Page 1 of Hounds Ascend
Chapter One
Lilly
Two weeks ago, my life changed. Whether it was for the better or not is still in question. I was kidnapped, beaten, then finally returned to the man I love. Cass, Lucifer’s Hounds Baton Rouge Chapter President. My job at Creek’s Sports Bar, the bar he just bought, has been put on hold while the club tries to figure out what precautionary measures to take to keep me safe. For the past two weeks, I’ve been staying at the clubhouse, forbidden to leave the premises alone, which is really starting to irk my nerves.
“I’m not a fragile fucking child who’s been grounded and sent to their room!” I scream my frustrations into my cell phone to a listening Mindy.
“Lilly, I’m sure he knows that, but he’s just making sure you’re safe. I can’t say I blame him after the shit those guys pulled.”
I sigh in frustration. “You aren’t supposed to agree with him!”
“I agree with whatever keeps my best friend alive and in one piece. So, therefore, I agree with him.”
“Ugh!”
“Gotta go, people walking in. Love you, bye!” Mindy says before the call ends abruptly.
I toss the stupid thing onto the double bed in what is now my room at the clubhouse. The closet that’s next to the adjoined bathroom is full of my clothes and the bathroom has everything from my house in it. I have a desk in the corner where I keep my laptop and camera.
The rooms in the clubhouse aren’t your typical rooms. They’re similar to suites in a hotel, and set up in almost the same way. Large and spacious. Someone took their time designing these rooms for sure. Who would’ve thought bikers could be so classy?
I tried to tell Cass that it isn’t permanent, but he insisted I have everything I might need. Since I didn’t feel like arguing, I had given in and decided to bring my things here, but not without Linc right there by my side. Linc is one of the newest prospects, trying to earn his patch. When Cass said he needed someone to supervise me, Linc was all over it. He’s a determined little shit, I’ll give him that.
I decide it’s never too early to drink so I head downstairs. As usual, Linc is behind the bar and a couple of Hounds sit on barstools. I’m getting to know a few of them since I’m here all the time now. Old School is one of my favorites. He’s sitting next to Snapper and they’re laughing when I sit down beside them.
“Hey gorgeous.” Snapper’s scratchy, rough voice makes me smile. The guys welcomed me with open arms.
“Hey darlin’,” I grin, plopping into the barstool beside him.
“Prospect, get our girl a drink,” Old School orders. His soft voice is not what you would expect from a man who looks like he’s lived this lifestyle since the day he was born. Although he has a rough exterior, he is kind and soft-hearted. But I know that is not all he’s made up of. He would, without a shadow of a doubt, kill anyone without flinching for fucking with him or this club. All the Hounds seem to have that trait, though I’m unsure of how I feel about that.
Linc sets a double Crown and Sprite in front of me before taking a seat behind the bar. I thank him and take a gulp. The Crown doesn’t burn anymore, it’s not a welcoming feeling. Most of my days are spent on the phone with Mindy or my mom. Mom is anxious to meet Cass, but she and David are still on a job in Ohio. I know I’m not a prisoner, and I don’t feel like it, but sometimes it would be nice for a long, relaxing drive. Alone. Without supervision. Cass has been so busy lately that he comes in dirty and tired, showers, then goes to sleep to do it again the next day. I know he’s dealing with club shit, likely the club shit that got stirred up when I got kidnapped, but it’s starting to get a little lonely.
“I hear we have a national run coming up.” Snapper’s voice draws my attention.
“Yeah, Prez said it’s in Oklahoma this year,” Old School says.
“They said the chapter up there has a nice spot for the party.”
“Fuckin’ right they do. I went in ‘03. One of the best parties I’ve ever been to.”
“And we all know you’ve been to a lot of parties in your long life.”
I laugh unceremoniously, garnering me the attention of both of them.
“What’s so funny?” Old School asks, his tone playful and energetic.
“Snapper just called you old. You gonna take that abuse?” I grin, stirring the pot. It isn’t hard to do with these two.
Snapper’s expression changes and the look he shoots in my direction would’ve frozen water on the spot. He holds his façade for only a few seconds before he busts out laughing.
The front door of the clubhouse opens, and we all snap our heads toward it. Cass walks in with Scott and Gater in tow. They’re cutting up and laughing. To my surprise, they don’t seem nearly as exhausted today as they usually are when they get in. It’s early, only five-thirty and still daylight. Of course they don’t look exhausted, this is the earliest they’ve been back to the clubhouse since the night I got here.
I spin around in my barstool and sip my drink. I listen closely for footsteps and I hear Cass approaching. Out of nowhere, I’m flying backward. My barstool is tipped backward, nearly hitting the floor and Cass’s lips are on mine. His tongue infiltrates my mouth, his kiss like lightning. Wild. Electric. He sits my barstool back upright and it takes me a second to catch my breath.
“Come here often?” he asks.
“Yeah, kinda.” My words are breathy and quiet.
