Page 26 of Coty

“Jay, the position is yours if you want it.” Mack gives him a firm nod.

“Uncle Jacob, are you sure?” I’m…” Jay looks at Jack. “But…”

Jack joins his dad and cousin. “But I’m not President yet. Yeah. I know.” Jack shakes his head. “I’m not ready for that step yet. You’re ready for this, Jay. You were born ready for this.” Jack shrugs one shoulder. “It doesn’t matter that you make it to the table before I do. Take it, Jay. I want you to.”

Sandman clamps a hand on Jay’s shoulder. “I won’t step down if you don’t.” He grins. “My ole’ lady will be highly pissed at both of us if I don’t.” That’s a scary thought. Jay should take it or watch his back. Sandman’s ole’ lady will be out for him. She loves pranks.

Jay looks from his family to the rest of his club brothers. We all nod, encouraging him to take the position. He and Jack always thought they’d become officers together. I admire Jack a little more for admitting he’s not ready to be president. His father’s shoes are big ones to fill. Not to worry. Mack’s training Jack to take his place when the time’s right.

Sandman holds his hand out. Jay takes it and smiles. “Thanks, Sandman. I hope I do half as good as you.”

“Son, you’ll be better.” Sandman hands the officer's patch to Jay.

Jay reads it and snaps his head toward Mack. “Uncle Jacob?”

Mack smiles and looks at the club members again. “Vikings, welcome Blade, Jay McLeod, as your new club Enforcer.”

The room erupts in whistles, cheers, and applause. This is an epic day for the Viking Warriors MC.

“Enforcer? Not Sergeant at Arms?” Jay asks when the cheering quietens down.

Mack puts an arm around Jay’s shoulders again. “Son, with the way you love knives and how fiercely you protect our family and club, Enforcer fits you better.”

He’s not wrong. Jay is a whole other level of protection. He’ll do the position justice.

“Vikings, get with me after the meeting. We’ll set up times and areas for you to patrol,” Worley hands Mack the gavel across the table.

“Bankz, Hendrix, head to Angie’s and make sure she doesn’t need help with the Mavericks.” He points at them. “Don’t start anything, though.” They nod and leave. “Everyone else, keep your eyes peeled and report anything that feels off. Church’s adjourned.” Mack taps the gavel.

Everyone quickly surrounds Jay and ushers him to the bar for a drink. Jack walks out with me.

“I would have told you if there was time. Sandman talked to Dad about stepping down just before Church.”

I’m not a teenage girl with hurt feelings. It’s good to know, though. “It’s fine, man. And you’ll get to the table one day.”

“We both will.” He nods toward the bar. “You want a drink, or are you patrolling Edgewood Drive?”

I laugh. He knows me well. “Would you be mad?”

“Not at all, Rodeo. Go make sure your girl’s safe.”

Of course, Jack would understand. He almost lost Lily. Jack makes a path to the bar so I can congratulate Jay before I head out. I’ll spend another night in my truck on Edgewood Drive.

Chapter 13

__________

Kayla

My week has been surprisingly calm. After agreeing to talk with Coty this weekend, he hasn’t pushed for more. He hasn’t disappeared, though. He texts several times a day and only calls once. He also shows up at nearly every place I go in town. He keeps his distance, giving me space. Guess I have a stalker. At least Coty isn’t creepy. I know he’s there, and it doesn’t really bother me. When something’s going on with the club, Mack assigns protection for their friends just in case. Naturally, Coty would volunteer to be my protection.

I stayed three nights at Emily’s. By Tuesday afternoon, there were no major incidents around town, so I went home. I love Emily, and hanging out with her is great. After a year of living alone, I prefer being in my own place.

The Roadhouse didn’t have any problems last night. The atmosphere was off, though. It was weird. I can’t explain it. The customers were mostly from out of town. I’m not sure if the locals stayed away because they’re mad at the McLeods or if people saw the news and showed up to see if something would happen. Only crazy people would put themselves in the middle of a feud. Is this a feud? Well, if something more happens, the McLeods won’t start it.

Let’s hope tonight goes smoothly, too. I’m looking forward to having the next three days off. My phone rings while I’m getting dressed for my closing shift at the Roadhouse. Surprisingly, it’s a friend from college and not Coty.

“Hey, Kira.”

---