Page 32 of Harvest Brew With the Mountain Man
We all spend the next hour putting our pumpkins in cars, then surveying the different booths that are decorating for the event in three weeks. When Daniella calls for end of day so they can zip up and lock the tents for the night, we all part, with an open invitation to the next Hunter Sunday dinner.
I’d been to a few growing up, but it’s been over six years since. Styx is part of that invite, but the likelihood he’d separate himself from MC business is slim. West and I would still have to pretend to be just friends. Though, judging from everyone’s looks tonight, we’re not fooling anyone.
Might have to tell my brother sooner rather than later.
CHAPTER EIGHT
WEST
“Hex agreed to the plan as a move to get them out of our territory. Meanwhile, we keep surveillance on their money movement.” Styx stands at the front of the clubhouse conference room.
Grayson, Holden, Raze, and I are here discussing a plan to get Camille off Black Feral’s radar. It killed me leaving her at my place. She’s not alone. Nora’s with her, and Styx has two members watching the house. One of them’s a prospect. That makes me nervous. New blood’s always eager to prove themselves. And that shit can lead to mistakes.
“Sheriff’s been quiet since the town hall meeting righting Nash’s reputation, but we know that won’t last. Our threats will only delay the inevitable,” Grayson says.
I wanted his help, but insisted he keep himself safe and out of it. Should’ve known better. My twin brother’s military past is ingrained in him. As long as the fucker doesn’t get shot again, Laurel will let me keep my balls.
“Would he really risk Ivy releasing all her evidence tying him to Black Feral’s guns and trafficking operations?” Holden asks, leaning on the back wall, arms crossed.
As the go-to shop for MC bike repairs and customization in West Oregon, people assume Holden’s in the MC. He’s friends with many in Forsaken Saints but has no interest in the life. Still, he’s passionate about seeing actual justice right wrongs, no matter the means.
“He gave her what she wanted,” Grayson says. “His arrogance is delusional enough to think she won’t rock the boat and mark him, essentially creating a county-wide scandal.”
“Black Feral isn’t happy about losing their point man for shipping. Shit between those fucker’s ass cheeks is wafting closer and closer,” Raze grunts beside Styx. “I have contacts with their ears on the ground in Silver Lakes. That ex of your sister’s was a convenient excuse to get close to Eden.”
“Hex thinks the same,” Styx’s jaw clenches. Gotta give it to him, he’s holding himself together.
His role in the MC has always mattered to him. I couldn’t understand it when he first became a prospect, but I’ve seen it unfold throughout the years. He was meant for this life.
“Play their game,” Holden suggests. “For now. Give them something they want with an ultimatum. Push them into a corner. Gain access.”
I glance at my phone for the hundredth time, hoping for a text from Nyx. The more we discuss this mess, the more agitated my body feels being this far away from her. She’s been staying with me for the last three days. Asked if she could, which was a no-brainer for me. She’s worried about bringing MC drama to her parents’ front door. For now, she’s told her parents that she’s staying at Nora’s, helping with the Festival, and will visit soon. Styx still thinks she’s back home, in her old room. This tangled web of lies is giving me stress acid reflux.
The last three nights, we’ve been up late working on the bar’s reno. Aside from the occasional makeout session, we’ve kept to our respective rooms when we say, goodnight. There’s so much on our plates right now, I don’t want to rush us.
“Have you heard from Viper?” I ask.
Styx’s studies me before answering. “As I told you ten minutes ago, brother’s checked in. All is quiet.”
“And they have eyes on Camille? Nora?” I add Nora a beat too late, not wanting to give myself away.
Styx doesn’t answer. An eternity passes before Raze does instead.
“Prospect is in the house with them. Viper’s scouting perimeter.”
I nod, stopping my leg from bouncing off the wall I’m leaning my back and leg on. I avoid Styx’s stare as Grayson chimes in.
“She shot two of their men. They require blood retribution for that.”
I exhale subtly when Styx’s takes his eyes off me and addresses the room. “That’s being handled. Leave that to club business.”
“Do we know where the ex is?” Holden asks.
The back of my jaw tightens. His obsession is dangerous. Sooner or later, he’s going to know she’s back home. I want a picture of that shithead so I can recognize him the moment I see him set foot into town.
“Have a brother looking for him,” Raze states.
My body stands, alert. “You don’t know where he is?”
