#creeper Vargas x oc

[cloveroctobers]

DECEMBER PROMPTS 🧊 — 4. NERON “CREEPER” VARGAS

A/N: idea inspired by a required outing for me and encouraged by @darqchilddaydreamz 🤭 this is so unserious but not at the same time? I also don’t like how I learned to appreciate creeper after the fact? This is my first time ever writing for the man with a heart of gold. Smh. Him and Coco deserved better and in AU…Creeper & Coco would be the true besties. This is also somewhat that. Enjoy!

Synopsis: As a pizza chef you’re bound to keep your house just as stocked as your restaurant. However with a ice storm heading your way in two days…you persuade your husband, Neron to take you to the store to grab just a few extra things but soon find yourself in a battle with another shopper, who doesn’t know the first thing about personal space.

ADDED PROMPTS FROM HERE + I’m using: 3.) Shopping + 6.) “You’re really making me wear matching pajamas with you?”

WARNINGS: language + “reader” is given a name but not physically described yet I always have a black or woc in mind. + a sexual/steamy moment towards the end ;)

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙

What was supposed to be more of a in and out kind of thing, turned into at least a thirty minute adventure. Sure Mariatu could blame it on the tasteful playlist the grocery store was playing—currently, “let it snow,” by Boyz II Men & Brian McPetty but she’d take the blame when she got back outside to her husband.

The original plan was to run in and get five items: a pack of mineral water full of electrolytes for Neron, a pack of cocoa powder, eggs, toilet paper rolls, and disinfectant wipes.

With the way prices are in this economy?

Mariatu knew it was probably best for Neron to run in grab everything but he suddenly got a call from Coco that had to do with business—which the founded brothers always stood on—so she did the honors of slipping out. She honestly didn’t mind, shopping was always thrilling to her because she knows regardless of what she picked up—whether she needed it or not—the items would always be put to good use. Mariatu was never one to let anything go to waste, it was something her parents always instilled.

Perhaps that’s why the carriage was getting heavier as she explored every other aisle, ending up in the international section, just for some lady to eye the contents of her carriage before settling her judgmental eyes on Mariatu. Their eyes connected but one was less friendly than the other, which was enough for Mariatu to pick up the speed. The previous aisle was more of a game of “chicken,” since one boulder of a man thought the aisle was a one way, the frozen section had one of its fridges leaking onto the floor and the constant call to, “clean up aisle 21,” seemed to go unheard, and just from entering the store a mother had to excuse herself and her screaming child who thought it would be best to start knocking over one of the displays.

Those should have been enough signs for Mariatu to do what she was supposed to do. Although the upbeat Christmas music was enough motivation to just make this a speed round, Mariatu couldn’t help that she spent longer than expected; even if she had a mental list of what they needed. Soon she found herself making a circle in the store towards the organic and produce section.

Eyeing the pomegranate seeds, Mariatu makes a bee-line for the fruit. Parking her carriage upwards from herself, she picks up the container eyeing the expiration date and then the quality of the red toned fruit. From her peripheral she sees someone leaning by the front of her carriage. She thinks not much of it figuring that they’re simply looking at a item that aligns with the end of her carriage. Silently debating over the snack for a moment longer, she opts for the larger pack instead before adding it to the carriage.

Seconds after, the handle of her carriage digs harshly into her stomach as the customer pushes their hip into the end of the carriage to reach for a bag of jumbo grapes. Mariatu blinks to herself in astonishment as the man holds the bag up to the light and moves his hips to do the same movement again!

This time Mariatu yanks on the carriage and goes around the man but not without muttering, “this is how you say excuse me,” on her way as she continues on up ahead. Eyeing the bag of baby spinach, she decides against it after grabbing a few green juices not long ago and just as she goes to push away from the section, she can hear the irritating sound of a broken carriage wheel pushing behind her.

Ever since Mariatu was a little girl she had great senses. Some may call it a gift while others maybe oblivious but she’s almost always right in judging distances and sensing presences that may or may not physically be there. In this present time as Mariatu is briefly glancing from the cart to make sure she’s not forgetting something and watching where she’s going, she can feel and hear the carriage behind her getting too close for her liking. Just as she’s reaching the corner, she peers over her shoulder to the pale as ice skinned man with a beanie that barely covers his thin salt colored hair and in that moment they come to some sort of understanding.

His shoulders relax, his lips pursed, grip still strong on the handle, he seems to slow down as his eyes connect with Mariatu’s. The side-eye game was always strong and she whips her head back, ringlets of curls bouncing with her underneath her beret as she does, a satisfying smile begins to grace her lipstick painted lips while she gets ready to turn the corner.

That’s short lived as a bump of the carriage from behind pressed into her backside first, thrashing her forward, followed by the knocking wheel which clips her ankle. A yelp escapes her lips, gaining the attention of a cashier who’s handling the handicap section and Mariatu has to exhale the steam that’s probably seeping from her eardrums.

Rubbing at the stinging skin above her ankle socks in her trainers, she glares at the older man who looks sheepish at the fact that his carriage actually interacted with his target.

“What’s your problem? You bump my carriage out of the way instead of using your manners, which you clearly lack and now you wanna play bumper cars with my ankle?” Mariatu questions the man who lifts his shoulders nonchalantly.

“I needed grapes,” the man started, “you could have done what I did and placed your carriage to the right so that way you’re not blocking other items that fellow customers need.”

Mariatu scoffs in disbelief, “well I’m not you and the proper thing to do if you need to get something is say excuse me or patiently wait until I’m done.”

“Sorry…but no?”

“No?” Mariatu felt her eye twitch and just to think, she was having a pretty solid day off, considering it was only twelve in the afternoon but still!

“Yeah,” the man continued, “you’re in my way and I have places to be too. Don’t know if you know this but a ice storm is coming and I need—

“Excuse me, I don’t give two shits what you need. Everybody that’s in here needs something, so honestly you can take that entitlement and shove it up right your ass, Mr.” Mariatu stated to the man without raising her voice but her brows definitely did, which means she meant that shit, “and happy holidays.”

With that she sorta limps from the man, enjoying that she had the last say and that his presence was no longer felt as he scrambles to go to one of the other aisles instead of to the self-check out area, which Mariatu was headed to.

Mariatu braced herself heading back into the breezy sixty degree weather, slowly letting out a sigh to herself as she crossed through the parking lot. She spots Neron waiting outside of her bronco and jumps into action as he looks up in time. “Ten minutes huh?” He teases with a shake of his head as he unlocks the trunk.

She scrunches her nose at him as they maneuver around the cart, taking turns adding the bags into the back. It doesn’t take Neron long to pick up on the way Mariatu is walking different once they get down to the the last few bags. “What’s up?” He asks.

Mariatu shakes her head as Neron points at her leg, “I’ll tell you in the car.”

The hoodie wearing man dips his head and takes the task of bringing the carriage back to its spot after opening the door for Mariatu. Neron doesn’t miss a certain man looking over in his wife’s direction as Neron crosses the parking lot one more. Once he gets into the driver’s seat, it’s Neron’s turn to have his eyes in slits as the strange man starts tossing his bags into his station wagon.

“That man with the pedophile car…you know ‘em?”

Mariatu hums, looking up from her phone to follow Neron’s trail and immediately scoffs, “oh yeah, we got friendly not too long ago. That’s the man who tried to run me over after I told him he basically needs to learn some manners.”

Neron flicks his eyes to his right, “what happened?” He pressed and Mariatu has no issue giving her husband the quick rundown of what just occurred.

He’s rubbing at his lengthy beard in slight irritation but also pride. “Put your seatbelt on,” he commands and Mariatu tilts her head to the side at this.

However the hardened stare Neron shoots her way and then back out the window shield was enough for her to listen this time. The tatted man places one hand on the steering wheel, tightening his grip and sitting up straight—which was always enough indication that someone was about to float their ride…so Mariatu braced herself.

Rightfully so.

As soon as she blinked, they were across the parking lot blocking the man’s path from completely backing out from the parking space.

“Neron,” Mariatu hissed as he pressed his brimmed hat further down on his head then flung the door open, leaving it wide open as he walked in between the cars to get to the man’s driver’s side, knocking on his window.

Mariatu couldn’t exactly hear what Neron was saying to the strange man as he was crouched over, talking to him in a manner that would send a chill down anyone’s spine. Her heart rate picked up as she saw Neron reach into the rolled down window, possibly snatching the man up by the throat and then shoving him forward that his horn announced his face made contact with it.

With that Neron sniffs as he turns back to the bronco, holding a bag now as he climbs back into the driver’s seat. He plops the bag of grapes into Mariatu’s lap and says, “Poe Cramer sends his apologizes. Eat up.”

“Neron, what did you do that for? I thought I told you that I handled it.” Mariatu brings her eyes up from the fruit in her lap to the profile of her husband’s face who begins driving through the parking lot.

Neron dips his head, “and I’m proud of you, Cariño. But he assaulted you so I returned the favor. Roughed him up a bit, he’s lucky that’s all he got and that’s out of respect for my lady being somewhat a witness…that I didn’t take it further. got his name from his license—just in case you run into him again and he decides to start some more shit but I doubt it. I clocked his ass—that’s all. No harm, no foul.”

“I can’t,” Mariatu snorts resting a hand against her edges, “I love you and I don’t need you locked up before Christmas.”

“I’m just contributing to society so I know Santa would forgive me,” Neron shrugs with a slow smirk appearing on his lips.

Mariatu laughs, “Oh that’s what you want to call it?” Before kicking her ankle up and over her opposite knee to examine, “don’t know why some people get so shitty during the holiday season, especially if you didn’t do anything wrong to them! They just feel like it’s okay to take it out on strangers. Like? What you say fuck me for?”

“You don’t even gotta worry about him no more, trust me,” Neron laughs at the joke, “you good though?”

Mariatu nods reaching over to feed Neron a grape before pecking his cheek, “always with you by my side, baby.”

“Likewise,” Neron winks over at the woman he was ecstatic to call his wife, resting the palm of his hand on her thigh.

Back in the gated, yes gated! suburbs of their coastal mobile home after unloading and packing the groceries, the married couple made it their mission that today would be a easy day. They rarely had days off at the same time so Neron and Mariatu wanted to take advantage of this with Mariatu persuading Neron to go shopping today rather than putting it off for the busiest day—Saturday. Now they had the rest of the day just to be up in each others faces, spending quality time together.

She’s in the bathroom, tending to her night time skin routine, already solidifying they were in for the rest of the day, while Neron’s perched on the edge of the bed tuned into the weather channel. The bathroom door’s wide open as Neron says, “you know your pa is trying to get coco and I to come out to Wyoming, huh?”

Mariatu frowns, “that’s where he snuck off to? The hell is he doing out there?”

The woman knew exactly what her father was doing out there. He made it a mission to travel more after the lost of his wife three years ago but…Wyoming? Really? Very Kanye coded but a lot less unhinged.

“Starting a new business adventure. Plans to do something either with construction or a food truck for a rest stop…he’s weighing his options based on how those meetings go.” Neron informed, “he sounds real determined and said he’ll keep me posted while also sending his love to you.”

Neron and Johnny had their own business together that consisted of mechanics and all things restoration, computers and guns, you name it! After things went terribly south (she often found it hard at times that they both made it out alive) with the club, they figured this would be their best option and Mariatu couldn’t be more supportive of the two. In whatever way she was often confused on her father bringing up his multiple business ideas to her husband and good friend. Neron and Coco seemed quite comfortable making their roots here and not all over the place like her father commonly did.

Yet of course she understood networking being a business owner herself…she just couldn’t picture Neron or Johnny elsewhere now that they were secure here and out of the tainted Santo Padre.

Mariatu rolls her eyes at this, loving how Neron threw that in there but she knew this was true with the way her father’s brain was constantly running with ideas. He’s always been a hardworking, successful man but he also didn’t know when to slow down. He was getting older and it’s like Mariatu was always fighting to have time with him, she valued that considering the lost of her mother but perhaps this was all his way of grieving?

You tend to do that sometimes at the end of the year they say.

“Will he back for Christmas? Kwanzaa, maybe?”

Neron wouldn’t lie and he knew how important Mariatu’s relationship was with her parents, which he did not receive personally but he always had his sisters so he understood to some degree, “he didn’t say honey but I’m sure he’ll try.”

“Right,” Mariatu is quiet for some time before starting up her spin brush again for a few minutes before rinsing her face and continuing the rest of her work.

The room is thicker now with Mariatu’s inner feelings about it all but Neron knows not to push it. They were similar in that way, holding everything in but Mariatu was better in letting it out when she was ready while Neron struggled with his own issues of people not hearing him when he did speak. However he knew not to feel that way with his wife, they confided in each other countless of times and felt seen being vulnerable with each other. It’s what drove them forward through the hardships.

Neron’s not sure how long he’s dazed off but a pair of pants smack across his face, followed by a snort of laughter that belonged to no other than his wife. He blinks, gripping onto the printed pants and scowls as he eyes the same print that Mariatu is sporting. Except her’s are shorts and he gets to eye her smooth legs in them.

Licking his lips Neron rubs at his beard, fighting to keep his thoughts clean as she slips a printed long sleeve set over her camisole, “You’re really making me wear matching pajamas with you?”

“Uh huh,” Mariatu nods her head with a smile, “we’ll be cozy and cute.”

Neron mumbles, “And lookin’ like the elves on the fucken shelf.”

Mariatu cackles as Neron shakes his head in disagreement. She stands before him, resting her hands across his shoulders, massaging them while staring down into his tense but loving brown eyes. Neron doesn’t hesitate to wrap his solid tatted arms around her waist, while she gets comfortable locking her legs right around his hips so they’re face to face now.

“I think you need a little more persuading and a thank you.”

“A thank you?” Neron ponders as Mariatu nuzzles her nose against the man’s, who breathes her in.

Mariatu pecks his lips, then trails those kisses along his jaw and up to his large ear, whispering, “for always looking out for me and especially for today. Will you let me take care of you?”

She can feel Neron shudder against her and she knew that Neron just wanted to be loved in return for the love that he gave out. Mariatu had no problem providing that and the confirmation of his fingertips digging into her waist was all she needed to make their lips collide. The scratch of his beard against her chin, the weight of her clung to his body, the force of shoving him back against the sheets, scrape of her stiletto nails that greeted his skin briefly as she helped him out of his tops, kissing of his wounds that were buried beneath his tats, the trick of her tongue against the round of his raised flesh which contained a hooped piercing that always evoked a breathy moan from his lips, the teasing and pleasing to his lower region with only her mouth was enough to bring joy right out of Neron’s heart.

Mariatu took the reigns but Neron couldn’t let that slide without getting his hands on her in the way he wanted and the way they both needed as well. A shower and clean up routine later, both now sporting red festive wear, they’re lounging against the headboard together, container of pomegranate seeds placed in between them while the skies in San Didacus continue filling in with a gray haze.

Neron and Mariatu both meet each other’s eyes after the dark haired man settled on, one of his favorites, “Krampus,” (2015) after finding one of the cheesy romantic Christmas movies to be too corny for their tastes.

“Ready to keep the festive spirit going?” Neron asks, wrist draped over Mariatu’s shoulder while she curls into him, leg tossed over his torso.

Mariatu covers her yawn, “yeah I am, I don’t know about you but I don’t want any demons hunting this house, especially once some kids come along.”

“Nah, krampus don’t got nothin’ on me.” Neron tells with a grin, “he better ask Poe and check my resume.”

“I haven’t even seen that resume.”

“I’m keepin’ it that way. Like I said when we took those vows, you don’t got to worry about nothing on that end. Just the restaurant and the good parts of life that we’re building together only.” Neron reassured in which Mariatu nodded with a smile.

Neron leans forward capturing Mariatu’s lips in a brief kiss before brushing his lips against her forehead then tunes back into the movie.

One thing is true, this holiday, equally the pair hopes this season brings further blessings to their table after growing what they both went through. The little moments mean just as much as the big ones and when they frequently stare into each other’s eyes…maybe in the end they can always say that’s the best gift the universe could have ever gave them.

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆ ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙

Continue the rest of my~5 days of Xmas~December anthology prompts here.

[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 26

Well don't kill me. Here's part 26. It's a bit of lead up.

Personal note - I'm now on some serious heart medication due to reoccurring heart issues, so I'm a little foggy. Things may be a bit slower than they used to be even though I hoped to stick to my previous posting of about a chapter a week. That's not working out very well. It's taking me longer to get my ideas on paper and then even longer to get them typed. Please be patient with me.

Warnings: cursing (maybe), show level casual illegal activity, Angel being a menace.

Also - don't steal my shit. This is the only place this is posted.

Taza, Hank, Megan and Rex quickly joined the rest of the club inside. “Morning, Poquito, Hank, Taza. You look like you’re going somewhere important,” Bishop greeted them as he claimed a morning hug from Megan. “What’s the plan today?”

Hank smiled ruefully. “Ask la princessa. She’s the one that’s insistent about it.”

Megan, who had moved on to giving Marcus his morning greeting, shot him a look over her good shoulder.

“Really now, Bebita? What’s he mean?” Marcus asked, looking down at her as he hugged her close. 

Megan sighed. “We’re going to see the doctor in Santa Madre for an x-ray. I want this sling off so I can have my life back.”

Creeper frowned from the bar stool where he was perched. “Didn’t the rez doctor say no?”

Megan grimaced. “He said not quite, but that was with the plaster cast. The soft cast and the immobilizing sling mean it’s been resting more than it had been. Some progress has to have been made.”

Bishop nodded and sat down at one of the tables with a cup of coffee. “How’s the pain?”

“Honestly - so much better. I haven’t had so much as an aspirin and it just feels achey and stiff,” she assured him.

“How achey?” Bishop asked again.

“More than a post workout ache but less than a set dislocated shoulder ache. I honestly think I’d be fine without the sling for the most part. I can always put it back on if it hurts.” She shrugged her good shoulder.

There was a collective wince from the elders at her description.

“What the hell, Shorty. How’d you know what a dislocated shoulder feels like, huh?” Angel asked, giving her a skeptical look.

“Angel - I rode in rodeos. Not a rider I know who hasn’t dislocated at least one shoulder once. In my event - that was the price of a mistake,” she smiled. “And a small price to pay rather than a broken leg or back.”

“Shit, Ma. And you did that shit for fun?” Coco added, puffing on his cigarette. 

“Well, the money was nice too.”

“Holy shit. No wonder you didn’t freak out about the pain.” Coco ashed the cigarette in his hand. “Y’all need someone to ride along?”

“Nah. Thanks, Coco. We’re good, I think. Just a quick run for an x-ray,” Hank assured him as he settled into a chair across the table from Taza.

“Besides- like Creep said - the rez doc didn’t think she was healed enough yet. Good possibility it’s still too early but la princessa is impatient,” Taza said with a grin in Megan’s direction. SHe stuck her tongue out at him.

“Well, we have Angel and EZ doing the Adelita meet today. They’re going South anyway. Might as well go along with you so they don’t have to walk from the desert,” Bishop said. He turned to look at EZ where he was polishing glasses. “Prospect, you better do your memory shit. Poquito could only arrange for the two of you. We’ll hold Templo tonight so everyone gets read in at once.”

EZ nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“And don’t fuck it up,” Hank added.

Taza agreed. “You two fuck up  this gun deal… Neither of you can afford it. The club can’t afford it.”

Both brothers nodded solemnly. 

It wasn’t even an hour laters that they met at the dress warehouse hatch. By now they had this to a science. EZ carried Rex. The ladder was difficult for Megan on handed, so Hank went first so he could catch her if she slipped. Taza stayed at the top guiding her down as far as he could maintain his balance. 

The tunnel itself wasn’t too bad. The terrain was a bit rough, but nothing Megan couldn’t handle with the help of the lights and either Taza or Hank’s guiding hand on her good arm. 

THe hatch on the other end, however, was the bane of her existence. The ladder was built for much taller men so the rungs were further apart and roughly built. They weren’t evenly spaced either. When they reached it Megan sighed. She had slipped every time at this end.

“What’s wrong, Princessa?” EZ asked. “Need a break?” He handed her a bottle of water from the backpack he was carrying. 

Megan shot him a rueful smile and sipped it. “More like an elevator. I hate this ladder.”

Taza grimaced. “We’ll get a new one soon, Chica. Just gotta deal until then.”

Angel eyed the ladder. “Bet me and the boyscout could get you up it easier.”

Hank frowned a bit and tugged Megan to rest against his chest a moment. “What do you mean, Angel?”

“We got Creep up it pretty easy when he needed the doc. Megan’s a lot smaller.” Angel shrugged. “Same way we used to get shit into the attic for Pops.”

EZ broke into a wide grin. “You might be right.”

Taza shrugged a bit as he glanced at Megan. “What do you say, Chica? Want to let them try it?”

Megan eyed the hated ladder, before turning to eye the brothers. “Promise not to drop me?”

Angel gave a sardonic laugh. “And risk getting shot? We won’t drop you, Shorty.”

“Alright then. How’re we doing this?” she asked.

Angel grinned. “Taza, you and EZ go first. Once you’re up, EZ lays on the floor to lift la princessa with Taza to anchor him. Megan gets on my shoulder an’ EZ pulls her out. Simple. Reyes Brothers Elevator.”

Hank chuckled and shook his head, amazed at the simplicity of it. “I’ll help steady you, mi amore. This way you don’t risk falling like yesterday.” The day before, Megan had been lucky Hank was behind her for the ladder. He’d had to catch her twice.

Just like Angel outlined, Taza and EZ went first with EZ carrying Rex. Taza paid the toll while the prospect laid down and hung his top half through the hatch. Taza anchored his legs as Hank helped Angel get Megan onto his shoulders and steadied her as he stood. Then EZ locked his arm and pulled Megan up until Taza could help her out of the hatch. In the end, EZ was breathing a little heavy, but the near disaster of the day before had been averted. Angel and Hank then climbed up to join them. 

“Thanks Angel and EZ. That was much easier on my end,” Megan said, smiling at the brothers. 

Angel gave a slightly cocky grin. “Anything for la princessa de los Mayas, right Prospect?”

EZ laughed a little and straightened his kutte. “Right.”

Once they reached the town, Angel and EZ dropped them off at the storefront where the doctor kept an office upstairs and headed out to the coordinates Luisa had sent to the burner phone in Angel’s pocket. 

“Alright, Chica. Let’s go get this x-ray and find out how you’re doing. After, we can go find something to do until Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum get back,” Taza said with a grin.

Hank led the way up the narrow stairs and paused at the top to smile back at Megan. “You ready, mi amore?”

Megan smiled a little nervously. “You’ll stay with me?”

“Of course, Princessa.” He chuckled a little. “We’d have to anyway - Doc doesn’t speak English.”

Inside, Taza spoke with a man quietly in Spanish as Megan leaned into Hank’s side. The conversation wasn’t very long before the man smiled at Megan and waved her forward. 

Megan turned to look at Taza. 

“He just wants to take the sling off and feel for the break before he x-rays you, Chica,” Taza assured her. 

Hank guided her forward and worked the sling straps on her back to release them. Once the sling was off, he sat her on the narrow wooden table while holding her good hand.

The doctor approached with his hands held calmingly out in front of him. He gently pressed along her collarbone. He looked at Hank and asked something. 

“Mi reina, he wants to know if it hurts when he touches it,” Hank translated. 

“No. It’s a little achey, but that’s just the stiffness I think,” Megan said. 

The doctor nodded as Taza translated what was said. He gestured for Hank to step away from Megan and rolled a camera looking machine in front of her before holding a metal panel behind her shoulder. Megan fought the urge to giggle as she realized that the x-ray machine was a portable vet tool. 

The doctor took the shots that he needed before indicating that he’d be back in a moment. 

As soon as he was out of the room, Megan lost the battle with her giggles. Both men grinned at her. 

“What’s so funny, Chica?” Taza asked, amused at her reaction to this doctor. He had expected nerves or even some defiance like he’d seen the other times doctors had looked at her. 

“Papa, he’s not a doctor, is he? He’s a vet,” Megan bit her lip to stifle her laugh.

Hank burst out laughing while Taza stared at her for a moment before joining in. 

“How’d you know, Princessa?” Hank asked as he moved to support her still splinted arm through her laughing fit.

“The x-ray machine gave it away. And he wasn’t exactly concerned that he couldn’t talk to me directly. Plus - he came at me like I was going to cow kick him if he surprised me.”

Taza laughed again. “You’re right. He’s a farm vet. We didn’t want to scare you with him not being a ‘real’ doctor, so we just didn’t say anything.”

Megan smiled mischievously. “Well - for future reference - I’d much rather the vet than the hospital any day.”

An hour or so later they were walking down the narrow steps to the street level again with Megan’s sling tucked into a bag. The doctor had given the go ahead to remove the sling as long as she wasn’t using her arm too much and there wasn’t a lot of pain. He’s also provided Hank with a refill of the ibuprofen - just in case.

Once on the street, they decided to head to a small restaurant down the street to wait for the Reyes brothers and have lunch. 

Taza ordered for them at the counter while Hank and Megan found a table in a spot where they could see the door. Megan kept rolling her right shoulder until Hank gently rubbed his hand down her spine and across her shoulders. “Are you alright, mi reina?” he asked her as he did it. 

Megan gave a soft groan of relief as Hank rubbed. Hank chuckled at the noise as she answered. “I’m fine. Just stiff.” She paused, arching her back into his rubbing hand. “That feels so good.”

Hank laughed again and scooted his chair back from the table. “Come ‘ere, Princessa. Let me help.” He tugged her to sit in his lap facing him and leaned her forward against his chest so he could gently rub the knots from her back that the sling caused. 

Megan melted against him as the firm pressure released her muscles even through her kutte and holster. 

Hank grinned as Taza came to the table with two trays of food and drinks. His smile assured Taza that nothing was seriously wrong. 

Taza placed the trays on the table and took his seat across from her. “Everything alright?” he asked quietly. 

Megan nodded from where her face was buried in between Hank’s neck and shoulder but made  no move to get up. She let out another quiet moan that only Hank could hear as he hit a particularly nice spot. 

Hank chuckled again and tried not to think about it too much. He liked that noise. He met Taza’s eyes. “Yeah. She’s just stiff and her back muscles are in knots from the sling. 

Taza laughed a little. “So that’s why she’s practically purring.” 

Hank grinned. He tilted his chin to kiss Megan’s hair. “Your papa brought lunch. You ready to eat?” he asked her. 

Megan whined a little, but nodded before lifting her head. Hank helped her to settle back into her chair with a laugh. “A hot shower when we get home will help, mi amore.”f

As they ate, they made plans for the rest of the day. They had Templo when they got back to discuss the deal with the L.O. but after that no plans had been made. 

“Well, your tíos and I need to meet after Templo to do some book work, so I’ll be tied up for the night. What are your plans, Chica?” Taza asked as he discreetly added more rice to Megan’s plate while she was distracted. 

“Don’t know. I need to let Riz know to put me back on the schedule since the sling is off, but I also know that he’s already got this week’s schedule posted. I looked this morning,” Megan said as she ate the taco she'd fixed from the communal plates Taza had ordered them. “Will you be in meetings too, Hank?”

Hank sipped his soda and shook his head. “Nah. All my book stuff is done for the next two weeks.” He leaned back in his chair and slid his arm along the back of Megan’s. “Now that your sling’s off - would you want to do something tonight?”

Megan’s eyes sparkled. “Like a date?”

Hank laughed. “Yes. Like an actual date, mi princessa. Nothing too fancy, but a date.”

Megan bounced a little in her chair. “Yes!”

Taza grinned at her enthusiasm. “There we go. I’ll be home late too, so don’t wait up for me.”

“Would you keep Rex for the night?” Hank asked, petting the big dog’s ears under the table. “I thought we might take the bike.”

Megan lit up further “Really?”

“If your papa doesn’t mind.”

Megan turned to him with her big, brown eyes pleading.

“Yes. I’ll keep the pooch - if you promise to stay with Hank, Chica. I like you having him as an extra line of defense when you’re out, so you have to promise not to do anything stupid,” Taza stipulated. 

“I promise, Papa.”

“Alright then. You two will have date night while the pooch and I work late.”

Hank’s burner beeped from his kutte pocket. He pulled it out and checked it without removing his arm from Megan’s chair. “Angel and the Prospect are back in town.”

“Perfect timing. Let’s go home.”

They met the brothers back where they’d split up. Angel quickly abandoned the driver's seat to Taza and Megan got shotgun with Hank behind her. 

At the hatch, this time Taza went first followed by Megan. It was much easier without the sling. She managed to slip once, but caught herself. Once they were at the bottom, EZ frowned at the ladder. “That thing really does need fixed. La Princessa shouldn’t have to struggle with it every time. Especially since she’s going to be dealing with this trip a lot as the armorer,” he said.

“Glad you volunteer, Prospect,” Hank agreed. “You can start on it tomorrow.”

Megan giggled a little as she caught her breath in the close confines of the tunnel but petting Rex.

“You good, Shorty? Didn’t bust nothin’ when you slipped, did ya?” Angel asked.

Megan stuck her tongue out at him. “I’m fine. Just missed a rung.”

“Alright. Just checkin’. No harm in that,” Angel grinned a bit. “Hey Boyscout - maybe you need to use that big brain of yours to figure out a lift, huh? That way la princessa doesn’t break a nail.”

Megan smacked Angel in the chest with the back of her good hand and laughed. “You suck, Angel.”

“That’s why the women love me.”

Megan wrinkled her nose. “Eeewwww. TMI.”

Angel cracked up. “You asked for it.”

Taza shook his head with an exasperated chuckle and shoved Angel forward along the tunnel. “Get going before you scar my daughter for life.”

They made their way back to the Northern hatch where they all climbed out into the dress warehouse with EZ helping to lift Rex through the door. They were all a little dusty, but none the worse for wear.

Back at the clubhouse, Megan proudly walked in without her sling to find Bishop and Marcus relaxing at a table with a few beers.

“Well look at you, Poquito. Doctor freed you?” Bishop asked, standing to claim a hug.

Megan stepped into his embrace with a smile. “Still gotta wear the soft cast and be easy with it, but he cleared me to lose the sling.”

“Good. That’ll make dance lessons easier,” Marcus said as he got his own hug,

“Among other things,” Megan agreed. 

“Is everyone here?” Hank asked.

“Waiting on Riz. He went to help Vickie with something,” Bishop said, taking his seat back.

Taza and Hank joined them as Angel split off to the bar where Coco and Gilly were waiting. EZ went to fetch drinks automatically as Hank pulled Megan onto his knee. 

“He needs to hurry up. La Princessa and her caballero have a date tonight,” Taza said, accepting the beer from EZ.

Marcus grinned. “Finally going to take Poquito somewhere, Tranq?”

Hank grinned. “That’s the plan if nothing fucking it up this time.”

Bishop looked over his shoulder at where Angel was sipping on his own beer. “We’ll be fine for one night, brother. Take Poquito out tonight. If shit hits the fan - it can wait until tomorrow for you.” He grinned. “Now, that being said - you have planning to do. So get to it. Poquito - did the doctor say when the soft cast can come off?”

Hank chuckled and pressed a kiss to the place where Megan’s neck met her shoulder before sliding out from in under her. He watched as Megan settled into his seat and got distracted by her tío’s question before slipping out to the front porch. 

Megan smiled at Bishop. “Tío, why’re you asking me? You know very well the doctor doesn’t speak English.”

Bishop laughed and nodded. “You’re right. You’re right. So what did your papa tell you he said?”

“Still another three weeks or so - as long as I don’t do anything stupid. I kind of think Papa added that part on though,” Megan teased.

Taza laughed. “I paraphrased. That’s all Chica.”

They chatted amicably for a bit before Angel came over to ask to speak to Bishop and Taza alone for a minute in Templo. That left Megan with Marcus.

“Have you heard anything from Tía Diana and Tessa?” Megan asked. “I haven’t heard much since they left.”

Marcus sat forward at the table to smile at her. He leaned his forearms there and smiled. “Yeah. I heard from them at about lunch time. They’re probably still on the road though. Tessa doesn’t have much patience for car rides, so Diana will stop often to let her stretch.” He fiddled with his beer bottle a bit. “I talked to your tía about the move. She agrees that it’s probably best for everyone if I pause my patch for a bit.”

Megan reached across the table to squeeze his fingers. “And you? What do you think?”

He squeezed back before meeting her eyes. “I think she’s right. It makes the most sense, Bebita.”

“Then why the hesitation?” she asked quietly.

“I don’t know who I am without this kutte, Poquito. I’ve been wearing it so long it’s practically my skin at this point.” He sighed. “I’m struggling with letting go.”

“I understand. It’s like leaving rodeo was for me.” She fiddled with his signet ring, “But Tío, you aren’t leaving for good. It’s just like recon.”

He chuckled. “You’re right. We’ll make the call at the Templo after this one. I want to be sure the gun deal is solid first. Besides - this way nothing is on Hank’s mind tonight except you. Finally getting a real date night, huh? You gonna let him show out?”

Megan laughed and sat back. “You mean I could stop him?”

“Good point.”

Bishop and Taza returned with very serious faces. Megan sat up straight in alarm. “Papa? Everything alright?”

“Sí, Chica. Angel just had some information for us.” He pressed a reassuring kiss to the top of her head before resuming his seat. “Your tío is going to take care of it before Templo.”

Bishop nodded and gathered Gilly and Creeper before riding out. 

“Anything I need to know, Hermano?” Marcus asked.

Taza shook his head. “Nah. Charter issue.”

Marcus nodded. 

When Bishop and the others returned, Bishop’s face was like a thundercloud and Riz was with them. Hank followed them in from the front porch too. Bishop didn’t even have to say anything. He just grabbed the whiskey bottle and a glass and headed for Templo. Everyone followed.

taglist:

@jemmakates

@msjava1972

@drabbles-mc

@delightfulheroshoeflap

@iamthegraham

@oureternalbond

@camelia35

@anaeve

@tallrock35

If you would like to be added to the taglist - please let me know.

[minimel-fics]

Mayans M.C Masterlist

Find my multi-fandom blog here.

Reyes Brothers

Nowhere to Go, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8- Angel had hurt you before so what was causing you a little more pain now to avoid a future of hurt? 

Obispo “Bishop” Losa

I Want You (18+)- You aren’t his to have but he sure wants you, you keep your thoughts about him buried until you go to bed at night.

Broken Bells- Annabelle’s life has been anything but easy. Just when she finds a sense of peace in the desert town she gets slammed back into a life full of conflict and men who ride motorcycles for more than just a little fun.

On Hiatus - May resume/ rework after final season airs?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7,  Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10 (18+), Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18,

Neron “Creeper” Vargas

Unexpected Blessings, Part 2- An unexpected late night encounter brings out Creepers soft side and flips two unsuspecting worlds upside down.

Familial Persecution- Creeper loves you more than anything and sticks by your side while you deal with the death of your father but your family does not approve.

A True Gem- Everyone thinks you’re eccentric but Creeper embraces your quirks. 

Inked (18+)- There’s a mutual attraction but the admiration for your tattoo’s is what brings you together.

Marshmallow Dreams- What happens when you mix a Cali boy and wintery New York? The risk of frostbite and hot cocoa with too many marshmallows.

Parental Guidance- A daughter’s first date is a father's worst nightmare.

Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes

Coffee Connections- It is an unspoken rule to never be late for the first date. 

Getting Old (18+)- While a back injury causes you to have an existential crisis, Ez has other plans for you.

The Way We Get By, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5- Working at Vicki’s was just a way to put yourself through law school and keep food on your table. (18+)

People Watching- If he is the one to interrupt your peace while hiding away from the party downstairs then you’re okay with that.

 Johnny “Coco” Cruz

Second Chances, Part 2- He had always dismissed his family because of the poison that ran through their veins until Letty showed him that it didn’t have to be that way, now he just wants to make things right.

Asshole- No matter what you do, you’re always the bad guy.

Hank “Tranq” Loza

Moral of the Story, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4- Their marriage took a turn for the worst, but they made a vow that neither of them had the heart to break. 

Loss of a Brother- Lucille had never imagined the day she would lose her baby brother, nor would she imagine Hank being the one there to pick her back up.

Che “Taza” Romero

Summer Break- You couldn’t get through to your son but Taza has dad powers.

[oscars-wifeyyy]

Princess and Creeper

Santo Padre. The home of Mayans MC or what you call...tios and papa. You were Tranq’s daughter and the princess among the rough and tumble crew even though they were soft with you. You tried to help them out as much as you can which led to you having to help out a doctor from across the border to patch up any major injuries and to patch up any small ones at the clubhouse. There was one rule for you though. No dating any Mayan from any charter. At first, you were fine with it until an LA native came rolling up and started hanging with the Mayans and later being an official one. Neron “Creeper” Vargas was not like any man that you have met in Santo Padre, well because, for one, he was the one that knew the least amount of spanish in the crew so you tried to help him out with the little spanish that you knew.

You only understood the language, but didn’t really know how to speak so it led to study sessions together and trying to learn the language since your father had been so busy with the club to help you out. The time has passed and you find yourself completely head over heels for the non spanish speaker. It had become too much that you had to let someone know and your best friend was your dad and you couldn’t keep anything from him.

“Hey, dad,” you shuffled into his room, “can I tell you something?”

“Of course, mija,” he sat on the edge of the bed and patted the seat next to him, “c’mere,”

You sat on the bed and played with your hands, “so, you know how you said that I can’t date anybody that’s a Mayan? I was fine with that rule until someone came in and joined,”

Tranq stood up, “who? Who is it?”

You put your hands up, “do not get mad when I tell you, ok?” your father glared at you before sighing with a nod, “it may or may not be Creeper,”

“Creeper?” Tranq lifted his eyebrows in surprise, “really?” you nodded, “ok, ummmm, I mean as long as it isn’t one of those putos that you call best friends,”

You laughed, “Angel, Coco, EZ, and Gilly are too much like me for me to actually date them, let’s be real here,” Tranq nodded in confirmation, “so does that mean if things get to a dating phase you would be ok with it? I don’t think it will, but hypothetically if it happens?”

“Yeah. I would rather him than the putos, El Presidente, or Taza,”

You let out a sigh, “Ok. Well, I don’t know what to do with this like I actually don’t know what to do. You know I only really had one boyfriend and that was back in high school,”

“I’m your dad. I am not about to help you get together with a man, if it were my choice you would be an asexual who hates everyone except for me,” Tranq shrugged.

“You are literally no help,” you groaned, “I’m heading over to EZ’s and asking him,” Tranq nodded so you left his room and called EZ while putting your shoes on.

“What do you want?” EZ groaned.

“I’m coming over. I need to ask you something,” You left the house as EZ agreed and hung up.

A short drive later, you were in the trailer with EZ. “Ok, emergency meeting about my feelings for Creeper and what to do to see if he likes me back,”

“Your dad is going to kill you and him,” EZ said

“No he’s not. I told him I had feelings and he said as long as it’s not you or the other three dumbasses,”

EZ put his hand over his heart, “ouch, but ok. I say you just go up to him and say it,”

Unbeknownst to you two, Creeper heard your voices and decided to stay around to listen to what you were saying. “How the fuck do you expect me to say that! ‘Hey, Creeper. I fucking like you,’ dude, he will definitely laugh in my face!” A smile had slowly made its way to his face.

“Yes!” Ez raised his arms up.

Creeper rolled his eyes and decided to knock on the door as the two of you had gone quiet and EZ opened the door. “Hey, Creep. I just realized that I had to go help my dad out at his shop. Bye,” EZ looked back at you with a look to tell him as your eyes widened and shook your head.

“Ok, Boy Scout. I’m going to talk to (Y/N),” EZ left as Creeper walked in, “hey, (y/n),”

“Hi,” you put your hands behind your back and shuffled your feet, “what’s up?”

“Oh, nothing. I just wanted to do something really quick,” Creeper walked closer to you as your eyes widened, “can I kiss you?” You wordlessly nodded as his hands were laid on the sides of your neck. His head leaned down closer to you and the anticipation was too much so you went on your toes and wrapped your arms around his neck to bring him closer to the kiss. When you guys pulled away to take a breath, both of your cheeks were burning red.

“Let me take you on a date,” Creeper said, “right now,”

“Ok,” the two of you left hand in hand as you spotted EZ next to his motorcycle with a smirk and a wink towards you as you lifted your middle finger at him. The night progressed into the best night of your life and you happily told your dad that you were now dating Creeper.

[losolvidad0s]

Dangerous Liaisons | Moodboard | Catalina “Lina” Romero

(Please click on the image to enhance its quality ✨)

Part one of our Dangerous Liaisons story is being carefully crafted for your enjoyment! For those who’ve asked I will add you to the taglist and if you would like to be added, let me know! Who is excited to know who Catalina is? How did she come to Santo Padre? What is her history with Angel Reyes? What will draw her to EZ Reyes? What business will she have with Los Olvidados and the Galindo Cartel? Who from SAMCRO does she have ties with? LETS GET HYPE!

Check out the Lina & Angel as well as the Lina & EZ moodboards!

dangerous liaisons taglist: @cind-in-real-life @nakusaych9 @kchavez666

[drabbles-mc]

Fic Rec Celebration!

In honor of @dreamlandcreations​‘ 300 follow celebration, I’m giving a shout-out to ten of my fave fics from other authors, as well as showing a love to a few faves from my own masterlist!

Fic recs are under the cut! xo

10 Recs From Other Authors:

Butterflies in Leather by @withmyteeth [Mayans MC x Reader] (I cried as I read it when she was publishing it, and I’m crying as I reread it now. The beauty and emotions in this story are unmatched.)

You Owe Me by @garbinge [Frank Castle x OC] (When I tell you I think about Frank and Ty on the daily it’s not an exaggeration)

Come What May by @lovebarefootblonde [Jax Teller x OC] (All the warm fuzzies and nostalgic high school feelings I get from this story. Don’t look at me, don’t touch me, I’m soft)

Of Life and Death by @awildcur [Coco Cruz x OC] (Coco and Soledad give me the softest feelings in the entire world I love them so much)

The Worst Flirt by @obsessedasusual [Juice Ortiz x Reader] (Every now and then I come across a fic that feels so authentically Juan Carlos, and this is it. This one right here.)

Last Rites by @ashlingnarcos [Horacio Carrillo x Reader] (It’s sad but I have never loved being in pain so much as when I was reading this)

Taking Damage by @narcolini [Güero x Reader] (I’ve never been so supportive of questionable decisions. I was a different person when I was reading this and I loved that for me.)

I Don’t Wanna Be Unfair by @passionatewrites [Jax Teller x OC] (The entire universe and cast of characters in this story has had me sucked in from the first chapter and it just keeps getting better.)

Passive Aggressive Notes by @yourwonkywriter [Nestor Oceteva x Reader] (Y’all don’t understand the crucial role this fic played in me falling in love with Nestor. Tbh all of her Nestor fics did that. But this one??? THIS ONE??? Peak Nestor experience.)

The Cage by @joannasteez [EZ Reyes x OC] (When I grow up I want to write descriptions as good as Jo’s. Also this story left me a whole mess.)

There are so many works from these writers, and also other writers in all these fandoms, but I think this is a decent little range of shout-outs. Love all these so much 💛

10 Recs From My Masterlist:

Good Things [EZ Reyes x Reader] When I set out to write this oneshot, I had something else in mind entirely but I’m obsessed with how it turned out. Sad Boy / Yearning hours for Ezekiel.

Self-Defense [EZ Reyes x Reader] You can pry this angst and meltdown out of my cold dead hands.

Fresh Ink [Juice Ortiz x Reader] Juice deserves to be in super sappy love and no one will ever be able to convince me otherwise.

State of Grace [David Hale x OC] A cop falling in love with the outlaw’s baby sister?? What could possibly go wrong?? (Spoiler alert: a lot)

If It’s Alright [Horacio Carrillo x Reader] Carrillo was made for the exes with feelings trope. Simply made for it.

Stick Around [Jax Teller x OC] These boys deserved a sister and I’m going to keep making them.

Like Father, Like Son [Creeper Vargas x Reader] The start of my Creeper Wolfpack AU. Love this family so friggin much.

Something For You [Nestor Oceteva x Reader] I have never written Nestor softer than this. The feelings I experienced writing this were just. So fuzzy.

Before You Go [Nestor Oceteva x Reader] This was just a short little something but I really liked the moment it captured. The man just deserves some love, that’s all.

Best Ex Ever [Coco Cruz x Reader] Just some chaos for the one and only Johnny Coco Cruz. I adore that man.

I tried to go through and pick some fics that I don’t usually take the time to shout-out. Some of my stuff that’s either older or went a little under the radar. 🖤

[crowfootwrites]

crowfootwrites masterlist

18+ / NSFW / Smut pieces marked with 🔥

Star Trek Works:

New Arrival [Odo (ST:DS9) x Fem!Reader]

Devotion & Diplomacy [Daro (ST:TNG) x OFC] Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII

Diel [Taurik (ST:TNG) x Fem!Reader]

Warm Welcome [Neelix (ST:VOY) x GN!Reader]

Eaha’le [Senator Kimara Cretak (ST:DS9) x GN!Reader]

Stardew Valley Works:

December Drabbles [All Characters, currently updating]

Mayans MC Works:

The Boyfriend [Taza Romero x Fem!Reader] Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV

Bruises [Nestor Oceteva X Fem!Reader] | Part I | Part II

Hair [Nestor Oceteva x Reader] (Drabble)

Hoodie [Coco Cruz x Fem!Reader] (Drabble)

It’s Easy [Nestor Oceteva x Fem!Reader]

June Drabbles [All Characters, unfinished]

Los Guardianes [Nestor Oceteva x Fem!Reader] Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII

Mayans Take Their Kids Trick-or-Treating | Headcanon

Nightmare [Taza Romero x Fem!Reader]

PTA [Creeper Vargas x Reader]

Safety [Nestor Oceteva x Reader]

Show Off [Angel Reyes x Fem!Reader]

Softer [Hank Loza x Reader]

Study Buddy [Coco Cruz x Reader]

Sugar [Miguel Galindo x Fem!Reader] 🔥

Suspension [Gilly Lopez x Fem!Reader]

Together [Bishop Losa x Fem!Reader]

Undone [Nestor Oceteva x Fem!Reader] 🔥

Sons of Anarchy Works:

Ache [Juice Ortiz x Reader]

Assumptions [Chibs Telford x Fem!Reader] 🔥

The Dream [Chibs Telford x Fem!Reader] 🔥

Memories [Bobby Munson x Reader]

Rough Night [Tig Trager x Fem!Reader] 🔥

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Works

The Bath [Rafael Barba x Reader]

A Night on the Town [Rafael Barba x OC] 🔥

[calif0rnia-lovers]

'writing is hard af & honestly, you're killing it' shoutouts

providing feedback & helping circulate stories is super important. so I put together another group of stories i’ve read recently that left me thinking ‘chef’s kiss. pure perfection.’ it's been a few months since I've done this. check 'em out for your weekend reading. tried to grab some for different characters so there's 19 stories total

including the key I use for my masterlist (bc I know smut isn't the vibe for some)

key: 💦 = NSFW 💙 = Fluff 💔 = Angst 🔥= No Smut, Just Great ST

marvel:

1 a hand to hold | @heyiamthatbitch 💙

pairing: sam wilson x reader

2 a job well done | @angrythingstarlight 💦

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

3 catching Peter Parker’s interest |@supremethunda 💙

pairing: peter parker x black!reader

4 eternal flame (prologue) | @xuberanthartt

pairing: steve rogers x black!oc

5 erase every trace | @angrythingstarlight 💦

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

6 opening up | @pointbreak-odinson 💦

pairing: frank castle x black!reader

7 puffballs | @canumoveurseatup-no 💙

pairing: bucky barnes x black!stark!reader

8 the fourth horseman | @smallestchances 💦

pairing: thor x reader

9 time | @pointbreak-odinson

pairing: sam wilson x reader

10 training day | @piratesfromspace 🔥

pairing: frank castle x reader

11 with great responsibility comes |@basicjetsetter 💔

pairing: peter parker x black!fem!reader

mayans mc

12 are we on a date right now? | @brattyfics 💙

pairing: miguel galindo x black!reader

13 budding romance (part I) | @superhoeva 💙

pairing: angel reyes x florist!woc!reader

14 bullseye | @angelreyesgirl 💙

pairing: angel reyes x reader

15 day dreams | @appropriate-writers-name 💙

pairing: ez reyes x ofc (eliza quintana)

16 ice cream & ferris wheels | @imagineredwood 💙

pairing: creeper vargas x reader

17 little bunny | @thisiswhatshefelt 💦

pairing: ez reyes x black!reader

18 tiktok prank | @jeonsblackgf-writes

pairing: angel reyes x black!reader

henry cavill:

19 the road to paloma | @thetaoofzoe 💙💦

pairing: captain syverson (sandcastle) x you

[redpoodlern]

Open Your Eyes

Pairing: Neron “Creeper” Vargas x me! ( okay- female reader) & other Mayans x OC (mostly just mentioned)

Word Count: 1,938 😮

Summary: you’re injured while Creeper is on a run & chaos ensues

Warnings: cursing, blood, trauma, depression, sweet Creeper ♥️

Author’s Note: So this started as a dream that did not have a happy ending and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I didn’t want to write that but did want to try writing something so… be gentle. Somewhat edited but mostly not.

Walking over to the window, Creeper watched Riz, Taza, and Bishop dragging your friends Viv, Bri, and Nicole away from the hospital. He knew it was only a matter of time before Alexa showed up more than likely with Nestor in tow. Creeper and his Mayan brothers had developed a truce of sorts with Nestor since the man insisted on always accompanying Alexa around them but they weren’t happy about it. Speaking of Happy, Creeper sent a silent wish that your Reaper friend didn’t appear.

Moving back towards the hospital bed, Creeper dropped into the chair and reached for your hand while attempting to avoid dislodging the IV. Just like your friends, he hated seeing you like this. He had tried to convince them this wasn’t their fault just as much as they had tried to convince him but he knew, none of them believed it.

They swore they didn’t know your ex was in town and you sure as hell hadn’t told him. He would have taken care of that problem if he had known. Rubbing his other hand over his bald head, Creeper acknowledged his guilt over leaving you alone this past week.

“I should have fucking stayed here with you, baby girl. The guys could have handled the fucking run without me,” he whispered. “I need you to come back to me, please.”

But he couldn’t help but wonder if you had known your ex was back and kept it from everyone. Watching the blood run through the tubing into your vein, Creeper thought back to the last time he had seen you.

“Y/N, where you at, baby?” he yelled as he walked through the house.

Hearing no response, he quickly moved from room to room finally locating you in the bedroom. You were curled up in the fetal position blankly staring at the wall with tears rolling down your face. Climbing into the bed beside you, Creeper pulled you into his arms pushing your face against his chest.

“I gotcha, baby girl” he murmured repeatedly holding you close and just letting you cry.

He’d seen this before with you and knew you wouldn’t open up until you were ready. When he felt you trying to pull away, Creeper looked down at your face and kissed away the remaining traces of your tears. He knew what your response would be but he tried anyway.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked watching as you shook your head no.

“I’ll be okay,” you said as you attempted unsuccessfully to move out of his arms. Pressing a kiss to your forehead, Creeper held you close.

After a few minutes of silence, he announced that he would call Bishop and let him know that he needed to stay here instead of joining the club on the planned run. You had immediately pushed him away saying, “No, the club needs you”.

Shaking his head at you, Creeper responded “My queen needs me”.

You had smiled as you leaned towards him laughing and teasingly said, “Your queen?”.

Pulling you on top of him, he pressed a quick kiss to your lips before replying, “Baby girl, you are forever my queen”.

Laughing, you sought his lips and wrapped yourself around him as he rolled you underneath him. In the end, you had insisted that he go on the run and he had relented after your promise to call him if you needed anything.

But of course, you hadn’t called him. Or your friends. Or even Nestor. Or Happy. And now, you were unconscious in a hospital bed. While he sat here, waiting and watching for you to come back to him.

Placing a kiss on your hand, Creeper scanned your face wincing at the scattered bruising and the large white dressing to your scalp. The only positive he could see right now was that your color no longer matched the white dressing.

Feeling his phone’s vibration, Creeper pulled it out and glanced at it seeing that Angel & Gilly had located your ex. Anger surged through him as he fought the desire to rush out and kill the motherfucker himself. Only his need to stay with you kept him from rushing out the door.

The doctor had said you could wake up anytime and Creeper was determined to be here when that happened. He’d also used words like “traumatic brain injury” and “post-concussion syndrome” as if Creeper knew what that fucking entailed. They sounded scary as fuck but he could deal with that if you would just wake up.

Sending them a quick message to stay with him and update Bishop, Creeper watched and willed you to wake up. You had been unconscious since the ambulance brought you in 3 hours ago. Nicole had arrived to pick you up at 7 pm and she had talked to you about 45 minutes before to confirm so it had been almost 4 hours since you lost consciousness, why weren’t you waking up? Maybe the doctors had missed a test.

This couldn’t be normal, he thought. Did your fingers just move?

Creeper stilled as he whispered, “Open those beautiful eyes, baby girl. I need you to just open them for me”.

A loud voice in the hallway announced the arrival of Alexa. Looking out the glass, Creeper saw her arguing with your nurse while Nestor silently stood at her back staring the nurse down. He watched Alexa glance around then rush into the room with, of course, Nestor on her heels. He watched her rush over to your bedside and gasp at your appearance while Nestor stood by the door.

“Did you know he was in town?”Creeper asked quietly looking over at Alexa.

Shaking her head no, she stammered, “What? Who? Eric? He is? No. I. I had no clue”.

With a sigh, Creeper muttered, “Of course”.

“Wait. You think she knew and kept it from us all? And he did this?” she asked as she held his gaze.

Opening his mouth to reply, Creeper was interrupted by Nestor softly saying, “She’s awake”.

Glancing down, Creeper smiled as your eyes darted between him and Alexa before settling on him as he leaned towards you.

“Welcome back, baby girl, ” he murmured, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

As your doctor and nurse rushed in, Nestor escorted Alexa out of the room. Creeper watched as your doctor questioned you and couldn’t hide his relief as you correctly stated your name as well as his and that you were in Santo Padre. He cringed as he watched your distress at learning you had been injured in an attack that you had no memory of. He tried to listen as the doctor explained you had suffered a traumatic brain injury and what recovery would look like but all he could concentrate on was you. You were awake but the more the doctor talked the more agitated you looked. Your eyes were darting around the room as if looking for an escape and you had a tight hold on his hand. Finally, the doctor stopped talking as his pager went off.

Without a word, he left the room as the nurse told you, “It’s going to be okay. Just try to relax. Take this one step at a time and I have no doubts that your man will help you every step of the way considering he hasn’t left your side. Call me if you need anything. I'm going to let them in,” she gestured to the crowd that had appeared outside the glass.

“Normally, I wouldn't allow that many at a time but I think you need all your friends and family right now,” she added as she comforting rubbed your shoulder.

Without taking his eyes off you, Creeper asked the nurse to have your friends and his brothers give the two of you some time before coming in.

“Baby-

“I. I don’t under. Under, ” you broke off as your eyes widened. “I don’t know how to finish that, ” you cried. “It’s right there but I can’t.”

“Babygirl, it’s okay, ” he comforted. “Look at me.”

Placing his fingers under your chin, he lifted your face so you looked into his eyes. “I love you, baby girl. Only 3 things matter right now. You opened your eyes. I was so fucking afraid I'd never see those beautiful eyes again. I love you and you love me, right?”

At your nod, Creeper smiled, “It will be okay then. Whatever fucking happens. You and me. We will fucking figure this shit out together.”

Pulling you close for a hug, Creeper’s smile grew when you softly whispered into his neck, “I love you” before gently placing a kiss there.

As you settled back into your bed, Creeper nodded toward the glass. He wasn’t surprised to see his brothers allow your friends in first. He moved away from the bed as your friends quickly surrounded you.

Eyes on you, he heard his brothers approach.

“Coco, Angel, Gilly, and EZ are questioning him, ” Bishop quietly said. “So far, he’s denying it”.

Creeper groaned as he heard the raspy voice ask, “Who’s denying what?”

Glancing at Happy, Creeper, not for the first time, questioned your friendship with him but he couldn’t deny Happy cared about you.

Turning towards him, he got in Happy’s face and asked, “ Did you know Eric was back?” Only his eyes gave away Happy’s guilt.

“You should have fucking told me. I never would have fucking left her alone, ” Creeper spat as he inched even closer. Both Bishop and Taza attempted to pull Creeper back but he held his ground.

“She didn’t know,” Happy growled. Creeper took a step back as he shook his head looking around noticing Riz had moved closer, Nestor looked confused and you were upset.

“Fuck,” he bit out as he moved back towards you.

“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked as he sat next to you on the bed pulling you close.

“Why...” You paused closing your eyes and cringing before starting again, “Wha. What’s going on? Neron, I s. sa, ” you starting crying and shaking your head. “You and Happy ar. ar. fi. fi. Fuck”.

“Just a misunderstanding, little girl. Nothing to worry about,” Happy rasped.

“Re. Real. Really, ” you croaked out looking between the two men.

“Have we ever lied to you?” Happy responded as Creeper groaned.

“I. I. I don’t know, ” you wailed. Nodding his head towards the door, Creeper held you while everyone filed out of the room. Except Happy. The fucker took the seat beside your bed as if he belonged there.

Saying a silent prayer for patience, Creeper looked over at Happy who was frowning at you. “What happened? ” Happy asked nodding at you.

“Traumatic brain injury. She doesn’t remember the attack and other shit like words or events, ” Creeper quietly answered.

“Fuck, ” Happy bit out as he got up and stormed out of the room.

“I’m sorry, baby. It was just a misunderstanding. Happy and I are fine, ” he murmured as he pressed kisses to your head.

“You. You. Go. Too, ” you stammered as Creeper frowned at you.

“No, baby-”.

“I. Ca. Ca. Words, ” you interrupted as he held you closer.

“I love you, baby girl. I'm not going anywhere, ” he replied.

“Too mu. Much. Me. Club, ” you choked.

“Baby. Look at me. I’m not going anywhere. Remember, what we agreed. You and me, ” Creeper said as he looked into your eyes.

Fighting back your fears, you smiled at him, took a deep breath, and answered carefully enunciating each word, “You. And. Me.”

Tagging: @yosoynicolexo @lexondeck @newyorkrican922 @fangirl-life

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies! 🥰😘

[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 18

Phew... this one is a doozy. I typed too much at once. Guess you'll just get to see a little more than planned in this chapter. Oops... not really. Enjoy!

Warnings: cussing, talk of gun running, talk of weapons, talk of illegal transport of goods, some mild make-out session... Let me know if I missed anything. I'm too tired to think about what I typed lol.

After a quick pit stop to buy burritos from Mama’s favorite food truck, they pulled in to the driveway at her house. She was waiting for them on the front porch swing.

Hank got out and came to let Megan out too, taking the paper bag of food from her. Then he sat her seat forward to let Rex out. Megan had put his new harness and leash on him before they left the house, and she led him up the steps to meet Mama.

“Hi Mama,” Megan greeted with a smile. “Meet Rex.” She knelt to introduce Mama to the big dog who watched her with a doggy grin.

“Oh Cariño, you look so much happier. I’m glad the trip was good for you.” The older woman smiled and offered her hand to the big dog. “And this fine boy- Rex did you say? He’s beautiful, mija.”

Rex sniffed Mama’s hand politely, but his cropped tail never stopped wagging so hard his hind end moved.

“And so polite! Where’d he come from?” Mama stepped up to hug Megan.

A friend of Hank’s up north rescued him. He thought he’d suit me and he was right.” Megan giggled and accepted the hug

Hank came up the stairs shaking his head and laughing. “No welcome home for your own son, Mama? I even brought food.”

“Oh- you! Don’t tease your Mama!” She kissed his cheek when he bent to offer it.

Hank smiled and kissed her hair. “Te amo, Mama. I’m just joking.”

“Let’s go inside to eat,” Mama suggested. “I made some lemonade and tea. We can introduce your big baby to Chi-Chi.”

Inside, Megan warily introduced Rex to Chi-Chi. She wasn’t sure how he’d do with the small dog. She shouldn’t have been worried. Rex was terrified of the chihuahua. He hid behind Megan’s legs until Chi-Chi laid down. 

After they caught up over lunch, Mama smiled. “I’m so glad you’re better out of that cast, Cariño. And your color is better too. Are you staying ahead of the pain with your medicine?

“Yes, ma’am. Hank makes sure of it.” Megan smiled at Hank who was sitting back in his chair just listening with a grin as the two most important people in his life chatted.

“Good. Now - I know you didn’t want a big deal for your birthday. I also know that Che and Hank didn’t exactly go along with that idea.” Mama winked at Hank. “But I have something for you too.”

“You didn’t have to do that Mama…” Megan started.

“Maybe not, but I did.” She reached behind her and retrieved a leather bound book. She handed it to Megan with a smile. “Feliz Cumpleaños, hija.”

Megan took the book carefully and opened it. It was very old. It was a recipe book. A handwritten one. Megan ran gentle fingers over the pages. “Is this…”

“My copy of the family recipe book. You love learning to cook new things - and you’ve shared recipes with me. Now it’s my turn.” Mama smiled gently at her and patted her hand. “Besides - there are tricks in there. Ones that will help you as you learn your culture from the ground up.” Mama flipped to the back to show her blank pages. “And this is where you add your own.”

Megan’s eyes teared as she saw where Mama had penned her name at the top of the page. “Are you sure?” she sniffed.

“Very. And that ring on your finger says my Hank is sure too.” Mama stood to kiss Megan on the forehead. “Eres familia. Always.”

Megan leaned into the affection from the older woman and closed her eyes. “Thank you, Mama.”

“De nada.”

Hank smiled gratefully at his mother as she cuddled the love of his life. He petted Rex and let them have their moment.

Soon, Mama patted Megan’s hair and went to take her seat again. “Now - what did Hank get you, Hija? It better have been good.”

Megan giggled and wiped her eyes before she began listing things she’d received as gifts. Mama admired her earrings and her charm bracelet.

“St. Agnes was also my patron saint as a young woman,” Mama explained. “I have her story somewhere around here. I’ll find it for you. I think I still have a rosary and some jewelry too…”

Hank’s phone buzzed and he checked it. “Alright, mi reina. That was your papa. Your guests should begin arriving in the next half-hour or so. We should get to the clubhouse.”

“Yes. Don’t be late for your own party, Cariño. I’ll see you in a few days.” Mama kissed her cheek. “Go. Have fun.”

“Thank you, Mama.” Megan stood and Rex came to heel. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Te amo, Cariño.” Mama kissed Hank as well. “Te amo, hijo. Take care of her.”

“I will, Mama. Te amo. Call if you need us.”

Megan carefully placed her recipe book in the glove box to keep it clean.

“Are you happy, mi amore?” Hank asked as he helped to buckle her seatbelt.

Megan smiled brilliantly at him. “Very. I got a Mom for my birthday.”

Hank chuckled. “I don’t know how I’ll top that next year.”

Megan kissed him softly. “Me either.”

They pulled up to the clubhouse and found Taza waiting for them outside. They could see a lot of movement through the windows, but other than that, the yard was very quiet.

Megan left Rex’s harness on and stuck his leash in her thigh bag before they got out.

“Ah. There you are, Chica. The Reaper should be here any minute with Oakland right behind them,” Taza said as he opened her car door. “Did you enjoy your visit with Mama?”

Megan hugged him tightly. “It was great. She gave me the Loza family recipe book.”

Taza eyebrows hit his hairline and he looked to Hank with a grin. “Really now. That is great.” He kissed her forehead. Rex bounded up to greet Taza too, so Taza scratched his ears for him.

“So - is the plan the same as it was last night? Templo and then party?” Megan asked him.

“Yeah. The same. There will be so many people there for Templo that it’ll probably be senior officers only at the table.” Taza explained, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and guiding her towards the stairs.

“Oh. Guess I’ll stand with Coco or Creeper,” Megan said with a little shrug.

Hank chuckled. “You are a senior officer, Princessa. Especially when it comes to the guns. They’re going to be YOUR specialty.”

Megan paused and looked to her father. “Really?”

Inside was swarming with activity as finishing touches were put on the food and decor. Vickie paused on the way through to the bar to tell Megan happy birthday. Gilly was holding the ladder for Coco who was hanging what looked like a giant banner. EZ was stocking the reserve coolers behind the bar and Angel - well he seemed to be flirting hard with a pretty blonde who was wearing way less than the weather called for.

“Really, Chica. Santo Padre Armorer. That puts you at the table.” He paused and opened the door to the clubhouse.

“Where are the tíos?” Megan asked Taza as Rex went to investigate his new dog bed in the corner.

“Templo. I think they’re hiding so Vickie doesn’t make them clean something.”

Megan giggled at the thought. “Alright. I’m going to go say hello.” She kissed Taza’s cheek and then gave Hank a kiss as well before turning to go to the sliding glass door. She knocked as was granted entry - sliding the door closed behind her.

Taza smirked at Hank. “So the family recipe book already?”

Hank smiled and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. “Yep. She didn’t even scold me over Megan’s ring.”

Taza laughed. “Why would she? It’s a promise ring, not an engagement ring.”

Hank chuckled. “Same thing to Mama. Though I’m sure she’ll have plenty to say if I don’t replace it with something larger eventually.” He shrugged a little. “What can I say, Taza? Mama knows when my mind’s made up.”

That made Taza nod and smile. “Good. She needs that stability. Just don’t fuck it up and make me shoot you, Hermano.”

“I won’t.”

There was a rumble of bikers in the distance that made everyone pause. The temple door slid open, and BIshop walked out with an arm around Megan’s shoulders followed by Marcus. Megan was much more relaxed on her home turf. 

They all headed outside to greet their visitors. Megan slipped over to stand between Hank and Taza as the gate opened.

Five bikes rolled through the gate that was manned by Creeper at the moment. None of the bikes had the signature look of Mayan bikes. They were all Dynas and one of them carried double. The Reaper had landed.

The dust cleared as the riders dismounted and started stripping off helmets and riding gloves. Megan recognized Chibs, Tig, Venus and the big guy that they called Quinn, but the other two riders were only vague memories. She hadn’t actually met them, but she’d seen them at the lodge. One of them had a prospect patch. The other, she thought, was T.O. He was the only black man she knew of who wore the reaper patch. 

The Samcro delegation came forward to greet everyone. Marcus - as ranking member greeted Chibs first. By the time the greetings got to Megan, she’d already accepted a big hug from Venus.

“There’s tha’ lass! How’s ya arm?” Chibs asked, hugging Megan gently.

“Better now that the cast is off. It was causing most of my issues.” Megan said as she hugged the tall Scotsman back. “Still in the soft cast and sling, but not for as long as before.”

“Good ta hear. And… what’s this?” He took Megan’s good hand and spun her slowly so he could see her kutte. “Bylaws changed?”

Bishop laughed. “Nah. Loophole.”

Marcus nodded. “She’s a non-voting officer for the SanPad charter.”

Tig whistled, impressed. “Armorer, huh? Can you handle a weapon, Little Bit? More than your pistol, I mean.”

Megan grinned a little wolfishly. “More than you’ll ever find out.”

“At least you better hope so,” Taza said with a chuckle.

The thunder of more bikes interrupted their conversation. Bikes poured in through the gate, followed by Diana’s Escalade, and then a few more bikes.

Marcus chuckled. “Gentlemen, Poquito, Venus - excuse me. Mi Reina and mi princessa have arrived.” He patted Tig’s shoulder and started towards the large car, only to have the back door fly open. Two steps later, he grunted as a small purple blur collided with him chattering a mile a minute. Megan giggled as Diana got out at a much more sedate pace.

Marco and José went to greet their brothers.

After all parties had refreshment and Tessa had a chance to talk to her prima and tíos, Marcus nodded at Bishop. Even though Marcus technically out ranked Bishop - they were on Santo Padre turf, so Bishop would lead this odd version of Grand Templo.

A shrill whistle cut through the air, and all the members of all three charters filed into the temple. A second chair was at the head of the table and similar on was at the foot. Marcus and Bishop took their positions and Chibs took his place at the foot of the table. The current president of the Oakland Charted and his officers - as well as Marcus and José took seats on the side of the table where Marcus sat. Taza took his place beside Bishop, then turned to smile at Megan. There were curious whispers throughout the room when they realized Megan was in the temple. Hank ignored them and escorted her to the chair next to her father before taking his own between her and Riz. Everyone settled quickly when the gavel fell, and all eyes turned to Bishop.

“Alright. Now that we’re all here, let’s get started. There’s one hell of a party waiting on us out there.” Bishop sat forward with a grin. “Now, some of you have noticed the addition to our table. La Princessa de los Mayas has taken her place as a non-voting officer of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, Santo Padre Charter. Megan will be our Armorer and be responsible for all weaponry that passes through SanPad. She’ll work closely with the officers to assure inventory is kept.”

He paused to glance around the table. “Megan has unique training in multiple weapons and their maintenance. Training we’re going to need as we take on the True IRA contracts.”

Chibs looked to Tig and grinned before he returned his gaze to Bishop. “Found a port, have ya?”

Bishop nodded. “We have. At least if the vote tonight goes the way we hope.” He chuckled again and gestured to Megan. “Alright, Poquito. It’s your action. Bring it to the table.”

Megan swallowed hard, but nodded as she adjusted in her chair to hide her shaking hand. Hank laid a gentle hand on her knee under the table in support. “Santo Padre recently had a meeting with the head of the Galindo cartel. Long story short - to combat the DEA, he has found himself in alliance with Los Olvidados.”

One of the Oakland Mayans standing against the wall interrupted - “But isn’t the LO who you’ve been hunting for months? The same people who took his kid?”

Megan nodded. “Exactly. They decided they needed a third party to mediate and keep everyone honest. That third party is us. It comes with many advantages. One of which was an introduction to Adelita, herself.” She paused to take a sip of water. “At that meeting it occurred to us that an alliance on our own with Adelita comes with even more advantages. Los Olvidados is a vast organization. They control large amounts of government officials on the other side of the border. They are also two thousand soldiers who are used to storing and protecting supplies and weapons at all times.”

Bishop grinned. “And an alliance with the LO protects the M.C. from even more issues when we have to cross over.”

There were nods around the table.

Megan took a deep breath. “So - we met with Adelita - alone, away from Galind. She has agreed to supply the port of entry for the Irish guns, assemble them, and store them on their side of the border. The M.C. handles the buyer and transports. And - she agreed to do it for the twenty percent we had already factored in for the Vatos in the original deal as well as first option to buy when they have a large operation in the works.” Megan smiled and looked around the table.

“At how steep of a discount?” asked the Oakland President.

Marcus chuckled. “That’s the best part… at full price.”

There were surprised mumbles around the table. Men talked quietly among themselves until Bishop sat forward again. “So - any questions?”

“What’s to stop the LO from just taking what they want?” one of the Oakland members asked.

Chibs answered. “Same thing that stopped us - havin’ a club member at tha’ exchange to inventory at the drop to the LO. This does solve things nicely, I will admit. Do we know what port?”

Megan shook her head. “Not yet. We will by the end of the week…”

“If we vote it tonight,” Riz added. “The longer we seesaw - the more likely they are to decide we aren’t worth it.”

Marcus cleared his throat. “It’s a good plan. Solid. It gives us the gun deal with the True IRA and fulfills Jax Teller’s final wishes. It puts Mayans M.C. at the forefront of the two biggest money making trades in the M.C. world. I say we vote it. Now.”

“Seconded,” said the Oakland VP.

“Third,” came from Riz.

“Alright. Every man votes. Oakland or Santo Padre. Do we take on the True IRA gun deal with Los Olvidados as our ally?” Bishop said, looking around the room. “All in favor…” 

Hands went up. Some were slower than others, but they went up. Bishop looked around. He couldn’t see any man with his hand still down. 

“All opposed?” he asked. Again he scanned the room. He didn’t see any hands. That was really to be expected. Every Mayan had known and planned for the day SoA would hand over the gun trade. Bishop looked to Marcus.

“Unanimous decision. Vote carries,” Marcus stated. Bishop banged the gavel and Megan slumped in relief. Cheers and whoops broke out throughout the temple. 

“Good. Now - let’s party!” Bishop stood with a grin.

The celebrating Mayans scattered out the door to claim fresh beers or food leaving only Taza, Bishop, Marcus, and Hank at the table along with Megan. Megan laid her head down on the table and focused on her breathing for a moment.

“Beautiful work, Chica. Beautifully done. A unanimous vote from two charters on your first club action!” Taza laughed gently, patting her back. “Proud of you.”

Hank rubbed her leg under the table letting her calm down.

Marcus and Bishop just laughed with Taza.

Megan finally lifted her head from the table to meet the eyes of the four men who loved her more than life itself. “I really did that, didn’t I?”

“Yes, Poquito. You really did. And I’m just as proud of you now as when you took on Adelita yourself in that meeting,” Bishop assured her.

“Me too, Poquito. You really are proving just how much you love this club,” Marcus said.

The three elder men each stood. “We’re going to go make sure they don’t bring the clubhouse down on top of us. You - take your time. Decompress. Then come join the party,” Bishop said smiling. He dropped a kiss to Megan’s hair. “Proud of you, Poquito.”

Marcus followed his example with a kiss to her forehead. “You deserve that kutte, Bebita. Now come show it off.”

Taza pressed his own kiss to Megan’s temple. “Whenever you’re ready, Chica. See you in a minute.”

They left the room and slid the sliding, stained glass door closed, cutting out some of the noise in the process. Megan breathed a sigh of relief. 

Hank chuckled. “They’re right, you know. You were perfect.” He lifted her hand to kiss her ring.

Megan shrugged. “Maybe, but if it all falls apart, they don’t need to look far for who to blame either.”

Hank tugged ehr to her feet as he scooted back from the table. He guided her to stand between his knees so he was looking up into her face. “Mi princessa - if it falls apart, it won’t be for anything you did.” He slipped his hands down to rest on her hips and smiled. “I love you.”

That made her smile. “I love you too.” She leaned down to press a kiss to his lips. 

He kissed her back with a chuckle. “Mm. We should probably get out there soon.”

“Yeah. But I think the only ones waiting on us are probably Tessa and maybe Venus.”

Hank laughed again and pressed another kiss to her lips before pulling back. “Maybe so - but if we don’t get out there soon, I might forget that I’m supposed to share you tonight.” He grinned up at her. “You have no idea how sexy it was watching all my brothers realize why you are la princessa.”

Megan rolled her eyes. “I’m le princessa because Taza’s my dad and because of who my tíos are. I had nothing to do with it.”

Hank squeezed her waist gently. “Bullshit. You are A princessa because of your papa and tíos. You are THE princessa because you make this club better. Because you see what we don’t. And because you can use your brain and hold a room full of bikers in awe of you, mi amore.” He nudged her chin with his nose. “Straighten that crown, Princessa and own it. You just saved a lot of lives today. You deserve to be la Princessa de los Mayas.”

She smiled a little. “We’ll see.”

He shook his head. “Alright. You ready?”

“I’d be much more comfortable behind the bar. I’ve never really been to a party before…”

Hank chuckled. “You’ll be alright. He stood and took her hand in his. “Let’s go.”

Out in the bar, Megan laughed as she realized that Tessa had been waiting patiently for her to exit the temple. The little girl immediately attached to Megan’s side. “You okay, Prima?” she asked.

“I’m alright. Just nervous about my first party,” Megan explained to her. “I’m glad you like your jacket though.”

Tessa did a little spin to show off the purple leather jacket Megan had chosen for her on her birthday shopping spree. “I love it!” She showed Megan her little purple Doc Martens. “And Papa bought me boots to match!”

Hank laughed. “Now your prima needs to have matching Docs, huh?”

Tessa squealed and clapped. “Yes! They have SPARKLE ones too! Papa said I could have them if I scored an A on my science test and I know I aced it. Maybe he’ll buy us both a pair!” 

Megan laughed at the excited little girl. “I’m not sure sparkle docs will stay very sparkly if I wear them on the bike, Tessa.”

Tessa paused in thought, “So… don’t wear them on the bike…” she stated with a shrug.

Venus overheard her and laughed. “The little princess is right, honey. Some shoes are just for show.” She winked at Tessa. “And I agree with your little cousin - sparkle docs sound perfect for you.”

Tessa nodded decisively. “I’m gonna ask Papa. Be right back!” She scurried off.

“Wait!” Megan tried, but Tessa was already across the room. She groaned and narrowed her eyes at the innocently smiling Venus. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Venus put on her shocked face and pressed a hand to her chest as if offended. “Bless your heart - I never!”

Hank grinned and sipped his beer with an arm around Megan’s waist. He’d just taken a drink when Megan rolled her eyes again at Venus. “You know - I recognize a Southern ‘fuck you’ when I hear it, right?” she said.

“That’s what makes it so much fun,” Venus said with a wicked grin.

Hank snorted in laughter and choked on his beer.

Tig wandered up with a grin. “Are you ladies trying to choke Hank to death or is that just a kinky thing?”

Hank sputtered and coughed until his airway was clear enough to laugh.

Megan giggled and Venus grinned. “Now Alexander - we would never…”

EZ wandered by with a coke for Megan, which she gladly accepted. Tig noticed. “Little Bit, you okay or just pacing yourself?” he asked, indicating her bottle.

Megan sipped and nodded. “I’m fine. Just not a big drinker.”

Hank guided her back so she could lean against him.

“Fair enough.” Tig smiled.

Megan mingled with Hank, smiling her company smile and accepting happy birthday wishes until Creeper came to her side. Rex had stuck to her like glue and was currently sitting across her feet accepting idle ear scratches, but he perked up as the bald biker approached. “Hey Little Princess, you eaten yet?”

Megan shook her head lightly. “Nah. Been busy being hostess.”

Creeper scoffed. “Girl. You’re supposed to be enjoying your party - not playing nothin’.”

“I’m alright, Creep. I promise,” Megan said quietly, but the strain around her eyes was visible.

Creeper nudged Hank, who had been in a conversation with Marco. “You better get your girl, man. She ain’t eat yet.”

Hank glanced at his watch. “Shit. And she’s over an hour past due for her pain meds,” He looked at Megan. “Mi Reina, I’m sorry. You’ve got to be hurtin’.”

Megan smiled up at him a little shakily. “I’m okay.”

“Brother…” Creeper warned.

“Yeah, I hear her.” Hank said. He excused them from the group they’d been with for a while and led her to a couch in the corner with Creeper following. Hank guided Megan to sit and slid a pillow under her arm. “Now, I know you’re hurting, mi amore. I wish you had said something.” He handed her two pills which she obediently swallowed. “Now - do you want me to make you plate while Creep stays with you or do you want him to do it?”

Megan sighed. “I promise, I’m okay. We can go back to the party.”

Creeper nodded. “Alright. I’ll go get her a plate.” He slipped off, stopping to have a word with Taza on the way by.

Taza turned so that Megan was in his sight as he talked, just in case she needed him, but kept his distance. He didn’t want anyone to see her as weak because he babied her.

Hank squatted in front of Megan and slid one of his hands up to cup the side of her neck gently, guiding her chin up to make her look at him as Rex laid himself across her feet holding her down. “Princessa, you’re shaking and your breath is hitching like before you have a panic attack. What is it?”

Megan leaned into his hand a little and closed her eyes. “We should get back. That’s all.”

Hank leaned forward to press his forehead to hers. “Do you want to go home? If you’re unhappy, we don’t have to stay.”

Megan gave a watery chuckle. “Leave my own birthday party? No. I’m okay.”

“You need to eat, mi amore. Creeper will bring you a plate. We can eat it here, or we can go outside to the picnic table if you’d rather.” He kissed her gently. “Either way.”

“But - I haven’t talked to everyone. I haven’t been a good hostess. I need to be…”

“You need to be sitting your ass down and letting them come to you like the princessa you are, Poquito,” Bishop said, coming up behind Hank. “They come to you. You aren’t the bartender here tonight.” He sat in the armchair nearest her.

“But-”

“No fucking ‘but’.” He lit a cigarette.

Creeper showed up with two plates loaded with food. “Here, Little Princessa. Eat somethin’ Then decide how you wanna spend the rest of your night.” He sat them on the coffee table as Hank moved to sit next to her and pull it closer to her.

Megan hesitantly reached for the fork he’d laid next to the plate. Hank pressed a kiss to her temple. “That’s my girl,” he muttered as she started to nibble.

Bishop stayed planted and people filtered through to talk to him and to those around him as a consequence. Soon, Megan realized her tío was right. If she stayed put, people came to her.

Tessa flitted back and forth from their group and wherever her papa and mama were. Letty came and sat awhile, but she eventually got up to go dance with a few of the younger girls from Vickie’s.

About an hour later, Taza walked over smiling. “Are you ready for cake, Chica?”

Megan smiled up at him, more relaxed. “I guess so.”

“Good. Your tía wants to take Tessa home and put her to bed, but the little demon refuses to leave until after cake,” Taza laughed. 

That made Megan giggle. “Should have just cut it, Papa. She’ll be even worse after sugar.”

“Can’t cut the birthday cake without the birthday girl, Sweetheart.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll get them to bring it over here. After cake - I think you have a few more gifts to unwrap.”

“But I already opened my gifts!” Megan protested as Taza walked away.

Hank chuckled. “That was before you made your birthday a diplomatic event, mi amore.”

Bishop grinned. “More gifts, Poquito, from new friends.” He sipped his whiskey with a chuckle.

Taza returned to perch on the arm for the couch next to her as Creeper carried the cake towards her with candles lit. A toy motorcycle stood in the center. Megan giggled as she saw the Mayans patch and rocker decorating the icing. Tessa started singing happy birthday and Vickie’s girls picked it up. Before the end of the song, Megan’s face felt like it was on fire.

Marcus smiled at her from the crowd with one arm around Diana and one around Tessa. “Blow out your candles, Poquito. Make a wish.”

Megan smiled and leaned forward before blowing out the candles to the applause of those watching. Taza pressed a kiss to her hair as Hank gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.

Vickie took the cake from Creeper so that the girls and EZ could serve it. 

“Well, now that the cake is being cut - Present time!” Venus announced. She bustled forward with a large box wrapped in blue paper. “Here, sweetheart. This one’s from me,” she said with a wink.

Megan laughed and took the box. “Thank you.” She opened it with a smile to find something that she didn’t expect from the first lady of Samcro. Inside were two pairs of cowboy boots, a brown pair and a black pair, along with an off white wool cowboy hat. Megan’s jaw dropped. “Venus - “

The dark haired woman smiled softly. “That night at the party, you mentioned that you rode in rodeos. I looked you up. Then I realized that you would have had to leave all your gear behind…”

Megan stood quickly to wrap her in a tight hug. “Thank you so much.”

Venus sniffed a little and smoothed Megan’s hair. “Southern Belles stick together.”

That made Megan giggle and pull back. She went back to her spot on the couch with a little smile before putting on the hat. Hank beamed and straightened it for her.

“Alright. Now that the missus has given her gift -” Tig presented Megan with a small, but heavy box. “In light of your new position, I probably should have gone bigger.”

Megan unwrapped it to find a handgun cleaning kit with a built in field kit to go in her saddle bags. “Thank you!”

Tig chuckled. “You impressed the hell out of me at that meeting, Little Bit. Never seen a chick - well a youngster anyway - so prepared to defend yourself. Thought I’d help you do that.” He shrugged awkwardly. “And Venus wouldn’t let me buy you another gun.”

Venus huffed out a “I swear, Alexander…” as Megan giggled.

Chibs smiled a little. “Aye. My turn.” He sat down his whiskey and smiled. “‘Ve got two. One frum me - and one frum Samcro.” He laid a small box on the table - about as long as his hand. Then, he waved T.O. forward. T.O. also laid a box down - this one much larger.

Megan opened the larger box, which was from Samcro, to find a custom stitched seat for her bike. The beautiful stitching in the black leather picked out the design of a crown. “Oh! It’s beautiful. Thank you!”

T.O. grinned. “It’ll fit. We called your uncle to make sure of it.”

“Thank you. And thank your club for me.”

Chibs smirked. “Little un is frum me.”

Megan opened the box to find knives. Three of them. They were made to be worn on the inside of her belt or inside her kutte the way Chibs wore his. He’d provided sheaths for them as well. The short blades were made for street fighting and the green composite handles fit in her smaller hands nicely. “Oh they’re beautiful. I love them! Thank you.”

“Aye. MY Kerrianne overnighted them to me from the same shop in Ireland where I got mine after I met you at the party. They’ll serve you well, lass.” He smiled as Megan immediately tucked on into one of the straps of her thigh bag which held it perfectly. “Your tío can find you someone to teach you to use ‘em. I’d do it, but ‘m too far away.”

Megan stood and hugged the gruff biker. “Thank you.” 

He patted her back awkwardly. “Welcome, lass.”

She sniffed a little and smiled as she sat back down. Hank grinned as she turned to show him her new blades. He examined them carefully and then showed her how to fasten them inside her kutte to conceal them.

Marcus offered Chibs a handshake. “Beautiful blades, my friend. I’ll find her a teacher when she’s ready.” 

Chibs chuckled. “Got a boot knife back ordered fur ‘er too. Should be here by ‘er big party.”

Coco was passing by and snorted a laugh. “La princessa’s gunna be armed to the teeth.”

Marcus laughed. “All the better.” He waved the president of the Oakland charter forward to present the gift from the other charter.

A leather binder with the Mayans patch embossed on the cover was laid on the table in front of her. Megan ran her fingers over the cover before glancing up at the Oakland officers. At their smiles, she flipped it open to find a copy of the charter and bylaws of the Mayans Motorcycle Club. “Oh! Is this…” 

“A copy for you to keep and study as la Princessa de los Mayas, Princessa. All the bylaws, from every charter. All the history of this club.”

Megan’s smile was blinding. “For me?”

“For you, Princessa. Happy Birthday.” He smiled and gave a little bow before going back to the party.

Megan ran her fingers over the binder again and smiled before looking up to meet the eyes of both Marcus and Bishop.

Marcus smiled. “Now you’ll get to read our story, Poquito. The history of tu familia.”

“Thank you.”

Diana came over after a few minutes to say goodnight. She was taking Tessa home to bed. Apparently, the energetic little girl had finally run out of steam. Marco had found her nodding off at one of the table and was carrying her to the car after bringing her to Marcus for a goodnight cuddle. The Queen of the Mayans pressed a gentle kiss to Megan’s forehead. “Sleep well, Princessa. We’ll see you in the morning.”

Things got a little wilder as it got later, but not much. A few guys got in the ring for fun and Bishop went to watch. Soon, Megan and Hank were left mostly on their own in that little corner of the clubhouse. Even Rex was asleep in his dog bed nearby. Megan was curled into Hank’s side, resting comfortably.

Hank smiled down at her. “Have you enjoyed your birthday party, mi amore?”

Megan tilted her face up towards him. “I actually have. At least once we moved over here.”

He shifted so he could reach to kiss her. “Good. We just need to remember to put you in a corner. I’ll try to remember, mi reina.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“Sorry I freaked out,” she whispered.

Hank shifted her carefully to his lap before guiding her to straddle him. “Mi princessa, you absolutely did not freak out. You were so anxious you were shaking, but you kept going. You didn’t freese. You kept your panic in your control. You were so brave and so  strong. You amaze me, Megan.” He cupped her face in both hands and pressed his forehead to hers. “No apologies, mi amore.”

Megan smiled and nodded a little. “Okay.”

“Good girl.” He grinned and kissed her again.

Megan kissed him back and shifted closer to his body. His hands rubbed gently down her back until they came to her hips. He slid them under her tunic so he could feel her skin. Megan wrapped the fingers of her good hand in his shirt to pull herself closer, pressing her hips into him. 

Hank groaned and broke the kiss, dropping his head to rest on her good shoulder. “Not fair, mi reina. You know what the doctor said.” He pressed kisses to the skin of her throat and chest where he could reach.

Megan whined until Hank lifted his head to kiss her again. “I’m sorry, mi reina. No strenuous activities of you could end up back in a cast. A week, mi amore. At least a week.”

Megan collapsed against his chest growling and frustrated. Hank kissed her hair. “Please, Hank?”

He closed his eyes and winced. “I don’t want to hurt you, Megan. Please…”

She sighed. “I know.” She lifted her head to kiss him softly. “I’m sorry. I know.”

Hank smiled softly and returned her kiss. “Just… be patient a little longer, mi reina.” 

Megan nodded and cuddled close. “I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask.” He kissed her again.

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[minimel-fics]

Broken Bells

Bishop Losa X OC Chapter 5: Aches and Pains

Enjoy this chapter because the next one or two will be heavy and soul crushing.

Warning: This chapter contains violence against gnomes.

Masterlist

---

Annabelle was displeased with the fact that she had to be wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair- the nurse insisting that it was policy when she had tried to refuse. She had been stuck there for another four days before her doctor decided she had been observed long enough to rule out any possible complications from her procedures but warned that if anything seemed unusual to return immediately. Rosa had rushed to the hospital the morning that followed Angel escorting her home while the rest of the bikers erased Christopher from existence, she had heard all of the details of what had happened to Annabelle from Angel and was quick to volunteer picking the girl up upon her release, bringing her fresh clothes and anything else she had needed after her hospital stay. Annabelle's doctor had prescribed her an array of medication- antibiotics to prevent infection of the incision on her broken arm, ointment to help her high risk of infections cuts stay clean and a hefty supply of pain medication as her doctor had told her that pain management in the beginning of any recovery was key to a shorter time on the sidelines.

Annabelle winced as the bright California sun invaded her retina's for the first time in nearly a week, she stretched her casted arm above her head to block out the light.

"Aye, look who it is."

One Mayan had always been sitting in the chair next to Annabelle's bed over the past few days, she had suspected that Tig may have forged some sort of agreement with the charter to keep an eye on her but when she had woken in her room that morning, suddenly very aware that she was alone- no brooding biker sitting in the adjacent chair, she figured that her time with the Mayans had ended. She was not expecting to find the entirety of the charter waiting for her outside upon her release. Annabelle had one of her eyes scrunched closed to avoid the sun as she inspected the group that had been waiting for her. Creeper held a single piece of ribbon with a "Get Well Soon" balloon floating well above their heads, Taza had brought her a small bouquet of gas station flowers and the tiny teddy bear Hank held had contrasted his large frame so much that she couldn't help but laugh. Over the past few days she had spent time with every man of the club- a shorter amount of time with the more senior members but she had gotten to know each man pretty well much to their annoyance as they had not expected their mean, biker façade to fall so quickly when the woman gave them a single knowing look.

"Here." Angel peeled his dark sunglasses off his eyes, leaning down to slip them over her own aching eyes. "Better?"

Annabelle nodded, finally being able to relax as her head eased up on the pain. "Thanks, Reyes." She looked around, her eyes briefly pausing on Bishop as he smiled down at her and she was glad that none of the men could see as her eyes hesitated on the man who looked a lot shorter than the energy he exuded while he was surrounded by the rest of his club. "Lucky me, I get a whole welcoming party."

"We're just happy that we don't have to sit there and keep you company while you annoy the fuck outta us anymore." Angel teased earning laughs and nods of agreement from the rest of the guys.

"Not so fast, pendejo," Bishop stepped forward, "Just because she's out doesn't mean-"

"Bish, I'll be fine." She cut him off, her voice coming out like a whiny child.

"You call us if you need anything, don't hesitate."

She smiled, sending him a mock salute. "Got it, Boss."

"Let's get you home," Rosa softly ran her fingers through Annabelle's matted curls, "I am sure you're excited to finally sleep in your own bed."

"Yes, mom." Annabelle sighed as she thought about it, "Onward my noble steed, take me to my castle."

Annabelle climbed out of Rosa's Toyota, her eyes settling on the familiar small gray house that stood out from the others on the street, it was better kept and more modern than most in this tiny suburb. Rosa watched her as she lifted the gnome from the garden before dropping it violently onto the driveway, uncaring that it shattered into hundreds of tiny shards.

"What did that poor gnome ever do to you?" Rosa questioned, glancing around toward the neighbors homes to see if the commotion had caught any attention.

"His name was Sir Crumpets and he served me loyally for this past year." Annabelle announced before she shrugged, picking up a gold key from his dusty remains, "It's where I hide my spare key, nobody would think to smash a gnome and if they do then I will hear it."

Rosa watched her friend silently as she held up the key, "That actually makes sense."

"I'm gonna need you to drive me to the hardware store later, I lost my purse which means my keys- I would like to change my locks as a precaution and buy a new guard gnome."

Annabelle kicked off her running shoes by the door, not bothering to put them onto her neatly organized shoe rack because all she wanted to do was put her flowers in some water then take a proper shower and a nap that could rival Sleeping Beauty. Rosa tied the balloon to one of the dinning room chairs, fumbling with the string as her phone rang in her pocket. Annabelle found her favorite crystal vase that had once been her step-mothers in the cupboard, filling it half way with water before gently picking out the nearly dying flowers out of the bouquet.

Rosa was nothing less than furious at her ex-husband as she spoke to him over the phone, "Right now? Are you serious Ronnie? You were supposed to have her until tomorrow night! Fine, but you're going to be the one to explain to her why Mommy is picking her up early!"

Annabelle placed a comforting hand on her friends shoulder as she sensed her hesitancy to leave. "Go pick up Cami, I'll be fine then call me later and you can rant about how much an ass Ron makes of himself."

"I'm sorry," Rosa apologized, she was supposed to be helping Annabelle resettle to being home.

"It's fine, I'm a 35 year old woman- I think I will be able to handle myself."

Annabelle could hear the front door shut behind Rosa and she let her guard drop, the weight of recent events hitting her with full force; this was the first time she had been left alone in days and the first time she had been home in days. She leaned against the kitchen island and let out a huff of air as she felt the true tiredness of her body- her head felt heavy, her muscles ached and she felt each bruise to it's true extent.

Annabelle forced her legs to carry her up the stairs and straight into the bathroom. Steam was quick to cover the mirror as she filled the tub with nearly scolding hot water, her muscles tensing with anticipation of relief. She stripped out of her clothes and left them in a pile on the tiled floor before she sunk into the tub, letting her casted arm hang over the edge in order to keep it dry. She felt her muscles release and relax for the first time in days. Annabelle wasn't exactly sure how long she stayed in the tub but was pulled from her bliss as the water grew colder and her skin pruned. She drained the water, wasting no time as she pulled the plush robe off the back of the door and tightened it softly around her body. She paid no mind to the trail of wet footprints she left in the hall as she made her way to her bedroom- the pain in her head was now a dull ache and she was barely able to keep her eyes open which led to her being sound asleep in her bed not even five minutes later.

When Annabelle woke up the sun was no longer shining through the large bedroom window and her room was pitch black. She sat up with a groan, letting her eyes adjust to darkness before they caught the faint glare of light at the end of the hallway. She pushed herself out of bed, sliding her fluffy slippers onto her feet and followed the light source down to the bottom of the stairs. The front door was closed and locked much to her relief, she had forgotten if she had locked it after Rosa had left. She flicked off the excess lights and made her way into the kitchen, hungry for some real food before she went back to sleep. When she stepped into the kitchen she was surprised to see her backdoor opened wide and even more surprised at the man holding it open. The Mayan President stood with his back to her, the door being held open by his feet which were planted on either side of the heavy wood as he finished screwing a new lock onto the door.

He briefly glanced over his shoulder as he heard her soft gasp. "Rosa dropped off some dinner for you as an apology for having to leave, it's in the fridge. She had also mentioned you wanting to change your locks."

Annabelle quickly pulled her robe tighter around her nude body as the man focused on tightening the screws, she had not been expecting a guest- and definitely not one that was male. "Thank you." She muttered, pulling open her fridge door to reveal shelves full of fresh food that Rosa must have dropped off. She spotted a casserole dish on the top shelf and upon further inspection she could not identify what it contained but it smelt delicious so she turned on the oven to heat it.

"You know you don't have to worry about him anymore, sweetheart, we took care of it." Bishop spoke as he leaned against the counter, placing his screwdriver back into the small toolkit he had brought with him.

Annabelle sent him a small nod, she knew what he meant but that didn't mean she would let her guard down like that ever again; the damage had been done.

Bishop could see the tension that she hid in her body, it was easy for him to spot the tick in her jaw as she thought about the events that she had faced only days ago. "Rosa also mentioned something about you needing a garden gnome?"

Her eyes bounced from the small figure he had presented her to his own dark eyes and Bishop found himself surprised at the feeling that hit him as a large smile took over her face. He had not seen her smile that wide before and it felt nice to know that he had been the one to elicit such a reaction from the woman.

"You didn't have to do that." Annabelle's voice was soft as she sat across from the man at her small dining room table. "You didn't have to do any of this."

Bishop studied the way her hands flipped her fork around as he ate the last of the food that had previously been on his plate. "You stumbled into the right place. The club likes you, consider yourself a friend of the club now."

"For a bunch of bikers you are really a group of sweethearts."

Bishop stood from his seat, leading the woman back to her own kitchen and placed his empty plate into the sink. "Shh, don't say that too loud, it's our secret weapon."

The kitchen was quiet, neither occupant sure what their next move should be. Bishop's eyes drifted over to the clock on the stove, finding himself surprised with just how late the hour actually was.

"Are you going to be alright on your own tonight?"

Annabelle nodded, offering the man a small but nervous smile. "I'll be fine, the boogie man was taken care of, remember?"

The pair shared a laugh as she led Bishop to the front door. His hand rested his hand on her shoulder for a mere second as he bid his farewell. "Buenos noches, princesa."

"Dulces sueñes, Señor Presidente."

------

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[broiderie]

Meet the Reaper 15

Here is a new chapter. It's a beast. It's also HEAVY as hell. Like... HEED THE FUCKING WARNINGS heavy. Y'all... if anything in the warnings is a trigger - don't read it. Be responsible for your own media consumption. If you want to know what happens - ask. I'll tell you. Or better yet, tell me which warning is a trigger and I'll send you an edited version of the chapter with that part redacted and summarized instead. I'm not looking to trigger ANYONE. This is just something that I needed to write to get it off my chest.

As always... Don't steal my shit.

WARNINGS: vague medical shit, doctor visit, slightly inappropriate flirting, Megan reacting to an angry man, fluffy Mayans, talk of the international arms deals appropriate to the show, talk of payout for non-specified Mayan jobs, fluffy Hank, slightly steamy bit, talk of forced infertility.

HEED THE FUCKING WARNINGS. I get specific for a reason, people!

Megan shifted her sling uncomfortably, but smiled up at Hank even if it was a little strained. “I hope I’m right.” Her face suddenly paled several shades. 

Hank tugged her close and kissed her. “Me too, mi amore.” He glanced around to be sure no one was near enough to hear him. “You need to sit down so that you can rest your arm. You’ve done too much today, haven’t you?”

Megan shook her head. “I’m okay. I can do it.”

Hank frowned at her color and flagged down EZ who was behind the built in bar. “I don’t care. You’re right in the middle of your dose. You shouldn’t be uncomfortable right now and I can see that you are.”

EZ came to Hank’s side. “Need something, Hank?”

“Find la princessa a chair. She needs to ease her arm,” Hank told him quietly.

EZ nodded. “Of course.” He smiled gently at Megan and went to find a chair for her.

Hank pulled Megan in front of him to lean back against his chest so that he could take the weight of her cast. “Rest here until he gets back, mi princessa.”

The rest of the M.C. was focused on the meeting and they were behind Bishop, Marcus and Taza so the elders didn’t notice the shift in position from Megan and Hank. However, Adelita and the Galindos did.

Adelita raised her hand to pause the discussion. “Excuse me, but is she alright?” she asked Marcus, pointing to Megan. She looked genuinely concerned for her.

Marcus turned to check on Megan and saw Hank supporting her sling. “Poquito? All good?”

Taza frowned and went to stand.

Megan gave them a strained smile. “I’m alright, mi padrinos, Papa.”

Bishop looked to Hank. “Qué ocurre?”

Hank shook his head. “Tiene dolor, y no debería estarlo todavía.”

Megan growled at their use of Spanish. “Not fair.”

Taza excused himself and came to check her sling himself. “Where does it hurt, Chica?”

“Papa - I’m okay. It just hurts. It’ll pass.” She tried to smile at him again. “Don’t let me interrupt the meeting. It’s too important.”

Miguel frowned as well. “What is it? Does she need a doctor?”

Bishop took a deep breath. “Apologies, Mr. Galindo.”

Marcus nodded. “I understand you loaned us manpower when Megan was kidnapped. Megan was in a car accident during that rescue attempt and was injured fairly severely.”

Devante frowned. “Then perhaps we should finish our meeting quickly so the girl can leave. She isn’t essential for this anyway. Perhaps she should just go.”

Emily frowned severely at Devante, but turned to Marcus and Bishop. “Are you sure she doesn’t need a doctor?”

Megan shook her head. “Again. I apologize. It was a very recent incident and my family worries. I am alright. Please - continue the meeting.”

Hank nodded a little at Bishop. “I’ve got mi princessa,” he assured Taza and the others. “I sent the prospect for supplies for her. He’ll be right back. Go ahead. I’ll let you know if it gets worse.”

Adelita stood and went behind the bar. She quickly put together an ice pack and brought it to Hank. “Here. Maybe this will help ease the pain until your friend returns.” She smiled at Megan. “We will hurry and be done soon.” As she returned to the group with Taza behind her she squeezed Megan’s good shoulder in support. It was worth it to note that Rex never growled at Adelita - just watched her closely.

EZ came back in with a chair from another conference room and several pillows that he’d weedled out of housekeeping. 

“There. See. The girl is fine. Can we please get back to the business at hand instead of fussing over a hysterical child?” Devante stated shortly.

Marcus’ eyes narrowed and Bishop looked angry, but both of them nodded. “Of course.” They glanced at Megan worriedly, but nodded again. 

Hank got Megan into the chair, putting the makeshift ice pack on her collarbone and EZ propped pillows under her casted arm. Creeper brought her a bottle of water. Coco watched worriedly and squatted in front of her to watch her color. Her father and uncles kept glancing back to check on her.

Megan rolled her eyes impatiently. “I just shifted wrong. The pain will pass. This is why I said I’d be a distraction,” she hissed at them.

Gilly snorted. “Princessa, distraction or not, business is still happening. You aren’t hurting anything.” He nodded towards the huddle.

A few minutes later, the shot caller all stood to shake hands. Emily gathered the contracts and took the rough drafts to EZ at the bar for him to shred. Marcus spoke with Miguel and Devante, while Bishop and Taza introduced themselves to Adelita - who used the name Luisa - properly.

The rest of the M.C followed their president’s example and introduced themselves to the leader of the LO. Hank stayed back with Megan, watching her color starting to return to normal, but noting that she was still shaking a little. After she had met everyone else, Luisa came over to introduce herself to Hank. Then she turned to Megan.

Megan smiled up at her from her chair. “Hi. I’m Megan.”

Luisa shook Megan’s left hand gently. “Luisa. Are you feeling better?”

Megan nodded. “Sorry about that. They worry. I’ll be alright. The pain is passing,” Megan assured her with a small smile. 

“Good. If you need help -” Luisa offered uncertainly.

Megan smiled at her again and petted Rex’s ears. “Thank you. I’m okay. I just shifted wrong I think. I have a broken collarbone as well as the broken wrist…”

Coco snorted, “And cracked ribs and a concussion…”

Luisa frowned. “I see… these injuries are… serious.”

“I’m healing. That’s all. I’ll be just fine in a few weeks.” Megan smiled up at her again. “I would like to be of help to this new alliance though.”

That caused Adelita to smile. “I have no doubt that you will be, Megan. Soon. Heal first.” She smiled gently again and went to speak to someone else.

Emily Galindo made her way over to check on Megan as well, but didn’t get too close when Rex shifted uncomfortably as she approached. “I just wanted to check on you to be sure you’re really alright,” she said.

Megan took a breath and turned her Southern Bell Company Smiled back on. “Of course, Mrs. Galindo. My apologies for the interruption. I will be just fine.”

Emily pursed her lips and nodded. “Of course. Please, let me know if you need anything in Santo Padre. We’re on the same side, after all.”

“Of course ma’am.” Megan nodded politely. Hank smiled politely as well as the blonde socialite moved on.

Once pleasantries were over with, Galindo asked if Marcus would ride back to Santo Padre with him. Marcus explained that the club would be staying at least one more night at the casino for Megan’s birthday, but offered to meet with him privately in another room. Miguel frowned, but sent Devante to speak to the front desk about accommodations for himself, Emily and Luisa for the night. “We do not wish to interrupt club business. Adelita, Devante and I have some… business to conclude ourselves. Perhaps a breakfast meeting tomorrow morning then,” Miguel offered.

“Of course, Mr. Galindo,” Marcus said. 

Just before everyone left, Miguel made his way over to where Megan sat with Rex beside her. Hank had gone to dispose of the ice pack at the bar. “Megan - it truly is good to see you came to no lasting harm from your recent ordeal. Please, if there’s anything I can do to make your stay in Santo Padre more comfortable let me know. Your godfather is a very old friend of my father’s. I’d like to be of assistance to you if you’d let me,” he said politely. 

Megan firmed her back and sat up straight. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Galindo, and for the help you provided my family when I was taken, but I’m fine. My family has me covered,” Megan said as she dialed the Southern charm up to eleven.

“All the same, here’s my card.” He produced a business card for her.

Rex pressed to her leg growling softly as she took the card without touching Galindo and nodded politely. “Thank you, sir.” She immediately reached for Rex’s collar to hold on to him.

Miguel offered one more appraising nod and went to stand with Emily as she packed away all her legal tools.

Hank came to rejoin Megan warily. “What was that all about?” he asked in a low growl that made Megan tense. 

Megan immediately handed him the business card. “I’m not sure. He said his father and Tío Marcus were friends and that he’d like to help me where he could. It was weird. It kind of reminded me of a rodeo team owner schmoozing a possible rider.” She bit her lip a little worriedly. “I deflected as much as I politely could.” 

Hank growled again with his eyes on Miguel across the room. “I don’t like that he’s taken an interest in you…”

“I’m sorry…” Megan whispered and lowered her eyes to fiddle with her own zipper pull on her new kutte.

Hank frowned and looked at her. “Sorry? For what, mi amore? You did nothing wrong.”

“But maybe I drew too much attention, or maybe if I’d worn different clothes, or just kept my mouth shut…” she rambled.

Hank squatted in front of her and was startled to see tears gathering on her lash line. “Princessa, I’m not angry with you. You did absolutely beautifully today.” He used gentle fingers to tilt her chin and kiss her softly. He pressed his forehead to hers after he pulled away. I’m not upset at you at all. I’m upset that Mister Married Deep Pockets seems to think you’re fair game.”

Megan blinked rapidly. “I didn’t try to get his attention - honestly.”

“Oh, baby. I know that.” He stood and lifted her gently so that he could slide in under her in the chair, putting her in his lap. He cradled her close and pressed gentle kisses to her hairline. “I’m sorry I growled. It wasn’t aimed at you. Never at you, mi amore. I was aggravated at him.” He tilted her chin and pressed another gentle kiss to her lips. “You did NOTHING wrong, Princessa.”

Megan nodded slowly and swallowed hard before burying her face in his neck. “Can I take more medicine yet? It really hurts still.”

Hank frowned and looked at his watch in alarm. She was over a half hour early. She’d never asked for her pain medicine before. “Sure, mi reina.” He got her another dose and helped her take it with the bottle of water Creeper had given her earlier. “Is it your collarbone or your wrist?”

“My wrist.”

Hank flagged down Coco. “Can you get Taza to come here, man?”

“Sure. Everything alright?” Coco asked warily.

“Hopefully. Just get him.” Hank cuddled her close to his body, supporting her wrist cast. 

Taza hurried over as Coco slipped out of the room with the rest of the younger Mayans. Before Coco got out the door, he gave Hank another worried look.

“What’s going on?” Taza asked.

“Megan says her wrist is really hurting all of a sudden,” Hank explained. “I just gave her another dose a little early, but something’s not right, Taza. She’s never asked for a dose of pain medicine before.”

Taza squatted in front of them and got licked on the chin by Rex for the trouble. He chuckled a little and petted the dog. “Where on your wrist is hurting, Chica? Maybe the break shifted?”

Megan pointed to the spot on the side of her wrist, just under her thumb. “I shifted my sling during the meeting and suddenly had shooting pain right here. Worse than it’s ever been - even before I started taking the pills.” She sniffled a little and leaned into Hank some more.

Taza’s eyebrows raised. “Stay put, Sweet Chica. I’m going to check if Adam keeps a staff doctor. If not, we’ll head to the hospital.”

Megan swallowed. “I’d rather not, Papa.”

Hank rocked her gently. “We know, mi amore, but you need to be checked over. I’ll stay with you the whole time.” He kissed her hair and nodded at Taza who left the room. “Shhh, mi reina. It’s going to be alright. We’ve got you.”

Megan buried her face against his neck and he could feel tears on his skin that she had been holding back.

Rex stood and growled softly as Creeper approached. Creep calmly lifted his hands and spoke soothingly to the big animal. “Easy, Rex. Just me. Just wanna check on your mama. Good boy.” He looked to Hank. “She hurting still?” He didn’t come closer just yet.

Hank nodded. “Rex, down. Just Creeper. Let him in.”

The animal stopped growling and his hackles went down, but he remained standing between Megan and the rest of the room.

Creeper cautiously took another step towards them, and when Rex stayed calm, he moved to Hank’s side. “Anything I can do, brother?”

“Taza’s gone to see if the casino keeps a doctor on staff. She hates hospitals, but we’ll go if there’s not one here,” Hank explained. “It’s her wrist.”

Creeper squatted down to support her wrist cast for Hank so the big biker could use both hands to soothe and hold her. “Where?”

Megan sniffled wetly. “By the thumb. Under the cast.”

Creeper frowned. “I saw the x-rays after the accident. That’s not where you broke it, Little Princess. Did you bump it today at the store or anything? Or maybe try to move it like you did the other morning at breakfast?”

Megan shook her head but didn’t lift her eyes. She kept her face buried in the crook between Hank’s neck and shoulder.

Creeper looked to Hank. “Did she have a nightmare during that nap before lunch? Maybe try to reach for you in her sleep?”

Hank shook his head and kissed Megan’s forehead. “No. Nothing since a bad one last night. I think I got her stabilized in time during that one though.”

Creeper tilted his head in thought. “Then it’s not a new break. Sometimes if you strain against the cast, it can cause little breaks. Least that’s what they told me last time I had a cast.”

Taza came hurrying back in. “Adam’s got the local doctor on speed dial. He called him. Said he’d be here soon. Let’s take her back to the suite. He’ll meet us there,” he said, glancing at where EZ was still shredding papers and the door that the Galindo party had exited from not long before. 

Hank nodded. He looked at Creeper. “Could you take Rex out before you come up? I’m just going to carry her.”

“Course, brother. Anything you need.” Creeper grabbed Rex’s leash and tugged gently. “Come on, Rex. Let’s go outside.”

Rex resisted a little, looking at Megan and whining.

Hank stroked her hair back. “Mi amore, I think Rex wants you to tell him it’s okay for Creeper to take him outside.”

Megan giggled a little, but lifted her head to look at Rex with a sniff. “Good boy. Go on. Creeper’s gonna take you on a walk. I’m okay.”

The dog whined again, but reluctantly followed Creeper out of the room. 

Taza shook his head in amazement. “Happy sure undersold that pooch in the brains department.”

Hank nodded before arranging Megan so he could stand without jostling her too much. “You can say that again.”

—---------

A little over an hour later, the doctor Adam had called stepped out of the room Megan and Hank were using to a common room full of concerned bikers.

Bishop stood. “Well?”

The older doctor chuckled. “Ms. Morales said you’d all probably be worried. She’s alright. Before you leave tomorrow she’s got an appointment at my clinic here on the Rez. They casted her arm while she was unconscious and it was done awkwardly causing strain on her muscles and tendons. That’s why she’s been in so much pain. Her muscles are pulling against the broken bone constantly. I’ll re-cast it and it will remove the strain, relaxing those muscles. I also plan to examine her collarbone to see if it’s healed enough to remove the sling if I put her in a soft cast instead of plaster.” The doctor smiled as all the men relaxed. He could hear them collectively breathing easier. “She’s going to be fine, gentlemen. I gave her a mild muscle relaxer that won’t affect her thinking processes since she explained she doesn’t like the side effects of the stronger pain killers. It should hold until tomorrow morning when I see her again. If not, call me.” 

Marcus smiled. “Thank you, Doc.”

“Of course. Her father and … boyfriend?... are with her. I gave them my card in case anything changes, but…” he produced another business card from the pocket of his white coat. “Here’s another copy for the rest of you.”

Bishop took the card and with a polite nod, the doctor left.

Creeper went to let Rex into the bedroom, only to be met by Taza coming out. They let the big dog in the room and then quietly shut the door before returning to the conference table.

“Doc said it was good news, but how is she really?” Creeper asked him as Taza took his seat. 

Taza took a beer from EZ and sighed. “She’s being a trooper. Apparently the pain has been worse than we thought this entire time. Doc said that he’s surprised she hadn’t caved and went to the ER with it… or broke the cast with the muscle spasms she’s been having. Hank’s sitting on her to make her rest until the shot the doc gave her can take full effect.”

Bishop nodded. “That what pulled you away from the Galindo meeting the first time?”

Taza chuckled. “Actually… no. La princessa earned her kutte in that meeting, brother.” He sipped his beer with a smirk. “She may have solved our Irish problem.”

There was a thump as all four legs of the chair Angel had been leaning back in hit the ground. Suddenly Taza had every man’s attention in the room. The meeting had only taken a few hours, and everyone was now back in the rooms. 

Marcus sat forward. “What do you mean, hermano?”

Bishop raised a hand to make them pause. “Do we need to table?”

Taza shrugged. “We will need to eventually, but it’s not urgent enough that it can’t wait until we’re home for the official vote.”

Both Bishop and Marcus nodded. “Alright then,” Bishop said. “Fill us in.”

Taza explained Megan’s theory about Adelita and Los Olvidados being their solution to needing a port. He pointed out all the things she had said to him - how the rebels are widespread, powerful, and damn near impossible to find if they don’t want to be. He sealed the deal for Bishop by bringing up Megan’s point about how bringing the LO close helps eliminate the motive to double cross the M.C. even if they do fall out with Galindo. “And - Megan also pointed out that the twenty percent we were prepared to offer the VM would buy a lot of supplies for Adelita’s orphans.”

Bishop chuckled and said back in his chair. He took a sip of his whiskey and looked at Marcus. “Well El Padrino… what do you think?”

Marcus smirked. “I think… if this works out the way she thinks it will… Megan has more than earned that kutte.” He looked at Bishop. “I’m supposed to have that breakfast meeting with Galindo tomorrow. WIll you meet with her and feel her out?”

Bishop nodded. “Of course, Primo. A few of us can meet with her and any people she has with her.” He looked at Taza. “What time is Megan’s appointment tomorrow morning? I'd like her to be there. It’s her plan. She should get to execute it.”

“Seven. Should be done by nine or nine thirty at the latest,” Taza said.

Riz nodded. “I’ll reach out and see if Adelita has time for us around ten, just to be safe.”

“Good.” Bishop grinned again. “Hopefully we can call Chibs by noon with good news.”

Creeper raised a hand. “I’ve got something to bring to the table.” He looked at Taza. “Fairly sure you can proxy Hank’s vote on this one. No need to pull him away from Princess-sitting.”

Bishop nodded. “Alright, Creep. Let’s hear it. We’ll see if we need to proxy after that.”

Creeper sat up and met all the men’s eyes. “Little Princess just may have saved our collective asses. I know the armorer vote already went through, but we didn’t talk about if she gets a cut. She won’t vote, but… brothers… that girl just proved she’s worthy of something. We said she could go on runs, but if she does - she shouldn’t be doing it for free.”

Gilly frowned. “You mean - we gotta vote on if la princessa gets paid to risk her ass like the rest of us? If she’s on a run, I just assumed she'd get a cut like the rest of us. Hell - even if she’s not on the run. We all get payouts monthly from profits - shouldn’t she?”

Angel frowned. “But those are benefits of membership. Prospects only get payouts for specific jobs. They don’t get the stipend. She’s not a voting member.”

Coco shrugged. “Only because she don’t got a dick. I say she risks just as much as a member, she should get paid like one.”

Riz shook his head at Coco’s phrasing. “Not how I would have said it - but Coco’s got a point.” 

Bishop sat in thought a moment. “Poquito would argue that she’s not a patch and shouldn’t be treated like one…” He nodded to Angel. 

Several of the men started to protest, but shut up when Bishop raised his hand. “I’m just telling you what her argument will be if we try to give her a stipend. She probably won’t take payout from runs either if we leave it up to her.” He looked around the table. The Oakland Mayans were listening, but offered no comments. “I say we vote it now so she can’t argue and we can say it’s her salary for being armorer.”

“Seconded,” Creeper said. 

“Me too,” added Gilly.

“Alright then. We vote. All in favor of Poquito getting run payouts and the stipend monthly?” Bishop asked.

Hands went up around the table. Angel was the last to raise his hand, but he did with a sigh.

Bishop nodded. “We’ll just proxy Hank as a yes, shall we?” he said with a grin.

The men chuckled and nodded.

“Alright then - Poquito will be paid as our armorer.” Bishop nicked on the table. “Thanks Creep. Not something we’d thought of.”

Creeper nodded with a grin.

“Now that the serious shit is over with - Adam said the tribe is throwing their monthly bonfire tonight. I’m taking Megan so she can hear the stories and for the dancing. Anyone else?” Taza asked.

Angel, Coco and Gilly shook their heads. “We’ve got plans for the prospect this evening too,” Angel said.

Marcus and Bishop both laughed. “Nah, brother. We’ll stick here. Let you guys get some downtime.”

The Oakland boys said the same. 

“Riz? Creep?” Taza asked.

Riz grinned. “I’ve got a date with the bartender downstairs. Can’t, man.”

Creeper laughed. “Sure. I’ll come alone. If nothing else, I can dog sit while you take the Little Princess around.”

—----

In the bedroom, Hank was doing his damndest to keep Megan down for a little while longer. She was anxious about Taza presenting the idea to the club and wanted to be out there listening to them discuss it. However, the doc had said for her to lay down for at least another thirty minutes to give the shot time to work. He laid next to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Relax, mi reina. The club will be nothing but proud of you for this idea.”

“What if they aren’t though? What if they think it’s stupid or if they think it’s too dangerous or…”

Hank chuckled and kissed her silent. He deepened the kiss when she moaned softly before pulling back just enough to speak. “Mi amore - they won’t. And if they do - you’ll have plenty of time to convince them otherwise.” He kissed her again cradling her face in one of his giant hands.

Megan giggled. “If you’re going to kiss me to shut me up, I may never stop talking.”

He shifted himself to rest his hips between her legs and held his weight on his forearm with a grin. “I do think there are better ways to occupy your mouth than worrying, Princessa.”

“Mmm. Think I may need another example.” She lifted her head to kiss his jaw.

Hank lowered himself so she could feel his weight as well as reach him without moving anything she wasn’t supposed to. He tilted his head for her encouragingly. He knew he’d need a cold shower after this, but couldn’t bring himself to care.

Megan pressed nibbling kisses beneath his jaw to his ear. “This what you had in mind?” She felt the rumble of his laugh through his chest and throat.

“Not quite, but I guess turnabout is fair play…” he whispered, allowing his free hand to wander a bit until he felt her skin as she kept kissing. He shifted to catch her lips with his and felt her fingers in his hair. “Mmm. Good girl.”

Megan laughed and tried to raise her hips only to find his were holding her securely down. Her breath caught on a light moan. She tugged at his shirt with her hand. “Want it off…”

Hank smiled hugely and kissed her again before sitting up on his knees and pulling his shirt over his head by the collar. He bent and placed kisses along her stomach where her shirt had ridden up before laying himself back down against her. “Better, mi reina?”

Megan traced the lines where his arm bulged as he held his weight off of her with her good hand and nodded. She marveled at the strength of him and ducked her head to kiss his tattooed collarbones.

Hank shivered pleasantly at the feel of her lips on his skin. She was feeling brave tonight and he loved it. He used his free hand to slide her shirt higher over her low-rise jeans, feeling the texture of scars against his rough palms. He knew they were there, but didn’t know all their stories yet. 

Megan nibbled across his tattoos, exploring a little. She didn’t want to push him, but she really wanted more. She shifted her torso to reach him better and hissed as suddenly her right side ached.

Hank pulled himself up and away from her. “Princessa?”

Megan whined at the distance. “No…” She tugged at him.

“Uh uh. What hurts?” Hank asked insistently. Hearing her hiss in pain had turned his hormones right off.

Megan growled. “I’m fine! I just moved wrong. You didn’t hurt me.” She reached up to cradle his neck with her good hand. “Come back here.”

Hank frowned and shifted to the side to lay against her good side. “No. What hurt? Talk to me.”

Megan threw her head back in frustration and bit her lip. “I just twisted when I squirmed. I’m fine. We don’t have to stop.”

He shook his head and brushed her hair out of her face before turning her chin to make him look at him. “Baby, no. I won’t let you hurt yourself trying to push your body when it’s not even half healed.” He leaned in to kiss her gently before feathering kisses across her cheekbones. “There’s no hurry, mi amore. I love you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Megan closed her eyes tight and swallowed tears of frustration. “I love you too. It’s just…”

He gently tugged her onto her left side and cradled her against his chest, letting her bury her face in his tattoos. He knew it was sometimes easier for her to talk if she wasn’t looking at him. “Just what, Princessa? Talk to me.”

“I finally found someone that I want this with - for the first time in my life it’s my choice - I can make the choice to take this farther - and now I can’t,” she said quietly.

Hank pressed her closer to him and kissed her hair, rubbing her back soothingly. “I’m sorry, mi princessa,” he whispered. “I hate the implications of that.” He took a deep breath to control his emotions and tilted her chin up so he could meet her eyes again. “WE are always your choice. You know that won’t change, right?”

Megan nodded. “Except now…”

Hank dipped his head to kiss her with a groan. “Except now when I’ll hurt you if we go further.”

“We went further this morning and you didn’t hurt me, Hank.”

He chuckled. “I got carried away this morning. You’re so damn beautiful you fry my brain sometimes. I could have really hurt you if you’d moved wrong. If you’d over-balanced, I could have rebroken your collarbone catching you.”

She looked up at him through her lashes, “ But you didn’t.”

“Because you’ve got damn near perfect balance, but it’s still a major risk, mi amore. One that I can’t justify just because I’m horny.” He rubbed her back some more.

Megan buried her face back in his warm skin muttering, “You aren’t the only one.”

Hank laughed outright. “Let’s see what the doctor says tomorrow, hmm? There are other things to think about before we take this further too.”

Megan looked up at him a little curiously. “What other things?”

Hank’s face heated a bit. “Well for one - I don’t exactly carry protection, mi reina. Hasn’t really been an issue. And I know you aren’t on the pill…”

“Oh…” Megan said quietly and sat up so he couldn’t see her face. “Ummm… that’s… that’s a non-issue,” she said, not looking at him.

Hank sat up and reached for her to find her stiff with tension. “Megan… what’s wrong?”

Megan let her head fall forward so her hair hid her face from him. “Nothing.” She sat on the edge of the bed facing away from him.

Hank moved to sit behind her with her back to his chest and found her quivering. “Megan, Baby, what’s wrong? Why are you shaking?” He braced her against him but didn’t force her to face him. “Did I scare you?”

She shook her head, but kept her face hidden.

“Then what is it, Princessa? Let me help? Please?”

“Protection is a non-issue. I can’t get pregnant,” she said quietly, her voice shaking and coming out very strained.

Hank paused. He wrapped himself around her from behind, cradling and supporting her shaking body. “Something else you didn’t choose?”

Megan swallowed hard and nodded.

Hank pressed kisses to her temple and rocked her gently. “Ok. You don’t have to tell me, mi reina. You can if you want to, but you don’t have to.” He cleared his throat trying to swallow his emotions.

Megan was still tense. “I probably should have told you that sooner,” she said in a monotone. “I’ll understand if it’s a deal breaker. Tío Bishop will probably switch rooms with me if you’d rather…” 

Hank froze before tilting her face to make her look at him. Her eyes were swimming in unshed tears as her lips quivered. He pressed his forehead to hers and made her look him in the eyes. “I love you, Megan. I love you because you are you, not because of some potential future. The fact that you can’t get pregnant doesn’t affect that, mi amore. There are other ways to have children if that’s something we decide we want someday. This changes nothing. Nothing. Do you understand me?”

Megan sobbed and lunged for him, wrapping herself around him as tightly as she could.

Hank held her tightly, pressing kisses to her where he could reach. He rocked her gently in his lap, shushing her and doing his damndest to reassure her with his touch. 

Rex watched this all warily from his corner, but stayed there.

Hank soothed Megan as best he could, easing her to lay tangled with him. Her breathing eased slightly as he whispered to her in Spanish. When she quieted, he shifted to see her face where it was buried in his shoulder only to find her asleep in his arms.

Taglist:

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[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 22

It's taken me a lot longer than I wanted it to, but here it is. I'm sorry that it's been so long between chapters. Life has been trying to break me lately. It hasn't managed it, but I'm certainly bruised.

Warnings: Cursing, foreshadowing, fluff. Let me know if I missed anything.

As always - don't steal my shit.

Megan woke, hearing a motorcycle pull up, and glanced at the clock. 3:30 a.m. She waited patiently and heard the front door ease open. She slid gently out of bed and padded out into the living room without waking Hank. Rex followed her after huffing softly.

Taza caught sight of her in the moonlight shining through the living room windows. “Hey Sweet Chica. You should be asleep. What’s wrong? NIghtmare?” He shrugged out of his worn kutte and hung it on the hook nearest hers.

“Nah. I’m alright. Just heard your bike and woke up.” She rubbed her eyes with her fist like a child and yawned.

“Sorry, Sweetheart.” He stepped forward and wrapped her in a tight hug. He pressed a kiss to her hair. “C’mon. Let’s get some rest, huh? Going to be a long ass day. We’re going to the table in a few hours…”

“Tío Marcus?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah. He said you knew. That what that discussion in Templo was about?” he asked, cuddling her close to his chest and rocking gently as his muscles relaxed.

“Mmhm,” she yawned again and rested her weight against him. “D’ya get it all worked out?”

Taza chuckled. “Yeah, Chica. It’s all worked out.” He kissed her head again. “Now, I’m going to grab a quick shower and crash for a while. Go on back to bed, Chica, before Hank comes looking for you. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“Okay, Papa. G’night.” She smiled up at him and squeezed him in one last hug before heading back to her room. “C’mon Rex. Let’s go to bed.”

The dog yawned and followed Megan back into the bedroom.

When she tried to sneak back into bed, Hank chuckled. “C’mere, Princessa.” He opened his arms and kissed her softly as she snuggled back against him.

“Sorry. Was trying not to wake you,” she whispered. 

He took a deep breath, burying his nose in her hair. “I always wake up when you get out of bed. Taza alright?”

“Mmhm. We’ve got Table later today though.” She yawned. “Gonna be a long day.”

He gently stroked the skin exposed where her sleep shirt had ridden up. “Think you can sleep again? You’ll feel better if you do.”

“Gonna try, but I wanna make sticky buns this morning too…”

Hank chuckled. “Alright, mi amore. Rest now. We’ll get up in a few hours.” He gently pressed a kiss to her skin and smiled as he felt her go limp in his arms. Bishop wouldn’t call Templo too early if Taza was just getting home. Megan could sleep a while longer and still have time to spoil them all rotten with her baking. 

A few hours later, Megan stirred in his arms again, waking Hank from his doze. That little wake up squeak betrayed her as she attempted to snuggle back in. He chuckled. “Good morning, mi reina,” he muttered into her skin.

Megan whined a bit.

“Do you still want to get up and make sticky buns?” he asked.

Megan nodded without opening her eyes. The room was chilly this early and she buried her face in the covers. “S’cold.”

Hank held her as close as he could with her buried like that and smiled. “Want one of my hoodies?”

That made her peek at him over her shoulder.

He smiled and pressed as kiss to her shoulder gently before sliding out of bed to retrieve one of his heavy hoodies from the dresser along with a pair of heavy socks for her. He came around to her side of the bed. “Alright, mi princessa, here. Sit up for me and I’ll help you get it on.”

He chuckled as she sat up to let him help her maneuver her sling. Once Megan was warmly dressed, Hank pulled on a henley and they headed for the kitchen. Hank knew she’d need help making things with her sling on. After coffee, Megan realized it too.

“Shit… I can’t do this. I need both hands…” Her face fell and she slumped against the kitchen counter. “Fuck.”

Hank nudged her gently. “Sure you can. You’ve just got to delegate some steps. I’ll help.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Just tell me what to do.”

It took a bit longer than it normally would have, but in the end - the sweet breakfast was in the oven alongside a pan of biscuits. Both of them had flour smeared on their clothes as they sipped third cups of coffee. Hank made eggs while Megan fried bacon.

Rex laid under the table, out of the way, doing his best impression of a metronome with his wagging tail. Megan had slipped him some bacon and Hank had added a raw egg to his kibble.

When they were just about finished, there was a knock at the door. Rex bounded up to place himself between Megan and the knocking. He didn’t bark, but he very much alerted to their visitor, and that he didn’t know them.

“I didn’t hear a bike…” Megan said, moving to the drawer closest to the patio door. She opened it and withdrew the .380 Taza kept there.

Hank nodded upon seeing her armed. “I’ll answer it. My backup is in my kutte hanging up.” He moved both pans off the stove and made his way to the front door, keeping one eye on Megan to be sure she was out of the potential line of fire.

The visitor knocked again. Hank got his gun and looked through the side window of the door. He didn’t put it away, which made Megan even more nervous. He held it where he could easily fire on the unknown person and eased the door open, blocking the opening with his wide shoulders. 

Megan moved to the side where she had a clear shot as well. Through the window, she glimpsed a man she didn’t know.

On the other side of the door was a man Megan had never seen before. He was dressed in a casual, but expensive, suit with a printed shirt underneath the jacket. She also clocked the shoulder rig there. The man was two long Dutch braids of dark hair, a trimmed goatee, and yellow sunglasses on.

“Can I help you, or is Galindo sending you as an errand boy now?” Hank asked tensely.

The man huffed frustratedly. “I’m looking for Ms. Morales. Is she here?”

Megan jumped as she felt a hand touch her good elbow. Taza took the gun from her hand gently, before moving in front of her. “And what, exactly, do you need her for Nestor?” he asked.

The man, Nestor, looked around the frame of el pacificador to answer him. “Just here to deliver an invitation for Mrs. Galindo. Mr. Galindo wondered if Ms. Morales would like to join his wife at the spa in town. A friendly invitation. That’s all.” He smirked at Megan where she stood behind her defenders in her leggings and Hank’s hoodie. “A way to encourage… relationships… between the Mayans and his organization. I’m here to drive her.”

Megan snorted indelicately at the blatant once over. When Taza looked her way, she shook her head emphatically. Hank kept his eyes on Nestor. That alone told Megan he didn’t trust the man.

Taza sighed. “Please tell Mr. and Mrs. Galindo that, while Megan appreciated their offer, it is unnecessary.” 

Nestor turned his smirk on Hank. “I’ll pass the message along.” He deliberately looked around the big man again to meet Megan’s gaze over Taza’s shoulder. “I’m Nestor Oceteva, by the way, Mr. Galindo’s head of security. He wanted me to be sure to introduce myself as we may be working… closely… soon.”

Hank growled and his fingers tightened on his gun. “Well you’ve delivered your message now -”

Taza pointedly handed Megan back the pistol. “And any further communication with our Armorer had better be through proper channels.”

Nestor chuckled a bit. “Noted.” He grinned slightly mischievously. “You have a nice day… ma’am.” He turned and sauntered back to the big black SUV still idling in the driveway.

After he drove off, the atmosphere relaxed. Hank shut the door and replaced his spare gun in his kutte before gathering Megan into a hug against his chest. “What the fuck was that all about?” he growled.

Taza shook his head before once again taking the gun from Megan, this time to replace it in its hiding place. “That was Galindo trying to suss out where Megan stands with the club.”

Megan buried her face against Hank and took deep breaths as she tried to relax her muscles. “Why me?”

Hank sighed. “Because he doesn’t know how he can play you, Princessa, and that worries him. You’re a wild card.”

She sighed heavily. “Well, I didn’t like it. I’m not a toy or a kid. He can’t buy me with a fancy spa invitation.”

Hank kissed her temple. “We’ll get it straightened out, mi reina. Any communication with the club is supposed to be through a designated burner phone. If they approach you directly -”

“Call someone. Tío Marcus made that clear when I met Devante. Never talk to them without a patch, right?” Megan said. 

“Right, Chica. They need to talk to you - they put in a request through one of the officers. And NEVER - EVER - let them get you alone,” Taza said.

“Yes, Papa.”

“Good girl. Now - I’m going to go call your Tío Bishop, to let him know what’s going on while I put some clothes on,” Taza said. “We may have company for breakfast.”

It was only then that Megan realized that her father stood there in an old pair of sweatpants and his jewelry which made her giggle. “That’s okay - we’ve got a second pan of sticky buns to go into the oven. Just make the Prospect pick up more bacon and eggs, please.”

Hank chuckled at the bemused look on Taza’s face. “C’mon, Princessa, let’s go finish the first batch so we can get dressed.

A little over an hour later, Taza’s house was full to bursting. Bishop had arrived as predicted with Marcus, Diana, and Tessa in tow. Right behind him came Riz and Creeper, and behind them was Chibs, Tig, and Venus. Angel, EZ, Coco, and Gilly were on their way. THey’d had to stop for more eggs and bacon as Megan had used all that she had.

Plates were made as Megan buzzed around making sure that everyone had what they needed. Hank had dressed quickly while Megan finished with the breakfast with help from Taza. Just as Bishop arrived, he’d managed to drag Megan off to change too. She now wore jeans and a hoodie that fit, but was still barefoot with wet hair. 

“Poquito - if you don’t sit down and eat something to even out the caffeine in your system you might just vibrate apart,” Bishop said gently as he caught her hand as she went past him for the eighth time. “Seriously, Sweetheart, we know how to pour our own coffee. Eat something. Sit down.”

“I’m fine, Tío. Just - it’s the first family breakfast I’ve hosted at home. It needs to be done right.” She put on her Southern Belle smile for him, but it was a little tight.

Bishop tugged her gently down to sit on the arm of Taza’s easy chair where he’d taken up residence. “Poquito, it’s as perfect as you can make it. Let your tía and Venus help a little. You need to eat before we call a Table.”

Megan shot up. “Shit! Table! There’s not enough chairs at the table! Wonder if…” 

Bishop tugged her back down. “Easy now. We don’t need more chairs, Poquito. Easy. We can stand. It’s just an expression. If it was official, we’d be at the clubhouse.”

“But -”

“No. Now sit.” Bishop caught Tessa’s sleeve as she walked past. “Tessa, Sweetie, will you ask Hank to make your prima a plate of breakfast? But tell him no more coffee, please.”

“Sí Tío! I’ll tell him!” the little girl said with a mischievous smile. She scooted off, ignoring Megan’s protests.

“There. See. Your caballero will be here in a minute. And you -” he pointed a stern finger at her, “will sit your ass down and eat something.”

Creeper had noticed the conversation wasn’t going Megan’s way and came to check in. “Everything alright, Prez? Little Princess?”

“Everything’s fine, Creep. Just making our Armorer pause to eat,” Bishop said, never taking his eyes from Megan’s face.

Creeper sighed, frustratedly and gave Megan his own stern look. “Alright. I’ll find her a chair.” He shook his bald head and made his way to the kitchen to find a chair for Megan.

By the time Hank arrived with a plate of breakfast and some juice, Creeper and Bishop had managed to make her sit in the kitchen chair the bald biker had brought. They had placed it next to Bishop so that Megan couldn’t escape and find something else to do.

Hank chuckled as he caught sight of Megan’s frustrated face. “One plate of breakfast for la princessa and a non-caffeinated drink since the tinier princessa says you’re cut off.” He handed her the plate and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Eat, mi amore, and be glad it was your tío that cornered you. Taza was muttering something about duct taping you to a chair.”

Megan relaxed a bit as the men around her chuckled. “I’m not that bad…” she insisted, nibbling a strip of bacon.

“No, Princessa, you aren’t, but you do need to eat something and let us fend for ourselves a bit.” Hank smiled and placed her juice on the small end table between her and Bishop. “We’re grown men. I promise we can pour our own coff-”

Just then there was a roar of engines as the final club members arrived. 

Megan made as if to set her plate aside and stand only to be blocked by Bishop’s arm and Creeper’s gentle hand on her good shoulder.

“They know their way in, Little Princess. And they can carry everything to the kitchen on their own. Promise,” Creeper said. 

“But someone needs to cook the breakfast they brought-”

Venus chuckled from the doorway to the kitchen. “Relax, Sweetheart. Your Tía and I have already got it under control. Eat. We already have.”

“But-”

“No ‘But”. Eat. That’s an order, Armorer,” Bishop said sternly.

Megan sighed and took another bite of breakfast as she watched the door for the rest of the club. 

“And you can stop thinking Coco’s gonna save your ass. Eat. He’ll just make you another plate,” Bishop said with a chuckle as he leaned back in his arm chair. 

Megan stuck her tongue out at her tío but did focus on eating the breakfast Hank had brought. He’d focused on the foods he knew she’d eat best- the sticky buns and bacon. He’d even snuck a banana on the plate because he knew she liked fruit in the morning.

Once she’d finished most of the plate, she looked at Hank pleadingly. He chuckled. “Alright, mi reina. We’ll take it.”

Creeper took her dishes with a smile and headed for the kitchen where the new arrivals were being given breakfast.

Taza leaned in the kitchen doorway, watching Bishop and Hank manage Megan’s anxiety. “Did she finally eat?” he asked.

Hank smiled a bit and nodded. “She did.”

“Good. Chica, stay put. Once the human garbage disposals are done, we’ll meet in here,” Taza said, standing to join them in the kitchen.

Bishop nodded. “Yeah. We’ll handle this Galindo business first. Then, this afternoon, Adelita wants a meeting on the other side to discuss specifics.”

Megan sat up straighter at the mention of the leader of the LO.

The men filtered in to find seats as they finished eating. Marcus took the other easy chair and Chibs took the end of the sofa closest to him. Hank stood at Megan’s back with a steadying hand on her shoulder. When Taza returned, he sat at the other end of the sofa. Tig and the rest of the Mayans arranged themselves around the room - either standing or in kitchen chairs like Megan.

Once everyone was present, Bishop cleared his throat. “Alright. We’re meeting here because we want Galindo to know we’re here to back up what he was told this morning. Taza - fill us in.”

“Early this morning, Galindo sent his head of security here to extend an ‘invitation’ to Megan. Apparently, Mrs. Galindo wanted to invite our Armorer to a spa day,” Taza supplied. “He was met with a firm - and armed - no thank you.”

A few of the men growled. 

“Why the sudden interest in Megan?” Angel asked. “No offense, Shorty, but why risk a very real possibility of offense with a new ally over one girl?”

Hank felt Megan tense and gently rubbed her neck. “To see if she could be manipulated easily. He’s testing her, and in turn us. He wants to see if we blow up one way or the other over her.”

Creeper nodded. “He’s on his back foot. Fishing for leverage. Little Princess joining us makes him think there’s an opportunity there.”

Everyone nodded.

Marcus sighed. “He’s also trying to push MY buttons.” He looked around at the members. “We were going to call an official table later to discuss this, but with this development - we’ve got to do this now.” He looked at Bishop and Taza who both nodded.

Marcus sat forward in his chair with his elbows braced on his knees. “Galindo killed Devante. His loyalty became divided in a way Glaindo couldn’t allow. So - he’s down and advisor. At the casino, while you were securing our position with the LO, I met with Galindo and his wife.” He met the rapt eyes of every man there. “He offered me the job.”

The room exploded into confused mutters. Once most of it was calm, Riz asked the question everyone was wondering about. “How would that work? You can’t be a Mayan AND work for the cartel. It’s part of the patch in. Club over all.”

Marcus nodded seriously. “I know. And I haven’t given him an answer. That’s why he’s trying to get to me through Megan.”

There were nods all around.

Marcus sighed, “I am… tired. My body isn’t what it was. I can still ride, but who knows for how much longer.” He paused. “But - my loyalty is always to this club first.”

At the nods from the members, he continued. “When I can’t ride anymore, I can’t be a Mayan. What happens to my family then? These are things I need to think about as well.”

More head nods.

“So - I asked for advice from the member who has proved to have the coolest head under pressure. She said to speak to others, but that going inactive makes the most sense.”

Creeper sighed. “An inactive member can regain their patch through a simple majority table vote.”

Marcus nodded. “So - I spoke to my chosen advisors. I plan to take the position with Galindo if he can guarantee that my club loyalty won’t be challenged.”

“Can he guarantee that?” Gilly asked quietly.

“If he can’t - I walk. He violates it - I walk. My club comes first. My family comes first,” Marcus said. 

Everyone seemed deep in thought.

Megan smiled at Marcus. “I don’t see a problem as long as Galindo follows the rules, Padrino. It’s not like you’re leaving us for good. More like - you’re temping for another company. But - Galindo has to follow the rules.”

Hank snorted and rubbed Megan’s neck gently. “He demonstrated just this morning that he can’t do that. Contact with a club member has to go through the liaison.”

Riz nodded. “And that’s currently me. I got no ride through calls or contact requests for La Princessa.”

Bishop nodded. “Then - we make our stance clear - to Galindo, the LO, and anyone else curious enough to come sniffin’” He held his hand out to RIz. “Let’s make this call…”

“Wait… what about what El Padrino said? Don’t we gotta vote or somethin’?” Coco asked, fidgeting with his lighter.

“We will - when there’s something to vote on. First, we make our point. If El Padrino decides to pause his patch - then we vote,” Taza noted.

The call with Galindo went about how they thought it would. Galindo played the innocent, stating that his wife is not part of his organization so he didn’t see the harm in a social invitation to the newest member of the Mayan family. He promised to behave himself in the future and make all invitations through the designated liaison.

At the end of the call, he brought Marcus into it. “Marcus, any new progress on what we discussed at the casino?”

Marcus sighed. “I have the parameters designed. We just need to meet to finalize details before a decision can be made.”

“Excellent. I’ll get back to you later today to set up that meeting then.”

“Of course, Mr. Galindo. I look forward to your call.” Marcus hung up the phone.

“He’s a sneaky son-of-a-bitch. I’ll give him that,” Gilly said. “That little conversation could have put you in a spot with us if we didn’t know already.”

Marcus nodded. “I know. That’s why I came clean first.”

The meeting continued long enough to have Megan shifting in her seat. Hank grinned and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “What’s wrong, Princessa?”

She giggled. “My legs are asleep because they don’t touch the floor,” she whispered back.

That made Hank chuckle quietly. “Alright, mi amore.” He held a hand out to help her stand. Once she was up, he took her place in the shirt and guided her down into his lap to relax. They were discussing the heroin shipment that was coming up as they waited for coordinates and a rendezvous time on the designated Los Olvidados burner phone. That phone’s assigned liaison was currently Angel - surprisingly.

Megan had no reason to speak up in this discussion. If Taza and Hank rode - she would as well. If not, she’d stay home. Since she wasn’t needed currently, she snuggled into Hank’s chest and closed her eyes.

Taza caught Hank’s eyes and smiled. He nodded at the resting Megan. 

Hank smiled and petted Megan’s loose hair, planting a kiss on her hairline, before grinning back at her father. 

Just when they started to run out of things to discuss, Angel’s pocket dinged. He pulled out the burner phone that was their direct line to Adelita and smiled at the text message. “Adelita wants to meet this evening at around four in Santa Madre’s open market. They need to pick up supplies, so she and Paulo will be there.”

Bishop nodded as Megan sat up to focus. “Sound alright, Poquito?”

“How many of us?” Megan asked, petting Rex who had made his way over to her in her lull. “Me, Hank, Taza… who else?”

“I’ll be going and Angel is the liaison, so that makes five,” Bishop said. 

Megan nodded her head. “We’ll be in their territory, so I don’t think five is unreasonable,” she mused aloud.

“Six.” Marcus said, and looked to Chibs. “Care to join, Reaper?”

“Aye. I’ll go. Tig and Venus can stay behind. Then I can vouch for the information for the Irish myself,” Chibs said, leaning forward.

Bishop nodded. “Alright then. We’ll call a table when we get back to tie a bow on everything so Chibs can get home in time for the gun delivery.”

“‘Preshiate it,” Chibs said with a nod.

Tig looked antsy as hell, and pulled Chibs aside as soon as the meeting broke up.

Megan settled back against Hank for a moment to breathe until she heard the sink turn on in the kitchen. “Oh no! The dishes!” She bloated upright only to be caught by Hank’s gentle arm.

“Relájate, Princessa. Relax. Let the Prospect clean up. That’s his job,” Bishop said.

“But what if Tía Diana or Venus is doing them?” she asked anxiously.

Marcus chuckled. “Mi Reina?” he called. 

“Sí, mi Rey?” Diana answered, coming to the kitchen doorway.

“Will you reassure nuestra sobrina that the prospect is on clean up? She doesn’t want you or Venus doing it while she rests.” He smiled indulgently at his wife.

Diana laughed and sauntered out to place herself on the arm of Marcus’ chair. “Why would we do it when there’s a perfectly good prospect in there?” She smiled at Megan. “Rest, Sweetheart. You were up early. Even if we were doing them - you were at the table. That excuses you from most chores.”

“Except -” Marcus said.

“Except taking out the trash when your wife has asked you to - three times,” Diana said with a grin at her husband. “Table doesn’t excuse that.”

“Yes, mi reina…” Marcus replied, winking at Megan over his coffee cup.

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[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 17

Here you go. Chapter 17. The conversation with Marcus and a lot of fluff.

Warnings: cursing... and I think that's it. Let me know if I missed something please.

Megan pulled out the chair next to Marcus and sat down with him uneasily. “Is everything okay, Padrino?”

“Of course, Bebita. I just had that meeting this morning with Galindo and wanted to talk to you in private about it.” Marcus tapped the ashes off his cigarillo and smiled at her. “Nothing to be nervous about.”

Megan nodded and relaxed a little. “What is it?”

Marcus sat forward and looked at her. “Galindo has… eliminated his man Devante. He apparently became untrustworthy and his removal was part of the deal with the LO. Now Galindo needs a new advisor and he offered the job to me.”

Megan swallowed and nodded. “Alright. What would that mean, Padrino? You can’t be a Mayan AND run the cartel for Galindo. Split loyalties.”

Marcus sighed. “I know. But… Poquito, my body is tired. I don’t know how much longer I can ride. When I can’t ride, I can’t be a Mayan anymore. It’s in the laws. Can’t ride - can’t lead. Can’t ride - can’t vote. What happens to Tessa then? To your tía?”

She swallowed her emotions again. “Yeah.” She looked up at him a little teary eyed. “Is it really that bad, Tío?”

He reached and patted her hand where it was on the table. “No, Poquito. It’s not that bad yet. But it will get there, and sooner rather than later.”

“Do you have to leave completely?” she asked. “Is there a way for you to… I don’t know… step back from the club? Not leave leave, but just step away. Become inactive, I guess.”

Marcus thought. “I could go inactive, I guess. Then all it would take is a table vote for me to regain my patch.”

“Could you do that so that you can take the cartel deal? Maybe on the promise that you won’t be asked to act against the M.C.?”

“I could try. It would mean moving your tía and prima here. I could bank money so that when I can’t ride anymore we’ll have it saved,” Marcus mused. “It would have to come to a table vote though.”

“Everything does, doesn’t it?”

“Everything does, Poquito. It’s what makes us Mayans.”

Megan looked down and played with the zipper pull of her kutte. “It would be nice to have the whole family here…”

“I agree. That’s what makes it such tempting bait, Bebita. I could be here for you. Probably be home for Tessa more. Work regular hours even… But I’d be abandoning my club. The club I built with your tío and papa.” He looked at the stump of his cigarillo. “It’s not an easy answer.”

“No. It’s not, but you aren’t an easy man, Tío Marcus.” Megan thought carefully. “Does Papa know? Or Tío Bishop?”

“No. I wanted your take on it first, Poquito. You have such a gift for logic. I love your tío. He’s my primo and my best friend. Same with your papa. But they’re not ones to think logically when their feelings get involved.” He shrugged. 

“Maybe not, but I think they could help you more than I can, Tío. I’m just a girl.”

Marcus chuckled. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, do you know that?” He sat back in his chair and smiled at her. “Alright. I’ll talk to Bishop and Taza - but not tomorrow. The day after. I won’t ruin the party with their tempers.”

Megan reached to squeeze his hand. “And maybe see about getting that promise about not acting against the M.C. from Galindo.” 

He gave her fingers a squeeze. “Yeah. That too.”

“And Tío?”

“Yes, Bebita?”

“You should probably ask Tía Diana before you agree to anything… just a thought.” Megan stood with a smile. “She should be included in the decision too.”

Marcus chuckled. “Then it’s a good thing she’s bringing Tessa for the party, isn’t it?”

Megan’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Really, Poquito. My guys are escorting them down. They’ll be here tomorrow.” He chuckled as he watched Megan get excited. “Now, go get some sleep, Bebita. A birthday party won’t be any fun if you’re too tired.”

Megan dropped a kiss on top of Marcus’ head in parting. “See you tomorrow, Padrino.”

At the ranch, Megan immediately started setting things up for Rex as Taza and Hank unloaded the trunk of her car. She washed his bowls and set them up in the kitchen. Then she took him out to the barn and introduced him to the hoof stock. By the time she came back inside, everything was unloaded. 

“Holy shit…” she said looking at the sea of shopping bags. “Where do we start?”

Hank chuckled. “Well… you start by putting your new book where you want them, Princessa. I’ll start with the clothes.” 

Taza joined them with their luggage. “I guess that leaves me with laundry duty.”

Megan giggled a little. “Alright.” She went to the many bags from the bookstore that Hank had put in her reading corner and started pulling things out.

It took nearly an hour to get everything unbagged and put away from the shopping spree. There were still things to be hung up, or things that needed to find a place, but Taza declared that a task for the next day.

Hank chuckled as he came out of the walk-in closet. “You officially have a wardrobe, mi princessa.”

Megan laughed. “I guess I do, huh?”

Taza kissed her head and smiled. “I ordered those dog doors before we left the casino, Chica. They got here earlier today. The prospect will come put them in early tomorrow.”

“Isn’t he supposed to be at the clubhouse cleaning for the party?” Megan asked.

Hank laughed a little. “Vickie’s girls will have that place clean in no time. He’s better used as muscle for you, mi amore.”

Taza nodded. “I got one for the back door and one for the front. I also made a vet appointment for tomorrow morning so we can get him chipped.” 

Megan smiled. “Okay, Papa.”

“Good girl. Now - what do you want for dinner, hmm?”

Megan thought carefully. “Is there somewhere that delivers pasta? If not - I can just make something.”

Taza laughed. “Italian it is…”

Dinner came and they ate it in front of the t.v. Taza turned on an action flick with plenty of comedy and they spent the evening just relaxing in front of the television. Taza sat in his arm chair while Hank took the corner of the couch with Megan curled against his side and Rex laying on the floor in front of them.

Surprisingly, Megan was awake at the end of the movie. “Papa?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah, Chica?” Taza smiled to see her looking so perfectly content in her spot cradled against Hank’s chest.

“Rex needs a dog bed…”

Taza chuckled. “Yeah. He does. We’ll go to the pet store tomorrow too. We need dog food anyway.”

Megan grinned. “Okay.” She snuggled down closer to Hank, who chuckled.

“Just like that? You’re content to go shopping?” Hank asked, looking down at her bemusedly.

Megan blinked up at him. “Well - yeah. Rex needs things.”

Taza laughed too. “So if Rex needed you to have a bigger car… you’d let up buy it?”

Megan giggled. “No, Papa. Rex fits in the Mustang just fine.”

“I’m just saying…”

Megan giggled again as Hank laughed.

The next morning, Hank smiled when he woke up before Megan. She had slept through the night with only a few whimpers. No night terrors. He was curled against her back and could hear her even breathing. He chuckled as he realized what woke him.

Their bedroom door has a lever handle on it. Apparently, Rex decided to let himself out of the bedroom this morning, because it was the slight squeak of the hinges that woke him. 

He slid out of bed without waking her to go let the dog out. Since they were home, he simply opened the back door for Rex and stood on the deck watching him. When he was done, he came bounding back inside. Hank went to the kitchen and poured dog food in the new bowl Megan had put out the night before. He checked to see that the water bowl was still full. Then he rubbed the dog’s ears. “Alright, boy, I’m going back in to lay with Megan. Be good.”

A giggle came from the kitchen doorway. “Are you ever gonna let him wake me up in the morning?” Megan asked. 

Rex bounded forward for her to rub his ears. 

“Well, you were just sleeping so beautifully…” Hank smiled and came forward to claim a kiss. “I’d have made you coffee, but I still haven’t quite got the hang of that percolator.” 

Megan kissed him as she giggled. “Alright. I’ll make coffee. I slept too late to make sticky buns- you guys will have to settle for monkey bread.”

“What the fuck is monkey bread?” Hank asked as he followed her into the kitchen proper. 

An hour or so later he got his answer as she pulled a pan out of the oven along with a pan of biscuits. This time she allowed Hank to make the eggs and bacon too.

Taza came in to find them laughing and dancing to the radio with Rex doing his damndest to get between them and get attention. “Well, good morning.”

“Morning Papa! Breakfast is ready,” Megan said with a giggle as Hank spun her one more time.

Taza smiled at the pure happiness on his daughter’s face. “Wonderful, Chica. How’s your arm?”

Megan smiled and turned to lean back against Hank’s chest. “Much better. The pain is so much more manageable now without the cast.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear. Let me set the table and we’ll eat.” Taza smiled.

They sat down for breakfast happily. Megan introduced them to monkey bread. It was almost like donut holes. Balls of dough rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon, then packed into a pan and baked so that when they come out, you pull it apart to eat. The result was nearly as well received as her sticky buns.

After breakfast, Taza cleaned up and Hank and Megan went to get ready for the day.

Hank dressed quickly in his good jeans and a black wife beater. “Alright, mi reina. Turnabout is fair play. What do you want me to wear for the party?”

Megan blinked at him, confused. “Clothes?”

He chuckled. “Alright. You’re always wanting me to pick out your clothes. Here’s the deal. If you want my opinion on what you wear, you have to pick mine out too.”

Megan laughed. “But why? You know what you want to wear.”

Hank stepped up to stand between her knees where she sat on the bed. He cupped her face in his big hands and kissed her gently. “Because neither of us should have more control than the other, mi amore. We’re partners.” 

Megan smiled a little. “So - if I tell you that when you pull your henley sleeves up and show your forearms, I just wanna pounce you…”

Hank chuckled. “Henley it is.” He kissed her deeply as she giggled. When he finally released her to pull on a dark green henley, she bit her lip and smiled.”

“Alright, mi reina. What about you? We’ll probably only stop here to drop off the haul for Rex before we head to the clubhouse.” He grinned.

“So now, I’m curious. What outfit would you choose for me tonight?” She stood and went to the closet and opened the doors before she turned around to face him.

“You gonna let me show you off?” he asked coming forward to pull her close to him by her hips and sway a little.

She smiled a little shyly up at him. “Uh huh.” She bit her lip as he lowered his head to kiss her.

“Alright.” He grinned and stepped into the closet. He came out with something she didn’t expect. A pair of faux leather leggings and a dark green long sleeved tunic that would just barely cover her ass. The tunic had a v-neck, but nothing crazy. “And your new boots.”

Megan smiled. “Not a dress?” The outfit looked comfortable as hell to her. 

“Not tonight, mi princessa. It’s your party. That means it’ll go late and it’s chilly after dark. I don’t want you cold. This will keep you warm while still showing you off.” He laid it on the bed. “Plus it’ll still look nice with you kutte and the leather jacket your papa got you.” He pressed a kiss to her nose.

Megan giggled and nodded. “Okay.”

Hank helped her get dressed. She already had her necklace from Taza on, so after she was dressed , he sat her down at her dressing table. “Here, mi amore. Let me help with your jewelry before we get Taza to do your hair.”

“Okay.” She kissed his knuckles as he rested his hand on her good shoulder.

“Close your eyes for me.”

Megan smiled and shook her head, but closed her eyes as he asked.

Hank fastened her crown marker around her neck before slipping the bracelet Gilly had bought her on to her left wrist. He put her two new charms on her charm bracelet. He put that on for her too. Then he pulled the new earrings from his kutte pocket and slipped those in her earlobes. “Alright. Open.”

Megan feathered her eyes open and smiled at him through the mirror. Then she noticed her earrings. “Where?... Those aren’t mine…”

Hank smiled and pressed a kiss to her hair. “I didn’t buy them for anyone else, mi reina. Your little friends helped me pick them out at the bonfire.” He kissed her temple. “Do you like them?”

Megan reached to touch them with her good hand in wonder. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She noticed the shine from her charm bracelet. “My rocker charm… but where?” She looked up at him with a little giggle. “A new charm too?”

“Couldn’t let your first night with the tribe go unmarked, could we?” He caught her good hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.

“I guess you’re right.” She smiled and leaned back against him. “What about my hair?”

“Warrior braids, Princessa. Gotta show off that patch.” He shrugged into his own holster before helping Megan into hers. She settled into it a lot more quickly today, proving the pain wasn’t as bad.

“What about my knife? No belt with these.” Megan pointed out.

“Nope.” Hank smiled and moved the sheath to the waist strap on her thigh bag. “Coco found the perfect princessa accessory.” He helped her fasten the bag on her left leg, then slipped her wallet and phone into the outside pocket.

Taza knocked on the door. 

“Come in!” Megan called.

Her father slipped inside followed by Rex. “Need your hair braided, Chica?” 

Megan smiled up at Hank before turning to her dad. “Yes, please Papa. Can I have my warrior braids? Gotta show off my patch.”

Taza grinned. “Good girl. Want your feathers?”

“Yes please.”

Taza quickly braided Megan’s hair into her warrior braids and fastened them with her braid weights. Then he noticed her new earrings. “New earrings?”

“Hank got them for me. Look, they match my necklace from you and my bracelet from Gilly!” Megan said, showing him. “He got me a charm for the bonfire night too. Look!” SHe turned to show Taza her charm bracelet.

Taza examined her bracelet with a grin. “Very pretty, Chica. Matches your hair feathers too.” He squeezed her hand gently. “Are you ready to get Rex to the vet?”

“Yep. Just need to put on my kutte and boots and grab my jacket.”

“Alright. Meet you at the car in ten.”

Around eleven o’clock, they came back to the ranch. Rex had been wary at the vet, but he was very good as long as Megan was touching him. They’d taken care of his shots and had him microchipped as well. The vet was actually very helpful when she saw how Rex responded to Megan and suggested that they see if he could be certified as a service animal for Megan’s anxiety and PTSD. She’d given Taza a bunch of papers for contacting the local group who did certification in the area. If Rex was a service dog, Megan could take him anywhere with her.

Then they’d gone to the pet store where Megan had a blast letting Rex choose some toys for the ranch. She also found a nice leather harness to replace the nylon one he’d been using, treats, and several dog beds. There was one for the living room, one for the bedroom, and one for the clubhouse. 

Taza put in a standard food order to be delivered to the ranch every two weeks just like his horse feed. He also bought two dog food bins - one for the house and one for the clubhouse.

Rex already had his collar, but Hank found an extra one with larger spikes on it for when they went on runs. It was inevitable that if Megan went - so would Rex. Whoever was driving the van would just need to get used to having a co-pilot.

They unloaded everything and Megan immediately started setting things up where she could. While they had been gone, EZ had come by and put in the dog doors Megan had asked for. They were chip activated so that they stayed closed for anyone but Rex. Megan hung the microchip on his collar happily. 

Hank set up the dog food bin for her in the kitchen near Rex’s bowls while Taza brought in two of the dog beds and placed them. Finally - everything was set up for their new furry family member.

Hank chuckled as his phone rang. It was Mama’s ringtone. “Princessa, Mama is calling…” He answered it as Megan came into the kitchen to meet him. “Hola, Mama.”

“Hola, mijo. Are you back in town?” Mama asked.

“Si. We’re back. Just had some errands to run today for la princessa’s new furry friend. Do you need something?” Hank asked, turning the phone to speaker and wrapping an arm around Megan.

“No. Just checking in. Neron said you’d most likely be back today.”

Megan looked puzzled, but just looked up at Hank.

“Yeah. Creep was right. We got back last night. They’re throwing Megan’s birthday party tonight at the clubhouse. Can I send the prospect to pick you up?” Hank winked at Megan.

Mama laughed at the other end of the phone. “No, mijo. I won’t cramp your style at the party, but if you have time beforehand would you bring mi nuera by? I have something for her.”

“Of course, Mama. How about we bring you lunch on the away to the clubhouse? We just finished up here at the ranch, but we haven’t eaten. We can bring Rex by to meet you too.” Hank said, cuddling Megan close and kissing her hair. “Megan was given a dog for her birthday and he goes everywhere she goes now.”

“Oh, perfect. I haven’t eaten either. So I’ll see you in about thirty minutes?” Mama asked.

“See you then. Te amo, Mama.” 

“Te amo!”

They hung up and Megan smiled up at him, resting her chin on his chest. “Mama refuses to use the club names, doesn’t she?”

Hank chuckled. “Yes, she does. And wait until she gets mad at me. She won’t even call me Hank. It’ll be ‘Henry’.”

Megan laughed. “I always knew I was in trouble if they pulled out my middle name.”

“If she ever gets THAT far - I need to be ducking for cover because she’s ready to murder me,” Hank said kissing Megan’s nose.

Megan scrunched her nose adorably. “So, Creeper is Neron. Papa is Che… it Tío Bishop, Obispo?”

Hank nodded. “Mmhmm. And Coco is Johnny. Riz is Michael.”

“Angel is his real name - right?” Megan asked.

Hank laughed. “Unfortunately. She called EZ, Ezekiel and Gilly…” 

Megan smiled. “What is Gilly’s name?” She snuggled into Hank’s chest some more.

“Gilberto.”

“Ooooph. No wonder he goes by Gilly,” Megan said smiling. “I bet that was a bitch to learn to spell in kindergarten.”

“You should ask him about high school sometime,” Hank said with a grin. “C’mon. Let’s go get burritos and go eat with Mama, hmm?”

“Alright.” Megan reluctantly detangled from him.

They took their leave of Taza who promised to meet them at the clubhouse in a few hours and headed off to see Mama Loza. 

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[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 14

Here's 14. It's a filler and you can probably tell it, but I have edited it too many times. It's just going to have to be good enough y'all.

Warnings: cursing, mentions of weapons. I can't think of anything else. Let me know if I missed anything.

Don't steal my shit.

The bike shop was only fifteen minutes away, so Creeper rode with Megan and Hank. He threw a fit when Megan started to get in the back though. “Nah, Little Princess. You ain’t taking the back seat in your own car. I’ll ride with the pooch,” he said.

Hank had let the top back down so that they could feel the morning sun, so the ride was more than pleasant. Bishop, Taza, and Marcus led the way and Megan grinned. She was slightly windswept when they got there, but she was smiling happily. None of the men who’d been with her the first day missed the contrast.

Hank came around to open her door aws Creeper got out on his side with Rex following him. “Alright, mi princessa. Think you’ll be alright this time?” he asked.

Megan smiled. “Yeah. I think so. Just don’t look at the prices, right?” She handed him her kutte.

“Right, Chica,” Taza said from beside them. He took her kutte from Hank.

Inside they all scattered. Taza went to the counter with Bishop to collect her patches and get them sewed on for her. Usually, she’d sew them on herself after being awarded them, but that wasn’t an option with her arm right now.

Marcus drew Megan over to the side where there were Harley accessories for dogs. Hank smiled and followed her, putting his hands in his pockets.

Creeper glanced around and headed for the electronics section. He was determined that Megan’s bike needed a better stereo - especially since he’d have to wire the new intercom system anyway.

Megan immediately noticed a leather leash when Marcus showed her the dog section. The leash that Happy had given her was nylon and a little rough in her fingers. She absently picked it up to look at it. She showed it to Hank. “What do you think?”

“I think it matches your gear better than the nylon one, and it never hurts to have multiple leashes, mi amore.” Hank smiled.

Megan bit her lip. “True. We should probably get an extra harness at some point too…”

Marcus picked up a set of food and water bowls. They were stainless steel with Harley logos around the outside. “Here we go. Rex needs food and water bowls still, right? You can keep the temporary one in your car for when you need it.”

Megan nodded, “Alright.”

“What about for at the clubhouse?” Taza asked as he joined them. “Get a second set that can just stay there too.”

Marcus added a second set.

Hank chuckled as he realized that Megan wasn’t freaking out about price when it came to her precious pup. He picked up a couple of chew toys shaped like motorcycle tires, holding one down for Rex to take immediately. “Gotta get him some toys too.”

“Yeah, but there aren’t a lot here. We’ll have to go to the pet store when we get home,” Megan said absently as she looked at the shelves.

Taza smiled. “We could order them online and have it all waiting at the ranch when we get home…”

Megan perked up. “Really?”

The men chuckled. “Really.” Taza answered her. “We’ll get you set up on Amazon on your phone when we get back to the casino, Chica. Then you can order away.”

“A doggy door would be nice for the back door…” Megan said.

“Whatever you want, Sweetheart. Doggy doors for every door in the house and clubhouse. The prospect can put them in,” Taza promised.

Megan laughed. “Thank you, Papa.”

“Of course. Now, we’ve got about a half hour to kill while they finish with your kutte. Let’s go look at human accessories,” he said with a smile. He drew her gently over to the women’s section. “Look. These are hair wraps. They help keep your hair from snarling on long runs.” He pointed to the long pieces of laced leather. “We need to get you some for your braids.”

Megan bit her lip. “Well… it would be nice not to have so much brushing to do after riding…”

Taza grabbed two in every color there. He also grabbed two more of the scarfs that Coco had taught Megan to use as dust masks. “One for each bike…” he explained.

Bishop called her over. “Hey Poquito - come pick out some more sunglasses.”

“But Tío- I already have a pair…”

Yeah, well, a girl deserves options and these are safety glasses too. They won’t shatter like regular ones do if you wreck,” Bishop pointed out. “You need some to keep in your car too. I”d rather it be these than some cheapos that’ll hurt you if they break.”

In the end, Megan chose three new pairs of sunglasses before Bishop was satisfied. Hank smiled as he watched Megan try to argue the other men in her life out of buying her more things.

Creeper came to her rescue. “Hey, Little Princess, come look over here. There might be some things you want for your bike.”

Megan glanced at Hank who nodded that he’d follow and went to look with Rex.

Creeper had already chosen a stereo system for her bike that would fit with the new intercom Bishop had bought her. But there were many other options to customize her bike. “I don’t even know what I’ll need though,” Megan protested.

“Think about being on your Pop’s bike. Anything you’d change if you were in the driver’s seat?” Creeper asked.

Megan thought. “Papa has to sit forward a lot on his bike - and it’s too tall for me. Even the footpegs in the back are a stretch from the bitch seat.”

“Alright. So your handlebars are closer to the rider and the bike is shorter. That takes care of most of that. That’s why they got you the Slim. It’s got a better seat height for a smaller rider,” Creeper explained. “The tank is painted to match your helmet, but it’s got a standard seat on it still.” He pulled up pictures on his phone to show her. “I’ll add the intercom and stereo when we get home.”

“It’s such a pretty green,” she said with a smile.

Creeper chuckled. “All I did was match Hank’s paint job. He chose the color.” He pointed to a phone holder and a GPS. “I’d suggest one of these, or preferably both. You’ll be a new rider - AND new to the area. This would mean your less likely to get lost if you ride alone.”

Megan nodded. “Probably a good idea then.”

Creeper picked them up with a smile. “Not that I think it’ll be a problem much, but I’d rather you have them if you need them.”

Hank smiled softly as Creeper walked Megan through his reasoning behind buying different electronics for her. She even allowed him to pick up another cell phone holder and GPS for her car. The bald man was patient and explained things carefully enough that Megan never questioned how much he was buying. By the end of it, her bike would be the most tricked out bike in the club, and he loved that Creep managed to do it without setting off her panic. He used logic and reason to keep her calm and convince her that she needed things.

Marcus caught his eye and lifted the finished kutte to show him. Hank grinned. It was perfect. “Alright, mi amore. Your kutte is ready. Ready to go?” Hank asked as she and Creeper paused.

Megan grinned. “Sure. Are the others done shopping?”

“Looks like it,” Creep said, pointing to the door where Taza a Bishop sat with bags. “Go on, Little Princess. I’ll meet you guys over there. I’m gonna have them ship the parts to the yard for me.”

Megan squeezed his arm gratefully. “Thanks, Creeper.”

“You’re welcome. Be there in a minute.”

Megan and Hank made their way to the others to meet up with Rex trailing along faithfully. On the way there, a jewelry counter caught Hank’s eye. “Just a minute, mi amore.” He tugged her over to the counter where there were various forms of Harley themed jewelry. This spot had everything from cheap children’s necklaces to a few high dollar pieces. He pointed at a small case of charms for charm bracelets. “I think earning your patch deserves a charm, Princessa.”

Megan smiled a little. “You might be right…”

The clerk behind the counter came over. “Looking for anything in particular, ma’am?”

Megan held up her left wrist to display her charm bracelet. “Just a charm to remember today.”

“Are you the one patching, honey?” the older lady asked.

Megan nodded. “Yeah… I am.”

“Well, I’ve got a few here that might work-” the clerk pulled the case out and shifted through them before laying out a charm that looked like a kutte, one that looked like a top rocker, and one that matched the crossed pistols on her new patch. “Any of these feel right?”

Megan touched the rocker with a tiny smile. “Is it engravable?”

“Sure is.”

“Would you put ‘Mayans M.C.’ on it, please?” Megan asked.

“Of course. Be right back.”

Megan smiled up at Hank, who kissed her gently. “Look at you. Picked it out all on your own too. I was expecting a fight.”

Megan shook her head with a small smile up at him. “No. You’re right. This one deserves a charm.”

“Good.” He kissed her again and squeezed her waist, before pulling out his wallet to pay for the charm before the price was announced. Luckily the nice lady either seemed to understand or she remembered Megan’s breakdown last time. She rang him up without question.

“Have a nice day, you two. See you next time.” He handed Hank the little organza bag with the charm in it.

“You too!” Megan said as they went to meet everyone else.

They all loaded back up and headed back for the casino. Creeper was fast becoming good friends with Rex. The big dog was perfectly content having his ears rubbed by the bald biker in the back seat.

“So… what exactly is the procedure here?” Megan asked. “I assume it’s more than just handing me the kutte, or Tío would have done that at the store.”

Hank chuckled. “I’m not actually sure either since the vote already happened. Usually, you’d wait outside Templo while we vote, we’d most likely scared the shit out of you making you think we’d voted no before Taza would hand you your new patched to sew on before the party. At least that’s what we do to prospects.”

Creep laughed. “Yeah - that ain’t gonna work this time. He’s probably just going to present it to you when we all meet for lunch before the Galindo meeting, Little Princess. We’ll combine your patch party with your birthday party when we get you home.”

Megan shook her head with a smile. “Y’all are determined with this party thing, aren’t you?”

Hank kissed her knuckles with a smirk. “You’ll enjoy it. Promise.”

Creeper half-grinned. “Damn right you will. We’ll make sure of it.”

“Maybe we should see if Venus and maybe Tig, Happy, and Chibs want to come down for it. Maybe we’ll have good news for them by then,” Megan suggested.

“Your party, mi amore. You invite whoever you want,” Hank assured her, pulling into a parking space.

Taza came to help her with her door as Hank, Creeper and Rex got out on the driver’s side. “Well Chica - what would you like for lunch? We’re ordering up to the suite,” he asked.

“I’m really not hungry, Papa - “ she said, looking up at him.

“Just something light then? You should eat before the meeting. We’re not sure how long Galindo will need us,” Taza explained.

Megan shrugged a little. “If you say so…”

“What about a salad or something, Princessa? Or a sandwich?” Hank suggested.

“Actually - a salad does sound good,” Megan admitted.

Creeper brought her Rex’s leash from where he’d taken him to do his business. “Yeah. I think so too.”

Taza chuckled. “Alright. Is chicken okay? Get a little protein in there.”

Megan laughed. “Sure, Papa.”

He kissed her head. “Alright. Your padrinos and I will order lunch and round up the others for Templo. You go rest a bit. Take your medicine. You should be overdue for it.”

“She is,” Hank said. “C’mon, mi reina. Let’s go decompress for a bit.”

Megan took Rex’s leash from Creeper with a smile and leaned in to the arm Hank slid around her waist as they headed for the elevators.

In the room, Hank encouraged Megan to lay down for a while after he got ehr to take her medicine. She protested, but he promised her that her papa had plans for them this evening and she’d enjoy them more if she wasn’t too tired.

“Will you stay with me?” she finally asked.

“Of course, mi amore.” He grabbed his book from his bag and sat himself against the headboard so she could snuggle down with her head in his lap. Once she was situated, he stroked her hair and neck gently. “Rest, mi princessa.”

An hour or so later, Taza poked his head in with a smile. “Lunch is ready, hermano,” he called softly. “Galindo will be here in about two hours.”

Hank sat aside his book. “Alright. I’ll wake her up.”

“Good. Her padrinos want her to have her kutte before lunch. They’ll be ready when you bring her out.” Taza patted the doorway and looked at Rex. “Rex, come.”

The dog looked to Hank.

“Go on Rex. Go eat,” Hank encouraged.

The big dog stood from where he was laying at the foot of the bed, shook himself, and followed Taza from the room.

Hank smiled down at Megan sleeping peacefully in his lap. He smoothed some stray hair back into her braid. “Time to wake up, mi amore. Your papa and tíos are ready with lunch.” He gently traced her cheekbone with the back of his fingers.

Megan’s eyelashes fluttered open with her little wake up squeak. “Mm?”

“Are you awake, baby?” he asked with a smile.

“Mmhmm,” she smiled and nuzzled against his thigh through his jeans.

He chuckled and shifted a little. He could feel the heat of her breath through his pants. “Are you comfy?”

“Very.”

“Good, but we still need to get up so we can get lunch in you before we need to meet with Galindo.” He rubbed his thumb gently along her jaw.

“Okay.” She stretched where she could before sitting up slowly.

Hank guided her up before pressing a kiss to the back of her neck. He pulled his own boots back on, before going to help Megan with hers only to realize that her new ones had zippers on the sides. She slid her guns back into the holster she still wore and the knife back into its sheath. Sleeping had loosened her hair enough that she simply untied it and brushed it down with the fingers of her good hand.

“My kutte should conceal the weapons, right?” she asked, eyeing the discarded flannel.

“Should, mi amore. If we meet on the casino floor, we’ll have to check them anyway. Tribal law says no firearms on the casino level,” Hank assured her.

Megan nodded. “But my knife…”

“Can stay with you, as can Rex. Law only covers guns,” he said with a smile.

“Alright then. Let’s go eat.”

Hank shrugged into his kutte from where it was hanging on the chair in the room. “Alright, mi princessa.” He followed her out to the common room.

The entire Santo Padre chapter was waiting for them. Bishop stood front and center flanked by Taza and Riz with the other men behind them. Megan stopped in front of her tío. Bishop smiled down at her. “Last night, we voted to appoint you our armorer for the Santo Padre charter of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, Megan. Today, you get your kutte. This kutte is the symbol of your connection with our M.C. It’s as sacred as anything can be in this life and the true symbol of the brotherhood we all share. Always remember that.”

Megan nodded solemnly. “Yes sir.” She swallowed hard.

Bishop turned to Marcus who was standing back, holding Megan’s kutte folded over his arm, and reached for it. Marcus handed it over. Then he turned back to Megan, but he looked at Hank. “Tranq, we couldn’t decide who would patch her in. Marcus can’t - he’s not SanPad. Taza is her blood. Bylaws say blood sponsoring blood isn’t recommended. I didn’t feel right doing it when Marcus and Taza can’t. So… it falls to you, hermano.” He held the new kutte out to Hank. “Patch in our Armorer.”

Hank smiled and took the kutte from Bishop before going to help Megan put it on by easing her sling and slipping it over her casted arm before supporting that arm for her so she could slip her good arm in the kutte. He quickly redid her sling before smiling at her. “Megan Morales - Welcome to the tribe.”

Megan smiled back up at him as the men whooped and cheered.

Megan got hugs from everyone as Rex bounced excitedly around the room.

They sat down to lunch where Megan got her salad, but she barely ate any of it between talking to everyone. The men debated whether they should head directly back to Santo Padre to start planning her patch party after the Galindo meeting. Megan continued to insist that she wasn’t a patch and therefore there shouldn’t be a patch party.

“Fine then - your birthday party slash ‘appointment’ party then,” said Gilly.

“We need to give people time to come, man,” Coco said. “Bet the Reapers would come if we called. Oakland will probably want to represent too.” He glanced at Marco and José. “Right?”

Marco laughed. “Oh yeah. I’ll make the calls if you want. Give us time to get here.”

José nodded seriously.

There was a knock on the suite door and Bishop nodded for EZ to answer it. Adam stood there. “Mr. Galindo has arrived. We put him in the big conference room.”

Taza nodded. “Thank you, Adam. We’re on our way down.”

Adam nodded. “Don’t forget to check your weapons at the desk, please.”

Bishop nodded.

Megan took a deep breath and called Rex. She put his new leash on his collar, before looking to her father and Bishop. They both nodded in satisfaction. Hank pressed a hand to her lower back and she relaxed a little.

After checking all guns at the front desk, the club made their way to the large, comfortable conference room. It made Megan smile a bit as they passed the room where she’d waited so nervously to meet Taza.

Inside the room, Miguel Galindo waited with the older man Megan had met with Marcus - Devante. A blonde woman was there too, dressed professionally but obviously on Galindo’s arm. The men all greeted each other with handshakes.

“My wife, Emily,” Galindo said, “will be joining us.”

“Of course,” Marcus said with a smile. “Mrs. Galindo,” he greeted her. Then he waved Megan forward. “We’ve made some additions to our club as well.” Megan stepped up, keeping her head high. “You remember my god daughter, Megan. She’s also Bishop’s god daughter and blood daughter to Taza. She’s going to be handling our armory from now on. Princessa, this is Miguel Galindo.”

Megan held Rex’s leash tight and nodded to the cartel boss and his wife. “Mr. and Mrs. Galindo.”

“Ah yes. The little princess from Tennessee. Good to see you’re relatively unharmed from your run in with your… brother, was it?” Galindo asked.

“Foster brother. But yes, sir.”

“Good. I’ll have to make formal introductions to my head of security later, I’m afraid. He’s currently handling another situation, but you remember Devante,”  Galindo said with a smile.

“Of course,” Megan gave a brief and business-like nod.

“We should get to business then,” Bishop said. “Megan…”

Megan stepped back to stand beside Hank as Marcus, Bishop, and TAza took seats with the head of the cartel and his advisors.

Miguel Galindo outlined the deal that he was forced to sign with the feds calmly and deliberately despite Devante protesting. When he was done, all the Mayans were tense. Then Miguel explained that he had an ace up his sleeve. His security detail escorted a young woman that they all recognized into the room. Adelita, the female rebel leader of Los Olvidados. The woman that the M.C. had been trying to track down for months.

Megan sucked in her breath and glanced at the rest of the M.C. for their reactions. Strangely - Angel, Gilly, Coco, and EZ looked the least surprised. She had expected Angel, at least, to blow his top.

“My organization is no longer at odds with Los Olvidados,” Miguel stated. He went on to explain that they wanted the Santo Padre Mayans to be the third party that they used to keep each other honest. 

The arrangement was discussed in detail, with all parties agreeing. Megan stood back with her mind racing. The LO were huge. They had so much control over different parts of Mexico all along the border. It’s what made them hell to try to track. Did they have access to a port?

Hank leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Are you okay, mi princessa? Need a breather?”

Megan shook her head subtly, and stood on her toes to whisper back, “We need to meet with Adelita without Galindo.”

Hank frowned a little and ducked his head so he could hear her better. “Why?” he asked simply. He knew that her mind had seen something that the rest of them had missed.

“The LO,” Megan explained. “They could be our answer to our port problem. They’re huge. You can’t tell me they don’t have access to a port in Mexico,” she whispered quickly.

Hank’s eyebrows hit his hairline.

“And for the twenty percent we were going to offer the Vatos - that’s a lot of supplies for Adelita’s orphans…” Megan explained with a small smile.

Hank grinned and couldn’t help but kiss her, hard. “Damn, Princessa. I love you and the way your brain works.” He glanced at Taza who was looking their way curiously. “Let’s run it by your papa.” He beckoned to Taza.

Megan’s father excused himself from the main group for a moment and came to meet them against the back wall. “Everything alright?”

Megan grinned at him as Hank answered. “Just La Princessa proving we were right to give her that damn kutte. She may have a solution to our Irish problem.”

Taza’s face went from shocked to absolutely proud as hell. “Alright. I’m listening.”

Megan outlined what she’d told Hank about the LO. She’d been listening more than they knew when they discussed the hunt for Adelita. “And,” she said, “it tied the LO to us as much as to the cartel, lessening the chance of a double cross even more,” she finished.

Taza smiled from ear to ear. He pressed a kiss to Megan’s forehead proudly. “Chica, you’re fucking brilliant. We’ll talk to Bish and El Padrino as soon as this breaks up. We’ll make sure to have contact with Adelita.” He nudged her chin with his finger. “Proud of you, Chica.”

Megan smiled some more. “Thanks, Papa.” 

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[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 1

Alright. Here it is. The first chapter in what was supposed to be just a little one shot to get my writing working again. Now it’s turning into a sequel. No idea how long this ride is going to be this time y’all so bare with me.

Please don’t copy my shit. Like... I promise. You don’t wanna be me. I’ve got too much shit going on right now for anyone to steal my identity or my work so please just be a decent human being. 

Warnings: talk of injury, cursing, mention of past murder.

Megan woke slowly to a quiet shushing sound. She had apparently been attempting to reach for Hank in her sleep as her broken collarbone throbbed relentlessly. Giant hands brushed her hair from her face gently as her eyes opened. 

"Easy, mi princessa. Easy. I'm right here," Hank murmured gently. He was propped up on his side facing her on his side of the bed. They'd tried switching so he wouldn't be on her injured side, but she continually woke up panicking because she thought he left when he wasn't where she had quickly gotten used to him being. Neither of them were getting much sleep either way. "Are you awake, Princessa? Hurting?"

Megan sighed tiredly. " 'm awake," she hissed. She rubbed her eyes. 

"How bad does it hurt? Need your meds?" He asked gently as he helped her to sit up in bed.

"No. Don't want the meds. It'll pass."

Hank watched her breathe through the pain and sighed. "You know that you don't have to push through it, right? You can take the pain relief, baby. Taza and I won't think less of you."

"I know that. I just hate the floaty feeling."

"You hate being less in control…" Taza said from the doorway. "It's like drinking, right?"

Megan nodded. "Morning, Papa."

Taza pushed off the door frame where he'd been leaning with a sigh. The circles under his eyes were just as dark as the ones on Hank's face. Megan noted them as he gently sat to her left. "You promised me you'd try to sleep last night, Papa. You didn't, did you?"

"I did try, Chica. It's only been a few days. We're all still dealing with shit." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Your padrino called. Wants to see us at the clubhouse this morning."

Megan frowned. "You're needed at the table. Both of you." She nodded and swallowed hard. "I'll be okay for a few hours. I can do it."

Taza shook his head. "All of us, Chica. Not just me and Hank."

Megan looked startled. "But why?"

"Don't know, sweetheart. Guess we'll find out when we get there."

"How am I supposed to get there? Unless you're going to lift your 'no riding' rule?" Megan asked hopefully. She'd been begging to ride the bike with one of them since they'd brought her home in the van. Taza had been firm about her not riding until after the sling came off.

Hank chuckled. "No way, Princessa. Not happening. You can't balance properly."

Megan whined. "I hate not being able to ride with you."

"Maybe this will help. Hank's not riding today either. Your padrino sent you a ride. Prospect dropped it off about an hour ago. Just gotta get up and dressed. We'll have breakfast at the clubhouse. Chuckie said he'd make you pancakes." Taza chuckled and kissed her forehead before getting up to take his own advice.

Hank watched as Megan managed to get herself out of bed. He was trying to not treat her as if she were helpless after a fairly minor blow up on her part by day two of being home from the hospital. She struggled along without the use of her dominant hand and tried not to ask for too much help. She shuffled into the bathroom and Hank heard the water turn on in the sink, so he hurried to get himself up and dressed.

They'd quickly realized that Megan would need help dressing or undressing for a bit after returning home. Any sense of modesty either she or Hank had went out the window pretty quick. It had been a struggle at first for her, but all it took was one good jolt to her sore shoulder before she gave in and called for help. On Hank's side, he was just too relieved that she still trusted him enough to ask for help to worry about his hormones. 

Megan came to the bathroom door and sighed. "Can you help me get the lid off my moisturizer and sunscreen? I tried, but I can't do it one-handed."

Hank smiled sympathetically. "Of course, mi princessa."

Twenty-five minutes and many curses later, they were both dressed. Megan was in another pair of leggings with a long tank top over them. Hank had helped ease it over her cast and shoulder along with one of his flannels. The day was unseasonably cool for Calexico.

She shakily sat on her stool at her dressing table and wiped the cold sweat from her face. Hank pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Thank you for helping me. I know this isn't exactly normal…"

Hank chuckled and knelt in front of her. "What about us is? Princessa… I'm here. I'm not going anywhere just because you need some extra help." He lifted her good hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Even if you are a terrible patient."

She grinned and leaned forward to kiss him. "I know. I'm sorry."

"At least take some ibuprofen or something? I hate seeing you in pain like this."

She sighed and nodded. "Alright. And I'll take the strong shit tonight so maybe you'll get some sleep."

"Good girl." He kissed her swiftly and stood to go get her some pain relief missing her flinch at his praise. 

Taza heard him rustling in the hallway bathroom medicine cabinet and came to check. "She finally gonna take something?"

"Yeah. If I can find something that won't make her high." He found some old Tylenol in the back of the cabinet. "I'm calling Dogwood today. See if they can get us some stronger ibuprofen or something. Maybe she'll take that."

"Good plan, brother. I'll get Bish to send the prospect. She ready for her hair?"

"Probably. She let me brush it, but that's as far as I can go."

"That's my que…"

After getting her hair braided and taking the Tylenol, they were finally ready to head out for the scrapyard.

Megan’s eyes lit up a bit at the surprise ride Bishop had sent her. In the driveway was a classic Mustang convertible with the top already down. It shone scarlet and chrome in the sun.

"Who's car did we steal?" She asked excitedly.

Taza laughed outright. "No one's, Chica. Just borrowed from a club friend until you can ride again. Came all the way down from Northern Cali."

Hank chuckled. "Who called the  Reaper?"

"No one. Happy sent his prospect down with it. Belongs to one of his guys."

"Happy? Isn't he the one who…" Megan looked up at her father.

"Found you. Yeah. He's… different." Taza went and opened the passenger door for her. "You won't have to be around him much though. He's too high up the Reaper food chain to make regular runs down here. Your Padrinos like him though."

Megan slid into the car and allowed Taza to help her buckle her seat belt. "Well, he has great taste in cars."

Hank chuckled and moved his seat back. "Oh yeah, Princessa? Maybe we should see about getting you one of these then."

The ride to the club house was quiet except for the radio and wind. Hank watched the lines of Megan’s body as he drove and noted how she relaxed at the feel of the breeze. He knew she'd missed riding behind him, but he just couldn't risk it with her injured. He reached out and held her left hand gently as he drove, placing kisses on her knuckles at each stop sign.

Creeper was manning the gate and rolled it fully open so Hank could get the car through to the lot. He met them at the car as Hank parked it. "Mornin' Hank, Little Princess." He opened her door with a dramatic flair. "You alright, sweetheart? How's the arm?"

Megan smiled and slid out the car to give him a side hug. "Morning. I'm good. Still a little sore, but nothing awful."

Creeper nodded. "All the same, we sent the prospect to fill a 'scrip."

"Thanks, 'mano," Hank said as he unfolded himself from the car. "Everyone here already?"

"Yeah. Bish called Templo in the bar again so Megan can be at the table. Chuckie is making breakfast after."

Taza joined them stripping off his riding gloves. "Any idea what this is about, brother? Bish was cryptic on the phone."

"Nah, but he had a call from El Padrino this morning." Creeper bounded up the stairs to hold the door open for Megan as she led the way inside. 

Inside, tables had been pushed together for the promised family breakfast after templo. Everyone was seated and smoking or sipping on coffee as they chatted. Morning greetings were exchanged as Taza, Hank and Megan made their way to the chairs waiting for them. 

Bishop rose to meet them. “Buenos días, Poquito. How’s the arm?” He spread his arms to offer her a hug,

She eagerly accepted, resting under his chin for a moment. “Sore, Padrino. Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I’m still trying to get the hang of getting dressed one handed.”

“No problem, cariño.” He pressed a kiss to her hairline. “And the Prospect should be picking up your new meds now. Your papa says you haven’t been taking any.”

“Thank you, Bish, for arranging that. She’s in a lot more pain than she’s letting on,” Taza sighed. “And thank Happy for the loan of the car. She definitely can’t ride.”

“You can thank him yourself.” He let out a piercing whistle and guided Megan into her seat on Taza’s left, “Alright. Let’s talk so that we can eat.”

Everyone situated themselves comfortably and looked to Bishop.

“El Padrino called today. Apparently the Reaper wants to talk. They want a sit down with the officers of as many allied charters from California as they can get at a lodge outside of Charming. Padrino called to ask that we join them there in two days.”

Taza shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “All officers? We can’t leave Megan yet for a run, brother.” He placed a hand gently on her back. “She’s not healed enough-”

“Not to mention not ready to be out of arms reach of at least one of us for more than a few minutes at a time…” Hank interjected.

Megan reached and took his hand. “If it’s needed - it’s needed. Tío Marcus wouldn’t ask unless he needed you both.” She looked to Taza shakily. “You know he wouldn’t. He didn’t even want to go home until I was back on my feet.”

Both Hank and Taza started to protest again, but Bishop raised a pacifying hand. “Poquito is right.” Megan nodded. “But so are both of you. That’s why she’s coming along. Marcus has promised that Megan can join in everything except the actual meeting. Even then he’s bringing Diana and Tessa to sit with her while we do actual business.” He smiled. “You finally get to meet your cousin, Poquito.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. 

“Do we know what the Scot wants?” Riz asked. “Gotta be big to be calling a meeting with so many outside of their own club.”

“Not a clue. Some kind of business update. We’ll find out when we get there. If it has to come to the table - we’ll come back and vote it.” Bishop said as he lit another cigarette. 

Hank slid his arm across the back of Megan’s chair so he didn’t put weight on her sore shoulder. “Are we sure about taking ALL the officers? Sounds like a Trojan Horse waiting to happen to me.”

Creeper raised a hand. “Seconded. That’s a risk Prez.”

Bishop nodded. “We’ve been at peace with the Son’s for over eight years, but they’ve turned on us before. This should be a cake walk - but I agree there’s no sense in risking it. Upper officers only then. Creeper and Riz will hang back.”

Megan watched them all nod soberly. “Shouldn’t you take another member then? Someone who can run a message if needed?” She looked at Hank and then at Taza and Bishop. “I know it’s not my place to speak on club matters, but they could be passed off as babysitting me while Papa and Hank do business. Still makes us look a little paranoid - but more so about me freaking out than a double cross.”

Bishop smiled. “Smart thinking, Poquito. This is why we’re holding Templo where you can join. You can always speak when we have you at the table.”

Hank laughed. “Besides - you know Diana is going to have her own escort. Padrino won’t risk having no one there for her to send for whatever Tessa decides she wants. He’ll probably have at least a patch and a prospect with him.”

Taza chuckled. “Truth. All reinas and princessas need to have a guard.”

Bishop just smiled. “You want Coco or Gilly, Poquito? Your errand boy - your choice.”

Megan looked down the table at both men. Coco met her eyes first and smiled around his cigarette. “I’ll come along, Ma. Give me a break from Letty moving in.”

Gilly nodded. “Suits me. I’ve got a date.”

Megan nodded and turned back to Bishop. “Coco then, please Padrino.”

Bishop banged that table with his fist causing Megan to jump a bit. “Fair enough. Then myself, Taza and Coco will ride out with Hank and Megan in the loaner tomorrow morning.” He stubbed out his cigarette and smiled. “Let’s eat!”

Breakfast with the family was exactly what Megan needed. Hank kept a close eye on her body language to see if she was getting overwhelmed. He was pleased to see her begin to relax with someone besides himself and Taza again. 

Chuckie brought her a plate of pancakes and bacon with an awkward little bow while everyone else served themselves from the bar. Gilly made her a cup of coffee - without having to be reminded of how she took it. Angel cracked jokes to make her laugh, and Creeper sneakily cut her food for her when he saw her struggling while trying to talk to Riz about the girls at Vickie’s place. 

He and Taza breathed a sigh of relief. Megan wasn’t panicking around her family. They hadn’t been sure how the kidnapping would affect her in the short term. It had only been about a week since she’d been taken. 

Eventually though, Megan got so distracted in the family that she forgot about her broken collarbone. She tried to reach for her glass of juice with her right hand and Hank saw her go pale with pain. 

“Easy, Princessa. Easy,” he soothed, letting her squeeze his fingers as her eyes teared.

“Woah, Ma. I don’t like that color. You good?” Coco asked seriously.

Megan just nodded and pressed her lips together until they went white. 

Hank glanced around to see Taza headed his way with a pill bottle that the Prospect had handed him a few minutes before. “Shh. Come ‘ere, mi Princessa.” Hank slid her carefully into his lap so that he could steady her and take some of the weight from her sling. “You papa’s got your new meds. You ready to take them now?”

Megan breathed deeply and pressed her face into the crook of his neck. Hank could feel tears on his skin. “They won’t make me floaty?”

“No, Sweet Chica. These won’t make you floaty. They’re just ibuprofen at a higher dose than normal.” Taza shook two out into Hank’s palm and then capped the bottle. 

“Why won’t she take the meds, man? Angel asked Creeper quietly as they all settled down a bit.

Creeper looked at him seriously. “Dude, Little Princess won’t even give up control to drink. SHe must hate being high even worse.” Creeper explained as they watched her swallow the pain relief. 

Coco shook his head. “It’s a damn good thing that bastard died in the crash…” he lit a cigarette and puffed deeply.

Even Angel nodded soberly. “Ain’t that the truth.”

EZ appeared behind Hank and leaned in to whisper into his ear. “Her sling is too loose. There's a better kind at the drug store by Pop’s place. Want me to go get it? It’ll stop her from moving like that.”

Hank nodded and eased her further into his lap so she could rest. “Sure Prospect. Let me know how much.”

EZ nodded and went right back out to his bike. 

Megan snuggled close. “He didn’t even get to eat…” she objected quietly.

Taza sat in her abandoned chair and adjusted her sling slightly from the back. “He’ll eat when he gets back, Chica.” He looked to Bishop. “We should look into getting the prospect some medic training. He seems to have a knack for it.”

Angel spoke up from the other end of the table. “He was in school to be a doctor.”

Bishop looked thoughtful. “We’ll see. Kids gotta patch first.” He leaned back in his chair and lit a cigar while watching Hank rearrange Megan yet again so she was straddling his lap and she could rest against him completely as she recovered. He looked to Taza. “Poquito have everything she needs for a trip to Charming town?”

Taza thought for a second. “Letty’s shopping spree should have covered clothes. I’ve got a spare duffle and it’s not like we need to pack light with the car. She should be fine.”

Bishop chuckled lightly. “Not like Diana won’t take her shopping anyway if she needs anything. Tessa is excited as hell. She talked to me this morning too.” He puffed quietly for a second. “I’ll stay at Oakland’s club house. Marcus only has the one guest room.”

Taza nodded. “We’ll put Hank and Megan in there. I’ll crash on his couch so I’m still close enough for her.”

Creeper slid his chair close to where his president and Taza were talking quietly. “You sure you want me to hang back here, Bish? Hank’s going to be distracted as hell if Little Princess needs him. And you know she’ll probably have at least one panic attack while you’re gone. I don’t like being that far if y’all need me.”

Bishop nodded. “It should be a cake walk. Just an update and maybe a party. Not expecting trouble, ‘mano.”

Creeper sipped his water. “Princessa’s first Reaper Run…”

Taza grinned. “Wait until we get her healed up. Hank is itching to teach her to ride. I caught him browsing small bikes on his phone two days ago even though we said we’d do it.”

That got another chuckle from Bishop. “She’ll be real cute riding along on the easy runs. She’s going to need a job.”

Taza shook his head and laughed. “She’s going to end up basically a member, isn’t she?”

“Nah, brother,” Bishop grinned. “She’ll out rank members.”

Meanwhile, Hank chatted quietly with the younger Mayans as Megan rested against him with her head tucked under his chin. He tried not to grin and draw attention to it when she went limp. The pain medicine had kicked in allowing her to doze off. He tucked her legs closer to his body to give her better support and smiled. 

Coco was the first to notice Megan’s lack of involvement in the conversation. He craned his neck to check her face. “Dude - she’s out cold.”

Hank chuckled and nodded. “She hasn’t been sleeping much. Too much pain.”

“She still having nightmares every night?” Angel asked as he settled back in his chair.

He nodded. “Always her brother now though. Not the ex.”

Gilly snorted quietly into his coffee cup. “No shit. Hard to be scared of mince meat.”

Megan whimpered as she shifted and all the men paused to see if she’d wake. When she settled down again they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Taza caught the silence and turned to observe his brothers with his daughter. All of them had unintentionally softened their voices as she dozed. Even Angel was controlling his tone. He chuckled as Riz rose to retrieve the blanket that had suddenly taken up residence on the back of the club house couch. It was gently tucked around Megan to keep off the breeze. Early October was chillier than normal this year and no one wanted a stray draft to wake the sleeping girl.

Bishop joined in on the chuckle. “Should we start renting them out as nursemaids?” He puffed his cigar.

Creeper laughed. “Like anyone’s going to trust them with a kid. We’re lucky if they can brew coffee reliably half the time.”

All the men laughed quietly and chatted until the rumble of EZ’s bike startled Megan awake. She jumped and then whimpered quietly at the motion.

“Easy, mi princessa. Just the prospect coming back.” Hank pressed a kiss to her hair and soothed her with a hand down her spine.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to doze off.” She rubbed her face with her good hand and shifted as if to get up.

“Nah, girl. Stay put. The prospect can come to you,” Angel said stubbing out his cigarette. “And you look like you needed the sleep. You got circles dark enough under those big brown eyes to make someone think you’re a raccoon.”

Megan giggled a little and looked up at Hank. “Am I putting your legs to sleep?”

“Shit girl - you don’t weigh enough to put his legs to sleep!” Gilly said. 

Hank threw a balled up napkin at the two idiots. “Leave her alone, you two. And no, mi princessa, you’re fine.”

Gilly opened his mouth again and Coco smacked the back of his head. “Damn. No wonder I’m her favorite and she picked me to go along. Sheesh.” He grinned at Megan. “Shitheads’ always gotta comment, huh?”

That immediately started a play fight between the three younger men about who was Megan’s favortie as Riz egged it on.

EZ slipped inside with a box. “This should help you keep your arm still better, Princessa.” He smiled that charming Reyes smile and handed it to Hank. “It works like the regular sling by supporting the weight, but it also straps it to your chest for less movement. They used them all the time on baseball injuries.”

“Thanks, EZ.” Megan smiled up at him and stood so that Hank could help her switch out the slings.