Fury: Book 2 in the Vengeance MC series (23 page)

Along time ago, my therapist said something that stuck with me. Back then I didn’t know why it was so important to catalog it, but I did. He said;

“Avery, there’s no right or wrong way to deal with what you’ve been through. You’ll know when you’re ready, sweetheart. That might be next week, next year, or it may be never, but know this. Whenever it is, it will be because you’re strong enough to deal with whatever happens.”

He was right. There is no right or wrong way to cope with your freedom of choice being taken from you. There is no too fast or slow either. When the time was right, my mind, body, and heart were in complete agreement.

*****

Post-orgasmic shower – it was orgasmic because half way through, Fury joined me, giving me a new appreciation for the use of detachable showerheads – I throw a load of laundry in the washer and make my way out to Fury’s bike. He decided seeing as I refused to go back to bed with him, he’d wait for me outside or he would be too tempted to ravage me. Not that I would have put up too much of a fight, but I really do have shit to get done today.

In hindsight, taking Fury shopping with me wasn’t one the smartest ideas I’ve ever had. I can’t be certain, but until now I believe Fury thought food along with beer magically appeared in the refrigerator with the aid of the grocery fairies in the middle of the night. That’s the only thing that explains why he lost his shit when I informed him it would probably take me half an hour, forty-five minutes to get done.

When I say he lost his shit, I mean, he…lost…his…shit.

I’ve never seen a grown man throw a temper tantrum before, but I have now. And trust me when I say, it’s something every woman should see at least once in their lifetime.

First, Fury tried arguing with me about why it takes so long, at which time I calmly – although I felt anything but – explained I needed to do a weeks’ worth of shopping and it would take as long as it took.

After that, and far from impressed, Fury stomped down the aisles behind me, huffing and puffing about menial tasks and having better things to do. After listening to his crap for ten minutes, and albeit knowing better than to poke the bear, I told him to quit his pouting and shut the hell up or I’d drag the experience out longer. Something else the grumpy biker didn’t take well.

Now, because I’m antagonistic by nature – and let’s be honest, getting a rise out of Fury is just too easy – I took my time reading every label on every item of food before putting in the cart. Thank God I was almost done because this was when Fury lost his mind. Granted, I should have seen it coming (I did provoke him after all), but didn’t think he’d react as badly as he did.

Nudging me aside with his shoulder, Fury took control of the cart, pushed to it the first open register, and threw a handful of bills down on the conveyor belt.

“The cash is there. Bag it. Load it. Deliver it to this address,” he demanded, writing the address to my apartment on a slip of paper he confiscated from behind the register.

Then with his scary I’m-going-to-spank-you glare in place, he dipped his shoulder to my belly, lifted me in a fireman’s carry, and stalked out of the store to his bike. He wasn’t done, however. Oh, no, not Fury. Gently gripping my face between his large palms, he directed,

“When you need to shop, I’ll give you cash to cover it, but I’m never fucking doing this again. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, tell me now.”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I tried, oh, God I tried, but the laugh I’d been swallowing bubbled out of my mouth before I could stop it. A laugh that had my belly clenching and my sides aching.

“Not seeing what’s so funny, Avery. That shit is whack. Why the hell do you need to read all the ingredients in every-fucking-thing? Get what you like and be done with it,” he suggested still glaring at me.

He wouldn’t see the hilarity in it, but I sure as hell did.

“Ah,” I mumbled. “Is this where I tell you I don’t usually read them, I just figured seeing as it was our first shopping expedition together I should make it memorable for you?”

Again, in hindsight, this wasn’t an intelligent thing to admit. Especially, when Fury didn’t say another word. He swung his leg over his bike, started it up, and drove us home, at which time, he proceeded to strip me naked and do exactly what his glare promised. As in, he spanked me. More fool him, though, because if he intended it to be punishment, he was sorely mistaken. In fact, I think I’ll have to consider doing other things to piss him off in the future if that’s the end result.

Our entire day wasn’t about nakedness, sex, and mutual orgasms, however. I made him lunch, which we ate on the couch watching a Broncos game. He helped me unpack the food when it got delivered. And we talked while I folded laundry. Exciting right? Not really, but it was normal, and normal wasn’t something I ever thought I’d have with him so I cherished every second.

Kissing me at the door, long, deep, and wet with lots of tongue, Fury left for church, promising he’d be back in a few hours. I didn’t need him reporting his whereabouts or feeling like he had to spend every spare moment with me, but I liked that he wanted to.

It didn’t hurt that his answer when I said as much made me feel all melty either.

“Babe, we’re together now. Where did you think I’d be?” Placing a finger over my lips, he went on to say, “I told you last night if we do this I’m all in. That means, I’m here when I don’t have shit to do for the club, I’m in your bed every night, and we wake up together in the morning. I’ll help around your apartment as long as it doesn’t include me cooking other than on the grill, running a vacuum, or dusting. And eventually, when you’re ready, it means we’ll be finding a place together. Just you and me. I like Blaine, baby, but I can’t fuck you the way I want to with her sharing our space.”

That might not sound romantic to a lot of people, but to me, there was a lot in that declaration to love. Starting with the him helping out, and ending with the prospect of one day moving in together. Sure, that day wasn’t today, but the fact Fury was looking ahead, planning for a future, and doing it with me was swoon worthy.

But that was then, and this is now.

I can’t say I understand how I ended up being caught up in whatever plan these douchebags have, but I most assuredly am. The zip ties cuffing my wrists together in my lap are a dead giveaway.

Sighing, I ask myself again; how the hell do I get myself into these situations?

Leaving Avery this afternoon was the last thing I wanted to do. I’d much prefer to be buried deep inside her tight, wet pussy than sitting in church with a bunch of bikers, but it is what it is.

Boss wasn’t fucking around when he said he wanted to vote on what to do with the information Nix gave us. We barely got the chance to take our seats before he launched into explaining what had gone down. I’ve got to give the man credit, though. He didn’t even flinch when every man bar myself and Diesel lost their ever-loving minds.

Sarge was the first man to say anything worth hearing. As it is, when Sarge speaks, everyone shuts the fuck up and listens regardless of the subject matter.

“Let me see if I’ve got this right?” he grunts. “Nix is saying the girls getting taken was a setup, and it was the Rebel Warriors doing, Dray being the one pulling the strings?” At Boss’ nod, Sarge continues, saying, “Read the files Nix gave you front to back, and I read the info Sly got to confirm it too. Spent a lot of time last night going over the facts, and my guts telling me it’s solid. Not sure what that means for whatever vote you’re gonna call, but count me in.”

“Appreciate it,” Boss mutters. Crossing his arms over his chest, Boss lays out the plan he’s come up with, and in my opinion, it isn’t a bad one. “I’m sick of sitting around with my thumb up my ass talking to these motherfuckers. We’re still an MC whether we do transport runs and security or not. Just because we took a step back from that side of the business doesn’t mean we’re going to lie down while people fuck us over. That shit isn’t us. It’s not what we stand for. In short, now that the intel’s been confirmed, we’re going to pay our friend Dray a visit. I expect after the conversation I intend to have with him we won’t be parting as friends, but who needs fucking enemies when you’ve got friends like him?”

“I’ll fucking second that,” Gage drones beside me.

“I’m going to need volunteers for this road trip, bearing in mind we’ll be gone for a couple of days, leaving as soon as we’re finished up here. It’s only a three-hour ride to Rebel Warriors clubhouse, but I want to hang back and get the lay of the land before we make our move.”

Hands rise around the table, mine being one of them. There’s no way in hell I’m missing out on the chance to reap vengeance on the bastards who hurt my woman.

I don’t want to leave Avery, even if it is only for two days, not this early into our relationship, but I know she’ll understand why I have to do this. Avery was born into this lifestyle, she’s used to her Dad packing his saddlebags and taking off at a moments’ notice.

Before making his choice, Boss adds,

“This is club business, but all of us know it goes beyond just the men in this room. Devil’s Spawn is the same distance from Rebel Warriors as we are so it won’t delay this operation any if I invite Saint to join us. That goes for Jonas too. He might not be a member of the club, but nonetheless, he’s our brother. We owe him the opportunity to take part in this just as much as we owe it to Fury.” He finishes by asking, “Any objections?”

“I’ve got one,” Sly chimes in. “I’m not saying I’m against Jay riding with the club, but I do have reservations about the limits of his control.”

I know Sly’s only stating what we’re all thinking, but that doesn’t take the sting out of it. Jonas is barely holding his shit together, and granted we’re taking a huge risk by involving him, I can’t help but think this might be what pulls him out of the depression he’s rapidly sinking further into by the day.

“Sly isn’t wrong to question Jay’s state of mind. He’s a walking fucking time bomb for sure, but there’s enough of us making the ride to keep him in check even if he does lose it,” I hedge, hoping like fuck I’m right.

“Fury’s right. Aside from Fury and I, Diesel, Gage, Cash, Jump, Mad, and Ghost, you’re all coming with. Everyone’s got half an hour to get their shit together after we’re done here while I call Saint. No doubt he’ll recruit Tank, Reaper, and Glock, so that will mean we’re riding thirteen strong including Jonas. I want all of you carrying your personal piece, a backup, and an extra, so if you’re light see Gage before you saddle up.”

“Do you want me to pack extra provisions?” Gage enquires, referring to things of the explosive variety.

“Ghost will be driving the truck in case we need to transport anyone back here for questioning later and Jonas will be riding with him. Ghost’s bike will be in the back, but other than that, I trust your judgment, Gage. Pack what you think we’ll need, but don’t do it lightly.”

“Got it,” Gage confirms.

“Right,” Boss says, clapping his hands. “If you’ve got them, let your old ladies know we’ll be out of town and probably off the grid for, at least, forty-eight hours, sort your shit, and meet me in the forecourt in half. Anyone else got anything to say before we adjourn?”

“Yeah, I do,” I reply.

“Have at it, brother,” Boss says, giving me the floor.

“It’s not a secret I’ve had a thing for Avery for years, so it won’t come as a surprise I’m done fucking around and claiming her as my old lady. As of last night, she’s mine. I haven’t had the chance to bring it up with Saint yet, but I will be as soon as this shit’s done.”

I’d planned on calling Saint with Avery at her apartment later tonight, but seeing as that’s not an option, I’ll broach it with him after we’ve dealt with this more pressing issue.

Cheers of congratulations ring out around the room from all my brothers with one exception. Sarge. If looks could kill, the one he’s giving me would see me eviscerated and six-feet under in less than a second.

Sarge pushes himself out of his chair, and with both hands flat on the table in front of him, gives me what can only be described as a hostile glare.

“No disrespect intended, Fury, but if you hurt her, you cause her any pain at all, and I’ll slit your fucking throat myself.”

“None taken,” I affirm. “I’d lay down my life for her, brother. I love her.”

“Good,” he replies curtly. “I hope you’re alive after Saint’s finished with you to keep doing just that.”

Yeah, me too.

*****

My saddlebags are loaded, my weapons checked, and I’m ready to ride if it weren’t for one small problem; I can’t get hold of Avery.

I’ve been trying her cell non-stop for the last twenty minutes with no answer, and to say it’s worrying that she’s not picking up would be a vast understatement. Avery knows how I feel about her answering every time I call, regardless of whether I’ve pissed her off or not, we discussed it last night. Even if she only tells me she’s okay and then hangs up on my ass, that’s better than her not answering at all.

Giving up before I do something I’ll regret like throw my cell across the forecourt, I scroll down the list of names in my phonebook until I hit Blaine’s number and press connect.

“Hello?” Her tentative question comes after four rings.

“It’s Fury. I can’t get Avery to answer her fucking phone, so I’m going to need you to do me a solid and go home to see if she’s okay. I’ve got to go out of town for a couple of days and I don’t have time to do it myself or I wouldn’t be asking,” I rush out as Boss exits the front door of the clubhouse.

“Sure,” Blaine replies quickly. “Any reason she wouldn’t be okay? You guys haven’t had a fight already, have you?”

“Nothing like that, babe. I just wanted to let her know what was going on before I left. We’re riding out in five, so I’m not going to get the chance now and we’ll be off the grid while we’re gone. Tell her if she needs anything to l
t
et Sarge or Sly know. They’re staying behind, so they’ll be around somewhere if she needs them. Can you do that for me, babe?” I ask, mounting my bike.

“Of course. Out of town. Forty-eight hours or more. See Sarge or Sly if she needs anything. Got it,” Blaine clips out.

“You’re a fucking lifesaver, Blaine. Thanks.”

“Not a problem, Fury. Ride safe.”

That right there is the beauty of Blaine and Avery; they both know when to ask and when not to. Blaine automatically knew by the tone of my voice now was not the time for me to elaborate on what was going on, and did my bidding without bitching about it. Trust me when I say; that’s a rare quality in a woman.

The sound of Harley engines and a single truck fill the air as Boss leads us out of the forecourt and onto the service road which links us with the highway beyond. Beth and a few of the other old ladies, including Lonnie, Maddox’s woman are gathered just outside the door waving to their men, and our brothers who are staying behind salute us as we roll past.

It’s times like this, looking at these people – my family – that I’m grateful to have them. Nowhere else will you find a family who’s as loyal, protective, and dedicated as the men, women and children of Vengeance MC. It’s also times like this I wish Avery were standing with them to see me off. I haven’t had the opportunity for that until now, and I didn’t realize how much I craved it when I was with Rosalie. However, I do now.

*****

The ride to Hope Springs, Wyoming, where Rebel Warriors started their newest chapter isn’t a long one – just under three hours. Jump rode ahead, reporting the road was clear with no hazards and nothing suspect in sight.

Pulling into the motel we’ll be spending the night in, Boss signals for Ghost and Maddox to get us checked in while the rest of us unload our gear. Glancing at the single-story building, I figure we’ll be doubling up on rooms. The place isn’t big enough for each of us to have our own, not that it matters. We’ll only be here to sleep. The rest of the time we’ll scout Rebel Warriors known locations in pairs, and hopefully, talk to some of the locals to see if we can ascertain any extra information that’ll confirm what we already know.

Gage and I are only in our room ten, fifteen minutes tops when there’s a knock at the door. Cracking it open, I see Saint standing on the other side looking ready to commit an act of violence at any second, and that look is directed entirely at me.

“Tell your brother to take a hike,” he snarls. “You and I have gotta have a little chat, Fury.”

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know Saint has found about his daughter and me somehow. And for the most part, I couldn’t give the first fuck what he thinks about me claiming Avery, but I know my woman will. For her sake, I’ll do my best to keep this civil, but I highly doubt her old man feels the same.

“Not sure if that’s a good idea, Saint,” Gage says from behind me. “We need him whole and ready to ride, and with the way you’re looking at him, the chances of that are slim.”

Oh, so Gage picked up on Saint’s desire to pull my intestines out through my nose too. Fucking excellent.

“I’m not gonna kill him, Gage. I just want to talk. I give you my word he’ll be in one piece by the time you get back from finding yourself a beer and a bitch to wash away the grime of the road.”

“It’s all good, brother,” I clip, gesturing Saint inside. “Give us an hour. If you haven’t heard from me, then you can come and check if I’ll be needing a body bag or to join you in that beer.”

With a curt nod, Gage makes his way to the door.

“Cal me if you need an alibi.”

Saint waits until the door shuts behind Gage, settling himself on one of the two rickety chairs placed around an even older table.

“When were one of you going to tell us you two are together? Tilly’s over the moon, planning weddings and shit already, and Avery’s sisters are scheduling their visits out your way to hear the news for themselves. Them jumping for joy because you’ve finally pulled your head out of your ass where my daughter’s concerned doesn’t detract from the fact you should’ve come to me with this before I heard it from someone else,” he chastises.

What am I? Sixteen? I’m not asking his permission to date his daughter or take her to the fucking prom here. It might be the right thing to do, getting his blessing and all, but it’s not like Avery and I have been together a month and we’ve been hiding it from him. We’re grown ass adults. Not to mention, I don’t answer to anybody as it relates to who I’m seeing, let alone the woman I’ve claimed regardless of the fact she happens to be his daughter.