Page 10 of Angel

After my shower, I get dressed and zip up my boots, then send my fingers through my hair, trying to tame the natural beach waves. I shrug on my black leather and smile. I’m proud of being a Steel Valley Chains member. I love basking—soaking—in the meaning behind my patch.

Pride.

Loyalty.

Family.

I head to church with a sole purpose. One that has nothing to do with Jesus.

I sit next to Tank and across from Charger. Jules is a lucky girl, because that man can send any woman to her knees. His vivid sky-blue eyes glisten under the light, giving them an artistic illusion, as if they’re painted on. But it’s honestly not just Charger; all of my brothers are panty-droppers. Our club is unreal.

With each massive stride, Chain stomps inside and sits down at the head of the table. He lights up his traditional meeting cigar and blows out an eye-watering puff of smoke. Our Vice President, Bullet, does the same. I don’t smoke. Never have. It’s not a bad habit I ever wanted to pick up—Lord knows I have enough of them.

Chain catches my eye before scanning the rest of the group. “As you all know, we have our little guest chained up in the pit’s basement. As much as I would love to keep feeding the prick hot-and-ready meals, I think it’s time for our next plan of action.” I straighten in my chair and lean forward. No one speaks. Silence. Everyone’s just as eager to hear what our Prez is about to say. “I’m sending Venom back to his club.”

The air thickens, heavy with shock, and voices erupt. Eyes widen in disbelief, mine included. The anger is pounding at the surface, wanting out. I don’t think any of us were expecting such a bomb to be dropped.

Deep male chatter fills the space, until a loud SMACK vibrates as Charger’s fists hit the table. “Boss, what the fuck?” He grinds his teeth, his jaw ticks, and we all wait for his rage to boil over.

“Yeah, I’m with Charger on that one,” Tank says, shaking his head.

“Don’t we get a vote on this?” Throttle asks, and Chain burns a hole through him with his glare. “Okay, never mind. My bad.”

I soak in everyone’s annoyance because I agree. This is unheard of. Even Hush looks uncomfortable. He leans against the back wall, his once lifeless eyes flashing with fury and confusion.

Chain clears his throat. “Listen. The Skulls have to be operating under someone. And since we have their VP locked up, I’m thinking that someone’s not the snake in our basement.” He blows another puff of smoke into the air, and I stifle a cough. “So, after some basic math, who does that leave? Scorpion. My guess? He’s still in contact with his club. No fucking way did he just say fuck it as he went into hiding. I have a feeling he’s still controlling his club from wherever the hell he’s at. So, in order to find out, we need to send Venom back. And I want to find this prick.”

“And just how the hell do you get him to agree to that? To help us, I mean.” Tank throws his body into his seat.

“Easy. This is his meal ticket to freedom. Who can pass that up?”

“Do you think he even cares?” I ask, irritated, because I truly don’t think he does.

“Trust me, he cares. No one passes up an opportunity for freedom when it’s offered.”

Suddenly, my chest aches with resentment. He’s right. You would have to be a complete idiot to pass up being free. To toss it away, like it’s nothing. Not use it when it’s given. That would be stupid…

“And you really think he’ll say yes?” Tank asks.

“Guess we’ll find out. But I don’t think he gives a shit about his President, if I were to take a bet.” He must believe this will work because it’s insanity, letting someone like him walk free. He doesn’t deserve it. Granting him such an opportunity…

It’s not fair.

My boot makes a sound as I slam it to the floor under the table, and Chain flashes me a quick glance.

Freedom. I sulk, envious of the word.

I dig my nails into the palms of my hands, and Throttle speaks up. “Okay, fine. Say he agrees, are we supposed to just use the honor system? Trust him?”

Taking a second to answer, Chain connects stares with mine and the air grows thicker, more so than before. “I’m sending Angel in with him.”

My heart stops beating, my leg stops bouncing, and I practically swallow my gum, which lost all its flavor about twenty minutes ago.

The quiet is deafening…

So, this is how Chain is going to concede to my request, to letting me be one of the guys. Fine, challenge accepted.

“That’s perfect. They don’t know my face. I’ll gladly do it,” I chime in, and the noise from bodies moving in their chairs fills the room. Shocked chatter replaces the silence. Everyone’s focus lands on me. Their eyes linger, as if I have completely lost my ever-loving mind. Even Chain is taken aback, and I think Hush flinched. Hush doesn’t flinch.