CHAPTER TEN

Loki

The Next Day

The sudden movement on my chest wakes me, and my eyes snap open, ready to attack. But when I view Bea snoring soundly, spread out across my chest like some damn angel, I can't stop the smile spreading across my face.

Memories from last night of us in the shower and our first kiss in thirteen years flood my mind, and I feel the warmth enveloping my body like a comforting blanket, triggering a feeling like everything might actually be okay.

She drank far too much last night, and seeing her like that tore me up inside, especially because she did it two nights in a row—that's just not like her. So, I'm going to let Bea sleep for as long as she needs to this morning. She needs to rest that head of hers because there's no way it won't be pounding today. I just hope she remembers the Tylenol in the top drawer.

Placing a tender kiss on her head, I gently ease her body off mine and onto the mattress beside me, then slide out of the bed. Instantly, she flops onto the sheets, spreading out like a starfish, taking up the entire bed, a loud snore coming from her mouth.

Isn't that the sexiest-fucking-thing I have ever seen?

Letting out a small chuckle, I pull the blanket up over her naked body, then move around my bedroom, getting dressed. As I make my way into the bathroom, I can't wipe the smile from my face as I glance at the shower. Pulling my club cut from the top of the alcove, I test the leather to see if it's still wet. All good! So I slide it over my shoulders, turn to the mirror, and toss my hair up, then head back out into the bedroom where Bea's still in her starfish position in my bed.

My chest floods with excitement at the possibilities of what this could be between Bea and me now. We're so much older. Probably not any wiser, but times have changed, and even though Theo is a hurdle, and there's a heap of past history for us to figure out, maybe the past is just that—better left in the past?

Taking one last look at Bea, I head out my door, leaving her to recover from her bender. With purposeful strides, I make my way toward my den. I need to keep working on this app issue. I'm determined to figure this shit out because I do not want Bea taking the hit for this.

Not if there is something I can do to fix it.

***

For what feels like a few hours now, I've been working in the den and could really do with a break. I need some food, a coffee, and to touch base with Alpha. Plus, I'd also like to see if Bea has woken up from her coma for the day.

Smirking to myself, I step out of my den and into the main clubroom. The smell of greasy cheeseburgers and fries lingers in the air. The lunchtime feast hits the tables as I walk out to see my brothers and other club members beginning to sit down and enjoy their food.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Bea slowly entering the area as I make my way over to a table to take a seat. Her hair is a mess, and she's dragging her feet with one hand clutching her head like she's trying to fight the noise from invading her ears. I softly chuckle as I take off, my steps quick to get to her. As I approach, I shake my head. "Not loving that tequila this morning, are you?" I ask.

She glances up at me, her eyes squinting like she's trying to block the light, her stomach clearly convulsing at my words. Her hand instantly moves to her mouth. "Please… don't mention that word again," she groans out.

Chuckling, I step to her side, sliding my arm around her. Her eyes widen, like she is shocked by my affection, her head jerking back a little. "What? Tequila?" I tease.

She curls up her lip in disgust. "Nope… never again," she replies.

My fingers gently trail up and down her arm, and she slides out from my grip, swallowing hard like she is completely bewildered. Her actions instantly confuse me as I narrow my eyes on her. "Are you okay?" I ask.

She hesitates for a moment, then leans in closer. "What happened last night?" she whispers, fear clearly etched across her face.

My stomach falls through my body at her question.

Somehow, finding the will to speak, I say the only thing I can manage. "Do you remember anything… at all?"

Her brows widen, her expression somber. "I know I drank a lot. We argued in the clubhouse, but after that… it's all a blur. Then I woke up in your room again… naked," she whispers the last word.

The floor falls out completely beneath me as I fight to catch my breath.

This can't be happening.

She doesn't remember.

Any of it.

The shower.

The kiss.

Our reunion.

Was that all for nothing?

Dropping my chin to my chest, I clench my eyes with the crippling emotion rolling through me.

I have to admit, I'm not exactly surprised.

I knew she'd been drinking.

Guess I didn't realize she was that drunk.

I guess this was always a possibility.

Opening my eyes, I stare into hers, almost pleading with her. "So you don't remember anything after the clubroom?"

"Why? Did I say something stupid?"

Slumping, I shake my head. "No… you just passed out," I lie.

Bea doesn't seem convinced. "But…" she hesitates, then continues, "… why was I naked?" she asks in a hushed voice.

Exhaling, I shrug. "You puked on everything. I had to put you in the shower."

Bea grimaces, reaching out and grabbing my hand. "Damn, I'm sorry, Loki. You are a good friend to take care of me like that."

That punch to the gut was all I needed to put me back in my place.

Last night was a fantasy.

She was drunk.

I knew it.

I guess I took advantage of that fact.

At least she has no memory of us breaking that friendship boundary again.

So I shrug. "That's what I am here for… to be the friend who takes care of you," I reply, but I can't help the rigid sharpness in my tone.

She furrows her brows, obviously sensing my aggravation, and she frowns. "Okaaay… I'm gonna go get some food, try to soak up this alcohol."

Dipping my head once, I slide out my hand in a gesture for her to leave. She hesitates like she wants to say something else, but then she exhales, turns, and walks away. The second she leaves my presence, my shoulders slump, and I run my fingers through my hair. "For fuck's sake," I mumble under my breath.

After everything we shared last night.

Just like that, has she forgotten it even happened?

What kind of cruel joke is this world playing on me?

On us?

Right now, I don't feel much like eating, so I think I'll go straight to finding Alpha and tell him what little information I have found out about the app breach. My feet pound like lead weights as I thump up the stairs on my way to the Chapel. If Alpha's not in the main clubroom, it's safe to assume he'll be hiding away in here, looking through club paperwork.

Walking through the door, he sits at the head of the table, paperwork sprawled over the walnut epoxy table—Alpha's pride and joy. The lines of black resin throughout the table encase wheel chains, sprockets, and spark plugs, but the brilliance of the table is hidden beneath the mountain of what looks like receipts and contracts.

Raising my brow as I make my way over to my chair to the left of him, I plop my ass down, a couple of papers shifting a little with the air movement. "You doing okay, Pres? There's a lot of shit you're going through."

His eyes slowly lift to meet mine, and he glares with the fury of someone trapped in the seven pits of hell. "Why the fuck did I ever let myself become one of those dads who lets his daughter get whatever the fuck she wants?"

Trying to fight back my smirk, I shrug. "It's only natural, Pres… you thought you lost Poppy. So when you got her back, of course, you're going to spoil her and let her get away with whatever she wants."

Groaning, Alpha sinks back into his chair. "Her eighth birthday is coming up, and it's a joint party to celebrate Louis' first birthday. But South and Ingrid told me because he's a baby, he's not going to remember anything, so to make the day all about Poppy. So do you know what she wants as the theme for this damn party?"

Chuckling, I shrug. "I'm guessing it's not unicorns and cupcakes?"

He throws his hands in the air. "Fucking war games! I swear to God. This kid is driving me batshit crazy. I'm trying my hardest to steer her away from what she has learned at The Nest. But her assassin training won't leave her, especially with Haven in the picture. Don't get me wrong, Haven is my fucking everything, and I adore her, but in this case, she doesn't help. Poppy wants to be Haven when she grows up—"

"Pres, I hate to interrupt, but… would that be such a bad thing? For Poppy to be like Haven when she grows up?"

Alpha leers at me like I have lost my damn mind. " She's eight! She doesn't know what she wants. She should be playing with dolls and coloring in, not wanting to blow shit up and fucking torture people."

"Yeah, and I get that…" Tilting my head, I exhale. "But unfortunately, Poppy hasn't had a normal life. So, you gotta stop thinking of her as a typical eight-year-old. Because she just isn't, Alpha. I know you want her to be, but the second you let that image of the Poppy you knew go and embrace the amazing girl you have now, you will see how much potential Poppy has, and, if I have permission to speak completely freely with you…" I ask, and he hesitates but nods, so I continue, "… you're stifling her, Alpha. You need to let Poppy grow into the young woman she is going to be now that her life has taken on this new course. Let Haven train her. Let Poppy learn how to shoot even better than she already does. Let her fight because, honestly, Pres… she could end up being a real asset. And it's going to be beneficial to her as a woman in the long run to be able to protect herself from the real threats out there."

Alpha slumps back in his chair, his eyes turning up to the ceiling as he lets out a long, forced, exasperated breath. " Fuuuck !" he yells, obviously getting his frustrations out.

I glance down at the paperwork, now seeing it's all quotes for combat costumes, Army displays and paraphernalia, a paintball circuit, and many other kinds of things he's trying to set up for Poppy's war game-themed birthday party. Smiling, I begin sorting them into some kind of order for him. "It'll be okay, Pres. Poppy can handle her own."

Alpha drops his gaze to me with a subtle nod. "Yeah… you're right. I know you are. She's just my baby girl, and she's already tougher than some of the guys here, and that shit's hard for me to wrap my head around."

"You should talk to Haven about this. She is all about making Poppy into her own person but also about making you happy. I'm sure if anyone can find a solution to easing your anxiety, it'll be your Old Lady."

Alpha nods. "You're right. I've been trying to keep her out of it because I don't want her to think I am ashamed of her coming from The Nest. The way Haven handles herself… well, you know that watching her go all badass does things to me."

"She knows, and Haven is one of the most understanding women I have ever met. Look at how she is with you and Livvy. So if you think she isn't going to understand that you feel some kinda way about Poppy being trained by the same people who trained her, then… sorry, Pres, but you're a dumbass."

Alpha finally cracks a laugh, his posture softening. "Thanks, Loki. Sometimes, I need a good slap down. Now, I should be helping you with your shit."

Shrugging, I laugh. "It was a nice distraction from my shit, to be honest. And Alpha, I'm not just your friend. I am your VP. Your right-hand man. You can come to me with absolutely anything, anytime. Not just club business."

Alpha dips his chin, sitting taller, his hands balling into fists on the table, like he's getting into serious mode. "I appreciate that. I honestly do, but don't think I didn't pick up on what you said. A nice distraction… from what? What's going on?"

Huffing, the pit of my stomach churning as I remember Bea's words from only moments before.

"What happened last night?" she whispered, fear clearly etched across her face.

Gritting my teeth, I shake my head, the emotion of it all still too raw. So, I decide to change topics. "I was working in my den on the app, trying to figure shit out. Where the damn hack came from. What is it they want the information for? Anyway, in my search, I found out something interesting."

Alpha narrows his eyes on me. "I don't think that is what you need a distraction from, but I am gonna let it pass because I need to know more about this app. But just so you know, Loki, this friendship goes both ways. So when you need to talk about whatever it is that's eating you up… I'm here."

Dipping my head, I continue without acknowledging what he's just said. "So as we know, Bea was marketing the health and wellness app to different places like the women's correctional facilities, and she's also been to biker clubs and other places of the like, trying to get people who are not of a ‘higher standing' to join. Her intentions were that everyone, no matter their place in society, could have health and wellness to help reduce their stress and anxiety and to give them information on improving their day-to-day life."

Alpha scrunches up his face like he is amused. "And was she getting many criminals on her books?"

"Actually, yeah. A large amount were signing up. It seems she has quite the pitching skills. This is where my investigation into the data breach of her clients has led me to a snag."

Alpha furrows his brows. "What do you mean?"

"Remember when Montana went to visit his mother in prison, and he said he saw Bea there?"

Alpha widens his eyes in realization. "Bea pitched the app to Montana's mother's prison?"

"Yeah, and unfortunately, Montana's mother has been caught up in the breach. So it's got me wondering—"

"If Atlas and his crew are responsible for the data breach too?" Alpha follows my line of thought perfectly.

"Exactly, but there's just one problem… we literally just blew up the only lead we had for any information."

Alpha folds his bulky arms over his chest, letting out a huff. "It's a coincidence, for sure. We know Atlas has his gangs inside the prison. I guess it makes sense that if he wanted the information on the other inmates there for some reason, then that would be his way in, for sure. But what I can't understand is why, especially when he has his women already on the inside who can access this information."

"Maybe his operation is still running, even without him? Maybe he had a second-in-charge take over his position and is now trying to make it bigger than it previously was?" I question.

Alpha hums under his breath. "Montana won't like to hear any of this, especially with his mother still behind bars. We need to come up with a plan to see if Atlas' operation remains active or even if maybe Atlas was merely a lackey and the guy running the show is someone we don't even know about?"

"Yeah, didn't even think about that. Now, I do think about how shit went down… Atlas never really did seem like the type of guy to be the leader of anything, even though he claimed to be. Maybe he was just a lackey. In any case, should we bring Montana up here? Tell him what's going on with his mom's data?" I ask.

Alpha rubs the back of his neck like he's uncomfortable. "Fuck! He's not gonna like this, but yeah. Get him and Haven up here, will you?"

Furrowing my brow, I tilt my head. "Haven? You think you're gonna need her to protect you from Montana, Pres?" I joke.

He grumbles under his breath. "I think I'm gonna need her expertise in the women's prison."

Raising my brow, I stand, making my way to the top of the stairs. Glancing down, I spot Bea sitting, finally having something to soak up all that tequila.

My nostrils flare as I stare straight at her.

But I can't focus on that situation right now.

I need my attention on the task at hand.

"Haven… Montana. Pres needs you up here. Now," I call out, making everyone turn to look at me, including Bea.

I ignore her inquisitive gaze as Montana jumps to his feet without hesitation.

Haven groans in annoyance, taking one last bite of her cheeseburger. "That man always calls me when I'm enjoying myself. I swear if my cheeseburger goes cold, Loki, I will hold you personally responsible," Haven calls out, prompting a chuckle from the rest of the clubroom, while she heads my way.

I take one last look at Bea before heading back in with Alpha, her eyes meeting mine and a lingering look lasting between us. There's a new kind of unease forming between us now. I avert my gaze, a hollow feeling forming in the pit of my stomach.

Last night there was so much hope, so much promise between us.

Now, we can only go back to the distance between us before she showed up and obliterated my very foundations.