Page 44 of Undone

“Not yet. I need a meeting with Cortez to see where his head is at.”

“I’ll arrange it,” Will spoke.

“We need more men,” Vasyl finally spoke.

“He’s right. We’re light. Especially if a war is coming.”

“I don’t need this shit right now. Get a handle on it,” Duke pressed his index finger into the table. “Shanna’s pregnant. I won’t have Club shit blowing back on her and the baby. If those MC’s go to war… I don’t want Creed dragged in.”

“It’s too late. We’re already in. Taxes are high… we needed income…,” I broke off. He didn’t need to know the details of our new alliance withLos Coyotes.

“I can’t be anywhere near this.”

“I know. You have a seat at this table as a courtesy.”

“Fuck courtesy!” Duke roared. “My father started this damn MC… I had this ship righted. I’ve been out almost two years and you’ve screwed it all up!”

My chair fell back with a bang. I stood toe-to-toe with my best friend. The adrenalin and need to protect what were ours got to us both. “No one insults me or the Club. Not even you—brotha.” I got in his face. I understood his words were coming from a need to protect his family, but I’d still land a blow or to because I am the new man in charge. Not him.

“Fuck!” He spun, linking his hands behind his head and started to pace. “She never wanted this life. I swore to her we were both out!”

“You are. But you and Shanna are Creed royalty. The blood that runs in your veins prevents you from ever being completely out. Just watch your back. I’ve got this.”

“Do you?”

“Ab-so-fucking-lutely.”

“You better, Smith. If any of this touches my family—”

“It won’t. Take Shanna back to Malibu. Lock her behind the gates until it’s over.”

A knock at the door stopped us from speaking further. “Come in.”

The pledge brought our drinks. Duke and I cooled off and sat back down.

“I need a VP.”

“Yes, you friggin’ do,” Will replied.

I took a long sip of my scotch and tapped my fingers on the table. “I was thinking Federico might be a good choice.”

Will frowned, his eyebrows furrowing, “Where the hell did that come from?”

My lips pursed, I grinned taking another sip, thinking about my girl. “It’s not like Rog needs him now that he’s locked Devon down.”

“Shit, he probably needs him more now,” Duke laughed.

“Federico has a good head and a slow temper. Besides he’s from Southern Cal. He knows all the players.”

“Good point.” Will nodded. “Do we need a vote on it?”

“All the ranking members are here. All those in favor of making Federico VP say ‘aye.’”

“Aye,” they all replied in unison.

I picked up the gavel, smacking it down on its cradle.

“It’s done. Federico is this Chapters new VP. Now…,” I paused trying to keep a straight face, “which lucky bastard gets to break the news to Rog?”

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