Page 44 of Sweet Anarchy

We're all holed up in the mancave, sitting in a circle around the table. It's been pleasant so far, except for the part when Chuck insisted on walking down the stairs himself. The nurses gave him strict instructions to limit the movement on his bad leg as much as possible, but if I've learnt anything, it's that men are fucking stubborn.

Thankfully, he's on painkillers so he assures me he doesn't feel anything at the moment and can walk fine. Personally, I think he's bullshitting but when weighing up the option of staying upstairs for dinner with the parents, I can understand the decision.

"It's the best around," Zayn replies, leaning back into the couch. "Probably a lot better than the hospital shit you were getting."

Chuck laughs. "Not wrong. I'll be glad to never have to eat another hospital meal again."

"The jello goes alright," I mumble between bites.

Asher wrinkles his nose. "No, it doesn't."

I shrug. "Jello is just jello. Anyway, did you get a chance to talk to your Dad yet?"

Blake snorts. "Zayn and I spoke to him for a little bit earlier. Apparently, they are heading back to the ranch tomorrow, so we're going to sit down with him in the morning before they leave."

Chuck looks over at me, scanning my face. "The fun never stops, does it?"

"Nope," I grumble. "Such a fun experience for all."

"Well, they do say to keep it in the family," Zayn muses, whining when I elbow him in the ribs.

I finish shoving my pizza into my mouth, tucking my legs under me. "It's just another problem to deal with. Who knows – maybe things will go quiet for a bit."

"Don't say that," Blake says. "You'll jinx it. I just want to relax for a few days."

"And do observation," Zayn points out.

Bill and Mack contacted the twins today and directed them to keep a look out for any unusual behavior from the Norsemen. So far, there's been no sign of them after the attack on Wheels, and we're optimistic it might stay that way.

"Not really much to observe," Blake states. "Their closest clubhouse is the next town over, and from what I've been told, they haven't even been gathering there."

"Is there a clubhouse in Linton?" I ask.

Blake nods. "A small one, but their presence wasn't overly huge up that way. They are more situated here, but given they are trying to push for territory, it's possible they are trying to set up shop somewhere else."

"I don't understand why clubs don't just live in harmony."

Chuck laughs, his eyes lighting up. "Bikers… living in harmony? Sounds like a fantasy."

"What?" I argue. "Plenty of bikers shared Wheels with no problems. It's not completely unreasonable to assume they could act like adults."

He shrugs. "This is true. But not all bikers are like us. Besides, we're pretty awesome."

Asher scoffs. "I don't understand the fascination. It's just illegal doings and riding around."

I look at the twins and Chuck before staring at Asher. "They all had their reasons, Ash. Zayn and Blake wanted an escape and Chuck had a rough upbringing. The club was like a new found family for them."

Hurt crosses his face, making me regret my words. Blake puts his beer down, leaning forward.

"Ash, the club is a brotherhood, but it doesn't take anything away from what we have as a family."

"You still left," Asher points out. "On my birthday."

Blake nods, not denying it. "I know, and we're sorry. But you know how toxic shit was getting here. We just needed space."

"I get it," I chime in. "I felt the same when I met Butch then the guys at Wheels. It was a nice escape from home. It helped me make new friends and get through Dad's death. Especially since I quit the cheer team and lost all my friends."

Asher stiffens. "Was Jenny ever really your friend?"

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