Page 8 of Grease's Guide

“Well, you going to tell me, or is it a surprise?”

“Hold on to your bouncing bobbles, baby. We’re joining the circus!”

What the fu….

Chapter Seven

Grease

Getting back to the clubhouse, I feel it's all been a dream. Like this isn't real, it can't be happening. I let my body take over, and to a point, it's like I’m just walking through the motions. I'm in a haze or a dream and don't want to wake up. Right now, my thoughts are monopolized on a single loop: she’s gone, I must get her back. If I let my brain fully comprehend the situation, I’m scared I might try to kill this entire state for getting between me and my woman. I know I would want to hunt down the fuckers who put that look of terror in her eyes.

I climb off my bike and hear Ghost and his men talking, but I can't focus on the words.

“Swift, this is Taz and Mania….” Ghost says, and I just now realize we’ve walked into the compound. When did I get off my bike? Hell, when did I drive through the gates?

“The two who saved me,” Comp says, coming from the side and clasping the hands of the two men. They give each other weird shoulder-pat-hug type shit, but I can't even on that. I can't laugh. I can't make a joke. Hell, I can't even make my mouth form words. I hear Ghost mention something about church, but I don't stop to listen when they actually plan to call it. I walk through the compound toward the meeting room.

I try everything not to, but I can't make my feet continue as I stop in front of the door Becky used when she stayed overnight at the club. I take a deep breath, place my hand on the nob, and swing it open. I smell the air, and there's a faint scent of her. It calls to me, and I step into the room, wanting more. Making my way to the bed, I sit on the edge. A small silk pajama set is still lying rumpled on the bed, and I can't help running my hand over the material. Just needing to feel closer to her.

I notice Mr. Trig, the stuffed bear the kids got Becky for her first birthday here, sitting against the pillows. She let the kids pick out the name, and they (really Rome) came up with Trigger. Becky wanted to keep her promise, so she compromised with Trig. I heard her tell Piper her favorite class was always trigonometry, so it worked out. When the memories, the room, and the smell become so overwhelming that I feel the panic rising again, I hop up from the bed and reach for the door. I stop just before stepping into the hall; not giving myself a chance to think, I head back for the bear, snatching it up in my arms. I stomp out of the room, then down to mine. I place that damn bear on my bed before turning and heading back to my original destination.

Chuch.

“Grease, you with us, brother?” Prez, well, my Prez, Swift asks, and I realize I’ve been staring at the scarred table. Everyone is here and seated in their designated places. The new additions sitting in the chairs against the wall. Swift and Devin stand at the head of the table.

“Yeah, sorry. I'm good.” I give a nod. Swift looks at me for a second longer before nodding and turning back to Devin.

“Listen, brothers. All of you know Devon, Piper’s dad. He has some information to share with us about Becky and her situation. I’m going to let him run this one today. Respect,” he demands, and we all nod in agreement. Though that part brings my head up. My focus is hyper-aware. I'm running back the horrible day in my mind on a loop, and something Devin said earlier hits me.

“Wait, wait, wait. You barely knew Becky. I never even really remember you two speaking. How the fuck do you know her? And how the fuck did you know Becky was missing?”

“Lyra,” he states calmly.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“Her name. It's not Becky. It's Lyra.”

“Ooooohhhhh…. She didn't tell them, Prez,” the one I think is Taz says.

“Such a bad girl,” Mania cuts in, causing me to growl.

“Shut it, you two. She’s still claimed by this club,” Devin snaps.

“You're right, Prez! You're the boss man,” Taz says, holding his hands in the air for a moment before giving him two shooter fingers.

“Yeah, you make the rules, Prez,” Mania says, fist-bumping the air. Devin speaks.

“Show them who runs this shit.”

“Yeah, don't forget to mention our heroic antics, too. We like the glory too.”

“No woman around, brother, and none of these guys are available. Taken men,” Taz says, shaking his head in disappointment.

“Yeah, but I hear the one with the cowboy hat swings both ways. Plus, he has one of each.” They both turn to look at Rodeo, who stares back wide-eyed.

“You wouldn't be willing to let two more join, would you?” he smirks.

“Mine,” Rodeo growls, snapping out of his surprise, glaring at one before turning to the other. “Both of them.”