Chapter Ten

Calista

The next week represented the happiest I'd been since before my mother died. Ringo and I barely left the little house the first two days. It wasn't until Dom came pounding on the front door with a scowl and threats of unmanning Ringo if he didn't bring me out to be with him and the rest of the Grim Road.

Not only had I gotten to know Ringo better, but I'd started forming a bond with Dom. He told me stories about my mother. When he did, he'd get this distant, soft look on his face. Her memory was obviously something he cherished. It made me feel better about running to him. He loved my mother. It was easy to tell. He was trying to love me the same as I was trying to love him.

"Ringo!" Dom bellowed from across the yard as he marched toward the house. I was sitting on the porch with Ringo, holding hands and talking. The man loved to touch me. In fact, the second I moved to go greet my father, Ringo growled and pulled me into his lap.

"Mine," he growled up at Dom. "Go away."

Dom gave him an impatient look. "She might be yours, but she was mine first."

"Was not." Ringo lifted his chin stubbornly. "I'd argue she was mine long before she was yours."

"What? A whole minute and a half? She came here for me."

"And she found me."

"I'm not a bone for you two junkyard dogs to fight over." I tried to sound put out, but I snuggled into Ringo, soaking up the attention. I loved his touch. I hadn't had much positive affection since my mother died.

"Of course, you're not," Dom said hastily. He knelt in front of us, taking my hand in both of his before kissing my fingers. "You're my daughter and this lout is taking up all your time."

"I've got all the time you want, Dad." I smiled up at him. "I'll always have time for you."

The smile he gave me was genuine and happy. He reached for me, and I would have happily gone to him for the big bear hug he always gave me, but Ringo tightened his hold.

"Mine."

Dom rolled his eyes. "Let an old man have some time with his only daughter."

"Old man?" Ringo snorted. "I'll remember that."

"Give me. My daughter." Dom's voice was stern, but he winked at me. I got the feeling he and Ringo loved bickering back and forth. They were definitely close friends. From what I could tell, they worked closely together. What one knew, the other did. What enemy one fought, so did the other.

"Go fuck yourself." Ringo's hold tightened on me, and he bared his teeth at Dom.

"Christ, Ringo." Dom scowled. "I want my daughter."

"Jesus, old man," Ringo grumbled. "Fine. Whine a little more, why don't you?"

"Pretty sure it's you who's whinin'." Dom stood, reaching for me. When I got to my feet, he gave me the big, tight hug I'd come to crave from the older man. "It's good to see you, honey."

I signed contentedly. "It's good to see you too."

"You two are comin' to the picnic, right?"

"No," Ringo said at the same time I said, "Yes."

"When did you turn into such a party pooper, Ringo?" Dom chuckled, obviously enjoying the banter. I'd never admit it to Ringo, but I was loving it too. It felt good to be fussed over by people who had my well-being at heart.

"Since you came over and tried to take my girl." Ringo stood and pulled me back into his arms. "Gimme."

I couldn't help myself. I laughed as I wrapped my arms around Ringo, burying my face in his chest. "You two are horrible. But I love you both." The confession slipped out before I realized it. When both men stilled, I stiffened in Ringo's arms.

"Oh, no, baby girl." Ringo said, tightening his grip on me. "No takesie backsies."

That really got a laugh out of me. "Honestly, where do you come up with this shit?"

I heard Dom snort. "You have met Lemon. Right?"

"Point taken." I turned in Ringo's arms. He grunted but didn't try to stop me. "And yes. We're going to the picnic."

"Good. If Lemon had to come after you, she said she was moving you in with her and Rocket so she could get to know her new sister."

I gave a happy sigh. "God, I love it here."

Both men smiled. "Good. This is your home now." Dom winked at me. "Come on then. Let's get to the clubhouse before Lemon goes on a rampage."

Laughing, we all made our way toward the clubhouse, a sturdy building set back from the main house, surrounded by giant, leafy trees. The path was littered with fallen leaves that crunched satisfyingly under our feet. The afternoon sun cast long shadows that danced on the ground as we walked.

As we approached, the sounds of laughter and music floated toward us, promising a lively gathering. Lemon was at the heart of the picnic, her laughter infectious, drawing people to her like moths to a flame.

"Ah, there they are!" Lemon exclaimed as we entered the clearing. She bounded over to us with Rocket not far behind. She pulled me into a tight embrace. "Everything good?" She whispered her question right at my ear, and I knew she was making sure I was still good to be with Ringo.

"It is. Ringo is wonderful. Dom is the best dad ever. I'd have hated him as a child ‘cause I'd never have gotten away with anything." I pulled back, grinning like a loon. "I love it. I love them both so much." I didn't even try to not smile. "Thank you for everything. I know you've been the one making sure we have everything we need so we can have some time alone."

"Pfft." She waved a hand in the air. "That was for you. Ringo can damned well fend for himself. He's a big boy."

"That he is," I muttered. When Lemon barked out a laugh, I realized I'd said that last part out loud and exactly how it sounded. I had a moment where I thought I'd be embarrassed, but all that bubbled up was laughter. I grinned. "Well? He is!"

Lemon hugged me again before taking my hand. "Come on. Me and the other old ladies saved you a seat."

I looked over my shoulder at Ringo who was gazing at me with affection and pride. He nodded his head, and I smiled back at him. Then I let Lemon take me to the other women.

"Ain't no club girls allowed today," Lemon said, "but it won't always be that way. Stake your claim early so they know you mean business."

"But Ringo said the vest would do that. I'm not to leave the house without wearing it."

"True. And it will help." She tapped her chin. "But women are a catty lot." Then she grinned again. "Besides, the fun is in the shock value. I recommend stomping through the middle of them wearing the blood of your enemies. Works like a charm."

I chuckled again, but a tall woman who looked like a pink paint factory exploded on her smiled down at the smaller woman with affection. "She's not joking. I fought by her side last time." The woman had a slight Russian accent. She was dressed in pink leather and pink boots. I was told her bike was also pink. In fact, I'd seen her and Lemon both riding pink Harleys. This woman -- her name was Venus -- was on a whole other level, though. She had long, pink hair, pink nails that looked sharp as daggers, and pink eyes . Who the fuck had pink eyes? I'd heard of Venus but hadn't met her yet. I liked her immediately. "Stand up to club girls and they will respect boundaries you set." She smiled, reaching out a hand to me which I took. Her grip was firm, but not so strong it hurt. Yes. This woman would be a friend.

"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind for future conflict."

Venus lifted her chin, a proud smile on her face. She was older than the rest of the women at the table, but wasn't wearing a property vest. She acted like a proud mother gathering her children around the table. Which was not something I was going to point out. To anyone. I got the feeling it would be the height of bad form and that, while everyone else might get a kick out of the other woman being labeled a mother figure, Venus likely wouldn't appreciate it.

"Come sit." Olivia, Bear's woman, held out her hand to me. There was a spot between her and Evelyn they'd saved for me. "We've got stuff to plan and world domination to contemplate."

Cecilia brought a girl of about eight or so to the table with her. With the girl's dark locks and pale skin, she could be the woman's daughter, but she wasn't. She stayed with either Lemon and Rocket, or Gina. Gina was shy, but Lemon and the other women were helping her. I also thought Falcon might have a thing for her. He hovered over the woman. Constantly. Even if he was in the background like he was now. Gina gave me a shy smile, lowering her gaze like she thought I'd reject her.

"It's good to see you again, Gina." I always made a point to speak to her. Though she constantly had one of the women with her -- likely watching out for her -- she seemed so beat down and scared all the time. At first it concerned me. If she didn't feel safe, was I? But I'd soon learned it was because she'd had an uncertain and rough start when she first came here. I didn't know the full story but all the men in the club were unfailingly polite and gentle with her. Over the week I'd been here, I'd witnessed how careful everyone was with her. It was just one more thing that made me realize what a good choice I'd made in following my mother's instructions and coming here the first opportunity I got.

As always, she got a surprised look on her face. This time, however, she smiled afterward. "It's good to see you, too, Calista. Are you settling in?"

"I am. Though, I worry there's not enough of me to go around. I'm still getting used to being with Ringo but I need to get to know my… uh, that is, Dom." I wasn't ashamed to call him my dad, but I wasn't sure he wanted me referring to him that way around the rest of the club. I was still trying to wade through everything, but so far, any fears I had about these people not accepting me had been completely unfounded.

"My daughter has been feelin' her way through." Dom gave me a chastising look. Yeah. I got it. Since the first time I'd called him dad, he'd corrected me every time I'd used his name. I should have known, but I was still unsure. "Thank you for helping make her feel welcome, Gina." Dom gave the other woman a warm, kind smile which Gina returned.

"She's very sweet." Her gaze darted to mine. "I hope we can be friends."

"We are already," I said hastily. "Everyone's been so nice. I appreciate you guys taking me in. I hope we can do some things together soon, Gina."

"I know of some real fun we can have." Dom grinned at me.

My eyes got wide, and I shook my head. "Oh now. Last time you said that you had me out in the woods for survival training. It's fucking hot ."

He lifted his chin, an expression of hurt on his face even as his eyes danced in merriment. He loved teasing me and I loved giving him shit. "Taught you how to start a fire with damp wood, didn't I?"

"Yes. I also lost about a gallon of water in the form of sweat. Thanks, Dad. But no thanks."

Dom grumbled, but it got Gina to giggle. Dom grinned at me and winked at Gina before wandering off. Ringo grinned and nodded, indicating I should spend time with the women. He backed off, but much like Falcon, he hovered off in the distance. I noticed the men of the other women doing the same thing. In fact, it felt like they'd formed a loose circle around us. Like a circle of protection.

"Shouldn't we invite the other women?" I gave Lemon a questioning look. She shrugged. "We could. But, since this is your first gathering with all of us, I thought it might be better if we saved that for another time. You know. After you come in soaked in the blood of your enemies like I told you."

I blinked. "Oh. You were serious." I glanced at Venus who just shrugged and grinned. Gina ducked her head, but I could see her smile. "Well. Shit." That got her to chuckle a little.

Lemon chuckled along, her laughter ringing clear and bold, a stark contrast to Gina's more subdued mirth. "It's a rite of passage around here," she said teasingly, clinking her glass against mine. "But don't worry, we'll ease you into it. No bloodshed required in your first week."

The menu consisted of burgers, dogs, and pulled pork. There was potato salad, baked beans, and, of course, deviled eggs. Because what was a cookout without deviled eggs and pulled pork BBQ? I made a pig out of myself (no pun intended) and ate some of everything. Dessert consisted of some kind of s'mores treat cooked on the grill. Looked like a hollowed-out marshmallow with chocolate chip cookie dough in the middle, then put on the grill until the marshmallows were brown and crispy. Chocolate was drizzled over it and served with graham crackers. And it was delicious !

I was just finishing my last bite when there was a commotion coming from the back of the property. Two men on motorcycles circled around the main gathering and rode straight to Rocket. Lemon's gaze was fixed on the trio as she continued the conversation going on around us.

I glanced up at Ringo. His posture suggested something was wrong. He stood there, his hand on the side arm at his hip. Not everyone went around the compound armed, but Ringo was the club enforcer. He and Dom were always armed.

"I'll be back," Lemon said, wiping her mouth and standing.

The women all made eye contact with their men much like I did with Ringo and Dom. I didn't miss how the circle of protection tightened around us as the men moved closer.

"What's happening?" My gaze moved to the other women, all of whom looked equally puzzled as me.

"Not sure." Evelyn found Knox's gaze. The other man nodded to her, then gave a shrill whistle. Immediately, all the kids and younger adults in the area ran to the table.

Anesya, Evelyn's daughter, was the first there, followed closely by Euphemia. The girls were close to the same age and were fast friends. I never saw one without the other. Luke, Anesya's brother, was next. He responded more slowly and was looking around him as he made sure Anesya and Effie got to the table with the women. The second they were, he veered off and went to Knox.

A few seconds later, several men who hadn't been outside rushed from the clubhouse, all of them checking sidearms and rifles before climbing on their bikes and heading toward the back of the property, Ringo in the lead.

Dom hurried straight to me. "We'll be back soon, sweetheart. You stay with Apple."

"What is it?"

"Nothin' for you to worry about, honey. Just go with Apple and the old ladies. Stay with them until me and Ringo come for you."

He would have gone back to the other men, but I put a hand on his arm, halting him. "Tell me. Is it Borris?"

Dom sighed. "Yeah, baby. They've not found us, but they're too close for comfort. We'll take care of this. Don't worry." He leaned in and kissed the top of my head before shrugging off my hold and going back to the other men.

"I don't like this," Olivia muttered. "Something's not right."

I watched as Lemon and Rocket had a heated discussion. I didn't miss that it was only after the other men were gone. Until that point, they'd stood shoulder to shoulder, backing each other up on whatever was going on.

"Yeah," I said. "Same."

Apple stood then, seeming to know her role in all this. She'd waited until Lemon nodded in her direction and went with Rocket before she took charge. "Let's go," she said. "Safe house and into the panic room."

I probably should have been scared that they needed a panic room, but one thing I'd learned since I'd been here was that these guys meant business. They were off the grid for a reason, but they never took safety lightly.

We followed Apple. As we headed to the safe house -- which was in the very center of what they called the family area -- several more women and some older children met us, following without complaint. I didn't know everyone yet, but I did know that there was more than one club girl in our midst, so I figured this represented all the women in the compound. Well, except for Venus. She and Lemon had gone with the men to what I could only assume was to take care of the problem. I wasn't even going to pretend to myself that people weren't about to die. If they were Borris's people, I wasn't all that broken up about it. I did feel like a coward for not going with Ringo. Not that I'd had much choice in the matter.

"Come on." Apple looped her arm through mine. I hadn't realized I'd been slowing until she did. "We're all supposed to go here and stay until Rocket and Lemon come for us."

"I want to go with them."

"Me too," she said with a grin. "Unfortunately, the only women Rocket allows at stuff like this are Lemon and Venus. Venus because that woman can be fuckin' scary sometimes. Lemon because Rocket would like to keep his balls. When Lemon wants something, she gets it. One way or another." Apple smiled at me, but there was strain on her face. She wasn't happy about not being included either.

We moved with a hasty but controlled pace toward the safe house. The air around us felt thick, charged with the tension and unspoken fears of what lay ahead. The kids and the other old ladies were filing inside the house along with the remaining women -- I had trouble calling them club whores or even club girls. I got there was a whole other culture I hadn't gotten used to yet, but I couldn't wrap my mind around it yet. Apple and Cecilia tried to hurry me inside, but something felt just that little bit… off.

"Come on, Calista." Apple took my hand, tugging me after her. "In you go."

I nodded and was about to let them force the issue when someone moved from the side of the house in our direction. Apple must have sensed something too because she turned her head in the same direction, frowning.

"Redwood? Aren't you helping the rest of the guys?"

"Yep." He pulled a gun from behind his back and let it hang at his side. "Helpin' bring this wayward child home to her daddy."

I gasped. Apple pursed her lips. I could see her tongue curling behind her lips, and she let out a very loud, very shrill whistle.

Two things happened at once. Redwood raised his gun, pulling the trigger. And Apple dove, shoving me aside…

And jerked as the bullet struck her before she collapsed to the ground.