Page 34 of Sweet Anarchy

He hasn't changed a bit – his chestnut hair spiked up with tiny greys on the ends. He scans the crowd with a tight face, nodding in the direction of some people who wave at him.

"Who's that?" I hear Rylee ask Butch.

He leans down, muttering something quickly in her ear before they fall silent and give the two men their attention.

It becomes quiet – everyone listening. For a gathering where there's at least sixty people, it's so quiet you can hear the birds chirp in trees and the leaves as they sway in the gentle breeze.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice," Mack says, his gravelly voice loud and clear. "I wish it was under better circumstances."

There's a few mutters in the crowd, people bowing their heads as a sign of respect for our fallen brothers – most of whom still lay cold in a morgue somewhere.

"As you know, the Norsemen have been recruiting and growing in size for a while now. They have caused a lot of chaos here recently, and we've just found out that they have merged their chapters to strengthen their numbers. You might have heard they also attacked another small club recently in Linton. That club no longer exists," Bill states, watching everyone's reactions.

Rylee stands off to the side of us next to Butch, and I can't help but watch her reaction to everything. She's been dragged through so much of the Norsemen's havoc lately, maybe even more so than anyone else here.

"From today, we are temporarily merging again as one Rebel chapter," Mack says. I can't help but notice the slight disdain in his voice. Next to him, Bill gives a short nod, his own unhappiness obvious.

People start whispering but Mack raises his hand, annoyed.

"Right now, we have little choice. We need to stay prepared. The Rebels are the largest club in the region, and the Norsemen want us gone. It's apparent they will stop at nothing to achieve that."

Rylee looks over at us, our eyes meeting. I give her a small wink, making her grin and turn away. My gaze drifts to her ass, and I start thinking about all the things I want to do to it. Blake spots what I'm doing and elbows me in the ribs, gesturing to pay attention.

"The plan for now is to do nothing except to observe. We will be reaching out to people in areas we think are useful to watch for information. In the meantime, should the Norsemen attack us or anyone else, we're prepared to attack back. If they attack, we hit them where it hurts – their clubhouses. Keep your weapons on you at all times and when conducting club business, make sure you're with a group. It's likely they will attack if you're alone."

Rylee shifts uncomfortably at that statement. Next to me, Asher curls his hands into fists, clearly thinking the same as me. The car accident was single-handedly the worst thing I've been through. I thought I was going to lose Rylee that day. Listening to her car lose control and the metal fucking crumbling into pieces is something I will never forget.

"You're welcome to stay and mingle with your old friends for a while," Mack grumbles, climbing off the table.

The crowd bursts into chatter, many people looking uneasy while others look like they are ready to murder any Norsemen that cross their path. I walk over to Rylee, slipping my hand around her waist.

"Are you okay?" I murmur against her ear.

She leans back against me, nodding. "Just a bit worried, but it will be fine."

"You know what's good for worry?" I ask.

"What?"

I run my tongue up the shell of her ear, chuckling when she shivers.

"Coming on my cock. Come on, let's get out of here. I need to fuck that worry out of you."

Chapter 11

Rylee

When we arrive back home, Zayn directs me to wait outside. He mutters something to the other two who give me knowing looks before they head inside.

I stand outside by myself, soaking up the sun rays. Zayn trots down the steps two at a time a few minutes later with a backpack.

"In the car," he orders, giving my ass a little slap as he walks by.

"What?" I ask, turning around and following him. "Where are we going?"

He jumps into the Jeep, beckoning me with his finger through the glass. I open the door and slide into the passenger seat, reaching for the backpack.

"Nope," he says, flinging it in the back, out of my reach.

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