Lucky Novel – I hope Kaya doesn’t get mad at me being in your room. I know I’m not her favorite person, but you and I are friends, and I wanted to congratulate you on your big day. Thanks, Gracie. I’m glad you could make it. I realize I was slurring my words a lot more. “I can’t believe she isn’t here. You guys seem so close. If I were your girl, I would have been here for you and even ended the night with that amazing manhood around my lips.” At this point, I’m aware of her hands traveling south on my chest, but the alcohol is making me react slower than usual. When she leans in to buss me, I’m in a haze and buss her back. “I’m standing here wondering if I should give you a chance to explain or just start beating your girlfriend up and you as soon as I’m done with her skank hip.” I jump out of Grace’s hold and look towards the door. My eyes widened. It is my girl, Kaya. “I didn’t…I can explain, Kaya…”
“Cars, jewelry, and planets are overrated, Kaya,” Maya said. We sat in Holly’s pool house, trying to guess what name the new girl at the clubhouse would choose. Maya and I had grown up in the Savage Wraiths MC as its only “princesses”; when no one treated you like a princess, the title seemed useless. Don’t get me wrong, no one abused or hurt us. It was more like we were invisible to the men in the MC, including our fathers. “How many Mercedes, Ruby, and Venuses have we met?” I asked quizzically. Holly stared at us in amusement. Of the three of us, she didn’t belong to the MC. She grew up with a mother and father who worshipped her and her siblings and always had enough to spare for Maya and me.
There wasn’t a recital, game, or event that I couldn’t remember Mr. and Mrs. Cook not being at for all of us, even when our parents didn’t bother to show up. Maya and my dads were part of the original five of the Savage Wraiths. My father was the current Sergeant at Arms of the MC, and her dad was their Vice President. “So what do you think she’ll choose?” Holly asked, still smirking at our conversation. The reality was we were avoiding the actual problem, which was that tomorrow we would graduate high school and go off to college, and more likely than our parents wouldn’t even be there for it. As much as we’ve gotten used to our parents standing us up or not showing up for us, it doesn’t make it any easier.
At least Lance and the boys will be there for us. Maybe. Lance “Lucky” Donavon was Brick’s son, the President of the MC. He was next in line to take the gavel and the love of my life. I’ve loved that boy since we were kids; he would protect me from everyone and anyone. However, lately, he’s been distant. We started dating during my junior year of high school and have been together ever since. He would be joining the MC soon; he started prospecting for the MC last year as soon as he turned eighteen. The turmoil I felt was choking me, but I couldn’t stay. I wish he understood that the MC that he loves and is so proud of is something that brings me pain every day. It’s childish to feel jealous of a club, but when your parents and boyfriend loved the club more than they loved you, it made plenty of sense. “I’m putting my money on Candy or Kitty.” I said with a laugh. “I’m curious to see which girls will become club girls after tomorrow?”
Maya asked with a disgusted look. Year after year, it never failed; months after graduating high school, some girls who never left town became club girls. The thought is genuinely disgusting when you know that most men in the MC are twice their age. “I know Grace will be there front and center.” I said, annoyed. Grace Carlson was the typical high school mean girl. She has tried for years to make my life worse simply because Lance chose me instead of her. I try never to judge women for what they do with their bodies; at the end of the day, that is their choice. However, Grace makes it hard not to judge, especially when she purposefully seeks other guys in relationships and constantly tries with Lance.
“Ok, enough about the club. Are you guys excited about leaving next week?” Holly was trying to get us to change the subject, and we complied because it was easier than admitting our fears and concerns. We were leaving for college and would be living together to save money since Maya and I received scholarships, but it was just enough to pay for tuition and books. Holly also received a scholarship, and her parents are renting a place for her to live, so we would stay with her and pay rent three ways. Maya and I already had jobs lined up since we visited the campus, requested financial aid, and were approved for the work-study program. “I need next week to be tomorrow.” Maya grumbled. “I’m worried about Lance.
Besides his birthday, we haven’t talked much for weeks, and we haven’t discussed what long-distance would look like for us.” “The campus is only two hours away. It’s only medium distance.” Maya said with a shrug. That had us laughing so hard until tears started pooling in my eyes. “I have a bad feeling.” My girls pulled me into a group hug that did nothing to alleviate my fears. At some point throughout the day, we moved our party indoors, and started getting ready for the bonfire. Every year, the seniors throw a huge party. Everyone knew about it, but for the most part, cops would leave us to it so long as we kept it out by the boonies where we weren’t bothering anyone. “Alright, ladies, let’s make this a night we’ll never forget.”
Holly said as we walked down the stairs. “Oh, my babies are all grown up!” Exclaimed mama Cook as she stood by the fireplace with her camera ready, and yes, I said camera. As in an old-school camera. “Mama Cook, why in the world don’t you just use your phone.” Maya asked as we laughed at our pseudo-mom. “Oh, shush you! I’m reminiscing, and you can’t take it away from me!” Papa Cook just shook his head and laughed while he waved his phone at us from behind his wife, where she couldn’t see. “I see you waving that phone, Jeremy, but I’m still going to take pictures with this disposable one!” She harrumphed. “One day, baby, you’ll tell me how you do that.” Papa Cook said into her ear as he wrapped his arms around his wife.
“And I’m officially grossed out.” Holly said with a grimace. Maya and I agreed since they were technically like parents to us. After pictures, we walked out the door and drove out to the lake, where the bonfire was haphazardly growing. “So why do the adults allow this to happen every year? It seems dumb, considering they’re allowing a bunch of teenage boys to build a huge fire with no supervision.” I mentioned, and we all laughed. After getting drinks, we ran into some friends and started to dance. I kept looking at my phone wondering at what point Lance would call me back. I had texted him several times throughout the day but hadn’t heard from him. That wasn’t unusual since he began prospecting the year before.
But seeing as I was leaving in a week and he as good as had his patch, I assumed he would try to make more time for me. I decided to send him one more text before continuing with my night. I put my phone away and decided to enjoy the rest of the night. I know he won’t let me down. Chapter 2 “Goddamnit, would today never end?” I growled as I loaded the last of the weapons shipment. You’d think with this being my father’s club, my time as a prospect would be a little easier, but if anything, they made it harder. Working never scared me, but if I didn’t want to relax with a drink in my hand after the week from the underworld. “Let’s get back to the clubhouse.” Said Legend. My best friend was angsty to get back.
This day had gone to the underworld when the scumbag Syndicate decided to change the location of the drop for the third time this week. The jerk was dealing with a mole within their organization or truly just didn’t trust a soul because this scumbag had us driving all over the state for the last four days. As we loaded the last crate, we waved the scumbag goodbye and got back on our bikes. “I hope there’s new cherry waiting for us.” Ice murmured on his way back to his bike. That had us all grinning. Every year, as soon as a new batch of high schoolers graduated, some decided to hang around the clubhouse to become an official club girl or get hired at Risqué as a stripper. There wasn’t a year that the boys didn’t benefit from the new talent.
There was something niggling at the back of my head that was telling me I was forgetting something, but for the life of ME, I couldn’t figure it out. “I’m going to meet up with Kaya.” I said with a grin while they all groaned. No phones were allowed on drops, but thankfully, my girl knew this, having grown up in the MC. Last year, I finally decided to make it official. They couldn’t understand why I decided to tie myself to an ol’ lady so young. We grew up together, and I always knew she would be my girl. When I got the go-ahead from his Sergeant-at-Arms, Mammoth, her father, I hooked her and never looked back. “Let’s get out of here.” They rode the four hours back home. Lucky decided to head back to the clubhouse before leaving for Kaya. When they walked through the door, they were met by the council, their fathers.
“Any problems with the delivery boys?” rasped our VP, Legends’ dad, Crow. “None other than the bastards changed the location every five minutes,” I grumbled. “Yeah, that’s something Luciano will be hearing about.” My father said with a frown. Luciano, the head of the Syndicate, was the Capo with whom we were currently in business. “We’ll deal with it. But tonight, we celebrate. Turn the music down!” He yelled to no one in particular. “For the last year, our four boys have busted their asses for our club. I appreciate every brother who made their lives bad because no one can ever say they didn’t earn this.” He grabbed something from one of the brothers. Legend, Ice, Ink, and I were the sons of the Original five. Our fathers started this club when no one wanted a bunch of orphans running around town. There was a time when no one in the city would hire them. They joined the Army and, when they returned a few years later, started investing in every business in town until you couldn’t throw a rock without it hitting a business the Savage Wraiths had a hand in.
We had waited our whole lives for this moment and had worked our asses off for it. “Today, we make them official, brothers.” Each of our fathers handed us our cut with our names and our patch, reading our names and no longer prospect. “We did it, boys!” Ink yelled and jumped on us. “Let’s celebrate!” My father was standing in front of me with pride in his eyes. We drank and celebrated until late; I didn’t understand why Kaya wasn’t present. Our parents were here, but not my girl. I went to get my phone from my room when Legend passed me a shot and started another speech. I would head upstairs soon to get my phone and call my girl. I was working on being well and truly when Ink walked up to me with a smile and said.
“Someone is waiting for you upstairs.” There was mirth in his eyes. He patted my shoulder and moved towards the bar. I stumbled up the stairs, wanting to see who was waiting for me; after this, I really needed to leave and go see my girl. I hated that I hadn’t seen her in days and was pissed she wasn’t here on one of the most important days of my life. The club invites all family members to patch-in events until the real party starts later. The more I thought about it, the more I sulked. I miss my girl. Opening the door to my room I ran into Grace Carlson. Grace was a former hooker buddy before I decided to make Kaya mine officially. “Hey, Lucky. I just wanted to say congratulations on your big day.” Grace had a smile for me and seemed genuine. “Thanks, Gracie. I’m glad you could make it.” I realize I was slurring my words a lot more.
“I hope Kaya doesn’t get mad at me being in your room. I know I’m not her favorite person, but you and I are friends, and I wanted to congratulate you on your big day.” Friends was a stretch, but out of all the girls I slept in high school, she was one of the few who never gave him issues about Kaya. Kaya didn’t like her much, but I never saw Grace act negatively towards her when she was around. “She hasn’t been here today.” I said sullenly. I really needed to find my phone and call her. I looked around my room when Grace stepped in front of me. She placed her hand on my chest. “I can’t believe she isn’t here. You guys seem so close. If I were your girl, I would have been here for you and even ended the night with that amazing manhood around my lips.” At this point, I’m aware of her hands traveling south on my chest, but the alcohol is making me react slower than usual. When she leans in to buss me, I’m in a haze and buss her back.
“I’m standing here wondering if I should give you a chance to explain or just start beating your girlfriend up and you as soon as I’m done with her skank hip.” I jump out of Grace’s hold and look towards the door. My eyes widened before I took a step toward her; when she stepped back, I paused. Now, I consider myself an intelligent person, sometimes, so the following words that come out of my mouth, I will forever blame the amount of alcohol currently coursing through my body. “At least she was there for me on the most important day of my life. Where have you been, huh?” Her eyes grow almost comically big when she throws herself into the room and starts punching me. Because I’m drunk off my hip, my reaction time is slow, and she’s slugged me a few times before I can grab hold of her.
All the while, she was beating on me, Maya, and Holly had Grace on the floor in the fetal position beating out of her. I yelled for help when I saw Legend and Ice run in the door and grab Maya and Holly. “That was a thing to say, Rebel. I deserved every shot. Just give me a second, and we can talk.” I felt her relax in my arms and let her go. Legend and Ice dragged Maya and Holly out the door while I went to check on Grace who was still on the floor. “Call Doc and get him in here.” I moved Grace’s hair from her face and picked her up to place her on the bed. She was groaning in pain, and I told her she would be ok.
When I turned back to face Kaya, she was gone. I raced out of the door to find her moving down the stairs when I yelled at her to wait. I caught up and grabbed her arm. She turned on me fast and punched me in the face. Goddamnit, I need the alcohol to leave my system before she finishes me off. The music stopped when everyone in the club saw what had happened. “Don’t ever touch me again, Lucky,” She sneered my name. “It’s Lance, and you well know it, Rebel.” I said menacingly. Not that she took me seriously since she knew I’d never hurt her. Well, at least not physically, it seems. “What is going on here.” Mammoth got his road name by the sheer size of him. The man was six foot eight inches of scary, and currently staring me down.