A Twist of Fate

Prologue

The Beginning Again

Kane

My heart beat a rapid-fire dance in my chest, the warning it was sending out not going unheeded. They had rolled in here four-deep and not a single one of them looked happy. The fuckers all deserved an ass kicking from the way I saw it, but they seemed to all be ready to kick our asses instead, only I had no clue as to why. We’d been looking out for Ever since she came here begging for a job.

Zeke in? The older man with the VP patch asked. I knew he was Ever’s father, and he set my nerves on edge. Still, I managed to keep my cool as I glanced over the other brothers too, assessing. I’m not ashamed to admit I was looking for their weak link. I’d use it if I needed to.

He’s here, I stated coolly about the same time Zeke made his presence known.

What can we do for the Aces High MC today? I’m pretty sure you guys have your own shop, so I’m a little surprised to see you in mine. Zeke didn’t beat around the bush. He said what he meant and meant what he said every damn time.

Double-D took a quick glance around, taking his time, checking things out. My daughter came to you for a job, he stated easily while still ignoring the both of us and checking the place out. I wasn’t a fool though. He wasn’t ignoring anyone. He was aware of every little thing going on in the shop in that moment. I was also sure he was aware that Ever wasn’t around, and that was very much intentional. When he said no more, Zeke went on to confirmed his suspicions.

She did. Again he didn’t give away details.

Double-D stopped his perusal of the shop and turned his full attention back on Zeke. What kind of grown man hires a little girl to work in his tattoo shop? There was more than just the average amount of tension in his words now. He thought Zeke had another agenda. The idiot probably didn’t realize how talented his daughter was. I just shook my head and continued glaring at him in disgust.

The kind of man who was blown away by her art, as well as her desperate need to have her own money in her wallet, Zeke confirmed as Double-D bristled.

She is given everything she needs, he spat out.

Zeke just chuckled. If that were the case, she wouldn’t be here looking for a job. I told her she had to wait until she turned 18 to actually start an apprenticeship, but until then, she’s cleaning up around the lobby and drawing some designs for us. She’s 17 so the job is solid for her age. She gets paid commission for any of her art that a client chooses to have inked. It’s not much, but seems to be something she needs in her life right now. No one here will treat her poorly. He glanced at each of the men standing before us and squared his shoulders. That’s a little more than I can say for some of the people she already has in her life.

What the fuck has the little princess been saying? One of the men, Crow, asked.

She doesn’t have to say anything, I blurted out through clenched teeth. She’s my little sister’s best friend. We already know plenty about Ever and why she’s no longer in high school. I wanted to knock this asshole’s teeth down his throat, but a small hand placed on my forearm stopped me.

Kane? My name was a question on her lips. Is everything okay?

Yeah, G. How about you go straighten out the lounge while we have our little chat?

You need me to call someone? She asked, hesitant to leave the two of us with the four burly bikers.

We’re good, go on in back, Zeke confirmed. The delicate hand left my arm as she moved to the back of the store where our employee lounge was located. Zeke and I closed ranks so that the two bastards staring after Gretchen couldn’t get any more of a look than they already had. Zeke cleared his throat and the younger kid removed his eyes from the little of Gretchen’s retreating form he could still see.

We’re just worried about my sister, the younger punk told us.

Is this a new development? I asked, not able to hide the scathing tone from my question.

The younger man hung his head and shook it back and forth then. Didn’t used to be, he mumbled before standing straight again and looking me right in the eye. I know you’ll do right by her. I’m counting on it, because I’ve already fucked up enough. With that, the kid walked out of the shop leaving three men behind where there once were four. I knew it had been Ever’s brother because I’d only been a couple years ahead of him in high school. Even back then, Toby had already been starting to make a name for himself, both as a badass and a lady’s man.

My son seems to be convinced, Double-D stated, clearly not sharing Toby’s opinion. If I hear she’s had any trouble, or come to any harm while working here, we will not go easy on any of you.

You have my word, Zeke emphasized. She will be safe and protected here. He eyed Double-D a moment before tacking on, From everyone.

Double-D nodded his head, not missing the message that Zeke was sending him. We would protect his daughter from him, if need be. He then turned his focus on me. You keep that temper in check around my girl, he warned.

I scoffed at that. Yeah, I muttered the word in disbelief. This bastard had single handedly driven his daughter from his life by being so cool and callous toward her, by choosing his brothers over his daughter, and he was worried about my temper? Hell, I only had an attitude because I knew the harm they’d done to that girl, so it was rich of them to come trying to play protectors now. The three remaining Aces High members turned and left the shop. Zeke and I stood, watching them mount their bikes and get gone before either of us spoke.

She’s going to need more protection than we can offer from the outside looking in if things go to shit there, he told me.

I turned to get a better look at him. Why do you care so much? You’ve only known her a short time.

That look she carries, the sadness that eats at her soul, I’ve seen it before. Don’t want to be responsible for the road she may travel down if someone doesn’t look out for her. Zeke was lost in thought then. Her brother would probably do it, having learned a lesson, but she’ll never trust him again. Not the way she probably once did.

I agreed. He was right about that. He fucked up.

Zeke nodded knowingly. If it comes down to it, one of us is going to have to go in, and make sure she doesn’t drown in the damage they’ve caused.

I nodded my head. I’ll do it, but let’s see how things play out for a bit first. I’m not real keen on heading down that road if I don’t have to.

I know it, and I appreciate that sacrifice.

Fuck, I hissed out. You know they’ll give me all kinds of hell after the way I just treated them over a girl. Zeke grinned at me.

That should make the transition from tattoo artist to club member all the easier. You were willing to take all four of them on to protect their princess. They might think it doesn’t matter if people on the inside of the club hurt her, but they’d protect her from us – seeing you do the same – that probably went in your favor more than against it.

Fuck! I hissed again, shaking my head back and forth.

Just thought about the ink you’ll have to get, didn’t you?