Page 9 of Stone

My head jerked up to see the place full of brothers calling out birthday messages. My steps faltered as I took in the beautiful sight of all the men who’d had a hand in raising me.

I was born the year before Pop started the club, so I’d known the brothers all my life. At one time or another, every one of them had either disciplined me or given me their version of advice. I’d had more slaps upside the head than was probably healthy and more profound and meaningful chats than I could remember, but it had taught me the meaning of loyalty.

Betrayal was abhorrent to me and could never be excused. There was no lie anyone could tell me that would be preferable to the truth. Even if the truth hurt, I could deal with it better than later finding out someone hadn’t been honest.

Growing up in an MC had instilled a resounding sense of loyalty deep within me. I’d seen the pain betrayal brought, not just to the brothers but to the traitor, too. The boys had my back, and I had theirs. It was a beautiful thing and had made me the man I was.

There was no place in my life for betrayal of any kind, and there never would be. Not that it was something I’d ever have to worry about with this crew. They were as loyal as the days were long.

A slow grin stole across my face, and I raised a hand to silence everybody. “Thanks, brothers. I appreciate you all.”

“We partyin’ tonight, Stone?” one of them called out. “Twenty-one deserves a shindig.”

I grinned. “Well, it is Friday, so I’m not likely to say no.”

Laughter rose through the air.

“Come on, Son,” Mom murmured, threading her hand through my arm and pulling me away. “We need to get to the parking lot.”

I covered her tiny hand with mine and asked, “What’s goin’ on, Ma?”

She angled her face up and beamed. “You’ll see, Son.”

Abe pushed the door open and waved me, Mom, and Dad—who loomed right behind us—outside.

I pulled my sunglasses down to protect my eyes from the bright May sunshine bouncing from the long line of bikes leaning on their kickstands.

My heart warmed at the beautiful sight, and as I breathed in the familiar scent of motor oil, leather, and a hint of tobacco, I couldn’t help feeling on top of the world, because it represented everything I loved: brotherhood and family. My time in the military was necessary, but I knew I’d miss this place and the people. Going away would be the hardest thing I’d ever do, but the result would justify the means.

Pop walked to the far end of the line before stopping next to a Sportster 1200, the same bike I’d had my eye on for months. She was beautiful, all chrome and metallic, jade green, the exact color of my Elise’s eyes, which was what drew me to her in the first place.

“Jesus,” I muttered, reaching out and stroking my fingers over the bulbous fuel tank. “Did someone buy her? I’ve been saving up, but I still have a way to go.”

“It’s yours, Son,” Dad announced. “Ya know how I feel about spoilin’ kids, but you’re a man now, and you’re goin’ away to the military to learn the tools you’ll need to one day run this club. You’re a little bastard, but you’re my little bastard, and I’m proud’a ya, John.” He held up a silver ring with two keys attached and threw them at me. “Happy birthday, ya little fucker.”

I caught them mid-air and stared at them while everything sunk in. “You bought it for me? All of it?”

Pop’s eyebrow quirked. “Well, I ain’t gonna pay out for half a damned bike, ya fuckin’ idiot.”

“But you don’t buy me shit, Dad,” I pointed out. “The bike I’ve got now is your old cast off, and you made me buy the parts I needed and fix it up myself.”

His lips pursed. “I fuckin’ know. Blame your mother for this. She talked me into it.”

“Are you gonna stick me with half the bill?” I questioned.

Abe hooted a laugh.

“I was tempted, but nah.” Dad’s lip curled. “It’s bought and paid for. I’ve even paid your insurance for the year.”

“You did?” Studying my new bike, my mouth curved into a wide grin. “Thanks, Pop. She’s fly as fuck. Can’t wait to pick Leesy up on her.” I walked over to my dad and clapped him on the back. “You’re gettin’ generous in your old age. This is the best thing you’ve ever gotten me.”

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t get all fuckin’ soft on me.”

Turning back to Mom, I hugged her and whispered, “Love you, Ma.”

She pulled back slightly, cupping my cheek with her hand. “You deserve every happiness, John.”

I slid an arm across Mom’s shoulders and watched Dad stick two fingers in his mouth and let out a piercing whistle before bellowing, “Officers, Church. Now!”

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