Twisted Steel: An MC Anthology: Second Edition by Elizabeth Knox (top 5 ebook reader txt) 📕

“Amen to that, brother,” I agree.

Cole continues, his focus all on Billy. “When shit hits the fan, and believe me, it will, I go to war with the brothers I trust. If I can’t trust a man, I don’t want him as my brother. This is important, Billy. You gotta be ready to back a brother no matter what. I’m talkin’ about standin’ up when the odds get stacked, and when everything you love is under attack. And that time will come. I guarantee it. Is that the kind of shit you’re ready to sign up for?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Prospecting is a long process. You have to prove yourself, not just to me, but to every brother in the club. We all have to know that you’re gonna have our backs. Way we do that is to put you through a probationary period where we test you.” Cole looks up at me, and I take the signal and jump in.

I adjust my position, cocking my head. “Look at it this way, Billy. Prospecting is like being in Boot Camp, and your whole chapter are your drill instructors.”

Cole nods and continues. “Why is it that we order our prospects to fetch beer or pitch tents? Why does it fall to prospects to clean up the campsites and clubhouse? If you become a brother, you’re here for the good times and bad. If you only want to party with us, you don’t need colors for that. But before I vote to hang those skulls on your back, I need to know that you can give and receive help, whatever, whenever it’s needed. Your brothers have to know they can call in the middle of the night and the only question you’ll have is, what do you need? So, prospect, you want me to call you Brother then prove you can be counted on. If you’re not willing to go on an ice run or fetch me a bourbon from the bar or help me set up my tent in the dark without whining about it, why the hell would I expect you to be there for something big when I actually need somebody?”

“I understand. I can do all that. I want this,” Billy replies.

Cole raps his knuckles on the desk. “Let’s talk about respect. Our world depends heavily on respect. You respect yourself or no one will. You respect your sponsor, and the patch holders, and the officers of the club. And yes, you respect the members of other clubs. How well you respect or how badly you disrespect another club will reflect back on us. You can make us look good or you can cause us a fuck of a lot of trouble.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cole tilts his head toward me. “Green has agreed to be your sponsor.”

Billy meets my eyes, and I grin. “I’m gonna make you earn that patch, boy.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When you earn something, it means so much more than if it’s just handed to you, right?” Cole asks the kid, who nods. Then he leans to grab something from low on the credenza and brings it out. He holds up a black-leather cut, an index finger hooked in each armhole, and lays it, backside facing up across the desk. It’s bare of patches except for the lower rocker that reads, Prospect. “So, I’ve just got one question for you, Billy. Do you want this?”

13

Sara

Green shoulders through the crowd to stand by my barstool. Resting his arm protectively on my backrest, he leans down and brushes his lips across mine. When he pulls back, he gazes into my eyes.

“How’s my girl?”

Those words send a tingle of happiness through me, and I smile up at him. “Fine. Angel’s kept me company and introduced me to some of the other girls.” I nod toward Shannon, Crystal, and Mary.

His eyes lift to Angel. “Thanks, babe.”

“No problem,” she replies, smiling.

“So, what are we talking about, ladies?” he asks.

“Green, do you know how talented Sara is?” Angel asks.

His eyes meet mine. “I’m sure she is. She’s always been good at everything she does.”

Shannon leans forward. “She designed the costumes for Lady McBride!”

He looks confused. “I don’t know what that is.”

“It was only the biggest show on cable last year,” Crystal puts in.

“What about Gnarlyville? Surely you know that one.” Mary slugs his arm.

“Gnarlyville? I love that show.” He looks down at me.

“She designed those creepy costumes.” Angel points at me.

Green’s brows arch. “No shit?”

I grin and nod. “No shit.”

Cole comes out of the crowd and puts his arm around Angel, dipping to give her a kiss. “You okay?”

“Fine, honey. Everything good?”

“Yup.” He turns and looks behind him as Billy walks up. I notice the cut he’s now wearing, and so does his father.

Red Dog smiles and wraps an arm around his son’s neck, putting him in a teasing headlock, and pulling him in for a hug.

When Red Dog is through, and finally releases his son, Mary steps up to Billy, and lays her hands on the new cut. She looks into her son’s eyes.

“This what you really want, Billy?”

“It is, Ma.”

“I love you.”

“Love you, too, Ma.”

She pats his chest, and then gathers him in for a hug.

Seeing the love between them has my eyes tearing up, and I turn away, taking a sip of my drink. Us girls all switched to some delicious cocktail Angel had the bartender make us.

“You okay, babe?” Green asks, dipping his head close to mine.

“I’m fine.” I slurp down the last of my drink.

“You want another one of those?” he asks.

“Yes, please.” I grin up at him, and he signals the guy behind the bar.

Several drinks later, I’m having a wonderful time listening to all the stories the girls are telling, while the guys cut up telling jokes.

Finally, Green dips his head. “Want to get some air?”

“Okay.” I down my drink and slip off the barstool. He takes my hand, and we weave into the rowdy crowd.

He leads