Page 80 of Hammer

“That’s Santa’s old lady,” Wrath explained, nodding toward a woman passing out plates.“She’s been cooking since dawn.Says it’s not every day she gets to feed the President’s newfound family.”

“That’s very kind,” I replied, overwhelmed by the effort that had clearly gone into welcoming us, despite the lingering tension between the men.

Wrath guided us to a table.Chase and Levi followed, their earlier wariness giving way to cautious curiosity as they took in the clubhouse environment.Aura had already drifted toward a group of younger Knights, her natural charisma drawing them in despite her outsider status.

“Eat,” Wrath instructed, gesturing toward the food.“We’ll talk after.”

I felt Hammer’s hand settle at the small of my back as we navigated the buffet line, a casual touch that communicated volumes.Mine.Safe.Here.That simple contact grounded me in the surreal experience of standing in my father’s clubhouse, surrounded by his family of choice while accompanied by my own.

We settled at the table with full plates, an awkward family dinner with decades of absence between us.Wrath sat directly across from Hammer, their gazes meeting briefly over the spread of food.I caught him watching as Hammer passed Levi the salt without being asked, anticipating my son’s preference before he could voice it.A small thing but telling.

“So,” Wrath began, directing his attention to Levi.“Heard you’re pretty good with computers.Got a few brothers here who could learn a thing or two.”

My boy shrugged, but I could see the pleased flush on his cheeks at being singled out.“I’m okay.Not as good as Atlas back home, but I know some stuff.”

“He’s being modest,” Hammer interjected, his gruff voice softened with pride.“Kid figured out how to boost our security system at the compound.Rigged up motion sensors where we had blind spots.”

I watched as Levi’s posture straightened at Hammer’s praise, his chest puffing slightly as he added, “It wasn’t that complex.Just repurposed some old equipment.”

Wrath’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he observed the exchange, something shifting in his expression as he noted the genuine pride in Hammer’s voice, the way Levi leaned almost imperceptibly toward Hammer as he spoke.

“How’d you learn that?”Wrath asked Levi directly, his interest sincere.

“I learned a lot on my own while we lived in Florida, but Dad also got me some books,” Levi replied, glancing briefly at the older man beside him.“And let me practice on the clubhouse systems.”

“With supervision,” Hammer added with a hint of a smile.“Kid’s a natural.Just needed the right tools and someone to point him in the right direction.”

Again, that thoughtful look crossed Wrath’s face, his gaze moving between Hammer and my son as if reassessing something fundamental.

Chase remained quiet, and Hammer noticed.He glanced at our son before facing Wrath again.“Your grandson here has a natural feel for engines that most grown men would kill for.Show him something once, he’s got it memorized.”

“He’s teaching me about bikes,” Chase explained.“How the V-twin works and the difference in the various engines.I’ve learned how to do oil changes and tune-ups.Even worked on some cars.”

“That right?”Wrath asked, genuine surprise coloring his tone.

“He understands the mechanics better than brothers twice his age,” Hammer confirmed.“Got the touch.”

Across the room, a burst of laughter drew our attention to where Aura sat surrounded by several younger Knights, gesturing animatedly as she told some story that had them hanging on every word.

“Your daughter’s making friends,” Wrath observed, nodding toward the group.

“She does that,” Hammer replied, a mixture of pride and resignation in his voice.“Never met a stranger she couldn’t charm or a fighter she couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with.”

“That how she ended up wanting to prospect?Fighting spirit?”

Hammer’s expression sobered.“Partly.Mostly it’s about belonging.About making her own place in the world that tried to break her.”

Something passed between the men then -- an understanding that transcended their earlier tension.Men who’d seen the darkest corners of the world and still found reasons to protect what they loved.

“Excuse me,” I said, suddenly needing a moment to collect myself.“Restroom?”

“Down that hall, second door on the left,” Wrath directed, his eyes following me as I stood.

I felt Hammer’s questioning gaze but gave him a reassuring smile.“I’m fine.Just need a minute.”

The restroom was empty, thankfully.I leaned against the sink, studying my reflection in the mirror.My father’s eyes looked back at me, the resemblance uncanny now that I’d seen him in person.How had my mother never mentioned it?How had she kept this secret for so many years?I’d known I didn’t exactly look like her, but I guess it hadn’t ever occurred to me I’d resemble my father.

I splashed water on my face, taking deep breaths before heading back out.As I approached our table, I slowed, noticing that Hammer and Wrath were now sitting together, slightly apart from the boys who had been drawn into conversation with some of the younger Knights.The two men leaned toward each other, their expressions intense.I lingered just out of earshot, not wanting to interrupt what appeared to be an important exchange.

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