Page 18 of Devil's Betrayal
“That’s for attacking Avery!” Blood pours from Hawk’s mouth as he recovers from the blow. Templar grips me harder, knowing I want to intervene but can’t.
“Remove your Kutte, Hawk,” I grit out as Hammer retrieves his knife from the bag.
“So, fuck me, just like that, huh Dad?” Hawk retorts.
“You fucked yourself, son and your only choice is this or death! Do you think Sergei won’t make you pay for taking his daughter?” I ask, not really looking for an answer.
We all watch as Hammer removes the patches from Hawk’s Kutte. The worn leather rips as every symbol of his brotherhood falls to the floor. Once that’s done, Hammer slices Hawk’s T-shirt, letting it fall to the ground. Shawn, visibly shaken, attempts to flee but the audible click of Widow’s gun stops him in his tracks, ordering him back to the circle.
“Devils, line up,” I command, and one by one they step forward, forming a single file line in front of Hawk. A lone tear falls down my son’s face and seeing him like this threatens to shatter me. Emotions violently churn in my stomach, yet I stand resolute in my decision. Hammer restrains Hawk without resistance. As each of Hawk’s brothers walk forward, they strike him in the face and on various areas of his body, punishing him for betraying our trust and prioritizing his needs above the club’s. Sergei chuckles while Hawk cries out in pain, and Templar steps between us to create space. My brother knows I will drop this fucker before he can blink and that would further complicate things.
Hawk’s knees buckle after Bane delivers the final blow to his stomach. Undeterred, Hammer fires up his blow torch and instructs Bane to secure Hawk’s hands in front of him. Removing a thick strap of leather from his pocket, Hammer pulls Hawk’s head back by his hair and orders him to bite down on the leather. As Hawk slumps against Bane, Hammer begins the painful process of removing the Devil’s logo from my son’s back. His guttural screams, muffled by the leather, cause my own knees to buckle. Templar puts my arm around his neck, helping me stay upright.
“Look at it zis vay Snake, if you hadn’t done zis, I vould’ve made him suffer much vorrrse,” Sergei taunts and he’s right. Sergei would’ve taken my son and I would’ve gotten him back in pieces delivered separately to my doorstep. The scent of burnt flesh fills the air as tears roll down my face. This should not be happening. I should be passing the Devils to Hawk while I ride off into the sunset. This is a nightmare come true and my heart aches for my son as he continuously screams into the leather. Hawk collapses from the pain as Hammer finishes removing the Devil’s logo, marking the end of Hawk’s brotherhood. Sergei calls out to Shawn, ordering him over to him, but Widow blocks his path and informs Sergei that he’ll take out the trash. Sergei laughs in understanding and exits the building while Shawn struggles to get out of Widow’s grip.
My steps are heavy, like I’m wading through newly poured concrete as I draw near to my son. Untying his bound hands, I shoulder the full weight of his body when Bane releases him. The entire assembly of Devils surround us, linking arms in a circle as a symbol of unity and support of my decision to strip my son of his colors and rank. With solemn gazes, they look on as emotions overwhelm me, and I can no longer contain my feelings. I cry out, acknowledging the painful reality that I will never lay eyes on my son again.
20
Camille
Retrieving the bottle from the fridge, I pour a glass of Pinot Grigio and settle onto my chaise. Earlier, when I spoke with Micah, he sounded easygoing, but a nagging feeling told me something was troubling him. Some young women that work at the local strip club have gone missing and I sense that what I felt about Micah, while we were speaking, is related somehow. While I don’t want anything to do with the MC life, the man I love is deeply entrenched in it and I can’t help but worry. I've experienced moments when Gideon assigned one of his men to protect me due to a threat, so I'm not oblivious to the dangers of being in that lifestyle.
Micah’s decision to retire comes at the perfect time now that he’s back in my life. I’m unsure if I could handle the constant threat to our safety. From what he’s told me, significant changes are underway within his club, and he wishes to retire with the assurance that things are running smoothly. I don’t want to have nights like this where worry consumes me because of mygut feeling about something. I’ve tried calling and texting him, but he hasn’t responded. All I can do is wait for him to return my call. Lena has kindly offered to come over for a movie night to distract me, but I want to be alone with my thoughts and I couldn’t possibly enjoy a movie right now.
My phone rings, and realizing I left it in the kitchen, I hurriedly set down my wine, spilling it in the process, and rush to answer it. Glancing at the caller ID, I see it’s Gideon and immediately pick up.
“Hey, son. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. But listen, I don’t have a lot of time to explain, and I can’t believe I’m saying this to you.”
“What is it? What’s happened?”
“I can’t go into detail, but Micah needs you. Can you head over to his house and check on him?”
My heart both soars and sinks at the same time. Gideon is reaching out because for some reason, Micah needs me. Speechless, I listen as he continues.
“I know this sounds crazy coming from me, but after what I witnessed tonight, Micah could use a stiff drink and the company of the woman he loves.”
“Thank you, son.” Is all I manage, overwhelmed that Gideon is acknowledging Micah’s importance and accepting him as part of our family.
“You don’t have to thank me, Mom. When you both came over for dinner, I could tell how much he loves you. Honestly, I didn’t see you this happy with dad. That helped me accept your relationship and your happiness matters to me. I love you.”
“I love you too, Gideon. I’ll head over there right now. Give Alise and the kids my love,” I say, ending the call. Pulling myself together, I take a quick shower to wash off my day and make my way to Micah’s. I’m not sure what I’ll encounter when I get there, but I’ll be there for whatever he needs. I find myself drivingfaster than my usual pace, yet I’m feeling anxious as I maneuver through the darkness. Nighttime driving has never been my preference, especially on these rural roads where there’s hardly any lighting. The sign for Grants Pass comes into view and it’s not long before I’m pulling into Micah’s driveway. A motorcycle, unfamiliar to me, is parked in the open garage. Once I shift my car into park and cut the engine, Micah appears on the lit porch, accompanied by another tall figure.
He looks very intimidating - tall, with long dark hair, and clad entirely in black. Cautiously walking the short path leading to the porch, I take note of Micah’s weariness, though he manages a smile.
Surprised, he questions, "What are you doing here, Cami?"
"Gideon called, said you needed me and a stiff drink, so here I am," I respond. Micah's eyes register surprise, and the man standing beside him chuckles as I pause halfway on the stairs, a little confused at his laughter.
“Don’t mind him,” Micah says, nudging the man with his elbow. “This is my little brother, Templar. Templar, meet the love of my life, Cami.”
“I didn’t know you had a brother and please call me Camille,” I say as we shake hands, shooting Micah a look for divulging his name for me. It's a term of endearment but leave it to a man not to recognize that.
“Neither one of us knew until about ten or so years ago,” Templar replies with a deep, gravelly voice akin to Micah’s. “Technically, we’re half-brothers, sharing the same mother. Nice to meet you Camille. My brother has told me a lot about you and I have to say, he’s been smiling a lot more lately so that makes you alright in my book. Since you’re here, I don’t need to stick around. Take care of him for me,” he says as he descends the stairs, leaving Micah and me alone.
Micah and I watch as Templar mounts his bike and rides off into the night. He's peculiar in a good way, and I sense we'll get along once we get to know each other. Micah reaches down, takes me by the hand, and pulls me the rest of the way up the stairs, embracing me in a tight hug. He exhales a deep sigh as his body eases into mine, releasing the obvious stress of the day. I mirror the gesture, reveling in the comforting weight of his body against mine. His outdoorsy, masculine scent envelops me, soothing my nerves. Beneath the porch light, we hold one another tightly, saying without words that everything will be okay.