank laughed and got the supplies from the trunk. âGet used to him, Chuck. Heâs la princessaâs shadow.â
âDogs are very good judges of character. Iâll add dog treats to the bar orderâŠâ Chuckie said, making Megan giggle.
âThanks, Chuckie.â She stood and dusted herself off.
âOf course, Princess Megan. Welcome home and happy belated birthday.â
âThank you,â she smiled and laughed as they all went inside.
Megan handed the dog bowls to EZ. âWould you find a good place for Rexâs bowls for me please, EZ? I have a feeling TĂo Bishop-â
A sharp whistle cut through the evening. âLetâs get to table so we can go home,â Bishop called.
â- is going to call TemploâŠâ she finished with a smile.
âOf course, Princessa. If youâll leave your phone with me - Iâll get it set up for Amazon. Taza gave me all the account info.â EZ gave her a grin and held his hand out for her phone.Â
Megan handed it over as she turned to head into her first official Templo. Rex fell in right at her heels. Taza waited for her at the door with a grin. When she reached the stained glass door, he slid his arm around her shoulders and escorted her to the high backed chair between his chair and Hankâs.
Megan admired the intricately carved table for a moment before Bishop banged the gavel making her jump as he called the meeting to order. All eyes turned to him.Â
âI know weâre all tired from the drive, but before we go home for the night, we need to catch everyone up on some shit.â Bishop looked around the table. âLetâs start with the easy shit - Megan, what did the Doc say?â
Taza chuckled. Of all the things they needed to discuss tonight, thatâs what Bishop decided to lead with.Â
Megan smiled a little. âHe said Iâm healing well. The break in my wrist is actually a fracture - painful but not something that should have been in the plaster cast with my collarbone being broken too. He cut it off and gave me a soft cast that doesnât weigh as much. Iâll be able to take it off to shower and stuff now too. Without the weight of the cast - he thinks about a week and a half before the sling can come off. Iâll still have to wear the soft cast for another three plus weeks though.â
âAnd the pain you were in yesterday?â Creeper asked quietly. âHe say what that was?â
Taza answered. âShitty work at the hospital. They casted her arm when it was flat on the table. Meant her arm was basically twisted all the time in the sling. Most of her pain has actually been muscle spasms from the awkward cast position. The muscles pulling on her broken bone was causing major issues.â
âSo - that jackass doctor at the hospital that knocked her out without any reason to, made her be in worse pain because heâs a shitty doctor too?â Gilly asked with a growl.
âBasically,â Taza agreed.
âOh fuck that shit. We gonna let him get away with that?â Gilly asked angrily.
Megan eased herself closer to Hank as Gilly got loud and felt Rex lay his head in her lap from under the table.
âCool it, man,â Hank said, sliding his arm along the back of Meganâs chair so that she could move closer. âThe doctor isnât club business. Thatâs Meganâs choice.â
âBut -â Gilly said, smacking the table.Â
âNo fucking âbutâ, Gilly. And settle your ass down. She doesnât need your shit temper right now,â Hank growled.
Megan swallowed hard, but tried to sit up straight and not hide in Hankâs side. She had to get used to things getting heated if she was going to be at the table.
Marcus was across from Taza at the table and cleared his throat. âThatâs good news, though, Poquito. Means weâve got about a month until your quince party.â
Megan smiled at him a little shakily. âHopefully, TĂo.â
Bishop nodded. âThat is good news.â He looked at Gilly. âAnd Hank is right. Cool it.â
âSorry, Bish,â Gilly said sullenly.
Bishop nodded. âSecond order of business - the Irish gun deal.â
Everyone sat forward.Â
âWe spoke to Adelita today. Los Olvidados does have a port we can use for the shipments.â He paused at a few excited whoops from the men. âFurthermore, our Armorer once again proved herself to be exactly what we need. She set the terms of the deal in our favor. Los Olvidados will receive the guns, store and even assemble them on their side of the border. We will run the guns and handle the buyers.â He grinned at Megan. âAND - theyâll do all that for twenty percent and first option to purchase guns when they have a big operation. Purchase them AT FULL PRICE,â he finished proudly.
The men cheered and banged on the table as Megan laughed and hid her face against Hankâs shoulder.
âWell done, Poquito. Well done,â Marcus congratulated her as he lit a cigarillo and smiled. Once everyone quieted down, he continued. âThat means everything to our club. This dealâŠâ he looked around at everyone around the table. âThis deal will make ALL of our charters lives better. Between the H and the guns, we may be on our way to becoming the center of the M.C. world on this side of the country.â
Everyone grinned and nodded.
âSo - tomorrow the Reaper will be paying us a visit along with quite a few members of the Oakland charter. Weâll have Templo to vote on the gun deal and thenâŠâ Bishop paused to grin. âThen we get to throw our Armorer her first birthday party.â
More whoops followed that with more table banging.
He looked at Riz and Creeper. âHowâs the planning going?â
Creeper answered. âGot meat coming from Angel and EZâs pop for the grills. Cake ordered per Mama Lozaâs instructions.â
Riz picked up the report. âRest of the food - Vickie and the girls have covered as well as the music. Theyâre also coming tomorrow morning to decorate. Bar is fully stocked including enough Jamison to sink the Scot twice over. Bar work is covered too since our barkeeper wonât be on duty.â
Coco piped up, âChuckie said he thinks everything ordered got here. He gave it to Letty to take care of.â
Megan looked around wide-eyed. âYou werenât joking?â she asked.
Taza kissed her head. âHardly, sweet Chica. We donât joke about parties often.â
Creeper grinned at her. âTold you weâd be sure you enjoyed the party, Little Princess.â
âAlright. Sounds like everything is in order. Anyone got anything else to add?â Bishop asked, looking around the table. âAlright then.â He banged the heavy gavel. âGet some rest. I want everyone except Taza, Hank and Megan here by eight tomorrow to prepare.â
âWait⊠what? Shouldnât I come help clean and get things ready for Oakland and Samcro?â Megan asked.
The men filtered out laughing.
âChica - you arenât throwing your own birthday party,â Taza said with a laugh.
As everyone filtered out, Marcus caught Meganâs hand. âStay a minute, bebita? Iâve got something to run past you in private.â
Megan squeezed his fingers gently. âOf course, TĂo.â
Hank kissed her softly. âIâll wait for you in the bar.â He patted his leg. âCâmon Rex.â He and the big dog were the last ones out, so he rolled the stained glass door closed.Â
Here is a new chapter. It's a beast. It's also HEAVY as hell. Like... HEED THE FUCKING WARNINGS heavy. Y'all... if anything in the warnings is a trigger - don't read it. Be responsible for your own media consumption. If you want to know what happens - ask. I'll tell you. Or better yet, tell me which warning is a trigger and I'll send you an edited version of the chapter with that part redacted and summarized instead. I'm not looking to trigger ANYONE. This is just something that I needed to write to get it off my chest.
As always... Don't steal my shit.
WARNINGS: vague medical shit, doctor visit, slightly inappropriate flirting, Megan reacting to an angry man, fluffy Mayans, talk of the international arms deals appropriate to the show, talk of payout for non-specified Mayan jobs, fluffy Hank, slightly steamy bit, talk of forced infertility.
HEED THE FUCKING WARNINGS. I get specific for a reason, people!
Megan shifted her sling uncomfortably, but smiled up at Hank even if it was a little strained. âI hope Iâm right.â Her face suddenly paled several shades.Â
Hank tugged her close and kissed her. âMe too, mi amore.â He glanced around to be sure no one was near enough to hear him. âYou need to sit down so that you can rest your arm. Youâve done too much today, havenât you?â
Megan shook her head. âIâm okay. I can do it.â
Hank frowned at her color and flagged down EZ who was behind the built in bar. âI donât care. Youâre right in the middle of your dose. You shouldnât be uncomfortable right now and I can see that you are.â
EZ came to Hankâs side. âNeed something, Hank?â
âFind la princessa a chair. She needs to ease her arm,â Hank told him quietly.
EZ nodded. âOf course.â He smiled gently at Megan and went to find a chair for her.
Hank pulled Megan in front of him to lean back against his chest so that he could take the weight of her cast. âRest here until he gets back, mi princessa.â
The rest of the M.C. was focused on the meeting and they were behind Bishop, Marcus and Taza so the elders didnât notice the shift in position from Megan and Hank. However, Adelita and the Galindos did.
Adelita raised her hand to pause the discussion. âExcuse me, but is she alright?â she asked Marcus, pointing to Megan. She looked genuinely concerned for her.
Marcus turned to check on Megan and saw Hank supporting her sling. âPoquito? All good?â
Taza frowned and went to stand.
Megan gave them a strained smile. âIâm alright, mi padrinos, Papa.â
Hank shook his head. âTiene dolor, y no deberĂa estarlo todavĂa.â
Megan growled at their use of Spanish. âNot fair.â
Taza excused himself and came to check her sling himself. âWhere does it hurt, Chica?â
âPapa - Iâm okay. It just hurts. Itâll pass.â She tried to smile at him again. âDonât let me interrupt the meeting. Itâs too important.â
Miguel frowned as well. âWhat is it? Does she need a doctor?â
Bishop took a deep breath. âApologies, Mr. Galindo.â
Marcus nodded. âI understand you loaned us manpower when Megan was kidnapped. Megan was in a car accident during that rescue attempt and was injured fairly severely.â
Devante frowned. âThen perhaps we should finish our meeting quickly so the girl can leave. She isnât essential for this anyway. Perhaps she should just go.â
Emily frowned severely at Devante, but turned to Marcus and Bishop. âAre you sure she doesnât need a doctor?â
Megan shook her head. âAgain. I apologize. It was a very recent incident and my family worries. I am alright. Please - continue the meeting.â
Hank nodded a little at Bishop. âIâve got mi princessa,â he assured Taza and the others. âI sent the prospect for supplies for her. Heâll be right back. Go ahead. Iâll let you know if it gets worse.â
Adelita stood and went behind the bar. She quickly put together an ice pack and brought it to Hank. âHere. Maybe this will help ease the pain until your friend returns.â She smiled at Megan. âWe will hurry and be done soon.â As she returned to the group with Taza behind her she squeezed Meganâs good shoulder in support. It was worth it to note that Rex never growled at Adelita - just watched her closely.
EZ came back in with a chair from another conference room and several pillows that heâd weedled out of housekeeping.Â
âThere. See. The girl is fine. Can we please get back to the business at hand instead of fussing over a hysterical child?â Devante stated shortly.
Marcusâ eyes narrowed and Bishop looked angry, but both of them nodded. âOf course.â They glanced at Megan worriedly, but nodded again.Â
Hank got Megan into the chair, putting the makeshift ice pack on her collarbone and EZ propped pillows under her casted arm. Creeper brought her a bottle of water. Coco watched worriedly and squatted in front of her to watch her color. Her father and uncles kept glancing back to check on her.
Megan rolled her eyes impatiently. âI just shifted wrong. The pain will pass. This is why I said Iâd be a distraction,â she hissed at them.
Gilly snorted. âPrincessa, distraction or not, business is still happening. You arenât hurting anything.â He nodded towards the huddle.
A few minutes later, the shot caller all stood to shake hands. Emily gathered the contracts and took the rough drafts to EZ at the bar for him to shred. Marcus spoke with Miguel and Devante, while Bishop and Taza introduced themselves to Adelita - who used the name Luisa - properly.
The rest of the M.C followed their presidentâs example and introduced themselves to the leader of the LO. Hank stayed back with Megan, watching her color starting to return to normal, but noting that she was still shaking a little. After she had met everyone else, Luisa came over to introduce herself to Hank. Then she turned to Megan.
Megan smiled up at her from her chair. âHi. Iâm Megan.â
Luisa shook Meganâs left hand gently. âLuisa. Are you feeling better?â
Megan nodded. âSorry about that. They worry. Iâll be alright. The pain is passing,â Megan assured her with a small smile.Â
âGood. If you need help -â Luisa offered uncertainly.
Megan smiled at her again and petted Rexâs ears. âThank you. Iâm okay. I just shifted wrong I think. I have a broken collarbone as well as the broken wristâŠâ
Coco snorted, âAnd cracked ribs and a concussionâŠâ
Luisa frowned. âI see⊠these injuries are⊠serious.â
âIâm healing. Thatâs all. Iâll be just fine in a few weeks.â Megan smiled up at her again. âI would like to be of help to this new alliance though.â
That caused Adelita to smile. âI have no doubt that you will be, Megan. Soon. Heal first.â She smiled gently again and went to speak to someone else.
Emily Galindo made her way over to check on Megan as well, but didnât get too close when Rex shifted uncomfortably as she approached. âI just wanted to check on you to be sure youâre really alright,â she said.
Megan took a breath and turned her Southern Bell Company Smiled back on. âOf course, Mrs. Galindo. My apologies for the interruption. I will be just fine.â
Emily pursed her lips and nodded. âOf course. Please, let me know if you need anything in Santo Padre. Weâre on the same side, after all.â
âOf course maâam.â Megan nodded politely. Hank smiled politely as well as the blonde socialite moved on.
Once pleasantries were over with, Galindo asked if Marcus would ride back to Santo Padre with him. Marcus explained that the club would be staying at least one more night at the casino for Meganâs birthday, but offered to meet with him privately in another room. Miguel frowned, but sent Devante to speak to the front desk about accommodations for himself, Emily and Luisa for the night. âWe do not wish to interrupt club business. Adelita, Devante and I have some⊠business to conclude ourselves. Perhaps a breakfast meeting tomorrow morning then,â Miguel offered.
âOf course, Mr. Galindo,â Marcus said.Â
Just before everyone left, Miguel made his way over to where Megan sat with Rex beside her. Hank had gone to dispose of the ice pack at the bar. âMegan - it truly is good to see you came to no lasting harm from your recent ordeal. Please, if thereâs anything I can do to make your stay in Santo Padre more comfortable let me know. Your godfather is a very old friend of my fatherâs. Iâd like to be of assistance to you if youâd let me,â he said politely.Â
Megan firmed her back and sat up straight. âThank you for your concern, Mr. Galindo, and for the help you provided my family when I was taken, but Iâm fine. My family has me covered,â Megan said as she dialed the Southern charm up to eleven.
âAll the same, hereâs my card.â He produced a business card for her.
Rex pressed to her leg growling softly as she took the card without touching Galindo and nodded politely. âThank you, sir.â She immediately reached for Rexâs collar to hold on to him.
Miguel offered one more appraising nod and went to stand with Emily as she packed away all her legal tools.
Hank came to rejoin Megan warily. âWhat was that all about?â he asked in a low growl that made Megan tense.Â
Megan immediately handed him the business card. âIâm not sure. He said his father and TĂo Marcus were friends and that heâd like to help me where he could. It was weird. It kind of reminded me of a rodeo team owner schmoozing a possible rider.â She bit her lip a little worriedly. âI deflected as much as I politely could.âÂ
Hank growled again with his eyes on Miguel across the room. âI donât like that heâs taken an interest in youâŠâ
âIâm sorryâŠâ Megan whispered and lowered her eyes to fiddle with her own zipper pull on her new kutte.
Hank frowned and looked at her. âSorry? For what, mi amore? You did nothing wrong.â
âBut maybe I drew too much attention, or maybe if Iâd worn different clothes, or just kept my mouth shutâŠâ she rambled.
Hank squatted in front of her and was startled to see tears gathering on her lash line. âPrincessa, Iâm not angry with you. You did absolutely beautifully today.â He used gentle fingers to tilt her chin and kiss her softly. He pressed his forehead to hers after he pulled away. Iâm not upset at you at all. Iâm upset that Mister Married Deep Pockets seems to think youâre fair game.â
Megan blinked rapidly. âI didnât try to get his attention - honestly.â
âOh, baby. I know that.â He stood and lifted her gently so that he could slide in under her in the chair, putting her in his lap. He cradled her close and pressed gentle kisses to her hairline. âIâm sorry I growled. It wasnât aimed at you. Never at you, mi amore. I was aggravated at him.â He tilted her chin and pressed another gentle kiss to her lips. âYou did NOTHING wrong, Princessa.â
Megan nodded slowly and swallowed hard before burying her face in his neck. âCan I take more medicine yet? It really hurts still.â
Hank frowned and looked at his watch in alarm. She was over a half hour early. Sheâd never asked for her pain medicine before. âSure, mi reina.â He got her another dose and helped her take it with the bottle of water Creeper had given her earlier. âIs it your collarbone or your wrist?â
âMy wrist.â
Hank flagged down Coco. âCan you get Taza to come here, man?â
âHopefully. Just get him.â Hank cuddled her close to his body, supporting her wrist cast.Â
Taza hurried over as Coco slipped out of the room with the rest of the younger Mayans. Before Coco got out the door, he gave Hank another worried look.
âWhatâs going on?â Taza asked.
âMegan says her wrist is really hurting all of a sudden,â Hank explained. âI just gave her another dose a little early, but somethingâs not right, Taza. Sheâs never asked for a dose of pain medicine before.â
Taza squatted in front of them and got licked on the chin by Rex for the trouble. He chuckled a little and petted the dog. âWhere on your wrist is hurting, Chica? Maybe the break shifted?â
Megan pointed to the spot on the side of her wrist, just under her thumb. âI shifted my sling during the meeting and suddenly had shooting pain right here. Worse than itâs ever been - even before I started taking the pills.â She sniffled a little and leaned into Hank some more.
Tazaâs eyebrows raised. âStay put, Sweet Chica. Iâm going to check if Adam keeps a staff doctor. If not, weâll head to the hospital.â
Megan swallowed. âIâd rather not, Papa.â
Hank rocked her gently. âWe know, mi amore, but you need to be checked over. Iâll stay with you the whole time.â He kissed her hair and nodded at Taza who left the room. âShhh, mi reina. Itâs going to be alright. Weâve got you.â
Megan buried her face against his neck and he could feel tears on his skin that she had been holding back.
Rex stood and growled softly as Creeper approached. Creep calmly lifted his hands and spoke soothingly to the big animal. âEasy, Rex. Just me. Just wanna check on your mama. Good boy.â He looked to Hank. âShe hurting still?â He didnât come closer just yet.
Hank nodded. âRex, down. Just Creeper. Let him in.â
The animal stopped growling and his hackles went down, but he remained standing between Megan and the rest of the room.
Creeper cautiously took another step towards them, and when Rex stayed calm, he moved to Hankâs side. âAnything I can do, brother?â
âTazaâs gone to see if the casino keeps a doctor on staff. She hates hospitals, but weâll go if thereâs not one here,â Hank explained. âItâs her wrist.â
Creeper squatted down to support her wrist cast for Hank so the big biker could use both hands to soothe and hold her. âWhere?â
Megan sniffled wetly. âBy the thumb. Under the cast.â
Creeper frowned. âI saw the x-rays after the accident. Thatâs not where you broke it, Little Princess. Did you bump it today at the store or anything? Or maybe try to move it like you did the other morning at breakfast?â
Megan shook her head but didnât lift her eyes. She kept her face buried in the crook between Hankâs neck and shoulder.
Creeper looked to Hank. âDid she have a nightmare during that nap before lunch? Maybe try to reach for you in her sleep?â
Hank shook his head and kissed Meganâs forehead. âNo. Nothing since a bad one last night. I think I got her stabilized in time during that one though.â
Creeper tilted his head in thought. âThen itâs not a new break. Sometimes if you strain against the cast, it can cause little breaks. Least thatâs what they told me last time I had a cast.â
Taza came hurrying back in. âAdamâs got the local doctor on speed dial. He called him. Said heâd be here soon. Letâs take her back to the suite. Heâll meet us there,â he said, glancing at where EZ was still shredding papers and the door that the Galindo party had exited from not long before.Â
Hank nodded. He looked at Creeper. âCould you take Rex out before you come up? Iâm just going to carry her.â
âCourse, brother. Anything you need.â Creeper grabbed Rexâs leash and tugged gently. âCome on, Rex. Letâs go outside.â
Rex resisted a little, looking at Megan and whining.
Hank stroked her hair back. âMi amore, I think Rex wants you to tell him itâs okay for Creeper to take him outside.â
Megan giggled a little, but lifted her head to look at Rex with a sniff. âGood boy. Go on. Creeperâs gonna take you on a walk. Iâm okay.â
The dog whined again, but reluctantly followed Creeper out of the room.Â
Taza shook his head in amazement. âHappy sure undersold that pooch in the brains department.â
Hank nodded before arranging Megan so he could stand without jostling her too much. âYou can say that again.â
â---------
A little over an hour later, the doctor Adam had called stepped out of the room Megan and Hank were using to a common room full of concerned bikers.
Bishop stood. âWell?â
The older doctor chuckled. âMs. Morales said youâd all probably be worried. Sheâs alright. Before you leave tomorrow sheâs got an appointment at my clinic here on the Rez. They casted her arm while she was unconscious and it was done awkwardly causing strain on her muscles and tendons. Thatâs why sheâs been in so much pain. Her muscles are pulling against the broken bone constantly. Iâll re-cast it and it will remove the strain, relaxing those muscles. I also plan to examine her collarbone to see if itâs healed enough to remove the sling if I put her in a soft cast instead of plaster.â The doctor smiled as all the men relaxed. He could hear them collectively breathing easier. âSheâs going to be fine, gentlemen. I gave her a mild muscle relaxer that wonât affect her thinking processes since she explained she doesnât like the side effects of the stronger pain killers. It should hold until tomorrow morning when I see her again. If not, call me.âÂ
Marcus smiled. âThank you, Doc.â
âOf course. Her father and ⊠boyfriend?... are with her. I gave them my card in case anything changes, butâŠâ he produced another business card from the pocket of his white coat. âHereâs another copy for the rest of you.â
Bishop took the card and with a polite nod, the doctor left.
Creeper went to let Rex into the bedroom, only to be met by Taza coming out. They let the big dog in the room and then quietly shut the door before returning to the conference table.
âDoc said it was good news, but how is she really?â Creeper asked him as Taza took his seat.Â
Taza took a beer from EZ and sighed. âSheâs being a trooper. Apparently the pain has been worse than we thought this entire time. Doc said that heâs surprised she hadnât caved and went to the ER with it⊠or broke the cast with the muscle spasms sheâs been having. Hankâs sitting on her to make her rest until the shot the doc gave her can take full effect.â
Bishop nodded. âThat what pulled you away from the Galindo meeting the first time?â
Taza chuckled. âActually⊠no. La princessa earned her kutte in that meeting, brother.â He sipped his beer with a smirk. âShe may have solved our Irish problem.â
There was a thump as all four legs of the chair Angel had been leaning back in hit the ground. Suddenly Taza had every manâs attention in the room. The meeting had only taken a few hours, and everyone was now back in the rooms.Â
Marcus sat forward. âWhat do you mean, hermano?â
Bishop raised a hand to make them pause. âDo we need to table?â
Taza shrugged. âWe will need to eventually, but itâs not urgent enough that it canât wait until weâre home for the official vote.â
Both Bishop and Marcus nodded. âAlright then,â Bishop said. âFill us in.â
Taza explained Meganâs theory about Adelita and Los Olvidados being their solution to needing a port. He pointed out all the things she had said to him - how the rebels are widespread, powerful, and damn near impossible to find if they donât want to be. He sealed the deal for Bishop by bringing up Meganâs point about how bringing the LO close helps eliminate the motive to double cross the M.C. even if they do fall out with Galindo. âAnd - Megan also pointed out that the twenty percent we were prepared to offer the VM would buy a lot of supplies for Adelitaâs orphans.â
Bishop chuckled and said back in his chair. He took a sip of his whiskey and looked at Marcus. âWell El Padrino⊠what do you think?â
Marcus smirked. âI think⊠if this works out the way she thinks it will⊠Megan has more than earned that kutte.â He looked at Bishop. âIâm supposed to have that breakfast meeting with Galindo tomorrow. WIll you meet with her and feel her out?â
Bishop nodded. âOf course, Primo. A few of us can meet with her and any people she has with her.â He looked at Taza. âWhat time is Meganâs appointment tomorrow morning? I'd like her to be there. Itâs her plan. She should get to execute it.â
âSeven. Should be done by nine or nine thirty at the latest,â Taza said.
Riz nodded. âIâll reach out and see if Adelita has time for us around ten, just to be safe.â
âGood.â Bishop grinned again. âHopefully we can call Chibs by noon with good news.â
Creeper raised a hand. âIâve got something to bring to the table.â He looked at Taza. âFairly sure you can proxy Hankâs vote on this one. No need to pull him away from Princess-sitting.â
Bishop nodded. âAlright, Creep. Letâs hear it. Weâll see if we need to proxy after that.â
Creeper sat up and met all the menâs eyes. âLittle Princess just may have saved our collective asses. I know the armorer vote already went through, but we didnât talk about if she gets a cut. She wonât vote, but⊠brothers⊠that girl just proved sheâs worthy of something. We said she could go on runs, but if she does - she shouldnât be doing it for free.â
Gilly frowned. âYou mean - we gotta vote on if la princessa gets paid to risk her ass like the rest of us? If sheâs on a run, I just assumed she'd get a cut like the rest of us. Hell - even if sheâs not on the run. We all get payouts monthly from profits - shouldnât she?â
Angel frowned. âBut those are benefits of membership. Prospects only get payouts for specific jobs. They donât get the stipend. Sheâs not a voting member.â
Coco shrugged. âOnly because she donât got a dick. I say she risks just as much as a member, she should get paid like one.â
Riz shook his head at Cocoâs phrasing. âNot how I would have said it - but Cocoâs got a point.âÂ
Bishop sat in thought a moment. âPoquito would argue that sheâs not a patch and shouldnât be treated like oneâŠâ He nodded to Angel.Â
Several of the men started to protest, but shut up when Bishop raised his hand. âIâm just telling you what her argument will be if we try to give her a stipend. She probably wonât take payout from runs either if we leave it up to her.â He looked around the table. The Oakland Mayans were listening, but offered no comments. âI say we vote it now so she canât argue and we can say itâs her salary for being armorer.â
âSeconded,â Creeper said.Â
âMe too,â added Gilly.
âAlright then. We vote. All in favor of Poquito getting run payouts and the stipend monthly?â Bishop asked.
Hands went up around the table. Angel was the last to raise his hand, but he did with a sigh.
Bishop nodded. âWeâll just proxy Hank as a yes, shall we?â he said with a grin.
The men chuckled and nodded.
âAlright then - Poquito will be paid as our armorer.â Bishop nicked on the table. âThanks Creep. Not something weâd thought of.â
Creeper nodded with a grin.
âNow that the serious shit is over with - Adam said the tribe is throwing their monthly bonfire tonight. Iâm taking Megan so she can hear the stories and for the dancing. Anyone else?â Taza asked.
Angel, Coco and Gilly shook their heads. âWeâve got plans for the prospect this evening too,â Angel said.
Marcus and Bishop both laughed. âNah, brother. Weâll stick here. Let you guys get some downtime.â
The Oakland boys said the same.Â
âRiz? Creep?â Taza asked.
Riz grinned. âIâve got a date with the bartender downstairs. Canât, man.â
Creeper laughed. âSure. Iâll come alone. If nothing else, I can dog sit while you take the Little Princess around.â
â----
In the bedroom, Hank was doing his damndest to keep Megan down for a little while longer. She was anxious about Taza presenting the idea to the club and wanted to be out there listening to them discuss it. However, the doc had said for her to lay down for at least another thirty minutes to give the shot time to work. He laid next to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. âRelax, mi reina. The club will be nothing but proud of you for this idea.â
âWhat if they arenât though? What if they think itâs stupid or if they think itâs too dangerous orâŠâ
Hank chuckled and kissed her silent. He deepened the kiss when she moaned softly before pulling back just enough to speak. âMi amore - they wonât. And if they do - youâll have plenty of time to convince them otherwise.â He kissed her again cradling her face in one of his giant hands.
Megan giggled. âIf youâre going to kiss me to shut me up, I may never stop talking.â
He shifted himself to rest his hips between her legs and held his weight on his forearm with a grin. âI do think there are better ways to occupy your mouth than worrying, Princessa.â
âMmm. Think I may need another example.â She lifted her head to kiss his jaw.
Hank lowered himself so she could feel his weight as well as reach him without moving anything she wasnât supposed to. He tilted his head for her encouragingly. He knew heâd need a cold shower after this, but couldnât bring himself to care.
Megan pressed nibbling kisses beneath his jaw to his ear. âThis what you had in mind?â She felt the rumble of his laugh through his chest and throat.
âNot quite, but I guess turnabout is fair playâŠâ he whispered, allowing his free hand to wander a bit until he felt her skin as she kept kissing. He shifted to catch her lips with his and felt her fingers in his hair. âMmm. Good girl.â
Megan laughed and tried to raise her hips only to find his were holding her securely down. Her breath caught on a light moan. She tugged at his shirt with her hand. âWant it offâŠâ
Hank smiled hugely and kissed her again before sitting up on his knees and pulling his shirt over his head by the collar. He bent and placed kisses along her stomach where her shirt had ridden up before laying himself back down against her. âBetter, mi reina?â
Megan traced the lines where his arm bulged as he held his weight off of her with her good hand and nodded. She marveled at the strength of him and ducked her head to kiss his tattooed collarbones.
Hank shivered pleasantly at the feel of her lips on his skin. She was feeling brave tonight and he loved it. He used his free hand to slide her shirt higher over her low-rise jeans, feeling the texture of scars against his rough palms. He knew they were there, but didnât know all their stories yet.Â
Megan nibbled across his tattoos, exploring a little. She didnât want to push him, but she really wanted more. She shifted her torso to reach him better and hissed as suddenly her right side ached.
Hank pulled himself up and away from her. âPrincessa?â
Megan whined at the distance. âNoâŠâ She tugged at him.
âUh uh. What hurts?â Hank asked insistently. Hearing her hiss in pain had turned his hormones right off.
Megan growled. âIâm fine! I just moved wrong. You didnât hurt me.â She reached up to cradle his neck with her good hand. âCome back here.â
Hank frowned and shifted to the side to lay against her good side. âNo. What hurt? Talk to me.â
Megan threw her head back in frustration and bit her lip. âI just twisted when I squirmed. Iâm fine. We donât have to stop.â
He shook his head and brushed her hair out of her face before turning her chin to make him look at him. âBaby, no. I wonât let you hurt yourself trying to push your body when itâs not even half healed.â He leaned in to kiss her gently before feathering kisses across her cheekbones. âThereâs no hurry, mi amore. I love you. Iâm not going anywhere.â
Megan closed her eyes tight and swallowed tears of frustration. âI love you too. Itâs justâŠâ
He gently tugged her onto her left side and cradled her against his chest, letting her bury her face in his tattoos. He knew it was sometimes easier for her to talk if she wasnât looking at him. âJust what, Princessa? Talk to me.â
âI finally found someone that I want this with - for the first time in my life itâs my choice - I can make the choice to take this farther - and now I canât,â she said quietly.
Hank pressed her closer to him and kissed her hair, rubbing her back soothingly. âIâm sorry, mi princessa,â he whispered. âI hate the implications of that.â He took a deep breath to control his emotions and tilted her chin up so he could meet her eyes again. âWE are always your choice. You know that wonât change, right?â
Megan nodded. âExcept nowâŠâ
Hank dipped his head to kiss her with a groan. âExcept now when Iâll hurt you if we go further.â
âWe went further this morning and you didnât hurt me, Hank.â
He chuckled. âI got carried away this morning. Youâre so damn beautiful you fry my brain sometimes. I could have really hurt you if youâd moved wrong. If youâd over-balanced, I could have rebroken your collarbone catching you.â
She looked up at him through her lashes, â But you didnât.â
âBecause youâve got damn near perfect balance, but itâs still a major risk, mi amore. One that I canât justify just because Iâm horny.â He rubbed her back some more.
Megan buried her face back in his warm skin muttering, âYou arenât the only one.â
Hank laughed outright. âLetâs see what the doctor says tomorrow, hmm? There are other things to think about before we take this further too.â
Megan looked up at him a little curiously. âWhat other things?â
Hankâs face heated a bit. âWell for one - I donât exactly carry protection, mi reina. Hasnât really been an issue. And I know you arenât on the pillâŠâ
âOhâŠâ Megan said quietly and sat up so he couldnât see her face. âUmmm⊠thatâs⊠thatâs a non-issue,â she said, not looking at him.
Hank sat up and reached for her to find her stiff with tension. âMegan⊠whatâs wrong?â
Megan let her head fall forward so her hair hid her face from him. âNothing.â She sat on the edge of the bed facing away from him.
Hank moved to sit behind her with her back to his chest and found her quivering. âMegan, Baby, whatâs wrong? Why are you shaking?â He braced her against him but didnât force her to face him. âDid I scare you?â
She shook her head, but kept her face hidden.
âThen what is it, Princessa? Let me help? Please?â
âProtection is a non-issue. I canât get pregnant,â she said quietly, her voice shaking and coming out very strained.
Hank paused. He wrapped himself around her from behind, cradling and supporting her shaking body. âSomething else you didnât choose?â
Megan swallowed hard and nodded.
Hank pressed kisses to her temple and rocked her gently. âOk. You donât have to tell me, mi reina. You can if you want to, but you donât have to.â He cleared his throat trying to swallow his emotions.
Megan was still tense. âI probably should have told you that sooner,â she said in a monotone. âIâll understand if itâs a deal breaker. TĂo Bishop will probably switch rooms with me if youâd ratherâŠâÂ
Hank froze before tilting her face to make her look at him. Her eyes were swimming in unshed tears as her lips quivered. He pressed his forehead to hers and made her look him in the eyes. âI love you, Megan. I love you because you are you, not because of some potential future. The fact that you canât get pregnant doesnât affect that, mi amore. There are other ways to have children if thatâs something we decide we want someday. This changes nothing. Nothing. Do you understand me?â
Megan sobbed and lunged for him, wrapping herself around him as tightly as she could.
Hank held her tightly, pressing kisses to her where he could reach. He rocked her gently in his lap, shushing her and doing his damndest to reassure her with his touch.Â
Rex watched this all warily from his corner, but stayed there.
Hank soothed Megan as best he could, easing her to lay tangled with him. Her breathing eased slightly as he whispered to her in Spanish. When she quieted, he shifted to see her face where it was buried in his shoulder only to find her asleep in his arms.
Here's 14. It's a filler and you can probably tell it, but I have edited it too many times. It's just going to have to be good enough y'all.
Warnings: cursing, mentions of weapons. I can't think of anything else. Let me know if I missed anything.
Don't steal my shit.
The bike shop was only fifteen minutes away, so Creeper rode with Megan and Hank. He threw a fit when Megan started to get in the back though. âNah, Little Princess. You ainât taking the back seat in your own car. Iâll ride with the pooch,â he said.
Hank had let the top back down so that they could feel the morning sun, so the ride was more than pleasant. Bishop, Taza, and Marcus led the way and Megan grinned. She was slightly windswept when they got there, but she was smiling happily. None of the men whoâd been with her the first day missed the contrast.
Hank came around to open her door aws Creeper got out on his side with Rex following him. âAlright, mi princessa. Think youâll be alright this time?â he asked.
Megan smiled. âYeah. I think so. Just donât look at the prices, right?â She handed him her kutte.
âRight, Chica,â Taza said from beside them. He took her kutte from Hank.
Inside they all scattered. Taza went to the counter with Bishop to collect her patches and get them sewed on for her. Usually, sheâd sew them on herself after being awarded them, but that wasnât an option with her arm right now.
Marcus drew Megan over to the side where there were Harley accessories for dogs. Hank smiled and followed her, putting his hands in his pockets.
Creeper glanced around and headed for the electronics section. He was determined that Meganâs bike needed a better stereo - especially since heâd have to wire the new intercom system anyway.
Megan immediately noticed a leather leash when Marcus showed her the dog section. The leash that Happy had given her was nylon and a little rough in her fingers. She absently picked it up to look at it. She showed it to Hank. âWhat do you think?â
âI think it matches your gear better than the nylon one, and it never hurts to have multiple leashes, mi amore.â Hank smiled.
Megan bit her lip. âTrue. We should probably get an extra harness at some point tooâŠâ
Marcus picked up a set of food and water bowls. They were stainless steel with Harley logos around the outside. âHere we go. Rex needs food and water bowls still, right? You can keep the temporary one in your car for when you need it.â
Megan nodded, âAlright.â
âWhat about for at the clubhouse?â Taza asked as he joined them. âGet a second set that can just stay there too.â
Marcus added a second set.
Hank chuckled as he realized that Megan wasnât freaking out about price when it came to her precious pup. He picked up a couple of chew toys shaped like motorcycle tires, holding one down for Rex to take immediately. âGotta get him some toys too.â
âYeah, but there arenât a lot here. Weâll have to go to the pet store when we get home,â Megan said absently as she looked at the shelves.
Taza smiled. âWe could order them online and have it all waiting at the ranch when we get homeâŠâ
Megan perked up. âReally?â
The men chuckled. âReally.â Taza answered her. âWeâll get you set up on Amazon on your phone when we get back to the casino, Chica. Then you can order away.â
âA doggy door would be nice for the back doorâŠâ Megan said.
âWhatever you want, Sweetheart. Doggy doors for every door in the house and clubhouse. The prospect can put them in,â Taza promised.
Megan laughed. âThank you, Papa.â
âOf course. Now, weâve got about a half hour to kill while they finish with your kutte. Letâs go look at human accessories,â he said with a smile. He drew her gently over to the womenâs section. âLook. These are hair wraps. They help keep your hair from snarling on long runs.â He pointed to the long pieces of laced leather. âWe need to get you some for your braids.â
Megan bit her lip. âWell⊠it would be nice not to have so much brushing to do after ridingâŠâ
Taza grabbed two in every color there. He also grabbed two more of the scarfs that Coco had taught Megan to use as dust masks. âOne for each bikeâŠâ he explained.
Bishop called her over. âHey Poquito - come pick out some more sunglasses.â
âBut TĂo- I already have a pairâŠâ
Yeah, well, a girl deserves options and these are safety glasses too. They wonât shatter like regular ones do if you wreck,â Bishop pointed out. âYou need some to keep in your car too. Iâd rather it be these than some cheapos thatâll hurt you if they break.â
In the end, Megan chose three new pairs of sunglasses before Bishop was satisfied. Hank smiled as he watched Megan try to argue the other men in her life out of buying her more things.
Creeper came to her rescue. âHey, Little Princess, come look over here. There might be some things you want for your bike.â
Megan glanced at Hank who nodded that heâd follow and went to look with Rex.
Creeper had already chosen a stereo system for her bike that would fit with the new intercom Bishop had bought her. But there were many other options to customize her bike. âI donât even know what Iâll need though,â Megan protested.
âThink about being on your Popâs bike. Anything youâd change if you were in the driverâs seat?â Creeper asked.
Megan thought. âPapa has to sit forward a lot on his bike - and itâs too tall for me. Even the footpegs in the back are a stretch from the bitch seat.â
âAlright. So your handlebars are closer to the rider and the bike is shorter. That takes care of most of that. Thatâs why they got you the Slim. Itâs got a better seat height for a smaller rider,â Creeper explained. âThe tank is painted to match your helmet, but itâs got a standard seat on it still.â He pulled up pictures on his phone to show her. âIâll add the intercom and stereo when we get home.â
âItâs such a pretty green,â she said with a smile.
Creeper chuckled. âAll I did was match Hankâs paint job. He chose the color.â He pointed to a phone holder and a GPS. âIâd suggest one of these, or preferably both. Youâll be a new rider - AND new to the area. This would mean your less likely to get lost if you ride alone.â
Megan nodded. âProbably a good idea then.â
Creeper picked them up with a smile. âNot that I think itâll be a problem much, but Iâd rather you have them if you need them.â
Hank smiled softly as Creeper walked Megan through his reasoning behind buying different electronics for her. She even allowed him to pick up another cell phone holder and GPS for her car. The bald man was patient and explained things carefully enough that Megan never questioned how much he was buying. By the end of it, her bike would be the most tricked out bike in the club, and he loved that Creep managed to do it without setting off her panic. He used logic and reason to keep her calm and convince her that she needed things.
Marcus caught his eye and lifted the finished kutte to show him. Hank grinned. It was perfect. âAlright, mi amore. Your kutte is ready. Ready to go?â Hank asked as she and Creeper paused.
Megan grinned. âSure. Are the others done shopping?â
âLooks like it,â Creep said, pointing to the door where Taza a Bishop sat with bags. âGo on, Little Princess. Iâll meet you guys over there. Iâm gonna have them ship the parts to the yard for me.â
Megan squeezed his arm gratefully. âThanks, Creeper.â
âYouâre welcome. Be there in a minute.â
Megan and Hank made their way to the others to meet up with Rex trailing along faithfully. On the way there, a jewelry counter caught Hankâs eye. âJust a minute, mi amore.â He tugged her over to the counter where there were various forms of Harley themed jewelry. This spot had everything from cheap childrenâs necklaces to a few high dollar pieces. He pointed at a small case of charms for charm bracelets. âI think earning your patch deserves a charm, Princessa.â
Megan smiled a little. âYou might be rightâŠâ
The clerk behind the counter came over. âLooking for anything in particular, maâam?â
Megan held up her left wrist to display her charm bracelet. âJust a charm to remember today.â
âAre you the one patching, honey?â the older lady asked.
Megan nodded. âYeah⊠I am.â
âWell, Iâve got a few here that might work-â the clerk pulled the case out and shifted through them before laying out a charm that looked like a kutte, one that looked like a top rocker, and one that matched the crossed pistols on her new patch. âAny of these feel right?â
Megan touched the rocker with a tiny smile. âIs it engravable?â
âSure is.â
âWould you put âMayans M.C.â on it, please?â Megan asked.
âOf course. Be right back.â
Megan smiled up at Hank, who kissed her gently. âLook at you. Picked it out all on your own too. I was expecting a fight.â
Megan shook her head with a small smile up at him. âNo. Youâre right. This one deserves a charm.â
âGood.â He kissed her again and squeezed her waist, before pulling out his wallet to pay for the charm before the price was announced. Luckily the nice lady either seemed to understand or she remembered Meganâs breakdown last time. She rang him up without question.
âHave a nice day, you two. See you next time.â He handed Hank the little organza bag with the charm in it.
âYou too!â Megan said as they went to meet everyone else.
They all loaded back up and headed back for the casino. Creeper was fast becoming good friends with Rex. The big dog was perfectly content having his ears rubbed by the bald biker in the back seat.
âSo⊠what exactly is the procedure here?â Megan asked. âI assume itâs more than just handing me the kutte, or TĂo would have done that at the store.â
Hank chuckled. âIâm not actually sure either since the vote already happened. Usually, youâd wait outside Templo while we vote, weâd most likely scared the shit out of you making you think weâd voted no before Taza would hand you your new patched to sew on before the party. At least thatâs what we do to prospects.â
Creep laughed. âYeah - that ainât gonna work this time. Heâs probably just going to present it to you when we all meet for lunch before the Galindo meeting, Little Princess. Weâll combine your patch party with your birthday party when we get you home.â
Megan shook her head with a smile. âYâall are determined with this party thing, arenât you?â
Hank kissed her knuckles with a smirk. âYouâll enjoy it. Promise.â
Creeper half-grinned. âDamn right you will. Weâll make sure of it.â
âMaybe we should see if Venus and maybe Tig, Happy, and Chibs want to come down for it. Maybe weâll have good news for them by then,â Megan suggested.
âYour party, mi amore. You invite whoever you want,â Hank assured her, pulling into a parking space.
Taza came to help her with her door as Hank, Creeper and Rex got out on the driverâs side. âWell Chica - what would you like for lunch? Weâre ordering up to the suite,â he asked.
âIâm really not hungry, Papa - â she said, looking up at him.
âJust something light then? You should eat before the meeting. Weâre not sure how long Galindo will need us,â Taza explained.
Megan shrugged a little. âIf you say soâŠâ
âWhat about a salad or something, Princessa? Or a sandwich?â Hank suggested.
âActually - a salad does sound good,â Megan admitted.
Creeper brought her Rexâs leash from where heâd taken him to do his business. âYeah. I think so too.â
Taza chuckled. âAlright. Is chicken okay? Get a little protein in there.â
Megan laughed. âSure, Papa.â
He kissed her head. âAlright. Your padrinos and I will order lunch and round up the others for Templo. You go rest a bit. Take your medicine. You should be overdue for it.â
âShe is,â Hank said. âCâmon, mi reina. Letâs go decompress for a bit.â
Megan took Rexâs leash from Creeper with a smile and leaned in to the arm Hank slid around her waist as they headed for the elevators.
In the room, Hank encouraged Megan to lay down for a while after he got ehr to take her medicine. She protested, but he promised her that her papa had plans for them this evening and sheâd enjoy them more if she wasnât too tired.
âWill you stay with me?â she finally asked.
âOf course, mi amore.â He grabbed his book from his bag and sat himself against the headboard so she could snuggle down with her head in his lap. Once she was situated, he stroked her hair and neck gently. âRest, mi princessa.â
An hour or so later, Taza poked his head in with a smile. âLunch is ready, hermano,â he called softly. âGalindo will be here in about two hours.â
Hank sat aside his book. âAlright. Iâll wake her up.â
âGood. Her padrinos want her to have her kutte before lunch. Theyâll be ready when you bring her out.â Taza patted the doorway and looked at Rex. âRex, come.â
The dog looked to Hank.
âGo on Rex. Go eat,â Hank encouraged.
The big dog stood from where he was laying at the foot of the bed, shook himself, and followed Taza from the room.
Hank smiled down at Megan sleeping peacefully in his lap. He smoothed some stray hair back into her braid. âTime to wake up, mi amore. Your papa and tĂos are ready with lunch.â He gently traced her cheekbone with the back of his fingers.
Meganâs eyelashes fluttered open with her little wake up squeak. âMm?â
âAre you awake, baby?â he asked with a smile.
âMmhmm,â she smiled and nuzzled against his thigh through his jeans.
He chuckled and shifted a little. He could feel the heat of her breath through his pants. âAre you comfy?â
âVery.â
âGood, but we still need to get up so we can get lunch in you before we need to meet with Galindo.â He rubbed his thumb gently along her jaw.
âOkay.â She stretched where she could before sitting up slowly.
Hank guided her up before pressing a kiss to the back of her neck. He pulled his own boots back on, before going to help Megan with hers only to realize that her new ones had zippers on the sides. She slid her guns back into the holster she still wore and the knife back into its sheath. Sleeping had loosened her hair enough that she simply untied it and brushed it down with the fingers of her good hand.
âMy kutte should conceal the weapons, right?â she asked, eyeing the discarded flannel.
âShould, mi amore. If we meet on the casino floor, weâll have to check them anyway. Tribal law says no firearms on the casino level,â Hank assured her.
Megan nodded. âBut my knifeâŠâ
âCan stay with you, as can Rex. Law only covers guns,â he said with a smile.
âAlright then. Letâs go eat.â
Hank shrugged into his kutte from where it was hanging on the chair in the room. âAlright, mi princessa.â He followed her out to the common room.
The entire Santo Padre chapter was waiting for them. Bishop stood front and center flanked by Taza and Riz with the other men behind them. Megan stopped in front of her tĂo. Bishop smiled down at her. âLast night, we voted to appoint you our armorer for the Santo Padre charter of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, Megan. Today, you get your kutte. This kutte is the symbol of your connection with our M.C. Itâs as sacred as anything can be in this life and the true symbol of the brotherhood we all share. Always remember that.â
Megan nodded solemnly. âYes sir.â She swallowed hard.
Bishop turned to Marcus who was standing back, holding Meganâs kutte folded over his arm, and reached for it. Marcus handed it over. Then he turned back to Megan, but he looked at Hank. âTranq, we couldnât decide who would patch her in. Marcus canât - heâs not SanPad. Taza is her blood. Bylaws say blood sponsoring blood isnât recommended. I didnât feel right doing it when Marcus and Taza canât. So⊠it falls to you, hermano.â He held the new kutte out to Hank. âPatch in our Armorer.â
Hank smiled and took the kutte from Bishop before going to help Megan put it on by easing her sling and slipping it over her casted arm before supporting that arm for her so she could slip her good arm in the kutte. He quickly redid her sling before smiling at her. âMegan Morales - Welcome to the tribe.â
Megan smiled back up at him as the men whooped and cheered.
Megan got hugs from everyone as Rex bounced excitedly around the room.
They sat down to lunch where Megan got her salad, but she barely ate any of it between talking to everyone. The men debated whether they should head directly back to Santo Padre to start planning her patch party after the Galindo meeting. Megan continued to insist that she wasnât a patch and therefore there shouldnât be a patch party.
âFine then - your birthday party slash âappointmentâ party then,â said Gilly.
There was a knock on the suite door and Bishop nodded for EZ to answer it. Adam stood there. âMr. Galindo has arrived. We put him in the big conference room.â
Taza nodded. âThank you, Adam. Weâre on our way down.â
Adam nodded. âDonât forget to check your weapons at the desk, please.â
Bishop nodded.
Megan took a deep breath and called Rex. She put his new leash on his collar, before looking to her father and Bishop. They both nodded in satisfaction. Hank pressed a hand to her lower back and she relaxed a little.
After checking all guns at the front desk, the club made their way to the large, comfortable conference room. It made Megan smile a bit as they passed the room where sheâd waited so nervously to meet Taza.
Inside the room, Miguel Galindo waited with the older man Megan had met with Marcus - Devante. A blonde woman was there too, dressed professionally but obviously on Galindoâs arm. The men all greeted each other with handshakes.
âMy wife, Emily,â Galindo said, âwill be joining us.â
âOf course,â Marcus said with a smile. âMrs. Galindo,â he greeted her. Then he waved Megan forward. âWeâve made some additions to our club as well.â Megan stepped up, keeping her head high. âYou remember my god daughter, Megan. Sheâs also Bishopâs god daughter and blood daughter to Taza. Sheâs going to be handling our armory from now on. Princessa, this is Miguel Galindo.â
Megan held Rexâs leash tight and nodded to the cartel boss and his wife. âMr. and Mrs. Galindo.â
âAh yes. The little princess from Tennessee. Good to see youâre relatively unharmed from your run in with your⊠brother, was it?â Galindo asked.
âFoster brother. But yes, sir.â
âGood. Iâll have to make formal introductions to my head of security later, Iâm afraid. Heâs currently handling another situation, but you remember Devante,â Galindo said with a smile.
âOf course,â Megan gave a brief and business-like nod.
âWe should get to business then,â Bishop said. âMeganâŠâ
Megan stepped back to stand beside Hank as Marcus, Bishop, and TAza took seats with the head of the cartel and his advisors.
Miguel Galindo outlined the deal that he was forced to sign with the feds calmly and deliberately despite Devante protesting. When he was done, all the Mayans were tense. Then Miguel explained that he had an ace up his sleeve. His security detail escorted a young woman that they all recognized into the room. Adelita, the female rebel leader of Los Olvidados. The woman that the M.C. had been trying to track down for months.
Megan sucked in her breath and glanced at the rest of the M.C. for their reactions. Strangely - Angel, Gilly, Coco, and EZ looked the least surprised. She had expected Angel, at least, to blow his top.
âMy organization is no longer at odds with Los Olvidados,â Miguel stated. He went on to explain that they wanted the Santo Padre Mayans to be the third party that they used to keep each other honest.Â
The arrangement was discussed in detail, with all parties agreeing. Megan stood back with her mind racing. The LO were huge. They had so much control over different parts of Mexico all along the border. Itâs what made them hell to try to track. Did they have access to a port?
Hank leaned down to whisper in her ear. âAre you okay, mi princessa? Need a breather?â
Megan shook her head subtly, and stood on her toes to whisper back, âWe need to meet with Adelita without Galindo.â
Hank frowned a little and ducked his head so he could hear her better. âWhy?â he asked simply. He knew that her mind had seen something that the rest of them had missed.
âThe LO,â Megan explained. âThey could be our answer to our port problem. Theyâre huge. You canât tell me they donât have access to a port in Mexico,â she whispered quickly.
Hankâs eyebrows hit his hairline.
âAnd for the twenty percent we were going to offer the Vatos - thatâs a lot of supplies for Adelitaâs orphansâŠâ Megan explained with a small smile.
Hank grinned and couldnât help but kiss her, hard. âDamn, Princessa. I love you and the way your brain works.â He glanced at Taza who was looking their way curiously. âLetâs run it by your papa.â He beckoned to Taza.
Meganâs father excused himself from the main group for a moment and came to meet them against the back wall. âEverything alright?â
Megan grinned at him as Hank answered. âJust La Princessa proving we were right to give her that damn kutte. She may have a solution to our Irish problem.â
Tazaâs face went from shocked to absolutely proud as hell. âAlright. Iâm listening.â
Megan outlined what sheâd told Hank about the LO. Sheâd been listening more than they knew when they discussed the hunt for Adelita. âAnd,â she said, âit tied the LO to us as much as to the cartel, lessening the chance of a double cross even more,â she finished.
Taza smiled from ear to ear. He pressed a kiss to Meganâs forehead proudly. âChica, youâre fucking brilliant. Weâll talk to Bish and El Padrino as soon as this breaks up. Weâll make sure to have contact with Adelita.â He nudged her chin with his finger. âProud of you, Chica.â
Prompt 104. "I won't let anyone hurt you, you're safe with me."
Maeve Blackwood masterlist
The flickering neon sign of the Last Mile bar cast long, distorted shadows across the wet asphalt. Rain slicked the streets of Charming, reflecting the weary glow like a smeared painting. Inside, the air hung thick with stale beer and the ghosts of forgotten conversations. Maeve, a woman etched with the kind of weariness only the world can inflict, nursed a half-empty glass of whiskey, her gaze distant. She'd seen too much, felt too much, and the world had long ago taught her that safety was a myth.
Then the door creaked open, admitting a gust of cold air and Happy Lowman. His presence was a jolt, a sudden shift in the roomâs equilibrium. Happy, whose smile rarely reached his eyes and whose reputation preceded him in whispers and cautionary tales, moved with a quiet menace that was almost graceful. He spotted Maeve, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze, and made his way to the stool beside her.
He ordered a beer, his voice a low rumble. Silence stretched between them, comfortable in its own way, filled with the unspoken understanding of two people who lived on the fringes. Maeve glanced at him, noting the faint scar near his temple, the coiled tension in his shoulders even at rest. She knew what he was, what he did. It was a world she was familiar with, one sheâd always tried to escape, yet somehow always found herself drawn back to.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the back. Voices rose, sharp and angry, and the clatter of breaking glass made Maeve flinch. Her hand instinctively went to the small, worn knife she kept tucked into her boot. Life had taught her to be ready, to expect the worst.
Happyâs hand, surprisingly gentle, settled over hers on the bar. His touch was warm, solid. His eyes, usually cold and calculating, held a strange, unexpected depth as he looked at her. The noise in the bar faded, replaced by the quiet intensity of his voice, a low growl that was meant only for her.
âI wonât let anyone hurt you, Maeve,â Happy said, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. The words, so out of character for him, hung in the air, a stark contrast to the chaos around them. âYouâre safe with me.â
Maeve looked at him, truly looked at him. In his eyes, she saw not just the hardened killer, but a sliver of something else â a fierce, unwavering protectiveness. It was a promise, raw and unpolished, yet more real than any sheâd ever heard. For a moment, just a fleeting moment, the weight on her shoulders eased. The rain outside still fell, the world was still a dangerous place, but in the quiet strength of Happyâs gaze, Maeve felt a fragile, unexpected flicker of hope. She didnât know what tomorrow would bring, but for tonight, in the grimy heart of the Last Mile, she felt a profound and startling sense of peace.
"Are you hurt?" Happy Lowman's voice cut through the ringing in Maeve Blackwood's ears, rougher than usual. She pushed herself up from the dusty ground, her elbow screaming in protest. The motorcycle, or what was left of it, lay crumpled against a twisted guardrail, a testament to Happy's less-than-stellar driving skills.
Maeve brushed a stray strand of black hair from her eyes, wincing as she felt a lump forming on her forehead. "Just my pride, Happy. And maybe a concussion." She took in the scene: the scattered debris, the concerned (or perhaps just annoyed) look on Happy's face, and the ominous silence of the deserted road. It was, she had to admit, a classic Happy Lowman adventure.
He was already checking the bike, grunting at the damage. "Figures. Just got it detailed."
Maeve let out a shaky laugh. "You're more worried about the bike than me?"
Happy finally turned to her, his gaze sweeping over her, lingering on the scraped denim of her jeans. "You said you were fine, didn't ya? Besides," he gestured vaguely at the wreck, "this is gonna cost me." He reached out a hand, not to help her up, but to prod her forehead with a surprisingly gentle touch. "That's a nasty knock. You sure you're good?"
"I'm fine, Happy. Really," Maeve insisted, though her head throbbed in rhythm with her pulse. She managed a weak smile. "Just another Tuesday, right?"
Happy grunted, a sound that could mean anything from agreement to utter exasperation. He looked down at the ruined bike, then back at Maeve, a flicker of something she couldn't quite place in his eyes â concern, perhaps, or maybe just resignation. "Yeah, another Tuesday." He pulled out his phone, already dialing. "Looks like we're walking." He paused, then looked at her again, a slight crease in his brow. "You really okay, Maeve? You look a little... green."
Maeve just rolled her eyes, pushing herself fully upright. "I've looked worse, Happy. Trust me." And as they began the long walk back, leaving the mangled motorcycle behind, Maeve couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort. Even with a headache and a bruised ego, having Happy Lowman by her side, even if he was the reason she was in this mess, wasn't the worst way to spend a Tuesday.
Maeve entered the living room, a first aid kit and warm flannel in hand, to find Happy sprawled on the sofa, feet propped on the coffee table, groaning. He'd shown up at her door in the dead of night, bruised and bleeding, claiming a "minor disagreement" was to blame.
"I can take care of myself. I'm not a child," Happy grumbled as Maeve helped him lift his blood-soaked T-shirt over his head.
"Two things," Maeve began, meeting his gaze as she started to clean his busted lip. "You came knocking on my door at 2 AM, clearly for help. Next time, don't bother if you don't want it." Happy grunted, taken aback by her bluntness, and looked away, acknowledging her point. She continued, pulling his face gently back towards her, "Secondly, I can see you're not a child. I'm sure the other guy looks worse." Her eyes held a clear warning against further resistance.
A few minutes of silence passed, punctuated only by Happy's fidgeting. Maeve leaned back, assessing her bandaging work, then began putting away the supplies and gathering the rubbish.
"I'm sorry," Happy mumbled, head bowed. "You're right. I had no right to wake you up and be rude."
Maeve paused, sighing softly as she looked at him. "I appreciate your apology, Happy. I'm just here to help." She offered a small, reassuring smile and squeezed his thigh. He met her gaze, returning the smile. "You're more than welcome to stay the night or use the shower. Do you want me to get you a change of clothes?"
"Thank you," Happy replied, bringing her hand to his lips for a brief, grateful kiss. "I'd like that."
"You must be Happy," Maeve said, extending a hand as she stepped into the dimly lit garage. The scent of oil and old cigarettes hung heavy in the air, a familiar comfort to her.
The man who rose from beneath a truck, wiping grease from his hands with a rag, was exactly as Jax had described: broad, a bit rough around the edges, and with eyes that held a surprising depth. "And you must be Maeve," Happy Lowman grunted, his voice a low rumble. He took her hand, his grip firm. "Jax said you were⊠coming."
Maeve smirked, a quick flash of humor in her usually serious expression. "He has a way with words, doesn't he?" She glanced around the garage, taking in the organised chaos. "So, this is the legendary garage."
Happy just nodded, a slight flicker of something in his eyes that might have been amusement. He leaned back against a workbench, crossing his arms. "What can I do for ya, Maeve? Jax said you needed⊠a favour."
Maeve met his gaze, her smile fading as she got down to business. "I need a set of wheels. Something fast, reliable, and discreet. No questions asked." She knew Happy was the man for the job, his reputation for getting things done, no matter how unorthodox, preceded him.
Happy studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Discreet, huh?" he finally said, a corner of his mouth twitching upwards. "You've come to the right place."
Summary: Bishopâs wife never bothers him when heâs in Templo. So when she calls him crying he knows somethingâs wrong and hurries home the first chance he gets.
A/N: cross posted from ao3. Posting twice today cause why not?
Tags: @staley83
Getting a phone call from his Old Lady while he was in Templo was unusual. He always texted her before to let her know that he would be busy. And she knew how important these meetings were. Especially when Marcus was in town. She never called like this usually. Because she knew better. So for her to try and call during had him both frustrated and worried. When they finished and he was left in Templo alone he called back.
âObispo?â Her voice was raw like sheâd been crying.
Most of his frustrations melted away into worry. She rarely cried. And even rarer was her calling him by his first name. She was one for pet names 24/7.
â(Name), Mama, you okay?â He asked.
âIâŠI donât knowâŠâ she admitted, and he could hear the running water from a sink, âI canât stop cryingâŠIâm sorry I know I shouldnât call like thatâŠbutâŠI really need youâŠâ
She broke down in tears over the phone again. And all his frustration melted away. He was worried as could be now. He got up and told her he would be there. He would make his excuses to Marcus who was coming in to see what was going on, since Bishop hadnât left Templo to make a call.
âMy wife called me crying.â Bishop said, putting his phone in his pocket.
â(Name) was crying?â Marcus asked to clarify, he knew Bishopâs Old Lady.
âYeahâŠâ Bishop shook his head, âWe good?â
He had to be sure that if he left it wouldnât be an issue. The club had to come first sometimes, and (Name) knew that. She wouldnât have called if it wasnât serious.
âWeâre good here, go check on her.â Marcus said.
Bishop quickly left, simply saying it was an emergency. Because for her to call like this it had to be.
It didnât take him long to arrive at the modest home that he shared with his wife. Theyâd been together for three years now and she never called him crying like this. He walked in and found her curled up in their bed with a rest rag pressed over her eyes as she kept crying.
â(Name)?â He called out and walked over to climb into the bed with her.
She rolled over and pressed her face into his chest, sobbing hard.
âItâs too fucking muchâŠeverything is too fucking much today!â She sobbed.
Bishop ran his fingers through her hair, he just let her cry. He knew what she needed when she was upset. Even though she didnât cry like this often or call him when he was busy with the club, ever. She just needed him to hold her right now, she would talk about it in time.
âWhat happened?â He asked when her sobs had subsided.
âThat bitch came into the cafe todayâŠthat old classmate of mine who hasnât grown upâŠweâre in our thirties now! God! Let high school go! Grow up!â (Name) took a deep breath, âShe made my teenage years hell and decides that she gets to make my working life in my goddamn thirties hell too?â
(Name) groaned and pressed her head into Bishopâs chest harder. Bishop chuckled softly and hugged her tighter.
âSheâs just bitter that her corporate drone ex cheated on her with that nineteen year old intern.â He murmured, âPoor girl.â
âI would be mad too, but take it out on her joke of an ex, not on me.â (Name) said, âShe decided to loudly criticize me for the necklace you gave me.â She looked up at her Old Man, âSaying that I was shameless for showing off something bought for me with a criminalâs money.â
Bishop rolled his eyes and kissed her softly. She was so defensive of him. He didnât tell her much of what the club didâŠbut she knew that the club didnât truly run legally. But she wasnât going to let anyone talk shit about her man or his club.
âI havenât said anything until today cause I was just so tired already,â she admitted, âI told her she was one to talk, since she attacked a nineteen year old over some WASP-y desk jockey.â
Bishop laughed and shook his head, she managed to tear that other woman to pieces without cursing. And still sounding like a lady. He loved that about her.
âShe complained to my boss, and this was my first complaintâŠfirst and only complaintâŠbut the jackass still fired me!â She exclaimed.
Bishopâs eyes widened, âHe fired you over that?â He asked, âDo you want me to talk to him?â
âNo, baby, no.â She shook her head, âI canât have you stepping in like this, heâs been looking for a reason to fire me, ever since my last name changed. If you step in it will prove his preconceived notions about me being your wife and Old Lady right.â
Bishop sighed and nodded, he knew she was right. But he also knew that she would go crazy not being able to go out and work, to make some of her own money. Even if all it was used for was getting her nails done or new lingerie. He never liked to let her pay for anything of their shared expenses. But he knew she wanted to at least be able to afford to spoil herself and him every so often.
She started to cry again, completely frustrated with everything.
âYou could always work in the scrap yard office, Mama.â He offered.
âI thought you wanted to avoid mixing work and home?â She asked, confused and wiping her eyes.
Bishop chuckled, âIf it will keep you from crying like this, Iâm fine with it. PlusâŠthings might be getting crazy soon, Iâd like to keep you close.â He said and she nodded, agreeing to think about it in a tired voice, âIs there anything else going on, you donât ever cry like this or call me in Templo, even for work issues like this?â
(Name) but her lip, knowing that when she told him the last thing that would seal that she would be working in the office whether she liked it or not.
âWhen I got home I felt horrible, I cried a lot before I even thought about calling youâŠand when I was looking at my phone to distract myselfâŠI noticed the dateâŠâ she murmured and Bishop nodded for her to continue, âAndâŠIâm lateâŠâ his eyes widened at the implication, âI know we Iâve been carefulâŠbut still I took that test I keep in the bathroom just in caseâŠâ he held his breath as she finished speaking, âIâm pregnantâŠon top of everything Iâm pregnantâŠâ
She began to cry again. They hadnât been trying, having discussed things and wanting to wait a little bit longer until things calmed down or the club got things a little more situated. So he was worried but he wasnât unhappy. He held her tightly and kissed her temple.
âWeâll be okay.â He assured her and stroked her hair again, âBut youâre gonna be working in the office. Gotta keep an eye on youâŠand my baby.â
She laughed and cuddled closer, âI love you, Bish.â She said.
âI love you too, Mami.â Ge said and kissed her temple once more.
