Page 25 of Deadly Aloha
He grunted and took an open seat at the kitchen table.
My house really was not built for fourteen men—or thirteen and Hiro—to be crowded around like this. I was going to need a bigger place for us. Like a clubhouse. One of the biggest things Red and Aftermath had stressed was the need for family. Even if all my people didn’t live in one place, there needed to be a central location for them to all congregate.
“You all know why we’re here,” I said to the room at large. “And if you don’t, get the fuck out now. I’m building something, and each of you have a role to play. But this isn’t a decision to be made lightly. Once you’re in, you’re in for life. If you betray me, the club, or a brother, Iwillturn you into living chum. If you stay, from this moment on, you’re one of us. That means you live as a Royal Bastard, you die as a Royal Bastard.”
The room was silent, and no one got up or looked around nervously to see if anyone else was thinking of leaving too.
I nodded once. “Good. Before we do a deep dive into the situation we found ourselves in last night, we need to go over roles and responsibilities. Technically,” I added offhandedly, “this is our first Church meeting.
“Obviously, I’m your President.” I looked to my left. “Tangaloa is my VP. There are some positions that are open for grabs and others that I have already chosen for you. Don’t like it, tough shit. I gave you a chance to leave already. Since we don’t have a Secretary yet?—”
“I’ll do it.” I looked to Sebastian. He was a newcomer, and I didn’t know him from Adam, but I also hadn’t had a position in mind for him.
Kanoa had sent him, and I trusted Kanoa. I wouldn’t be currently trusting him with Lu’s life right now if I didn’t.
“Do you have pen and paper?” I asked, not seeing anything. “Part of your responsibilities will be record keeper.
Sebastian, though, shook his head. “Don’t need it.” He tapped his temple. “Perfect recall. I remember everything I hear or read. I’ll be able to write it down later with perfect accuracy.”
Tangaloa and I exchanged a look. If I was being honest, I was more than a bit impressed, and just a tad jealous. I couldn’t remember where my car keys were half the time, and don’t even get me started on my fucking phone.
“Job’s yours,” I said with a nod. “We’re going to get cuts made for everyone so make sure you get Sebastian your sizes.”
I pointed to Mal in the back corner of the room. “Mal’s my neighbor and a transplant from Alaska. He’s a former cop,” I openly announced. “For that reason, I’m making him my Sergeant at Arms.”
Rory’s eyes narrowed. Though he wasn’t the only one—there were many in the room who weren’t fans of cops—he was the one who spoke up. “Can we trust a pig, even a former one?”
Mal did not take offense to the slur. Instead, he calmly stood up off the wall, like he was merely stretching. “If you’re going to question Aloiki’s authority and decisions this early into the meeting, why are you even here?”
Rory’s pale cheeks flushed.
Hiro giggled. “Your Irish is showing.”
Rory’s glare turned on them, but Hiro just smiled before turning back to their phone. I didn’t know if they were playingCandy Crushor hacking into the Pentagon. Either was a possibility for them.
“Mal’s got a point,” I told Rory. “You came, you stayed. That means you want to be here or you’re hoping being here gets you something you want.” I held the man’s gaze, not backing down. “It won’t,” I warned him. We stared at each other for a long and intense moment until Rory looked away, his jaw tight. I still looked at him an extra second before I turned to the room at large. “Rory’s…feelingsbring us to a different topic of conversation, but one that has to be said. The Royal Bastards live by a code, and so will we. You’ll learn this code, breathe it, swear by it. And part of that code is toneverdisrespect or to bring harm to an Ol’ Lady.” When Rory glanced up at me, I added pointedly to him but loud enough for everyone to hear, “Lu’s mine. She’ll wear my cut.” For old time’s sake, I softened my voice as I said, “And for the record, I am sorry about Aaleah.She was a good woman, and I should have been there to protect her. I am aware that apology is years too late, but it still needs to be said.”
It took him a moment, but slowly, he nodded, conceding.
“Andmahalofor volunteering for the position of Nomad.” My smile was wolfish. “I know how much you love living on your boat and being on your own. I thought the position was perfect for you.”
Rory’s nostrils flared. “You’re such an asshole, Aloiki.”
“True,” I said. “And keep in mind that I’m your President now. You owe me respect whether you want to or not. You can hate me all you want, but youwillrespect me.”
I looked to Hiro. “I’m surprised you’re here, but grateful. We can use your skills as a hacker.”
“Frankly, I’m a little insulted I didn’t receive a personal invite after last night,” they said without looking up from their phone.
“You tend to not want to be in the same room with me,” I reminded them. “And I didn’t think you knew how to ride a motorcycle.”
Hiro snorted. “Bitch, please. I can learn.” It was Hiro, so I let the ‘bitch’ comment go, even though I’d just lectured Rory about respect. “And I’m pretty sure over half of usinthis room don’t want to be in the same room with you.”
Tangaloa snorted, and then coughed to cover it up.
“I have one stipulation,” I said to Hiro, turning back to them, “for you to join. You need to return my money you took six years ago.”
Hiro’s expression was the epitome of innocence. “Moi? I’d never!”
