Page 45 of Savage Angels
“Kade,” I answer, nodding toward the young. “He’s got the skills and has earned the brothers’ respect. I’m confident he’ll do us proud.”
“Congratulations, Kade.” Salvatore gives him a chin lift. “I look forward to seeing how you help shape the future of the Savage Angels MC.”
“Thanks, Sal,” Kade replies.
Dirt looks from me to Kade, his expression carefully guarded after his earlier surprise. He runs a hand through his dirty blond hair.
“It’s true. I love the club and all, but Lore… she’s my world now. I can’t keep putting her through hell because of my choices.” Dirt’s voice is thick with emotion.
I nod, understanding all too well what it feels like to have someone you love more than anything else in the world. “That’s why you won’t be coming home with us, Dirt. The patched-in members already voted Kade in as the new sergeant-at-arms for Tourmaline.”
Dirt stares at me, trying to process what I am saying. He blinks a few times, clearly choked up, but then he gives me a sad smile.
“Been one hell of a ride, hasn’t it, Dane?” His voice cracks slightly.
“Damn right, it has. You’ve stood by me through thick and thin, brother. You’re family, and I trust you with my life. But I also want you to be happy, and if that means leaving Tourmaline to be with Lore, then you have my blessing.”
Kade stands and extends his hand to Dirt. “I’ve always admired you, man,” he tells him sincerely. “You’re leaving huge shoes to fill, and I’ll do my damnedest to make you proud.”
Dirt hesitates for a moment, still coming to terms with the enormity of it all, before accepting Kade’s outstretched hand and shaking it firmly.
“Make sure you keep these boys in line,” he says gruffly, giving Kade a nod of respect.
“You’re still in. I expect you to keep in touch and check in from time to time.”
I know this moment marks the end of an era, but it is also the beginning of something new. It is time for us to forge our own paths, to protect what matters most to us, no matter where those paths may lead.
In that moment, I know that no matter the obstacles we face, we will rise above them. We’ll strengthen our bonds, protect our loved ones, and carve out our place in the world. And as long as we have each other, nothing can stand in our way.
“Here’s to new beginnings,” I say, raising an imaginary glass. “And to the future of our families and organizations.”
“Cheers,” Salvatore agrees, a determined glint in his eyes.
“Cheers,” Kade echoes, his voice filled with promise.
***
Hours later, I’m standing on the sidewalk with Dirt and Kade. Dirt rips off his sergeant-at-arm’s patch and hands it to Kade. With Dirt’s departure final, I turned my attention to Salvatore, who has been standing off to the side, patiently waiting for our conversation to wrap up. We need to discuss our plans to protect our families and organizations from any future threats that might come our way. It’s time to make sure none of us will ever be caught off guard again.
“This isn’t goodbye,” I state as Dirt grips my hand in a firm shake.
“I know.”
“I meant it when I said you will need to check in. Don’t make me come to Willowbrook Falls. Lore would fucking hate it.”
Dirt barks out a laugh and nods. “Yeah, she would.” He shuffles from foot to foot. Dirt has never been one for public displays of affection. “Well, I’ll be off then.”
Pulling him in for a hug, I slap his back firmly several times. “Don’t be a stranger.”
Dirt nods, steps out of my embrace, shakes hands with Kade, and walks to his bike. He climbs on, grins at us, and starts it.
“May the road rise to meet you, the wind always be at your back, the warm sun’s rays fall upon your home, and the land of a friend always be near.” Dirt pulls away, and we watch him until he disappears around the corner.
“Is Dirt Irish?” asks Kade.
“On his mother’s side.”
Salvatore steps out of his office and gives me a chin lift. “Are you two hungry? I can order some food while we talk.”