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“That’s not stray behaviour, Luke. And that’s not me placating you, trying to make you feel better. We both know I know what I’m talking about. The Devils and The Riders might not operate exactly the same, but the basic fundamentals are across the board. Strays would not get the level of responsibility and honour of Church. It just doesn’t happen.”

“Possibly.”

“There’s no ‘possibility’ about it. You’re a Devil. And this time next year, it will be official. Besides,” I said, not wanting to focus on the next step in his life, knowing it would take him further away from me. “We’ve all heard what you and Dante get up to as leaders of the youth division. That isn’t stray behaviour, either.”

The Descendants had made quite the name for themselves, and if it wasn’t for the fact that Dante was the son of the currentpresident, I might have genuinely believed that they were ready to branch off and form their own club.

They were involved in some heavy stuff—some of which kept me up at night, worrying over whether or not Luke would be returning home in one piece.

They had already hospitalised two of our Juniors, one of whom was given a permanent smile. Which was basically just a knife slash from ear to ear, creating a manic looking grin.

They were involved in drug distribution, shipping and selling of bike parts for their garage, as well as other drama with other gangs throughout the country.

Many times Luke had come to me covered in bruises, his knuckles split, and sometimes with dried blood on him. He never spoke about it, and I never pried. There was no need to. Not when I had Natalie and her ears to the ground, ready to intercept all gossip from the biker underworld.

“Yeah… but I’m not sure what’s going to happen with the Descendants once we age out. There’s not a lot of kids in the club right now, and Crash is reluctant to recruit family men—at least for the time being. He wants the focus to be on strength and growing with prospects, not kids. And I think Dante and I have given him enough grey hairs for him to allow the youth division to phase out for a generation.”

“Really? But… they are like a sure thing for club membership.”

“He says there’s enough grown men wanting to prospect that he doesn’t need it.”

“A lot’s changing since Warrior passed away, isn’t it?” I asked.

Warrior had passed a few months ago. Once he retired, he gave in to the limp that had been bothering him for years. Too proud to visit a doctor, or even admit that he had a pain to beginwith, it had been too late. Bone cancer had taken him before anyone had the chance to process what was happening.

“We all knew it was coming. Warrior was old school. And though Crash might still have a few of the old school teachings, he’s definitely a bit more modern. We’re all happy with the direction we’re going in.”

“You sound cagey,” I said, not liking how shut off that statement seemed.

“I’m not,” he said, smiling down at me. “I’m just… cautious. And it’s nothing to do with you,” he added. “But I am in Rider territory here. There are eyes and ears everywhere.”

“I suppose the main one being me?”

“Clearly you don’t possess the ears I was just referencing, because I just said it wasn’t you.”

“Hmm,” I muttered in response. I knew I was being a brat. I knew I was being unreasonable. But how could he be casually holding my hand, and yet…

Fuck me, I was like a broken record!

“What’s wrong with you tonight, Gabby?” he asked, stopping still and pulling on my hands until I was facing him, standing in front of him. I looked up at him briefly and then looked away again, not wanting him to see anything in my eyes.

“Nothing is wrong with me.”

“Try again, but at least try to sound convincing this time.”

“Ha-ha,” I muttered dryly.

“Hey,” he said, placing his fingers under my chin and gently tipping my head back until I was forced to look at him. “This is me you’re talking to. Why won’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”

“Precisely because it’syouI’m talking to.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means… we’re friends, Luke. I don’t want to rock the boat.”

“I’m an excellent swimmer. Rock away,” he grinned at me.

“I…”