CHAPTER 13

REAPER

I'd hated leaving Abby in my bed. I had planned on waking her, but when Sam knocked on our door at 5:30 a.m. I knew I didn't have the time.

Slipping out of bed, I got dressed, grabbed my gym bag and jogged downstairs to find them all waiting on me.

"Thought we'd have to send out a search party if you were any longer," Draco grinned, and I flipped him off and sat to put my boots on.

Dragon tsked at me, "Only home for two weeks, and he's getting soft already."

I narrowed my eyes at him as I stood and walked past him, punching him in the shoulder, "I'll show you, soft. You and me are first in the ring."

"Whatever you say, Pres," he snapped a salute at me.

"Fucker," I muttered, going to my bike.

"Who's taking the lads?" I questioned.

"Mum is," Draco replied just as Aunt Maggie and Bella walked out the door towards the garage.

Seeing that they were ready to leave, I motioned to my boys, and we started our bikes.

I looked over at Draco and saw a huge grin on his face before it disappeared behind the visor of his helmet.

We waited for Aunt Maggie to pull out of the garage before following. There was nothing quite like riding with your brothers, knowing that if anything were to happen, they'd be there to back you up.

Following Aunt Maggie behind the café to the staff parking lot, we backed our bikes in and dismounted while we waited for the lads to get out of her car.

Draco started walking to the car to help his mum out, but Ben beat him to it and opened her door for her. She said something to him as she got out, earning her a big smile at whatever she said. Then, reaching into her shoulder bag, she pulled out a protein shake and handed it to him.

As we approached, we heard him say softly, "Thanks, Aunt Maggie."

Patting his cheek gently, she answered, "No problem, baby. When you're finished at the gym, make sure you come over for breakfast. We'll get you fighting fit in no time."

That sounded like a good plan to me, "We'll all be over for breakfast Aunt Mags. Can you reserve the two tables in the family corner?"

My aunt nodded, "Of course. Now before you go, can some of you grab today's bread from Noni for me and bring it to the cafe? It will be ready by now. How that girl starts her day at three in the morning is beyond me. If you get it now, it will save Bella and me from going over. I'm not keen on having her out with all that's going on."

Rogue, Dragon and Alec headed over the road to collect the bread from Sticky Tricky Bakery, the MC bakery that Noni ran, and the rest of us headed down the road to the gym, which was only four doors down.

It wasn't open yet by the looks of it, but Sam pulled out a set of keys and opened up the doors before heading in and switching on the lights.

Taking a look around, I thought it was an old-school gym with no frills about it. There was a boxing ring in the middle of the main floor with boxing bags hanging down in various areas of the gym. Off to the left were various weightlifting equipment, skipping ropes and a rowing machine.

I immediately felt at home.

Sam came back into the main gym from a closed-off area in the back with several water bottles, which he handed out.

The door behind us opened, and Dragon, Rogue and Alec walked in, taking a bottle of water from Sam.

Letting out a whoop, Dragon clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Now this is a gym. Thank fuck, I thought it would be one of those modern gyms with mirrors and shit."

We laughed at him, but I knew the rest of us were feeling just as relieved.

"Lee Masters own the gym, and he's looking at selling. He wants to retire but won't sell to just anyone. Investors have approached him, wanting to turn it into a more modern gym, but he doesn't want that. He owns this building and the one next door, so he can hold on for a while. In the meantime, Alec and I have keys, as we like to come in early and work out. There's an honesty box in the kitchen, so if you take water, put money in so it can be replaced," Alec informed us.

I could see Rogue and Dragon looking at each other before they caught my eye.

I nodded and added it to the growing list of things to be discussed this afternoon.

We dumped our bags, and I left Draco to work with Ben. Sam and Alec had a routine outlined by the owner and got started. The rest of us took turns spotting each other.

An hour in, I turned to Dragon and pointed to the ring, "You and me," I grinned at him.

He groaned but pulled himself into the ring, bouncing slightly on his feet.

We go at it hard, we were all evenly matched when it came to fighting, and pretty soon, we are sweating hard. Dragon finally tapped out, and we got out of the ring, our chest heaving and breathing hard. Taking the towel Ben handed me, I wiped my face and turned to watch Onyx and Rogue enter the ring. We took turns pummelling each other. Once we were done, I turned to Sam and Alec, who had been watching with wide eyes.

"Your turn. Let's see where you guys are in your training."

They nodded and got into the ropes. Draco made sure their headgear, mouth guards and gloves were on and secured.

We hadn't bothered with the safety equipment. Our training was beyond that.

Rogue was answering Ben's questions, and I could see how eager he was to get started.

Clasping his shoulder in my hand, he said, "Soon, Ben. First, we need to get your weight up and build some muscle. Follow the schedule Draco set out. We will start on some basic self-defence tomorrow morning."

He shot me an animated grin and nodded.

Sam and Alec were well-matched, and I could see they regularly boxed together. They are listening to the instructions that Draco was giving them.

While we were watching them, we heard the door open behind us. Turning at the sound, I watched as an older man walked in. He was stocky, with broad shoulders and a craggy face. His nose looked like it had been broken several times. I could tell he used to be a powerhouse just by how he carried himself. Following behind him was a young girl, probably about fifteen or sixteen. She was about five foot nine, with broad, muscular shoulders and strong arms. Her light brown hair was cut short except for her fringe, which flopped over her right eye. She was kitted out in workout gear, carrying a massive duffle over her shoulder.

Her head lifted as she came closer and pulled out her earphones. She watched the match a little before her eyes roamed over the rest of us, her eyebrows raised.

The older man approached, holding out his hand, "Lee Masters, this is my granddaughter, Carly."

Shaking his hand, I introduced myself, "Kane Crow or Reaper, these are my brothers Draco in the ring with Sam and Alec, Dragon, Onyx, Rogue. And this is Ben."

He shook our hands, "You Shep's son?" he asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, and the others belong to Dog, Thor and Gunny,"

"I was sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you are going to sort this village out. It could do with a clean up."

I grinned at him, "That's the plan."

"Let me know if you need an alibi. I will happily give you one if it means our families go back to being safe," he commented while continuing to watch Draco and the boys in the ring.

"You boys know what you are doing by the looks of it. I wouldn't mind if you worked with my granddaughter."

The girl let out a little hiss, her cheeks brightening in embarrassment, "Grandpa!"

"What?" he questioned. "Having a different perspective on your training is good for you."

"But I'm not as good as them," she muttered, her eyes downcast.

The old man's gaze softened as he looked at his granddaughter, "Honey, you are. You just need some confidence, and I think they can help you with that."

Carly bit her lip before looking up at me with clear blue eyes, her face still uncertain. "Okay, but if you think I'm rubbish, you have to say because I don't want to waste anyone's time. I'm happy to help Grandpa out in the gym."

Dragon whistled to grab Draco's attention.

"Hey Draco, I have another trainee for you," Dragon rumbled.

Draco, Sam, and Alec stopped and turned to us, they were sweating hard, and their chests were heaving. Draco had worked them pretty hard. We needed to know what they could do to train them in other areas.

Sam grinned when he saw who was standing next to me, "Hey Carly, you're finally going to work with us."

Carly nodded shyly, "Only if they say I'm good enough, though," she pointed at me over her shoulder. "I don't want to waste anyone's time."

Alec laughed, "Girl, you're way better than us. We've watched you train with Lee. That's why we always ask if you want to join us. We wouldn't mind learning some of the martial arts that you know."

I was happy that the lads didn't have a problem training with a girl. I was interested to see what she could do. Dragon was helping her wrap her hands. Once she was suited up and had her mouth guard in, Sam pulled her up into the ring before getting out.

"Show me your warmup," Draco said, wanting to see what her routine was.

"I've already been for a four-mile run this morning just before we arrived here. First, I need to do some stretches, and then we can start," Carly informed him.

He nodded and moved over to the ropes closest to us as we watched her go through her warm-up. She was more flexible than the boys. I mentioned this, and her grandfather told me she used to do gymnastics but now does yoga to stay flexible.

I nodded. I could see the benefit, something to think about.

Once she was ready, she nodded to Draco, who had called for headgear. I was surprised when she shook her head and replied, "I don't like wearing it. It makes me feel like I'm suffocating. Besides, if this was in the real world and I was attacked, I wouldn't be wearing headgear. I need to be able to withstand a hit. I know you aren't going to hit today, so I don't really need to wear one."

"Okay, as long as you and your grandfather are happy with that."

Both Lee and Carly nodded.

Draco got her going, and I immediately saw her as a great fighter. He started out easy on her and then pushed harder and harder. Not once did she falter.

What was interesting to us was that she used the close combat technique we were taught in the British Army.

I arched a brow at Lee in question.

"Her father," he answered. "He was in the Army and started her training when she was three until he died when she was twelve. She has been living with me since then, and I've tried, but I don't have the experience."

We heard a laugh from Carly. Turning my attention back to the ring, I saw that Dragon had joined Draco and Carly in the ring. He must have said something to her because she smiled widely at him. Before the three of them assumed fighting positions Draco and Dragon both attacked.

There was a whistle of approval from Onyx as he, Sam, Alec, and Ben shouted their approval and encouragement.

I watched in amusement as Onyx and Rogue exchanged money. The three in the ring were slowing down, all three with smiles on their faces. When they stopped, Draco had them do a cool down, but once that was done, he picked Carly up and did a lap around the ring with her on his shoulders, singing the chorus of We are the Champions by Queen.

It was a good way to end our training in the gym. I arranged with Lee that we would be here every morning at 6 a.m. for training except Sundays. Dragon and Draco were happy to work with Carly. We had all been impressed with her level of experience.

After quick showers, we headed down to the café for breakfast. As we sat digging into our food, I looked around at my brothers and the young lads sitting with us.

The café had more people today than when I had been in yesterday. We'd had a couple of people nod and greeted us when we walked in.

There was a change in the air. I could feel it.

"Do you think Carly would teach my sisters how to defend themselves?" Ben asked me quietly.

"You could ask her. I think it would be a good idea. If she's not comfortable doing it, then I'll do it. I want to get Bella, Avy and Noni back into training, too," I answered him.

He nodded, the tension easing from his shoulders. I ruffled his hair a bit.

"Don't worry, Ben. We'll make sure the girls are safe. It's not just you anymore. You have all of us," I motioned around the occupants sitting at the table.

We finished up, and Ben piled the plates and took them over to Bella at the counter. Sam and Alec followed with the tea and coffee cups.

I looked on in approval. Then, looking around, I saw the same approval on the faces of Draco, Onyx, Dragon and Rogue.

Getting up, I pushed my chair back in.

"See you all back at the house for the meeting at one. I'm going with Sam to look at something, then to the hospital to see dad," I told them.

Getting nods and goodbyes, Sam and I left the café.

Alec was heading to work at the garage with Gunny, and Ben had opted to stay with Aunt Maggie and Bella to help out.

I walked down the pavement with Sam until we got to their family business at the end of the street. We carried on around the back towards what looked like a massive barn. Sam unlocked it and opened the doors before hitting the light switch.

I blinked, taking in all the furniture sitting around, some completed, some half-finished, others waiting to be oiled and polished.

Sam was standing at the door with an uncertain look. "Why did you bring me here, Sam?"

He took a deep breath and blurted out, "I want to do the carpentry and build the bar at the new clubhouse. I brought you here to show you what I've built. I can get references, and if you want an adult to be there, I can have my mentor Larry come and supervise."

I turned back to the furniture and ran my hands and eyes over them. They were beautifully made.

"You built all of this?" I asked, waving my hand around the room.

He nodded, grabbing his phone out of his pocket. He brought up photos of a stall at a fair. The picture showed him and an older man standing in front of the gazebo with woodworking pieces surrounding them.

"This is Larry and me last weekend at a country fair. We sold out. I can do this job, Reaper, and I promise if I need help, I will ask Larry to come out."

"How do I pay you? You're just a kid, so I can't imagine that you have a company set up or anything."

Sam laughed a little, "For now, jobs are going through Larry's carpentry business. I have shares in it. My jobs are paid into a savings account, and Larry takes what he needs for taxes and stuff. He and mum set it up when I started earning my own money and getting commissions. Once I hit eighteen, I'll buy Larry's company as he wants to retire. He's just waiting on me. Oh, and Grandma Kate says I should show you her dresser if you are unsure about me doing the job."

I laughed out loud at this comment before holding my hand out and shaking Sam's hand.

"The job is yours. Let me know what you need. I also want a table built for the meeting room."

"Come and look over here. I have some rough sketches drawn. I overheard Noni and Avy discussing the logos one day, and I took a peek at them. I drew this that night. What do you think?" He asked, flipping over a page on the drawing board in the corner.

"It's perfect," I replied as my eyes slowly wandered over the page. The table was oval-shaped and in the centre was our logo of a crow sitting on a pile of bones, with Crow MC at the top and our chapter name and location at the bottom.

"Can you carve the logo, or do you have someone else that can do it?" I asked.

"I can do it. I just need your approval. I'll have to build the table in the meeting room. The door isn't big enough for me to get a table this size through. Once it's in there, it isn't moving. These are the chairs I have planned to go with the table," Sam said, walking over to the back of the room and pulling a dust cover from a finished chair.

I stand in shock as I look at the chair. There had been real thought put into it. It was almost throne-like, the seat was done in red leather, and the arms of the chair had crows in various stages of flight along the arm ending in what looked like claws where it cured down. Walking around it, the back had our logo carved into it. It would be beautiful when the chairs were pushed under the table. Our MC logo was everywhere.

"Sam, I don't know what to say. This is fucking amazing. How did you have this ready for me to look at today? I've only been back for two weeks."

He flushed slightly before saying, "I overheard your dad and Dog arguing about a month ago just after I found the logo. Dog wanted you to come home, and Shep didn't want you to come home until you were ready. All my life, I've heard of you all and seen the photos and the pride on their faces when they spoke of you. I had a feeling that, eventually, someone would tell you all what was happening here.

"So, I thought I would start building, that way I'd have something to show you when you got home. I wasn't expecting you all to be home so soon. I'm sorry Grandpa had to be hurt, but I'm glad you are all home now. I've been worried about mum going out on jobs alone, so I've been going with her. Otherwise, all the chairs would have been done by now."

I pulled him into a hard hug before releasing him, gripping his shoulders.

"You make me proud, Sam. You're a great lad. Your mum did a fantastic job with you. I'd be proud to sit on that chair at the table you build for us. And maybe one day you can join us at that table," I smiled at him.

Sam grinned at me, pride clear on his face.

He showed me a few other pieces before I had to leave to see my dad. I made sure he was okay by himself. He assured me he was and that he would catch a lift home later with Gunny and Alec.

Leaving, I went back to the café and my bike. My mind was whirling as I rode to the hospital.

There had been a slight change during the night when dad seemed to wake slightly but then went straight back to sleep. We were hoping this meant he was on the road to improvement.

My day went from good to great as I stepped into the kitchen just as everyone finished lunch and watched my woman laugh with my brothers and the little girls tucked in close to her.

I was impatient to get rid of these drug dealers as they took away the time I should be spending wooing my woman.

Walking straight to her, tilting her head back slightly, I bent and kissed her on her lips. Her eyes widened with surprise until she realised who it was, and then I got another kiss.

Joining them at the table, I took a bowl of soup while listening to the conversation. It felt good to be home.

The rest of the family slowly made their way into the kitchen, and everyone, including mum, was waiting when one o'clock rolled around.

Standing up, I said, "Right, all adults, to the main dining room for the meeting."

Looking at Bella, Bren, Ellie, and Ben, "If you guys can clean up, we won't be more than an hour. I know the ladies have shopping planned for this afternoon."

I pulled Abby up from her chair and led the way into the main dining room.

She protested as we entered the room, "I don't need to be here, Kane. I can help the kids clean."

Looking at her, I pulled out a chair and said, "Babe, you and I are happening. Women will be part of our meetings. You all own and run businesses in the village. You have a unique way of looking at things that we as men don't."

I smiled as a glow lit her eyes after my speech. "Okay." She nodded and sat down in the chair I held for her.

Once we were all seated, I looked around the table. Abby was in the chair to my right, with Draco on my left. The rest had found seats similar to how we sat at the dinner table, except for the parents taking up the bottom of the table.

"Before the meeting starts, I want to tick a few boxes. Avy, can you take notes in the first half, as it will be mostly business? Dragon, if you can do the second half if notes are needed."

I got affirmative nods from both of them, and Avy pulled a computer from her backpack, getting ready to take notes.

"First, are all of you happy with resurrecting the MC?"

There were resounding yesses from around the table.

"Okay then, now that's settled, I want to ask if the originals want places at the table as officers or are you staying retired?"

"We are happy to stay retired," Dog answered. "But if you need us, we're here and would like to continue attending meetings."

I got nods from all the originals, mum and Maggie.

"Right now, that's cleared up. Avy and Noni have something for the rest of you," I motion to my brothers around the table.

Noni got a box from the corner of the room and thumped it down on the table, pulling our new colours from the boxes. She handed each one down to me, where I stood at the top of the table.

First were the new colours for our originals. I picked up the boxes that held their colours and approached Dog, Gunny and Thor.

"I know you have your original cuts, but we wanted you to be part of the new MC, so we got these made for you."

I handed them each a box, and they slowly pulled their new colours out and held them up. I swore Gunny had a tear in his eye as he saw the back patch with a crow on a pile of bones with Crow MC on the top rocker and our village Feannag Chapter New Forest and Original on the bottom rocker. Only those who started or grew up in the MC would have the original, and any new members would only have our chapter.

I handed mum two boxes, one containing dad's cut and one containing her new one. Next, I gave Dog, Aunt Maggie's box, and he pulled it out before turning to her.

"Maggie love, would you do me the honour… again," he grinned at her.

She laughed at him, turning her back as he slipped it on. Dog raised his eyes, noticing the change on her vest, before slanting his eyes to Noni in question.

She sighed and explained, "Kane gave us a choice. We could have property of on the back if we wanted. He didn't care. We decided that while we didn't want it blazoned across the back, we still wanted it added. Aunt Maggie, if you turn around, please."

Maggie turned, and on the top left-hand side was a patch that read, Property of Dog.

"I like it," Aunt Maggie smiled.

Mum pulled hers out of her box. I stood and took it from her. "Let me, mum."

I settled her new property vest on her shoulders, and she turned round with a big smile on her face. "Your dad will be over the moon when he wakes up. I will wear it from now on when I'm out and about. Not only will it be the first thing he sees when he wakes, but the rest of the village will realise you are back and serious about cleaning up."

Going back to my seat, I pulled the rest of the boxes towards me and opened the one on top, seeing my sister's name. I made my way around to her and put it on her.

She grinned, stroking her hand down her name with the Property of Crows MC under it.

I handed Thor the box with Noni's property patch in, and we watched as he helped her. His face was alight with pride as he settled it on her shoulders before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Opening the next box, I saw that it was Draco's. There was an additional clear plastic bag with what I could see was our position. I knew they all expected me to be President, but I still felt like I needed to ask, as any of my brothers could do the job.

Looking around the table, I meet every one of my brothers' eyes, "Before I continue, I want to ask for a vote for the President's position. Just because it was my dad's does not mean it should automatically come to me. I would be honoured to follow any of you, so I'm putting forward that we vote for the President posit ….."

I didn't finish before Dragon said, "I vote for Reaper to be president."

"Second," Draco replied.

"Third," Onyx shouted out.

"Sorry brother, guess you're it," Draco grinned at me.

I shook my head at him, "If that's the case, then I put you forward as VP."

There are resounding ayes around the table. I grinned and handed him his cut and VP patch.

"The following officer's positions will be as follows if anyone has any complaints… tough shit. Suck it up," I grinned at the three remaining men.

"Onyx, you're Sergeant at Arms, Rogue's Road Captain. Plan a run soon, brother. We need to be seen. Dragon's the Treasurer, and you will work with Noni and Avy. Any questions?"

Getting resounding no all around, I hit the table with my hand.

"Right onto the next thing, buying the land next door and the gym."

I looked at Noni and Avy as they had all the business financials.

"Where are we on money, and can we afford both? We all have savings we can add to the kitty."

Noni and Avy had big grins on their faces, as did the rest of the Originals. I was guessing the books looked good by the looks on their faces.

Avy cleared her throat, "I think we need to bring Bella in for this next round. In fact, she needs to be part of these meetings as, without her, none of what we have in the coffers would be there."

I nodded. Avy got up and went to get Bella. I wondered what was going on but had learnt to trust my sister and Noni when it came to business. They had far more experience than us.

We heard Bella arguing with Avy as they approached the dining room. "I don't need to be there, Avy. You can tell them anything they need to know."

"Girl, you listen to me. You made it possible for them to buy these properties, so you can bloody well come in and take the praise."

"I don't need praise, Avy. I do it for fun," Bella muttered.

"And I don't care. Get your behind into that dining room before I make you."

"Yeah, you and whose army? I'm bigger than you."

There was a squeal, and the door slammed open as Avy propelled Bella into the room with her shoulder shoved into Bella's stomach.

"You're such a bully," Bella groaned, rubbing her stomach.

"And you're a brat, but I love you anyway," Avy laughed.

There were chuckles around the table as the two of them sat down, still shoving at each other.

I cleared my throat, and their eyes swung to me.

"If you two are finished, shall we get on?"

Bella's face flushed, "Sorry."

I smiled at my young cousin, "No worries, sweets. Avy, what have you got for us?"

"Three million."

There was silence before we all started talking at once.

"Where the fuck did that come from?" I exclaimed.

Avy, Noni and Bella had huge grins on their faces. The only ones of the Originals not looking surprised were mum and Aunt Maggie.

"Well, our little Bella has a thing for the stock market. Tell him, Bella."

"I like numbers. When I was fourteen, someone came to the school to discuss finances. One of the things discussed was stock markets. I was intrigued and wanted to try to play them. I had my pocket money saved but no account, so I asked Avy if she would open an account with me. Not mum because she would have said no."

Aunt Maggie nodded her head in agreement with this comment.

"Anyway, I tried it with some of my money and lost it. But I didn't give up and carried on until I figured out what to do. Every time I won, I put it aside in a savings account. Before I knew it, I had five thousand pounds saved, so I took half and used that. And that's how I started. I never used all my money, just some. Avy and Noni saw what I was doing and gave me money. I warned them I didn't always make a profit, but they still believed in me. They opened a company, but of course, I'm not old enough yet to be added, but it's all legal, with a contract. I get added at eighteen. So yeah, that's how we made money," she shrugged like it was no big deal.

We sat there with our mouths agape at what she had just told us. Our sixteen-year-old sister and cousin had, over the last three years, accumulated the MC enough money to buy a new business and buy the property next door.

"Why are you working in the café if you can do all this?" I asked.

Bella shrugged and looked at me like I was nuts, "Because mum needs reliable staff."

Well, there's not much I can say about that. I felt slightly chastised.

"So, Bells, if I give you some money can you grow it for me," Onyx asked.

"Sure, I can discuss it with you, but you'll have to sign a contract understanding that you may lose it all and you have to pay our company ten per cent of what we make you. I don't work for free," Bella replied.

I grinned at Onyx and Draco, taunting, "Guess we know who got all the brains."

After much laughter, we settled down to business. Now that we knew the coffers were looking good, I gave the go-ahead for mum and Draco to go next door and make an offer on the farm. And for Dragon and Rogue to speak to Lee Masters about buying the gym and the property next door. Avy suggested we look into turning it into a hairdresser and spa, as there was nothing in our village, and everyone had to drive to the next town for that.

Once we were done with business, the woman stood up to leave. I pulled Abby down for a kiss. She had been quiet throughout the meeting, and I wondered what she thought. I waited until the door closed behind them before turning to the men at the table.

"Right, let's get busy planning to clean our village. I have a woman to romance, and this shit is cutting into my time with her."