Page 49 of The Ghost of Rage's War

Ace reached out and touched his father’s shoulder, and Apache shrugged him off.

“We need to hear what Ghost has to say!” Fish exclaimed, trying to be the voice of reason.

Well, Fish ain’t changed, at least, Ghost noted.

Ghost was watching the hot heads: Axel, Texas, Apache, Ace, Rock and Gunner. All his brothers had tempers, but those six had itchy trigger fingers and would start throwing punches before questions.

“Why? He walked out on us. What do we owe him?” Lowrider demanded.

“He’s a brother,” Ezra said.

“Is he?” Gunner snarled.

“You gonna fling accusations all day or listen to those boys because they have part of my story?” Ghost asked.

“The fuck I am!” Apache yelled and tipped the table. It crashed down onto the floor, and the disrespect made everybody freeze. Anger blazed through Apache’s eyes as he gazed at Ghost.

Ghost held his stare. Apache’s fury stemmed partly from what happened to Silvie and at that moment, Apache wasn’t reasonable. Apache wanted blood, and Ghost was right in front of him.

“Sit down!” Drake said quietly. “All of you.”

Axel and Apache remained standing, but everyone else sat down. Ghost nodded; he expected those two to defy orders.

“You’re not going to listen to this bullshit!” Apache spat, turning on Drake in a fury. Gunner and Rock righted the table again and replaced the gavel.

“We are in church. The rules apply unless you are challenging me. I understand, Apache; I get it. That pain and anger, the hurt and betrayal, I feel it too. Sit the hell down!” Drake ordered in a quiet tone, even more deadly for the control.

Apache slammed into his chair, which Ace had picked up and stared at Ghost.

“Axel!” Drake warned.

Ghost held Axel’s eyes as everyone watched. He felt like Axel was trying to punch through into his brain. The situation grew more uncomfortable.

Axel was a founder. But even he had to obey Drake when ordered. Maybe Ghost should have spoken to Drake alone first, but he’d been so eager to see his brothers properly.

Axel cocked his head. Ghost held his gaze as he let his emotions bleed out.

Everyone looked at Drake, worried. Nine times out of ten, Drake ignored Axel, but not today.

Axel twisted to face Drake.

“Wiped your ass, boy. You don’t command me. I follow you out of respect. But never order me again, or I’ll be forcing a vote. As a founder, I have the damn right. But for your sake, I’ll sit and listen to whatever pigswill is going to leave his lying mouth,” Axel grumbled and metaphorically bent to Drake’s will.

Drake nodded with dignity as Axel took his seat.

“Start talking,” Drake demanded.

“Their story needs to go first,” Ghost suggested, pointing at Cowboy and Wild.

“Don’t push your luck. I said talk,” Drake murmured softly.

“We know what happened to Ellen, thanks to him,” Cowboy blurted, and captured Axel’s attention immediately.

“For fuck’s sake,” Drake muttered.

Ghost stood propped against the wall as Cowboy and Wild explained who had harmed Ellen. How Christian had knocked a kid called Jenkins out, and the boy had vowed retribution. Cowboy told them how Jenkins had joined the Venomous Fangs and pushed Ellen down the stairs for two reasons. One was part of his initiation, and the other was for revenge against Christian.

As their explanation run down, Drake leaned forward. Ghost watched him carefully. Things were about to become difficult.

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