Page 20 of Going Home

"You impressed VP when he talked to you. The old Colt was impulsive and hot-headed. The old Colt would have had a complete meltdown until Lex finally told him the secret out of frustration and desperation to get him to stop. Instead, the man sitting in front of me wants to know because he wants to help. You've matured, and I've been talking to Dax. You've shown a lot of great leadership skills and self-awareness. Honestly, I never thought you'd be able to step back and see some of the damage you created for yourself."

Apparently, I was never seen as someone who could be a decent man. I'm not sure how I feel about everyone being so surprised at how far I've come.

Wrinkling his nose, he shakes his head. He earned every doubt anyone's ever had about him. "It always sounded like an insult, but I guess Lex was right. We're getting old. Hell, we have a third generation joining the ranks as prospects."

"We've been trying to figure out who would be the best fit to replace me, and all three of us agree that it should be you."

He blinks and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Me?"

"You."

"What... But... Tripp. He's next in line."

Laughing, Jennings shakes his head. "It's not a monarchy. I always hoped he'd be the one to take over, but Tripp's not ready. And to be honest, I don't think he wants the seat. He'd be in a constant state of struggle because Avery's not very involved with the club—not that anyone can blame her. Feeling torn between his loyalty to the club and loyalty to his family would tear him apart."

Avery almost dying at the hands of their rival is an enduring reminder of what damage their lives can create on their loved ones. It's one of the darker times in Drifter history.

"You want me because of Lex, don't you?"

"Lex plays a factor, but it's more in terms of the fact she's in the position to support you in this seat. We've leaned on her in the past, yes, but she's a Drifter through and through. She knows the club, the rules, and which of those rules need to be broken. She never holds back on telling you what she thinks, and she'll tell you if your plan is stupid. More than that, she's the one person you seem to really listen to. It's so easy for us to overlook how much we need strong women at our sides to be successful. Alexis is as strong as they come."

Jennings, VP, and his father want him to be the next President of the Drifters. Of the mother charter. "She definitely won't hold back. I just... I'm not sure if it's a good time for her."

"You're at a point in your life where you'll actually listen to her instead of getting defensive and let your pride get in the way like you have in the past. It's up to you, but we haven't been able to agree on anyone until you came back home."

That's why Jennings pushed to get us back. Why he fought Dax for us. I thought it was for Lex, but it was for me."I need to talk to Lex first. It's an honor, and I would love to accept right now, but I can't make this type of decision on my own. If she has reservations, especially with the timing, I have to take that into consideration."

"I understand. This isn't public knowledge yet, so I'm counting on your discretion. Not even Tripp knows."

Nodding, Colt stands. "Of course. When do you need a decision by?"

"Whenever you're sure. I'm not in a hurry. I want you to be certain this is what you want. What you both want. It's a lot of responsibility."

They shake hands, and he walks out. He needs to talk to Lex, but she's not at the table where he left her. He looks at Venom. "Where is she?"

"Zane stormed in a few minutes ago and pulled her into the Chapel. I was about to rip his fucking head off, but she said it was fine. VP saw what happened and ran in there after them," Venom says.

Venom's curls are gelled and bleached, a change he made a while ago, and his eyes never leave the Chapel. His loyalty makes Colt wonder if he'd be someone to sit on either side of him if he accepts the spot at the head of the table.

The doors open, and VP drags Zane outside through the front. Lex steps out a few moments later looking exhausted, and all excitement about his conversation with Jennings drains from Colt. Zane being angry is nothing out of the ordinary, but his reaction, along with VP's, doesn’t paint a pretty picture. His wife's demeanor doesn't make him feel comfortable at all.

Just fucking tell me what's going on, baby. Please. I need to know how to help you. Especially if it'll make you feel better. Like killing your fucking brother.

Chapter Eight

Griffin's Beach

Venom

ColthurriestowardsLex,and they move away from the general crowd of mostly men in the clubhouse tonight. Venom finds it intriguing that most people gather in the clubhouse nightly. Not everyone shows up every night, but many are here most nights. It really does feel like a family here. And he doesn't feel like a freak like he has everywhere else he's ever been.

You'll never amount to anything.

You're dirt. You hear me? Nothing but dirt.

No one will ever love you.

You're not even a person. You're a thing. A disgusting thing, and that's why you can't find your way. The world would be better off without you. God help us all if you ever decide to procreate.

---