Page 128 of Property of Yak

“No one blames you.” I speak up. “I understand the need for a new place, though. I will back his request.”

Wolverine looks up at me and nods.

We haven’t talked much, but I can see he is haunted by what happened. If getting out of here helps him, then I’m all for it.

“You will visit, though, brother.” Predator pats his shoulder as he sits next to him.

“When I can,” Wolverine lies.

He won’t come back here. Not if he can help it.

“Anyone have anything to say?” Yooper asks, the room growing somber.

We are losing one of our own today.

When no one speaks, Yooper holds up his gavel. “All in favor.”

We all approve. Not a single nay in the room.

Yooper bangs the gavel and moves on.

“That means we have a new position to fill. Wolverine, you have a recommendation for tail gunner?” Yooper asks.

“I do. I nominate Sap. He’s loyal and observant. He would be able to watch your backs,” Wolverine states.

“I’ll second that.” I speak up, backing the man who is quickly becoming my best friend for the position.

“Any objections?”

No one speaks.

“Put it to a vote, then.”

Within seconds, Sap looks as stunned as I feel as he takes Wolverine’s place at the table.

“If there’s nothing else, this meeting is adjourned.”

One last gavel bang, and the room clears. Everyone congratulates Sap and me. I watch as Wolverine hands the patch from his vest to Sap. Sap accepts it, hugging the man. They speak quietly for several moments before Wolverine pulls away. I can see the sheen in his eyes, so I look away.

The world thinks we are emotionless bikers, but the truth is, we are just better at hiding our hurt.

Once the room starts to clear, I go to stand, but Yooper shakes his head.

I sink back into my seat. When Predator exits, he looks back, closing the door behind him.

“I know this isn’t what you planned. You wanted to leave after everything. Are you sure you are okay with this? I won’t be offended if you want to go back to Colorado.”

I shake my head. “Her home is here, and my home is with her. I didn’t expect the position, but you’re my brother, and these guys are slowly becoming family. I’m happy to be by your side to help you run this place.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. This is for you then.”

He pushes a brand new patch across the table toward me. I take it, looking at it for a long moment.

Vice President.

Wolf is going to shit himself when he hears. I smile thinking of my old friend.

“Usually we would pass it down. It holds legacy, but I would never want you to have anything that Aragon tainted. This is a new legacy. One we are building together. Maybe one day you’ll hand that patch over to your son. Maybe not, but it will be a positive thing. No more rotting from the inside. We embrace this, and we make it what we never had,” Yooper tells me.