Chapter 14

“Be nice.” Ana’s breath tickles my ear. Turning to look into her wide green eyes, she makes them even larger before she darts them to the intruders at our table. I should have known that these fuckers were going to descend. Like sharks sense blood, they would have sensed the motherly vibes and delicious smells emanating from my home and instead of leaving us alone, like normal people, they gatecrashed and hung around until Debs in her infinite kindness invited them to eat with us. Bastards.

Shit, even Rhodie is here, and he doesn’t even live here. Although I guess I can cut him some slack because, unlike the others, he wouldn’t have sensed food. He would have sensed Dayz. I glare at all of them around the table. A small hand lands on my thigh, rubbing in gentle circles, and I feel myself relax.

“It’s ok babe. Mum loves this. When I was a kid, we always had loads of people at home. Mum’s a feeder. That’s her love language.”

Looking around the table, I feel like Debs Taylor herself is the love language. Tav and Jules are hanging off her every word and have been since they set the table and she called them both “good boys”. It’s been years since we’ve been called that, so I can appreciate the endorphin boost her words gave them. She called me her “good boy” earlier and I swear it was like my mom was right there. Even Dayz is taken with Debs. I know this because she’s spent the best part of dinner info dumping all the things she knows about Rose Grove and Texas. If Dayz likes you, she’ll info dump, and Debs, bless her, has not only listened to Dayz, but she’s asked questions, genuinely interested in what my unusual little sister has to say, and that has Dayz lit up.

But, as cozy as this all is, it’s my wayward grandfather I have to keep an eye on. I’ve caught that horny old bastard making moony eyes at Debs twice now, and instead of being embarrassed he instead looked me dead in the eye, raised his bushy brow and rubbed the side of his nose with his middle finger.

“Babe, maybe you could stop giving Pops the stink eye?” Ana murmurs as she leans into me.

“No. He’s playing a dangerous game, babe. All these fuckers are. They need to leave and find their own mothers-in-law and leave mine the hell alone,” I growl out. Ana’s head snaps around to look at me, her eyebrows pinched in, and I have a feeling she’s about to let me have it, but her face softens and she smiles before patting me on the cheek.

“August Tombs, are you jealous? Do you want my mum for yourself for a little bit?”

I can feel the annoyed look on my face, and I could lie, but she’s my wife, and I promised in our very basic vows that I would always tell her the truth. Which thinking about it now seems ironic given that they were vows for a fake marriage, but whatever.

“Yes. I want Debs to myself. And you, of course,” I shoot my eyes to her so she knows I don’t just want her for her mom. She smirks up at me before popping a ‘chip’ into her mouth.

“Mmmhmmm,”

“So, Debs, what are your plans while you’re here?” Tav asks, leaning back in his seat, patting his stomach a couple of times. Of the three of us, Tav is the leanest. Not that that’s saying much as we are all over 6 feet tall and broad.

“Well, Tav, I have a list of things I want to do and experience while I’m here.” I watch as my family all leans a little closer to hear what she’s going to say. Much like I am hypnotized by her daughter, it would seem my crackpot family is hypnotized by her.

“Well baby,” All sets of eyes shoot to Pops, who just fucking called Ana’s mom “baby”. “Let’s hear what ya got, and I’ll see what I can do about making all your dreams come true,” he gives her a wink and I watch as all three pairs of my siblings’ eyes look at me with varying degrees of shock and disgust. Darting my eyes to Debs, I see she has a blush covering her cheeks. Jesus Christ.

“Well, Mum, tell us what’s on it, and we’ll ALL see what we can do to help you tick things off the list,” Ana says, getting this show back on the road while I run my hands through my hair for the one millionth time since this dinner began.

“Ok! It’s in my suitcase, lemme just run and get it,” Debs jumps up from the table and hustles down the hall into her room.

I tap gently on the table, getting all eyes on me before I whisper yell, “Listen up fuckers, that woman is my mother-in-law. Get your own. Pops, you better not even think about doing anything with that woman. You keep your mitts off,”

“Yeah Pops! I mean, shit, that woman is a goddamn angel and I will not have you sullying her goodness!” I stare at Tav after his outrageous comment before agreeing with him.

“Yeah, actually, what Tav said. I swear to god old man I will put you in a home if you screw this up,” Pops sits back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, a smirk and an evil look in his eye.

“Oh, don’t you worry. There’s only one type of screwing I’m planning,”

Jule’s chair scrapes against my tiles as he stands abruptly, but Tav grabs him and wrestles him back down into his chair, Jules glaring at Pops and doing the international sign for “I’m watching you”.

“What the hell is happening? Why are you all acting so damn crazy? It’s just my mum, guys. She’s a normal lady,” Ana says, looking around the table as if we have all lost our minds. Funny, because I’m not sure if we all really had them, anyway.

“That woman isn’t just ‘a mum’,” Dayz says, copying Ana’s accent perfectly. “She’s awesome. And the only mom we’ve had around in years. So, I think it’s safe to say that we want to keep her. I say we sit her down for a talk about her future and present her with a written invitation to stay. Then I vote that we formally make a start on the immigration paperwork,”

Everyone at the table nods while Ana opens her mouth before closing it again, a look of pure confusion on her face. Before she can call the Tombs family out or call the local mental health emergency hotline, Debs comes rushing back in, waving her list, plopping herself back down into her chair.

“Soz guys, it was at the bottom of my suitcase.” She rolls her eyes good-naturedly before putting her little reading glasses on.

“Ok. So first off, ride a motorcycle,”

“Done. I have mine right outside and I would be happy to take you for a spin, ma’am,” I turn to stare at Rhodie knowing full well that A) only an Ol lady rides behind her man and B) he has never used those well-bred manners around us before.

“What? I have manners, I’m not a caveman,” He shrugs, and then snatches his hand off the top of the table when Pops raps his knuckles with his bread knife.

“She aint on the back of your bike, shit stain. She only rides on mine.” He nods decisively at Debs, who beams back at him. Fucking hell. That’s all I need. My elderly grandfather on his vintage Harley with Ana’s mom on the back. There’s a burning feeling in my chest and I’m not sure if it’s panic or heartburn. I might need an antacid.

“Done! Ok, I also have - visit In-n-Out Burger, eat one of those massive steaks in a restaurant that’ll take my picture and put it on the wall, go to a rodeo and see if they’ll let me rope something, buy a cowboy hat and boots and shoot a gun,”

“Done.” Jules slaps his hand on the table as everyone nods their heads and smiles like looney people, while Debs lets out a small shriek and jiggles in her seat.

Ana’s head comes to a rest on my shoulder and I look down at her, raising my brow when she smiles up at me.

“I mean, they’re all nuts. She’ll fit right in with them.”

Yeah babe, that’s what I’m worried about.

“Na Khui!” My head snaps up as Roman throws his cell phone at the wall, and thankfully, it bounces off rather than smashing into a million pieces. I can tell by the look on his face whatever it is isn’t good, hence the Russian “fucking hell” he just yelled out.

Staring at my friend and boss, I watch as he squints at the wall and wait for him to enlighten me. There’s no point in asking just yet. I know his mind is going a million miles an hour. When he’s like this, he reminds me of Gus and Marx a little, and it’s no wonder that when the shit hit the fan with Kraykowski, all three men worked together to find and neutralize the threats we were all facing. It looks like we may all be working together again sooner than we all thought.

“Another fucking shipment tampered with. Get Ivan here now. We obviously still have rats in the house. I need them brought to me so I can make an example of them.” I nod and flick Ivan a quick message.

“Surely Hammer can’t have bought that much loyalty within our ranks? I mean, the last lot were errand boys. But shipments? That’s above their pay grade.” I ponder out loud as I twist back and forth in my spinny chair. It doesn’t make any sense, unless our lower-level men are a hell of a lot sneakier than we give them credit for.

Roman runs a hand down his face before huffing, “I have to think that we have a fucking sneaky rat, because thinking otherwise would mean one of my trusted men has betrayed me, and I can’t go down that track just yet.”

I nod, knowing that it’s not an option. Not just for the safety of the Family, but also because I can’t even fathom that some of the best men I know, men like Ivan, may not be who I think they are. My phone buzzes and I check the notification from Ivan.

“Ivan will be here in 20. He’s at the warehouse now checking on the rest of the containers that got dropped off,” Roman nods at me, picks his phone up off the ground from where it landed, checks it over before sitting back in his chair and looking at me thoughtfully.

“Why are you even here? I mean, your mom has been in town for what, a week now and you’ve hardly taken any time off. Go home, I’ll deal with shit here and I’ll let you know if I find anything out. Take the rest of the week.” I give him an exasperated look before pointing out that, actually, he needs me.

“Um, I’m here because it’s my job to be here? Who the hell else is going to keep you calm and do all the shit you don’t want to do?”

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, what would I do without you? I’ll just tell Sasha to get his sexy, lazy ass up and help me. I’ll be fine. Go.” He waves his hands in a shooing motion. “Besides, I heard that today is the day that Mama Debs gets her shooting lesson.” He grins at me, and I let out a groan as I bang my head on my desk a couple of times.

“Ugh, don’t remind me! Gus has been having a conniption about the whole thing since it was suggested at dinner that first night Mum was here. He’s been trying to put the crew off, but Mum is as bad as the rest of the Tombs family.”

Roman lets out a snort. “Well, they are welcome to come here. I have a range out back.”

“Thanks Ro, but it’s already organized with the MC. Marx is having a BBQ to welcome Mum and farewell Flack, who’s well enough to be transported home. Gus also said their shooting range was top of the line, so less likely for any of his family to ‘fuck it up’.” I let out a snort when I remember Gus’s words. I mean, he’s going overboard on safety, but I know it’s making sure Mum is safe. Which makes my heart melt that the big, hard man is trying to take care of my mother in this way.

“It may be top of the line, but I bet it’s not as pretty as mine,” Roman sniffs out, and I can’t help but roll my eyes and chuckle at him.

“Of course not, theirs is all utilitarian. So ugly,”

He flips me the bird before asking, “Why the fuck are you still here?”

“Fine, fine, I’m going. You can sit here all alone working and I’ll be out there having a wonderful time watching my very sexy husband try to keep everyone safe while Mum and Pops shoot guns.” I let out a happy sigh, as it’s something to look forward to before I grab my purse, throw it over my shoulder, and walk behind Roman’s desk to drop a kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks Ro, have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“Yes, but I’m sure I can handle hearing it one more time.”

“I love you, bestie. Take care of business and if you need me, let me know. We have another warehouse shipment coming in two days. Call me if you want me to stop by and check it over.”

“Yes, yes, now shoo! Oh, I love you too. Fuck off!” I throw my head back and laugh on my way out of our office, and through Roman and Sasha’s country home.

Heading out, I get into my car, which thankfully had the key battery replaced, as well as a full clean and service to get all the kimchi out. No matter how delicious that stuff is, no girl wants to turn up places smelling like spicy cabbage. Settling behind the wheel, I chuck my bag on the seat next to me and get comfortable. Roman’s place is around half an hour outside of Rose Grove, closer to the next town over and in the opposite direction of the MC clubhouse. That means it’s live car concert time. I crank up Dua Lipa and marvel at how when the music is this loud, me and her almost sound exactly the same. I really need to drive Gus somewhere so he can get first row seats to the Ana Lipa show. I’m snorting at how damn funny I am when I notice a black SUV following behind me. There’s a single male driver and I make a note to take a few turns here and there once I hit Rose Grove town. Thus far, they’ve stayed fairly far behind, so they could just be a traveler like me, heading into town.

I hit the outskirts of Rose Grove and decide to test my theory. Instead of driving in a direct route to the clubhouse, I take a couple of tight turns around some of Rose Grove’s sleepy streets before gunning it on the road that heads through the main shopping center. Cutting through a carpark I scream into an alley where I wait and watch the car drive past. Interesting. With all this Hammer vs Death Riders crap and the Bratva losing shipments, it’s safe to say that perhaps Gus and I aren’t as paranoid as we think.

I wait a few moments and contemplate calling Gus, but figure I’ll be there soon enough, so I’ll just let him know a bit later on. If I tell him now, he’ll be all over my arse for not calling him immediately. I gaze out the windscreen and note the same car drives past once more, obviously backtracking to find me. I take this as a good sign to get outta dodge so I make my way to the main road, then onto DRMC.

Pulling up to the gates, the prospect waves me in. I have no idea his name but he’s familiar and friendly so I wave my thanks as I roll in and park up next to two Tombs Security SUVs and Pops haphazardly parked pickup.

The car park is full of motorcycles, the usual DRMC ones, and another 4 parked closely together, so I gather they must belong to the Death Riders. I’m glad that Flack is feeling well enough to go home. It was touch and go for a while there when his wound site got infected, but Switch got that all under control. I’ve not spent a lot of time with Flack, just a wee visit when I popped in to see Dayz and Remy, but he’s a nice enough man. Although I’m guessing he kinda has to be given that his daughter is the sweetest, softest person I’ve ever met, and he raised her. I twist in my seat and reach for the hiking boots I threw into the backseat this morning. I’m currently in my favorite outfit - forest green silk blouse, black leggings and heels, but knowing the shooting range is out the back of the clubhouse, I don’t want to be traipsing out there in my good Jimmy Choos or anything.

I slip them off and toss them in the back seat, putting on socks and pulling on my boots. I gather the gun that Gus said I have to carry at all times, rolling my eyes as I slip it into my bag, throw my door open and immediately hear a commotion. Listening a beat longer, I recognise that racket as the sweet, sweet sound of the Tombs family.

Walking through the door, I come to a stop in the common room. Pops and Gus are having a heated conversion whilst Marx is standing between them, massive arms crossed over his barrel chest. I also swear I can see a hint of a smile under his full beard. Dayz is sitting on Rhodie’s lap watching the show, Jules is in the corner with Fox and Nitro, each with a club girl on their knee and Mum is flitting around the room handing out cookies.

“What’s going on?” I ask Tav, who is munching on a cookie.

“Gus thinks the gun Pops got your mom is too powerful. He’s worried the kick back will hurt her.” He shrugs and finishes his cookie in two bites before waving to Mum and giving her the puppy dog eyes. I watch as she rolls her eyes and then smiles indulgently at him. It seems these men, the Tombs family, hell, even the MC family, are mine and Mum’s happy place. I haven’t seen her this happy in years, and I don’t think I’ve felt this feeling of belonging in a long time either. Everything is just… easy.

Well, when everyone agrees and isn’t yelling, of course.

“Mum, what do you think?” At the sound of my voice, Gus’s head whips toward me, the scowl on his face disappearing as a smile splits his face. He stomps over to me and leans down to give me a kiss. He pulls away, before thinking better of it and dropping two more soft, sweet kisses to my lips.

“I missed you, baby.” He whispers.

I pat his chest and snuggle into him as he pulls me into his side, turning to look back into the room.

“Well, hello to you daughter of mine. As for your question, I’m sure I can handle it. Thank you Gus, for your concern. But they don’t breed us wussy in New Zealand. And now that we’re all here, let’s go shoot some shit!” Mum lets out a whoop as the MC men from both clubs all laugh and stomp their big boots, winding her up even more. She has her hands in the air, raising the roof so to speak, and I watch Marx roll his eyes and shake his head before whistling to get everyone’s attention.

“Right you fuc-” his eyes dart towards Mum who grins up at him “- I mean, everyone, let’s get this shit set up and help Debs tick another thing off her list,” More yelling ensues and we head out the back to the shooting range.

Mum gets all suited up in her safety gear, Gus, Tav and Jules all helping her out while Dayz gives mum a couple of tips. Pops is there with her, making sure the gun is safe and ready to go. In no time, Gus and his siblings step out and away from the shooting gallery, heading to wait with the rest of us who are watching.

Gus comes up behind me, pulling my back to his front and dropping a kiss to that sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder. I tip my head slightly so he has better access. Closing my eyes, I just revel in the feeling of being in Gus’s arms. I haven’t told him I love him yet. There’s no way I’m saying it first, not until I know how he feels. If I say it, I might jinx this whole thing. Or I’ll say it and he’ll be taken from me. I’m not having that. Not yet. It’s too perfect at the moment. I want to hold on to it with both hands a little longer before shit hits the fan.

Pops helps Mum line things up, gives her a wee pat on the arse that I’m choosing to ignore, before giving her a countdown. She squeezes the trigger three times fast and we watch as she hits the man shaped paper target in the heart three times.

“Holy shit, your mom just got three kill shots,” Gus whispers as the crowd goes wild. The whole Tombs family are out here watching, as are Marx, Rider, Rhodie, Savage, Dex and a few other brothers I recognize but don’t know by name yet; so almost a dozen people are celebrating for mum. She’s pumping her arms up and down with a huge grin on her face.

She checks the gun before lining up again, this time shooting three headshots.

“Holy fuck, how is she doing that?” Tav asks, eyes wide. I clear my throat and speak loud enough to be heard over the clapping,

“She bow hunts at home.” All of a sudden … crickets. A dozen eyes all turn to look at me, then back to mum then back at me.

“Um, what?” Rider asks, blinking a few times as if he can’t comprehend what I’ve just said.

“At home, she’s an award-winning bow hunter. She hunts all sorts of things, but mainly deer. Dad fished, Mum liked bow hunting. She’s never used a gun before, though. Her dad never let her and then neither did my dad. Said she couldn’t be trusted with it. Besides, she’s lethal enough with a bow.” I shrug and walk over to Mum and hug her.

“Did you see that baby!? Ha! Screw your grandfather and your father. I told them I would be awesome with a gun!” I laugh at her before giving her a big kiss and wrapping her up in my arms again, dancing side to side with her as she’s still fizzing over with excitement.

“Yup, you showed them Mama!” I pull back from Mum and then I turn to look around for Pops, who’s on one knee in front of her, his hands on his heart.

“My god babe, would you marry me?” Mum throws her head back and cackles before pulling him to standing.

“Get up, you silly old fool. You’re too old to be on the ground,” she pulls him up, laces her fingers with his and kisses him on the cheek. I swear I see the old man swoon.

We turn and head toward the clubhouse, the show over for the meantime when something kicks the dirt up at my feet, dust puffing up. A few more hit nearby and my confusion clears when Marx bellows.

“Shooter!”