Page 71 of Trip

Rusty nodded vigorously, his voice hoarse from the excitement. “That’s right, Michael! We’re witnessing the birth of a new NASCAR star! C.C. DuBois and the Sons of Hell have made their mark on this sport, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve next!”

As the crowd’s cheers continued, I waited as C.C. brought the car to a stop in the victory lane, and when she climbed out of the vehicle, her face beamed with joy and excitement. The Sons of Hell brothers rushed to her side, congratulating her on her incredible achievement.

King gave her a hearty embrace, his voice filled with admiration. “You showed ‘em what you’re made of, C.C. We knew you had it in you, and now the entire world knows it too.”

Walking over to her, my eyes shone with pride as I pulled her toward me for a hug. “You did it, baby. I am so proud of you.”

“I won, Trip!”

“Yeah, babe.” I grinned from ear to ear. “You sure did.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

King

The sounds of laughter, cheers, and revving engines filled the air as I scanned the faces of my brothers. Each one of them had been through their own trials, their own battles, but tonight, none of that mattered. Tonight, we were victors, united in our joy for C.C. and the legacy the club was building.

As the night wore on, I found myself reflecting on the journey that had brought us here. The Sons of Hell were more than just a club; we were a family, bound together by loyalty, love, and an unbreakable spirit. And as long as we stood together, there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.

Watching as my brothers and their wives celebrated, I couldn’t help but smile at what the Sons of Hell had become. The club was more than just a biker club that my grandfather had started all those years ago. Over the years, and through times of heartache, the Sons of Hell persevered and survived.

I thought back to a time I wanted nothing to do with the club, as I planned on making my life in the military, and smirked ’cause life had other plans for me. I wish I could say I missed my time in the service, but I didn’t. I was born to lead the Sons of Hell, and I did so to the best of my abilities. And some day soon, my son would take over, and God help the club when he did because I was damn sure no one would be ready for it.

As I looked around, I spotted my brother Cord and his young wife, Sarah. Just remembering the drama that ensued when those two got together sent a chill down my spine, but mybrother never gave up. He wanted Sarah on sight and refused to let anyone come between them, even Sarah’s father, who still cleaned his gun nightly, just in case he messed up. Cord still acted like a child most days, but he’d grown and become a wonderful husband and father he could be proud of.

I know, because I was.

Seeing Priest and Phoebe, my heart jumped for joy. Never in my life had I ever met two people so utterly devoted to one another. Through years of heartache and pain, Pheobe’s strength and resilience gave her the courage to stick by my brother after he had lost his way. While I wholeheartedly believed Priest did not deserve Pheobe, I knew there was no other woman in this world more suited for him, and in a few short months, they would both get their heart’s desire when Sarah delivered their son.

I couldn’t be happier for a more deserving couple.

Smiling, I spotted Enigma with his kindhearted wife, Sugar. Best friends since childhood, Enigma never gave up on Sugar even when she gave up on herself. Alone with two small boys, Sugar’s life wasn’t easy thanks to the gossip that followed her around most of her life, but she never gave into it. Probably one of the strongest women in the clubhouse, Sugar’s bravery to face her fear head-on was a testament to the woman she’d become.

I was so proud of her.

Hearing a boisterous laugh, my eyes focused on Banks as he and his Southern bride, Laurel, laughed at something their son Nash was saying. Every brother in the Sons of Hell had a story, and Banks was no different. Forced to live his life as someone else, Banks met the love of his life at a young age only to lose her the next day. Then one day fate brought them back together, and that was all she wrote. I asked Laurel the night before she married my brother if she was sure she wanted to be shackled toBanks for the rest of her life, and she just smiled at me and said she couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather spend her life with.

She was right. They were perfectly matched.

Off in the corner, where they thought no one would see, I eyed Scribe kissing his beautiful wife, Henley. I didn’t blame the man. Henley Never was a stunning woman, that was for sure, and Scribe was damn lucky, either that or she was still blind as a bat. And if I was correct, in about seven or eight months, Scribe was going to be a father again. The man seriously couldn’t keep his hands off his wife. Together they made a beautiful couple, and I just knew whatever the universe had in store for them, it was going to be magical.

At least that’s what Scribe’s sister Athena told me.

Scanning the room, my heart filled with pride as I saw my brother Chase with my sister-in-law Skylar, one of the sweetest women I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Gentle and soft-spoken, Skylar did what my brothers and I couldn’t do. She healed Chase’s broken heart and for that, I would always be indebted to her. My brother Chase now smiled every day, happy with his beautiful new wife and the life they were building, and I wished them nothing but happiness.

No two people deserved it more.

Spotting the Steiner Brothers, Frank and George, with their wives, Claudia and Josie, I couldn’t help but shake my head as they were arguing again. No two brothers were so different, yet so alike. Life threw them both a curve ball with the loss of their parents, but thanks to their stubborn grandmother’s perseverance, both boys grew into the strong, brilliant men they were today. While they both still butted heads occasionally, I knew there wasn’t anything either of them wouldn’t do for each other.

If not, I was sure their granny would have something to say.

Watching them all, I felt proud to call them my brothers. Every one of them brought their own uniqueness and spirit to the club my grandfather started, and I knew the brothers that came before us would be proud of the men who wore the Sons of Hell cuts today.

Seeing my beautiful woman walking over to where I stood, her eyes still sparkled with mischief yet to be revealed. God, I loved this woman. I didn’t think she’d ever know the depth of my devotion. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.

She was my everything.

My rock.

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