Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Hadrian squeezes my hand as he leans in close. “Ready to meet the family?”
I nod, taking a deep breath. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Monster, the President, is the first person who comes up to me. He’s a hulking man, but I know he has a heart of gold from what Hadrian’s told me. He takes my hand.
“Welcome ta the Royal Bastards, Harley,” he rumbles, his voice like gravel.
“Thank you for having me here.”
“Anythin’ ye need, anythin’ at all, ye come ta the club. Rev’s a brother ta me, which makes ye family.”
“Thank you, Monster. That means the world to me,” I say, feeling a swell of emotion. His immediate acceptance is more than I could have hoped for.
One by one, the rest of the brothers step forwards to introduce themselves. Each handshake is firm and each hug strong. They all have nicknames that hint at their personalities and roles within the club. Names like Blaze, Banks, and Rebel. There’s a lot to take in, but each member makes me feel welcomed and part of something bigger.
“Sully,” a tall, muscular man with a thick beard says as he pulls me into a bear hug. “Welcome to the family, lass.”
“Thanks, Sully,” I reply, feeling the warmth of his greeting.
Tye, a lean man with a quick smile and sharp eyes, gives me a gentler hug. “If ye need anythin’, just give me a shout. We’ve got yer back.”
“Appreciate it, Tye.”
Blaze, who has kind green eyes, gives me a reassuring smile. “If ye need any transport and Rev ain’t here, I’m yer man. Ye come ta me, all right?”
“I will, Blaze. Thank you.”
The greetings continue, each brother offering his support and protection. It’s overwhelming but also incredibly touching. I feel a sense of peace settling over me. This is where I’m supposed to be.
Soon, the wives and partners come over to introduce themselves. They’re a diverse group of women, but each one is strong and confident in her own way. We chat and laugh, and I can feel myself easing into this new environment.
Eventually, Monster’s wife, Miren, pulls me aside.
“I’m glad you’re here, Harley,” she says, her eyes warm and sincere. “Monster has told me a lot about you. Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” I reply, genuinely touched. “It means a lot to be welcomed like this.”
Miren links her arm through mine, leading me towards the garden at the back of the clubhouse. “Come on, let’s have a chat,” she says with a smile.
The garden is a small oasis of flowers and greenery, a stark contrast to the rough exterior of the clubhouse. The sound of birds chirping provides a serene backdrop as we find a bench and sit down.
“I know that as the boss of a crime organisation you must have faced more than your fair share of threats, but I wanted to talk to you about this life,” Miren begins, her tone serious. “Being with a member of the club is amazin’, but it’s also dangerous. You have to be prepared for that.”
“I understand,” I reply, meeting her gaze. “I’m willing to accept that risk.”
“Good,” she nods. “There are some things you need to bear in mind. Always keep in touch and make sure someone knows where you are, especially if you’re going somewhere alone. The club looks after its own, but we need to know where you are to keep you safe.”
“I will,” I promise. “I’ll make sure Hadrian and the club know where I am at all times.”
“And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it,” Miren continues. “We’re a family here. We look out for each other. No one goes through anything alone.”
Her words are comforting, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude. “Thank you, Miren. It’s good to know I have people I can rely on.”
She smiles, a genuine warmth in her expression. “You’re one of us now, Harley. Welcome to the family.”
We sit in the garden a while longer, talking about everything and nothing. It’s nice to have this moment of calm.
As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, we make our way back inside. The clubhouse is alive with laughter and chatter, and I feel a sense of belonging.
Hadrian finds me and wraps his arm around my waist. “How’s it going?” he asks, his eyes filled with concern and love.
“Good,” I reply, leaning into him. “Everyone’s been so welcoming. I feel like I’m home.”
He smiles, kissing my forehead. “I’m glad. You are home, Harley. We’re going to make this work.”
As the evening wears on, I find myself surrounded by new friends and family. The brothers share stories of their exploits, the wives and partners offer advice and support, and Hadrian remains by my side through it all.
It’s a new beginning.
A fresh start.
And as I look around at the faces of my new family, I know that this is where I’m meant to be.