Page 82 of Rocky Top

Even Bearcat came stompin’ in from the back hall, eyes narrowed. “Was wonderin’ when the fuckin’ circus would show up.”

Villain gave him a nod. “Always a pleasure, Bear. You still slow as molasses or you finally learn to move that bear ass?”

Everyone chuckled. Even Birdie, who stood behind me, wide-eyed but amused.

“Squeegee,” I called, spotting the youngest of our prospects. The kid perked up like I’d just called roll. “Grab our guest a beer.”

“On it, VP.”

I jerked my chin at the bar. “Birdie, you good?”

She looked at me like she was readin’ somethin’ under the surface. “I’ll be fine. I’ll catch up with Eliza.”

“Good,” I said, watching her head off, hair swayin’ behind her like a goddamn siren's call. I turned back to my brother. “Let’s get to Knox.”

Villain gave the room a last smirk, lifted his bottle in salute, and followed me down the hallway to the chapel.

Knox sat at the head of the table, leanin’ back like a coiled spring. His expression didn’t change when Villain stepped in. Didn’t offer a greeting either.

After a good long minute. He spoke.

“You bringin’ trouble to my door, or you just slummin’ it with family?” Knox asked.

Villain didn’t blink. “Little of both, Prez.”

I dropped into my chair with a groan as the two caught up, all laughs and smiles.

I wasn’t in the mood. “Let’s get it over with.”

“So,” Knox began, steepling his fingers. “What brings Nashville's Sergeant at Arms to my table?”

Villain reached into his cut, pulling out a manila envelope. He tossed it onto the table, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

“Kingpin sends his regards,” Villain said, referring to Nashville's president. “Wants y'all to know there are changes comin' in the MC world. Thought it best you hear it from family first.”

Knox eyed the envelope but didn't reach for it. “What kind of changes?”

Villain's expression turned serious. “Nashville's lookin' at patching away from the Royal Bastards.”

The room went fuckin’ still. No more jokes. No more smiles.

Just business.

I felt my jaw tighten. “You're talkin' about mutiny?”

Villain snorted. “Can’t take what’s already yours. Talkin’ ‘bout a new alliance. Things ain't what they used to be. Kingpin's got his reasons. He wants Knoxville to consider doin' the same.”

Knox finally picked up the envelope, opening it to reveal a stack of documents. His eyes zipped across the pages, and I saw his jaw jump.

“What the hell is this?” Knox muttered, anger flickering in his eyes.

Villain leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. “Proof. Of things that could drag us all down.”

Knox's eyes glowed hot, a sign his fox was close to the surface. I didn't know what was in those papers, but it was bad enough to get under his skin.

I turned to Villain. “And if we decide to patch over, who are we joinin'?”

Villain shrugged. “Once you make the call, details will follow. But trust me, it's a better deal.”

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