1. Chapter 1

1

Chapter 1

Marx

“What the fuck are they doing?” I mutter under my breath. With Christmas a week away and a lot on our plates I figured Church first thing would mean I’d get them ready for business.

Instead, I’ve got almost a dozen men standing around Jovie’s tablet, watching something intently, and then trying to emulate what’s on the screen.

“It’s to the left, you dick! If you don’t get it right Jovie’s Tiktok will be ruined!” Rider growls. I don’t know who he’s talking to, seeing as all of them moved the same way, except him.

I figure I should stop this shit now, otherwise we’ll never get anything done. “Church! Prospects, you too,” I stomp to my place at the head of the table and sit down heavily.

Christmas is always a busy fucking time, especially when the club owns so many businesses and I’m the mug who does the bulk of the paperwork. My men file in, all in high spirits from their early morning fuck around or from the project we’ve been working on. A month back Tav suggested that our last run before the weather got too cold should be a toy run. It was a huge success and for the past two weeks the Ol Ladies have been wrapping them for the MC to deliver to the families we know will be struggling this time of year. Mama Debs even made a shit ton of frozen Christmas meals for them to enjoy too, taking the pressure off some already stressed moms and dads. Everyone takes their places, my officers either side of me, the rest of the brothers in their usual seats. Because the prospects aren’t usually in here they’ve stationed themselves against the wall.

“Is there a reason Chomper is in Church?” Dex asks, pointing to the gator nestled in the baby carrier Rhodie is wearing.

“Yeah, Chewy was meeting a client this morning, and her brothers,” Rhodie gives Tav a pointed look, “Wouldn’t look after their nephew,”

“I’m not sure a gator counts as a nephew,” Tav replies drily.

“Shhh! You’ll make him feel bad!” Rhodie says, covering what he thinks are Chomper’s ears.

“Dude, how do you know that’s where his ears are?” Nitro asks my brother.

“I dunno. I figured they were on the side of his head like everyone else’s,” Rhodie shrugs.

“Wire, you’re the only person allowed a device in here, Google where Chomper’s ears are.”

“Fucks sake!” I interrupt, “Gator ears are near the top of their heads, that flap part behind their eyes.” They all fall silent and stare at me as I pinch the bridge of my nose and take deep breaths like Gus taught me. Although, come to think of it, Gus isn’t all that chill so maybe this shit doesn’t work.

“Pres is right, Chomper’s ears are that flap behind his eyes,” Wire corroborates.

“Thank you, Wire. Now can we get on with this shit?” A dozen heads all nod, and I don’t miss the smirks on the ex Death Rider’s faces. They love this shit. “Anyway, I know it’s early morning and we don’t usually meet at this time, so I’ll make it a quick one. I just want updates on how our Christmas project is running.”

Tank, my secretary clears this throat. “We’ve delivered food and toy packages to 67 families so far.”

“Good work, brothers.” I bang my palm on the table a few times to show my appreciation.

Tank continues, “There’s still roughly 100 more deliveries to do. The Ol Ladies are wrapping the final presents and Takoda and Debs are working on the last meals to be packaged and go out. We’ll be done with the deliveries by tomorrow night I’d say.”

“On that note, has anyone seen the invoice for the groceries? It hasn’t come across my desk yet.” I look around at my brothers before noticing that Tav has his hand up.

“I’m sorry if we stepped on any toes, but Tombs Security donated the food for the Christmas packages.” He says nervously.

“Thank Tombs Security on our behalf, Tav.” I say, tipping my chin in gratitude. “Well, DRMC, by tomorrow night there will be 167 families with presents and full bellies for Christmas.”

The brothers all look very pleased with themselves. It’s been a mammoth task, but we’ve all pulled together. This is the first time we’ve done something like this, and I think this is something we’ll put in our calendar to do every year. Everyone needs a little Christmas cheer, and if we can lean into poker runs or other fundraisers to get this done, then so be it.

“Right, I’m proud of you boys, and I’m especially proud of our women who have put a lot of fucking effort into this. Because of that, I want to make their first DRMC Christmas special for them and the kids. More memorable than watching Uncle Rider get wasted in an elf costume. Like he does every year.” Rider crosses his arms and glares at me, while the rest of the brothers snicker.

“You fuckers love it! I bring Christmas cheer!” Rider grumbles.

“Alright then, Mr Christmas Cheer, what do you suggest we do to make this year special for our family?” Fox says, eyebrows raised at my SAA.

“Well, we’ll need a fucking tree for starters.” He glares.

“Nat mentioned putting up lights, so we can do that,” Savage offers.

“I think that we should probably do some gift shopping too,” Judge offers, but I don’t miss the grimace on his face before he perks up, “That can be one of your jobs, prospects.”

The look of horror on the prospects faces is fucking delightful.

“Right, you know what to do. Organize yourself into groups and get shit done. I’m sure the women will be more than happy to tell you where to put the decorations.” I chuckle as I bring the gavel down, trusting my men to figure this shit out for themselves. Realizing what I’ve asked of them, I yell “Church in two days to report back on progress!” I trust my men with my life, but this? This is something that could get out of hand without proper supervision. I’ll ask Mama Debs to oversee them, just in case.

They filter out of church, some looking thoughtful, some like Rider looking fucking giddy at the thought of tormenting the prospects with his unreasonable gift ideas. I know that man well enough that there are going to be some awful gifts being given. He’s like a fucking kid.

“Tav! Hold back a moment,” Tav hovers by the door. For a guy that is unflappable in most situations, Church makes him fucking skittish. “Nothing too bad, we just really appreciate your family’s contribution.”

“Pres, it’s all good. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but the Tombs have infiltrated your club. The least we can do is give as much as you do.”

“Infiltrated is definitely the word I’d use,” I laugh to myself, “Still, it’s appreciated.”

“I’ll let them know. I’m heading home now. We’re moving Lovely into my cabin and moving my stuff to Blanche’s.”

“As much as it pains me to say it, I think living next to Pops will do her the world of good.”

“Yep. He may be a few sandwiches short of a picnic, but he’s one of the best people I know.”

I can’t help but nod my agreement. Pops may be the nuttiest bastard I’ve ever come across, but he’s a good man. And I’m damn glad he’s on our side.

Pops

“Is there a reason you’re just standing around with a big ass tree?” Tav grunts at me. Fucker just turned up and he’s already on my case.

“Yeah, I’m fucking old and I’m waiting for your slow asses to get outta my way so I can get this tree into Lovely’s new place,” I get myself even more comfortable, leaning against the Christmas tree beside me while Tav grumbles. He and Jules are both trying to move a couch into his old cabin, but it’s not going well.

“Jules, to the left. The left numbnuts!” He gives me the stink eye and I cackle. God winding these kids up really tickles me.

“Stop it, Sidney, you’ll distract them,” Debs says, hitting me with her always present dish towel. She comes to a stop beside me, leaning slightly into my side. “I’m going to catch a ride to the clubhouse with Blanche and little Bee. She’s bringing Lovely and dropping the kids off to Tav to ‘help’.” We share a look and then both laugh.

Not two seconds after she mentions Blanche’s name, the crunching of tires on the gravel drive marks her arrival. She pulls to a stop and I brace myself for Hurricane Cove.

“POPS!” The kid has absolutely no volume control. “Pops, we’re helping Aunt Lovely move into the cabin today,” She sings, grabbing my hand and swinging back and forth as she wiggles in front of me. She then drops my hand and gives Debs a cuddle. Elio makes a beeline for Tuesday who is waving like a madwoman at him. Instead of going to help in Tav’s cabin, they walk into hers, slamming the door behind them. They make a funny pair, but I know it takes a weight off of Blanche’s shoulders knowing that there is someone that understands her youngest.

“Hey Pops,” Niko gives me a fist bump on his way past to help the guys, Sage following after dropping a kiss on my cheek.

Today marks the end of an era for us. After being home to all of us Tombs’, me in the big house and the kids in their cabins, Tav is moving in with his new family. With his cabin empty we thought it would make the perfect jumping off point for Lovely and little Bee.

“Hey Pops,” Lovely says, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me for a quick squeeze.

“Hey sweetheart, ready for the big move?”

She takes a deep breath and then blows it out, “I think so. I’ve never really been on my own before, but I think it’s time.”

“You do know that you’ll never be alone here, right?” Jules grunts on his way past us, carrying a crib into the cabin, dodging Rhodie who has his arms full of cushions. Pussy.

“He’s right, you know. Once this kid comes out I’ll be popping over all the time for advice or just another adult to talk to.” Ana says, pointing to her swollen stomach.

All four of my grandchildren are here, as are their partners, well the ones that have partners at least. Jules is still a single unit, but I’m hoping he’ll find someone to settle him down soon. Fucker is too old to be messing around with the women he does. If he doesn’t stop soon I worry his dick will fall off.

I take in the scene. I never thought we’d have all this. Some semblance of a “normal” life. When I got the phone call that my only child and his wife had been murdered I wanted blood. I wanted to tear apart the men that took them away from me, from us, but instead I had broken kids that needed me. Sure Gus and Jules were older, but losing their parents in that way, and their baby sister being the only witness, somehow solidified them all into one unit. Did I worry that they were all codependent? Fuck yes. But does it make me happy knowing they have each other’s backs? Hell yeah.

“Ok Sid, I’m off.” Debs pecks a kiss on my cheek and I give her hand a little squeeze.

She’s stunningly beautiful and the absolute package. As soon as we met her, everyone in my family fell in love with her. She may have originally arrived as an in-law, but very quickly she softened us up and made us more of a family than we could ever have imagined. We are a couple in that we have strong feelings for each other and enjoy each other’s company, but I think she wants more commitment. As much as I want to claim her, and make her my Ol Lady, like the MC kids like to say, I’m on the fence. I’m old and she deserves someone who can keep up with her, not just in the bedroom, but in life. The last thing she needs is to tie herself to a man that could drop dead at any time. I mean, I’m amazed I’ve made it this far with all the shit I survived in my youth.

“You OK Pops?”

Snapping out of my thoughts I turn to see Lovely’s dark eyes, full of concern. “I’m OK sweetheart, just wondering if I’m too old to jump into something with both feet.”

She tips her head to the side and studies me for a moment. “Why wouldn’t you? You have nothing to lose, Pops, and everything to gain. Besides, it’s Christmas, that’s when miracles happen.” She beams at me, then at her new home, nestled in with the Tombs family.

“You think?”

“Of course! Not that long ago I escaped Eden’s Keep. I was running for my life to save my daughter. Now, I have family, friends, and a new home with people I love. I don’t think it can get any better than this.” She says, a little breathless as she recognizes how wonderful her new life is.

“Well, kiddo, it’s going to get better. Trust me,” I wink at her before looking at my grandsons standing around. “If you assholes have finished, come help an old man with a tree.”

They all roll their eyes but begrudgingly help me wrestle Lovely’s Christmas tree into her first home after finding her freedom. Huh, maybe she’s onto something. If this timid woman can grab the bull by the balls and make a terrifying choice for a better life, then maybe this old man can too.

Debs

“So, what have we got planned?” I turn to Blanche after checking on Bee in the backseat, nestled in her capsule, fast asleep.

“OK. I told Tav that I had a cheater to watch, which isn’t a total lie. My mark works at the mall so I can quickly check in on him while we’re shopping. Anyway he thinks I’ll be on a stakeout all day, when really we’re going on a spree.” She waggles her eyebrows at me and I laugh at her.

Blanche is a breath of fresh air breezing into the Tombs family and I’m here for it. She fits in well and I think she may be the ball buster that the family needs every now and then. Don’t get me wrong, I love them all, but jeez, do they thrive on chaos and dick punches.

“ Ka pai. Marx texted me to say the prospects are in charge of decorations and shopping under our watchful eye, so I have sent them on a mission for the clubhouse decorations and the food shopping for our Christmas meal. Nat and Remy are in charge of where all the decorations are going, so I imagine that should be fairly problem free.”

“That’s good. That leaves us in charge of gifts then?”

“You’d think we’d be all shopped out after finishing the gifts for the community kids, eh?” I say, shaking my head. That was a hectic two weeks, but all the Ol Ladies and I put our best feet forward and cut a swathe through the Rose Grove Walmart’s toy section. “We need gifts for the kids, and stockings for both the kids and the brothers. I got these made up,” I wait until Blanche stops at a red light before showing her my phone screen.

Blanche takes one look and then throws her head back in laughter, “How the hell did you find someone to make biker boot stockings?”

“I met her at wine and craft night,” I snort

“Of course you did.” She shakes her head at me and indicates to pull into the mall. “Lovely said that Bee will need a feed in two hours, so I say we start off with the MC stockings first.”

“Yup,” I agree with her. “I can sit in the food court and feed her while you go and check on Mr Wife Cheater, then we can work on the kids’ gifts.”

“Yes, but they are only getting one small thing each, got it?” She says, eyeballing me from the driver’s side. If I was a weaker woman I’d fall for her intimidating look.

“We’ll see. It’s both my and Sid’s first Christmas with grandchildren. I can’t promise anything.” I try to placate.

“Try.” She says and then rolls her eyes when I laugh at her. “I swear you’re going to spoil those kids.”

“Yes, but Mama, they deserve it. You all do.”

She gives me a look before huffing a breath and then reaching over the console to take my hand. “Thank you, Debs. Truly. Between you and Sid and the whole Tombs family and all you’ve done for us, we’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

“Pssh, we’re family. It’s what we do. Now chop chop, we have stuff to buy.”

We get out of Blanche’s SUV and while she gets Bee’s stroller out of the back, I unbuckle the little sweetie and check to make sure she’s warm. Even though Texas can be bloody hot, it’s winter so it’s cooler out. Too cold for little Bee to be out and about without a hat or a blanket. She’s looking just fine in her cute little black beanie with the DRMC logo on the front, and I know under her blanket she’s wearing the baby motorcycle boots the brothers got for her. She’s one well loved little girl, so I drop a kiss on her chubby cheek and lift her out of the car.

Thankfully because we have Bee with us today, we get a spot close to the mall doors which are sliding back and forth, letting a steady throng of people in and out.

“Come on sweetheart, let’s get you all cuddled up and cozy and then blast all your senses with lights, smells and Mariah Carey on repeat,” I coo at the precious bundle in my arms, settling her a little before placing her in her space age looking stroller.

“You ready for this?” Blanche says, pulling her shoulders back and readying herself like she’s going to war.

“Ready. Let’s do this.”