Reapers MC: The Prez's Daughter

Chapter 14

It's been three days since I've talked to Michael. He hasn't returned any of my calls or texts.

Today is my dad's wake and funeral. Everything will happen at the club. I've stayed home basically. Not wanting to go anywhere. I'm lucky to have Pepper though, because she gets me to at least go outside for a few minutes. I've noticed Lip and Mo around the house, especially at night, sometimes during the day. Though, they haven't come up to the house or said anything. It's like they're watching or waiting for something to happen.

"Hey Mel, you almost ready? Mom is going to be here shortly." Anna yelled up the stairs.

"Yeah, I'll be down in a minute." I hollered back to her. I took one last look in the mirror. My hair is down, and I have a touch of makeup on, my black dress flares at the hips and reaches my knees. I have on nude stockings with a pair of black heels. I nodded to myself as I headed for the door.

Mary showed up as I made my way downstairs. Pepper is waiting for me at the bottom, and we head outside. Of course, Lip and Mo are outside with Anna and Mary.

"When do you guys sleep?" I said as I got in the car. I smiled at the two of them, they seemed shocked. I guess they thought they were better than what they actually were.

Mary and Anna are in the front, while Pepper and I are in the back. Mary turned to face me before she started the car. "Dont worry honey, I know today is going to be tough, but just know that we are here for you. Anna and I will be by your side until you tell us to leave."

"I appreciate that, Mary. I don't know what I would have done without you. You've helped me for so many years. I'm so grateful to you, and I know there are things to be grateful for." I tell her as she starts the car.

Lip and Mo followed us all the way to the clubhouse. There were so many more bikes than normal, but of course, people would be here to pay respect to their leader, brother, and friend. My dad was many things, but nice was not one of them. Though I saw it growing up, it wasn't there very often. I learned quickly that I needed thick skin to survive in this world.

Mary parks the car and turns to me with a sad smile on her face. I returned that smile and stepped out of the car with Pepper. She stays with me as we head toward the building, getting sympathetic words from those outside. I could hear more people inside as I made my way toward the door. Pepper stops and perks up her ears as if hearing something and darts off. That's when we hear it, the rumble of bikes coming toward the clubhouse. There wasn't time to react to anything.

One minute I was standing and the next I was being thrown to the ground as the sound of automatic rifles blasted through the air. Whoever it was that put me on the ground hopped up and returned fire with the others who were able to do so. I looked up in time to see Michael of all the people wearing a cut and a handgun in his hand, firing back at the unknown attackers.

After what felt like minutes but was most likely seconds, quiet descended on the area. Luckily, many of the women and children were inside, so none of them got hurt. There were a few men outside, but only one got shot, and it wasn't life-threatening, so Mac took care of it. We all moved inside after that and Blade was telling people what to do. Sending men this way and that, I saw Michael again, but only for a second before he was gone.

"I'm sorry for the commotion outside, but let's get back to the reason we are here. Our Prez, our brother, our friend has fallen. Of course, he will be missed. We have come together to help Melanie anyway we can. Just know that no matter where you go he'll be looking after you. Know that this place will always be your home and we will always be your family." He said while never taking his eyes off me.

I didn't realize Anna was beside me until I felt her encase me in a hug. I hold on to her like a lifeline, in a raging storm. I cried so much from all the stories about my dad and about his love for the club. My eyes felt like sandpaper and I was emotionally and mentally exhausted. I excuse myself and head outside. I had completely forgotten about Pepper again. She is fine though, since she's playing with Michael. I stand there in the doorway watching the way they interact with each other.

Pepper must have sensed me because she stopped playing and started walking in my direction. That's when he looks up and our eyes lock. It feels like everything else just vanished and the only thing that exists is the two of us. Pepper gets my attention, which forces me to look away from him.

She is a good distraction from everything bad that's going on. When I stood back up, Michael stood in front of me.

"I hope you don't mind that I kept an eye on her," he said to me.

"No, I appreciate it. I can't believe I forgot about her again." I said.

"With everything that's on your plate, its understandable. That's why I figured I'd keep her busy and tire her out at the same time." he said to me.

I nod before I bend down and scratch her behind the ears. She leans into my hand and licks my face, making me giggle. I really do love her.

"I'm sorry, Michael." I said to him.

He tilts my face up to him, and he's squatting in front of me. "Dont be sorry, Mel. Just have a life other than the one that was planned for you."

With that, he gets up and walks away, leaving me alone with Pepper.