Wild ridge

Chapter 2

~vick~

I found myself back at my brother’s club. It had been years since I stepped foot in Westbrook.

I left after graduating high school, refusing to be a part of my father’s club. But when he died, my brother Nick took over.

I had left to study and pursue a different career, but s**t happened, and now I was back here, sitting in my brother’s office.

“Well, look at you, lil’ brother. Or should I call you Lightning now?”

I smiled up at my brother. His big, muscular figure might intimidate those who didn’t know him, but to me, he was still my little shithead brother.

Lightning’s face softened, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s been a long time, sis,” he said.

“Yeah, it has,” I replied, the years melting away in an instant.

“Things have changed, but some things never do.”

“So, what brings you back here?” my brother asked, his eyes searching mine.

I fiddled with my fingers, trying to figure out how to tell him.

“Umm… I’m in trouble,” I whispered.

“What sort of trouble?” my brother questioned, leaning forward in his chair and placing his hands on the table.

I sighed as I began to explain.

“You remember Derick, right?”

He nodded. “Your boyfriend.”

“Yeah, well, he’s not my boyfriend anymore,” I stated bluntly.

“What happened?” Nick asked, concern etched into his features.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before continuing.

“Derick got involved in some really shady business. At first, I thought it was just typical bad-boy stuff: small-time deals, rough crowds. But it escalated. He got mixed up with a major cartel. Drugs, guns, you name it.”

Nick’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening.

“Go on.”

“Things started getting dangerous. He started using me to run errands and deliver packages. At first, I didn’t know what I was carrying, but once I found out, I tried to back out.”

I swallowed hard.

“That’s when everything went south. Derick got possessive and controlling. When I told him I was leaving, he lost it.”

Nick leaned back, his expression a mix of anger and concern.

“Did he hurt you?”

I shook my head.

“Not physically, but he made it clear that if I left, there would be hell to pay. I didn’t know where to turn, so I came back here. I figured if anyone could help me, it would be you and the club.”

Nick nodded slowly, processing everything.

“And now he’s after you?”

“Yes,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “He said if I ran, he’d come after me. And he has the resources to do it. I’m scared, Nick. I don’t know what he’ll do.”

Nick stood up, his presence commanding the room.

“You’re safe here. We’ll deal with him.”

I felt a mix of relief and fear as I looked at my brother. I knew he meant every word.

I stood up and hugged him. As I exited his office, I felt eyes on me.

Glancing around, I noticed what I could only describe as a GQ model staring at me. His imposing figure would scare anyone, but it was his eyes that caught my attention. They were as blue as the ocean.

A hand on my shoulder startled me out of my stare-down with Mister Handsome.

My brother’s voice brought me back to the situation at hand.

“Come, sis. Let me introduce you to the rest of the guys,” Nick said.

I nodded, casting one last glance at the blue-eyed stranger before following my brother through the clubhouse.

Nick led me into the main area as he motioned for everyone to gather around.

“Alright, everyone, listen up,” Nick called out, his authoritative voice cutting through the noise. “I want you all to meet my sister. She’s going to be staying with us for a while.”

The crowd’s chatter quieted as they turned their attention toward me.

Nick started introducing the guys one by one.

“This here is Ace,” he said, pointing to a tall, muscular man with a serious expression.

Ace gave me a nod.

“Next to him is Spider,” Nick continued.

Spider, a wiry guy with tattoos covering his arms, gave me a friendly smile.

“That’s Drifter,” Nick said, nodding toward a man with a laid-back demeanor.

“And over there is Ironhead.”

Nick gestured toward the man with a blonde sitting on his lap. Ironhead grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Finally, Nick’s gaze fell on the blue-eyed man who had caught my attention earlier.

“And this is Death. He’s one of our best.”