Hammer (Reapers Rejects MC Book 18) by Elizabeth Knox (books to read romance .txt) 📗

Ashley has her bassinet in the club next to the booth while we drink some coffee and catch up. Since yesterday her Aunt Roxy and cousins have been down her throat. I wouldn’t say they’ve been bothering her, but they’re definitely making sure they catch up. I can’t blame her Aunt Roxy, though. She’s the last piece of Ashley’s dad that’s still alive, besides Fist, since she named him after her deceased dad.

All the Vixens wanted to chat with her and see the baby, so I waited patiently and finally, everyone is getting used to Rory being here. We all love babies, even some of the guys. If anyone puts a baby near Zorro, his eyes light up like a damn Christmas tree and Bull too.

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask you a favor if that’s okay?” Ashley looks at me with pleading eyes.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Dex is graduating in two weeks and I desperately need help throwing a party together for him. Being pregnant threw me off track and I’m just . . . I’m slacking. I need help,” Ashley says.

“You need help with what? I can pitch in. My classes are super easy right now.” Sydney, or Syd, as we call her, halts as she walks past where we’re sitting.

“Dex’s graduation party, but I don’t want your dad reeling into me. When are your finals?” Ashley goes into mom mode with her niece.

“End of the month, but don’t worry about them. I have straight A’s right now and we all know I’m great when it comes to taking tests,” Sydney tells us, eyes not wavering from Ashley.

Ashley doesn’t seem convinced, though. “I don’t want Zane getting mad at me.”

“He’s my dad. I can handle him.” At Sydney’s words, both Ashley and I break out with a huge smile. Sydney started calling Zane her dad not too long ago, but every time I hear her refer to him as her father, my heart swells to triple the size. Everyone knows Sydney’s story is a complicated one, and while she’s never had a normal life, one thing I can say is she’s always had so much love surrounding her.

I would’ve killed to grow up in a situation like hers. I’m sure some people would call me a monster for wishing for it, but until they’ve been in my shoes, they don’t have any right to judge.

“Fine, but if he comes after me, I’m throwing you under the bus,” Ashley laughs, motioning with her hand for Sydney to join us. Sydney slides in beside me and looks in awe at Rory.

“God, she’s so beautiful.”

“She is, but don’t think I’m not pissed. I basically gave birth to a female replica of Blackjack. I mean, she couldn’t even have my eyes? All the work I did and nothing!” I bust out into laughter at Ashley’s words and even Sydney cracks a few laughs, but thankfully neither of us stir the sleeping baby.

For the next couple of hours, we create the perfect graduation party for Dex, one I’m sure Ashley will be losing her mind over. Dex might not be her biological son, but you’d never know it. She loves him so damn much, and the second he rushes off to college this summer, she’s going to be a mess. Hell, she’s gonna be a mess at his graduation party, too, because it’s all one big confirmation he’s grown up and he’ll be leaving.

We planned a barbeque here at the clubhouse and Ashley suggested we invite some of the higher-up members from the Satan’s Raiders MC, Sons of Gods MC, Devil’s Riot MC, Iron Vex MC, Skulls Renegade MC, and the Inferno’s Clutch MC. We’re on good terms with all of them, considering we have solidified alliances with every single one of them, or the club’s currently working on getting an alliance official. I think the only ones the club’s a little unsure about is the Inferno’s Clutch, but from what I’ve heard, it’s only because Zane doesn’t know their club too well. Word on the street is that Reed, the Prez of the Skulls Renegade MC out in Tennessee, has dealt with the Inferno’s Clutch MC quite a bit and he put in a good word for their Prez.

While we only have a couple of weeks before we throw this big shindig, it’s going to be one of the best parties we’ve ever had here. I just have a feeling.

Sydney takes her leave and says she has some studying to do for her AP English class, so we say our goodbyes and Ashley leaves me shortly after. She’d had the baby out here for a few hours and wants to get back home to where Dex is watching Noelle and Fist. Goodness, when he leaves, she’s going to be so short-handed in their house. I’m sure Jordyn and Nova will step up, but who knows. Regardless, Ashley will have as much help as she needs.

The night Hammer and I chatted at the bar, he told me about a girl he believed was his daughter and ended up telling me he got a paternity test done with her. She’s been staying in the Vixens’ house and a few of the ladies there are taking her under their wing.

She’s a gorgeous girl, with a light mocha skin color and long black and purple braids. She’s probably a foot shorter than Hammer, but from what I’ve observed already, I’d say she’s a spitfire. The girl has sass and I like that about her.

I slide out of the booth and look down at my cell, seeing three missed texts. I tap on my text icon and my heart sinks into my stomach.

From: Mom

Remember what I said. I’ll do it.

When will you be here? We have a job to do.

Don’t make me hurt them!

She’s the type who would take it out on innocent people, too. As a kid, I didn’t realize how corrupt she is, but as an adult, I saw it very clearly. She’s a different type of