Page 22 of Ace's Legacy
I park as close as possible to her building, scanning the area once more before cutting the engine.
"Here's how this works," I say, turning to Sarah. "Viper goes in first, makes sure everything's clear. Then you and I go up together. We're in and out in ten minutes, no exceptions."
She opens her mouth as if to argue, then seems to think better of it. "Okay."
Viper slips out of the truck, his hand resting near his concealed weapon as he enters the building.
"He's very good at what he does," I tell her, "Best man I know in a fight."
"You said that before," she observes. "That he's the best man you know, but you never told me why."
I lean back against the seat, considering her question. It's fair. I've shared bits and pieces of my story, but never the full picture of how I came to the Outlaw Order.
"Viper found me in my hometown about two years ago," I begin. "I was twenty-four, going nowhere fast. My mom had died the year before, overdose, and I was living in her old trailer, working dead-end jobs and picking fights at the local bars."
Sarah listens without interrupting, her eyes encouraging me to continue.
"One night, I was particularly drunk, particularly stupid. Got into it with some guys at this dive bar outside of town. Didn't know they were connected to the Outlaw Order MC." I shake my head, remembering my arrogance. "I was holding my own until Viper walked in. He took one look at the situation and decided to end it."
"He hurt you?" Sarah asks softly.
"Beat me within an inch of my life," I confirm without bitterness. "Most humbling ass-kicking I ever got. But then, instead of leaving me there, he picked me up, threw me in his truck, and drove me to a motel to patch me up."
I glance out the window, checking the street again before continuing.
"I woke up the next morning with thirty-seven stitches and Viper sitting in a chair watching me. He said he saw something in me, said I fought like I had nothing to lose, but that I wasn’t smart enough to be channeling that energy somewhere useful."
I remember his exact words, how they cut through my alcohol-soaked brain: "You're wasted here, kid. Drowning in a puddle when you could be swimming in the ocean."
"He offered me a job," I continue. "Said the club needed someone with my particular talents. I figured I had nothing better to do, so I followed him back to Pine Haven."
"What talents?" Sarah asks.
I hesitate, unsure how to explain without sounding like a sociopath. "I'm good in a crisis. Good under pressure. And I can fight. Really fight, not just barroom brawling. At first, I was just hired muscle. Then a prospect, like a pledge, testing to get into the club. Viper vouched for me the whole way, even when I screwed up. Taught me everything. How to ride properly, club protocol, how to be part of something bigger than myself."
I look down at our now joined hands. "I never had a father worth a damn. Viper's the closest thing I've ever had."
The confession feels raw, exposing a vulnerability I rarely acknowledge. But Sarah deserves to know who I am, where I come from, if she's going to have my child.
"He saved my life," I finish simply. "Not just physically, but... he gave me purpose. A family. Before the club, I was just waiting to die. Now I have something to live for."
Sarah's quiet for a moment, processing my words. "Thank you for telling me," she finally says. "It helps me understand..."
Before she can finish, Viper emerges from the building, scanning the area before approaching the truck. I squeeze Sarah's hand once more before releasing it.
Viper opens my door, leaning in close. "All clear. No signs of disturbance or surveillance." Then, his voice dropping so Sarah can't hear, he adds, "Forget the ten-minute limit. Take your time. Have a real conversation with her, plan for the future. There's no point putting your life on the line with the VulturesMC if you've got nothing to return to, especially when she's carrying your kid."
The unexpected advice from my usually all-business mentor catches me off guard. I nod, feeling the weight of his words.
"We're good to go," I tell Sarah, opening my door. "Your place is secure."
The three of us enter the building, Viper taking point up the stairs to the second floor where Sarah's apartment is located. The hallway is quiet, most residents likely out enjoying their Sunday.
Sarah unlocks her door, stepping inside with visible relief at being back in her own space. I follow, taking in the modest but comfortable one-bedroom apartment. It's distinctly Sarah. Bookshelves filled with children's literature and teaching resources, soft throw pillows on a small couch, potted plants on every available surface. A wall of framed photos shows her with what must be her family and friends, her smile radiant in each one.
"I'll keep watch outside," Viper says, positioning himself in the hallway. "Take your time.”
Chapter 8 - Sarah
