"Forgiveness"

Hearing from Nova and my mom that Eleanor is staying over just makes everything inside me settle. Nova not only accepts me and my club but my family too.

I'm at the club today because I need to tell everyone what I found out at the garage. They need to know that Ryder took care of Mark and he's not to blame.

Walking out of my office I see all of my brothers in the bar room. A few of them are drinking and playing pool. "Club meeting in ten minutes." I shout.

Ryder walks up to me. "Hey Prez." His hand scratches the back of his head. "How do you think today is going to go? You think they'll blame me?"

I can tell this has been stressing him out. He's been quiet all week. I'm not sure if it's because of what he did to Mark or what Mark did. Hell maybe it's both.

"What I think is that they will understand what happened. If they trust in my club they will trust in my brother as well." I pull him in for a hug and slap his back. "We'll handle this together."

He hugs me back and gives me a small smile. I head into my office and grab the flash drive with the video on it from the day Mark stole and from the day in the lunchroom we called him out.

I highly doubt anyone will say anything but just in case we've got all ends covered. I walk out and run right into a prospect. It's Axel. "Sorry Prez." He steps out of my way and I head into church.

All my brothers start to filter in. Once the last man is in I shut and lock the door. We put all our phones in a basket by the door to be respectful of others.

"So a lot has happened since last week. I've kept it quiet other than the brothers who were involved. I wanted to talk to everyone at once so we're all on the same page." That gets everyone to sit straight up.

"More problems with the Serpents?" Gears ask with hatred in his eyes. I shake my head no.

"No, at least not yet. Ya'll know I've had someone stealing from me and this week I had a customer come in with a broken down car that I fixed myself." I sit down at my desk and fold my arms.

"Well, after I looked into the car I noticed the battery wasn't the one I originally used. It was something cheap and used. So of course I went to check the dates and recordings." I notice Ryder shift in his seat.

"Mark one of our men. Was caught switching the car parts later that morning." Everyone stops and looks at Ryder. He sets his head down in shame.

"What we are not going to do is blame our brother for something that he had no part of." With that everyone seems to shift back into place.

"Ryder had no part of this." I yell out so they all understand. "I had him take care of Mark. Tiny helped him so he had back up and proof that it was done."

Cash stands up and walks over to Ryder. "Brother, I can't believe that happened. Thank you for choosing sides with the club and not family."

Ryder shakes his head. "You all are my family too and I would have never brought Mark into our fold if I knew that he would have turned on you all."

"With that being said I had Cash order us some new cameras. Ones that take in audio as well just to be on the safe side. Does anyone have anything to bring to the table?" No one raises their hand.

"Church dismissed." All the brothers stand, grab their phones and all pat Ryder out on the way out. "I told you they wouldn't blame you."

"Thank God for that. Mark grew up with a shitty life but so did I. I wish he didn't turn on you like that and I'll always be sorry for it." I stopped him right there.

"No. Stop. You had nothing to do with this and it's done and over with. We know now we need to watch people better. That's what we learned from this." With that I grab my phone and lock up church.

"What are you up to today Prez?" Vice asks.

"Nova is having Eleanor over for a sleepover. So I need to head to the store and pick things up for them." Vice chuckles and shakes his head. "What?"

"Both of those girls have you on a leash now huh." He's not wrong.

"Shut up." Vice laughs and walks off. I head out to my truck and head to the closest grocery store in town. That being a 20 minute drive I allow myself to take in everything that's been going on around me.

I'm not angry anymore about Mark. We took care of that issue and we replaced all the customers' parts. After all that had settled I realize my life has made a turn into the right direction.

My club has never been better. Our connection is like a huge family. My mom and Eleanor are in my life and forever making me feel loved. Then there's Nova.

Nova was something I didn't see coming. She was everything I didn't know I needed and now that I have her. I'm never letting go. By now she should realize this.

The ride to the store felt quick. I didn't speed but I feel like I rushed here. I walk into the grocery store and Matt, one of the shop keepers of Harmons waves me over.

"Why are you here so late, young man?" Matt is in his early 50's so he isn't that old. But he has always called me a young man. He has light brown hair that has some white coming through.

"I'm just picking a few things up for my girls at home. Sleepover night." I grab a basket and start to walk around. Matt follows.

"Girls? You mean Eleanor and your mother?" I guess he hasn't heard of Nova yet. Which is odd, this town is small and word gets out fast.

"My Ol' lady and Eleanor." He seems shocked by my answer.

"Didn't know you found yourself someone. I'm happy for you. I'll let you get to shopping. I'll see you at the checkout." I head towards the chips and grab something for myself and then the popcorn.

They didn't say what kind they wanted so I grabbed a few. Extra butter, movie theater style and kettle corn. I chuck them all in the basket and head towards the drinks.

I know Nova doesn't drink much so I skip the wine for her. I grab a six pack and head to grab something for Eleanor. I see someone out of the corner of my eye and it looks like Nova.

I fully turn around and start walking towards her. I place my hand on her shoulder when the woman turns around. I notice it's not Nova at all but they look very similar.

"I'm so sorry. I thought you were someone else. I shouldn't have done that." Still looking into the eyes that are the same as Nova's.

"Oh that's okay handsome." A chill goes down my spine. "I'm just grabbing a few things for dinner tonight. How about you?"

"I'm just doing the same." Not wanting to give this stranger any details about my life.

"I'm Melissa. I'm just passing through town for a few days." Melissa. I've heard that name before but I can't place it. This lady seems so familiar but so creepy at the same time.

"Okay Melissa. Again, I'm sorry for touching you." She gives me a wink and walks away. That was an odd experience. I get back to shopping and grab some chocolate milk for Eleanor.

After I check my basket I see I have everything I need. I head towards the front. Matt is ready for me. "Find everything you need Madz?"

"Yeah I did." Not saying after that weird lady talking to me.

"Some lady was asking about you when she was checking out. She was asking weird questions. Like if you were single and where could she find you again." What the fuck.

"How many people did you check out?" It had to have been Melissa. Who the fuck is she?

"I told her I'm kind of new and haven't met everyone yet. It was only the three of us here tonight." What the fuck does this lady want form me.

"Thanks for that. I don't know who she is and I don't want to know." With that Matt checks me out and tells me to drive safe back home.

I pull out my phone and shoot Nova a message. 'I'm on my way back. See you soon my love.' After loading up the food in the bed of my truck I scan the parking lot. I just see Matts beat up old ford and nothing else.

I don't remember seeing anyone else's car here when I pulled in either. I scan around once again and jump inside my truck. Waiting for it to warm up I text Cash.

'Had a weird experience at Harmen's. Could you check the cameras for me and see where a woman in a red sun dress went. Thanks' I get a thumbs up back and shake my head.

Now it is time to head back to my girls. With a smile I start my truck and head home.