Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
I didn’t understand the symbolism at first, but over time I saw how important it was to Jess and the others. When I met Dakota’s little boy, and learned the sad story behind his parents, and then saw their names on the cut on the wall, I realized that one day I would want that. It’s not just a social club, it’s a family. I didn’t get the best luck with the family I was born to, but this one I’m choosing, and it feels important.
Besides, Jess has declared that it’s absolutely necessary in order to join old ladies and their shooting club with Anne’s foster mom Bonnie. Personally, I think Jess just wanted someone new to show off to. She has crazy good aim. Willow’s book club might be more my speed.
When I asked the girls what the traditional way to dress for a ceremony like this is, they refused to give me a real answer, saying I should do something that made it my own, because that’s what this is all about.
In the end, I decided to dress nice. A little biker chic, maybe. I bought knee-high leather boots with a little bit of heel, and I’m wearing a slinky black dress that hugs my chest and flares out past my hips with some slashes of color in the folds to give it depth. It isn’t exactly super long, so I’m not going to go twirling in it, but I think the guys will appreciate it.
My nod to how we met is that I’m wearing my season one Desdemona jacket. I got to keep it when our budget went up for season two. The new one is fancier with cool straps and buckles, but the one I used so often will always have a special place in my heart. Until today, it’s been my favorite riding jacket, but during the ceremony I’ll get my official one, the one that tells everyone exactly who I belong to, and that’s going to be even better.
“You okay?” Axel is wearing his prospect cut.
It suits him, and I think the biker life is helping him settle down and realize he isn’t on his own all the time. He might’ve worked with other people before, but he couldn’t trust any of them.
I was surprised when I found out that Priest had sponsored him to join the club, but it makes sense. He’s definitely got the skills and experience. When I asked, he said it was so they could keep an eye on him, but even they’ve had to grudgingly admit that he’s been integrating well, taking responsibility and handling tasks that even some full members would struggle with. In a quiet, vulnerable moment, Priest said he thinks Axel will get sworn in fairly quickly.
I suggested Zombie for his new name, but someone else said Lazarus and apparently that’s cooler. Whatever. To me, he’ll always be Axel, even though I’ve somehow adjusted to Priest.
I give Axel a hug. “I’m fine. Just a lot to think about. It’s a big day.”
Through the doors I can see them swearing in Grimm, the man who was arguing with Hellfire when I first met them. They remind me a little of Axel and Priest. Insulting each other half the time, finishing each other’s sentences the rest. One day that might be Axel. I wonder if he’s thinking the same thing.
“Ever imagine we’d end up like this?” Axel laughs softly while Hellfire holds up a fresh new cut with the Outlaw Sons MC logo on the back.
“Step forward Grimm, and be recognized as an Outlaw Son. Make us fucking proud.”
Grimm accepts the cut and nods. He slips off the prospect cut, folds it and puts it on a little table, then slips on the full member one. He looks up and declares loudly, “I will not bring shame to the club or this cut. I will always watch out for my brothers, as my brothers watch out for me. I accept this responsibility and I will make you fucking proud.” He pauses briefly. “Again.”
It gets a laugh from the crowd, and even Hellfire grins. I let out a burst of air as Grimm joins the audience as a member, getting shoulder pats and congratulations from his brothers.
“I guess that means it’s my turn.”
Axel pulls me into a hug. “They’re crazy fuckers, but they obviously care a lot about you. I pity anyone who tries to give you a hard time. They make you happy?”
I smile. “Incredibly.”
“Then go get ‘em.” He grins and puts a kiss on the top of my head.
Hellfire yells, “Quinn? You coming? Or did you make the sensible decision and run while you could?”
I hurry into the church before anyone thinks I got cold feet. “I’m here. I’m here!” I announce to laughter. Another thing about biker ceremonies, they’re a lot more casual than most.