Page 48 of Claimed By a King

The guys clammer around Rocco, making a big production of seeing him again, and the smile on his face looks close to genuine as they shoot the shit with him for a bit.

“You ready for this?” Cara asks, coming to stand by my side.

“I don’t have much choice.” I shrug, not taking my eyes off Rocco. “Are you sure he’s okay with this?”

Cara sighs. “He’s doing better than I thought about handing over the club to you. It’s the whole not being able to walk stuff that’s getting to him.”

I glance at Cara then, taking in the exhaustion darkening the area under her eyes.

“Has he felt the twinge again?” I ask, referring to his temporary moment of tingling down his legs last week.

“No. Nothing. I think that’s what’s eating at him right now. He’s trying to figure out how to make the tingles come back.”

Turning back to Rocco, I nod. “It’s still hopeful. The doctor said it was a good sign.”

“Yeah, they did.” She agrees before adding. “It’s time Gray.”

My heart speeds up and I don’t know if it’s from excitement or dread. I don’t know how to feel about this.

The room falls silent, and my gaze lifts to meet Rocco’s across the room. He gives his head a lift, a nod of approval and I take in a calming breath before I close the distance between us.

The men all disperse, standing in an arc around us as Rocco clears his throat.

“We are here today to acknowledge and celebrate a change in leadership in our club.” He wheels closer and my eyes fall to the book on his lap. It’s the Cruz Kings’ book of bylaws.

That book.

I was there when the first patching in happened. I was there to see everyone sign the register and pledge themselves to the Cruz Kings. I was there the first time the chant was called.

Now, I’m here to see the first time the Presidential role changes.

“I am Rochus King, and I am standing down as President of the Cruz Kings MC,” he announces. “In my place, I name Grayson Black as my successor, to wear the patch of Cruz Kings’ President.”

It’s a shock to hear Rocco say the words, even though I knew they were coming. I think what really hits me is the conviction in his tone, almost like he is proud.

Rocco holds up the book, his dark eyes locking with mine as he places his hand on it, and gestures for me to add my hand too.

“Do you, Grayson Black, accept the role as President of the first chapter of the Cruz Kings MC, otherwise known as the mother charter?”

“I, Grayson Black, accept the role as President of the Cruz Kings MC with honor,” I rasp, my voice husky with the honor I speak of before Rocco gives me a nod and removes his hand from the book of bylaws, presenting it to me.

Accepting the oversized book, I see that it’s open on the registry page. Inside, the new patches are resting between the pages, and my heart speeds up as I see the President patch on top.

Rocco, Cara and I went through the process of this ceremony last night, so I know what has to be done. I didn’t think I’d be this damn emotional though, and I fucking wish more than ever that Zoe was here by my side, just like Cara was for Rocco the day this all began.

With the pages open, I lower the book in front of Rocco, watching as he takes the President patch and holds it out to me. I turn and place the open book on the table next to me before stepping closer.

Slowly, I lower to one knee, and I can see by the way Rocco’s eyes widen that he didn’t expect that, but I refuse to do this looking down at him. For this part, we need to be eye to eye.

I hold my hand out, and he places the patch in my open palm, and I don’t miss the slight tremble in his hand showing me how much this is affecting him.

With the patch now in my hand, I close my fingers around it and thump my fist over my heart, already knowing the words I must recite.

“As President I swear my allegiance to the Cruz Kings MC and its members, and swear to uphold the club values with honor, and protect each one of my members with my life.”

A round of hoo rahs sound with thumping fists onto chests as Rocco gives me a glassy eyed nod before I stand. I slowly turn to look each of my club brothers in the eye, noting their support in their smiles.

Even Cara looks happy.

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