Chapter Twelve

Happy

After three hours in the gym, I finally feel clear-minded for the first time since what happened with Donna a few nights ago. Opie lost his wife and their kids lost their mother due to retaliation.

Reese has spent the last three nights crying herself to sleep. Never settles down until early in the morning hours. Then she gets up and goes to TM with bags under her eyes. I need to make sure she's sleeping properly before heading out. Her being exhausted every day will make her sloppy. We don't need that.

When we got to the house the night it happened, I took her right into our bedroom. I removed her shoes and socks as she lay on the bed lost in grief. This isn't how either of us planned last night to go. I was supposed to be taking her clothes off in a much different way. Seeing my old lady so fucked up though... Fucking her was the last thing on my mind. She needed me to be the comfort that she'd be for me.

Lee was right when he said a good old lady is her man's peace. They make our lives easier to live, and we provide in every way. She needs me to be strong for her and Bri right now. She has been holding it down the way she should ever since she agreed to take my crow. I will make sure we get whoever killed Donna. I'll kill the bastards for her. So her best friend and Opie's wife get the justice they deserve.

...

After showering the sweat off I head out. I head out to the garage to work. It's my main source of income until I need to be on the road. Just a few more days I reckon. The NOMADS are doing a big run out in San Bernadino. It's a big fuckin' payday and I need it.

The money will make sure my Ma has a good stock of her medication and start a good nest egg for Reese to guard over. The kid isn't going to be as easy or cheap to take care of when she gets to the teen years. And college tuition at a good school is steep. If I'm the one responsible for both of them I need to start saving now. She will be going to college to make something of herself. None of this crow eater or old lady bullshit if she can help it.

" I hear you're claiming my God Daughter. "

Raising my head to look over the top of the hood I'm under, I see Clay with his arms folded. The look on his face says that he's pissed off at being the last to know. " Yeah... Me and Tig are takin' it to the ring at the party tonight. "

" This going to interfere with your club duties? " He asks with perfect authority.

I give him a shrug. " You know Reese... She grew up around Jury's. When it comes to how women are treated vs here... She knows the harder side of this life. I don't think there's another woman out there who will ever understand my role in the club better than her. "

" Yeah... I guess that's true. " He says after a few moments. " You have my full blessing brotha. Treat her right. "

Nodding we both shake hands. " I will. Thank you. "

Sassi

I remember the first club party me and Donna went to. Jury let me come to Charming to spend my Sweet Sixteen with my Dad so they had a huge party for me. I remember Jaycee and I riding our bikes to her house to invite her.

It was the best birthday I ever had. And also the night Donna first met Opie Winston. She told us in the bathroom after we snuck three shots in a row that she was going to marry him. Damn it if she didn't.

" Reese. "

Looking up I smile sadly at Happy. " Hey, baby. "

" You ready for the party? " He rasps while running his hands up and down my exposed shoulders. My body twitches as goosebumps form all over me.

Pouting a bit I ask, " do I have to go? I wanted to face plant into bed. "

" Yes, you have to go... Because me and your Dad are going to take it to the ring and then you're taking this. " He says holding up the back side of the crow he has drawn.

Folding my arms I yawn before asking, " is this necessary "?

I see the look of concern flash in his eyes before he steps closer.

" I'm claiming a brother's daughter... " He rasps out. " It's only fair I give him a few good shots. It's tradition. "

I giggle. " Yeah, yeah. I know. "

" So come on. " He says putting his arm around me and leading us out to his bike.

...

When we enter the fighting area all eyes are on us. Everyone in SAMCRO is here including Piney and excluding Opie for obvious reasons. Word has spread far and wide: The Tacoma Killer is taking an old lady so everyone wants a front-row seat to the inevitable fight between he and my dad.

Everyone is already here and the spotlight is already on us. The brothers all know the celebration that will be happening at the end of all of this. The crow eaters all know that Happy will officially be taken. I can't wait to start putting bitches in their places. Not that I haven't been doing that already... Just not where Happy is concerned.

Letting my hand go, Happy scans the crowd. My dad walks up all serious looking back and forth at us. Happy's arm leaves me and they both head to the ring without a word. All noise ceases the moment they step into it.

I look up to Uncle Clay and he opens his arms for an embrace. I mentally steel myself and without hesitation, I walk into it. The hug brings me no comfort. Not like it would have before I knew that he was responsible for Donna's murder. I can't

" It's going to be okay, baby. " He promises.

I nod into his chest. " Don't let him hurt Happy too badly. If it looks like it's going too far, pull him off. I need him in one piece. "

" Aye, lass. " Chibs chimes in. " Don't ye worry about our Killa. He takes just as well as he gives. Ye'll see, come on. "

I'm seated right in front of the ring watching on baited breath. My Dad gets to throw the first punch and Happy takes it like the tough-as-nails killer he is, right on the chin. To his credit, he does get in a few good hits, but for the most part, he lets my Dad get his obligatory shots in before Chibs pulls him away and lifts his fist in the air.

Dad and Happy give each other a solemn look before hugging it out. His mouth is dribbling blood as well as his nose as he climbs out of the ring. Getting up I hand him a towel and take his hand. I lead him into the kitchen where we keep the first aid kit. Going over to the sink he begins rinsing the blood out of his mouth.

" Go change into those shorts and meet me in the clubhouse. I want it on your thigh. " He says in between rinses.

I shake an anti-inflammatory into my palm and hand it to him. " First, I want you to take this. "

" Go on and change before the adrenaline wears off. " He orders before swallowing the Motrin dry.

...

When I'm dressed down in my sleep shorts and SAMCRO tank I head out of Happy's bunk and damn near run over my Dad. " I gotta go meet Happy out there. "

" I just wanted to talk before you have his mark for the rest of your life... " He tells me while lightly grabbing my shoulders to make me stay put.

Shaking my head I can barely muster out, " Dad "...

" Just listen, baby. If there's ever a point you want out all you have to do is say so. " He promises. " I'll get you out. "

I chuckle at the joke he just made. " I think we both know there's nowhere I could hide. "

" I just want you to know what you're getting into. Happy is a hard man. What he does for the club... " He tries to explain. " It takes two sick bastards like us to get the job done. I don't want you going into this with blinders. "

I wonder if anyone told my Mom that before she took the leap of faith on his sorry ass. " I know who you both are and what you do. "

And that's the God's honest truth.

He wasn't prepared for my reaction to his little pep talk because his eyes go wide. " Well far be it for me to stand in your way, doll. Jury tried to tell your Mom about me and she said the same thing... We see how that turned out. "

" Mom's death is not your fault. It was an accident. " I say while thinking on it a moment before adding, " right "?

He gives me a shocked look before nodding his head. " Right. "

" I'm gonna go get ready for this tattoo. I'll see you later. " I bite out before hightailing out of his presence.

...

When I get out into the actual clubhouse, I notice everyone is front and center pretending that they aren't waiting for the show to start. All his brothers ( sans my Dad who decided to go for a long ride after our talk ) and the whores who hang around them. The glares that are being sent my way do not go unnoticed either. I just wink at them and head over to Happy's favorite pool table.

His equipment is already set up and he's sitting on a bar stool looking sexy as fuck. When I'm just behind him, I place my palm on the middle of his shoulder blades and am pleasantly surprised to see goosebumps form.

" Go on, lay down on your left side. " He instructs over his shoulder in that sexy gravel tone while gesturing to the pool table.

Hopping up on the table I settle on my left side. Pulling out a tray I hear the distinct sound of wrinkled rolling paper. The pain from the fight must be setting in. When the smell of weed smoke hits my nose I crane my neck up and look at him.

He passes me the joint. " Lay and relax, little girl. " He instructs as he lays the design perfectly on my right outer thigh.

" It's all good. I like the pain. " And after everything from the last few days... I need something to numb my emotions and this is perfect.

Chuckling he takes the paper off and waves his hand back and forth to let the design dry. " You're more like Tig than I thought. "

I laugh humorlessly not knowing if that's a compliment or an insult. What the fuck is my life becoming? I'm painfully aware of everyone in the clubhouse at this moment. Music is playing but they're all eyes and ears for what's about to go down.

Pouring a shot of Jack Daniels he hands it to me. I sit up and down it quickly. My breasts lift with the movement and his eyes are directly on them. Maybe I should have worn one of his long sleeves so he could keep his attention focused.

Getting his shit together, he fills the glass again and I take it. I then lay back down feeling embarrassed and also highly aroused with all eyes on me. Hearing the buzz of the gun start I take a deep breath and lift my head to look.

" Down little girl. " He says without even looking at me.

It's then I notice that he has glasses perched on his nose. It's cute. The first bite of the needle makes goosebumps spread all over my torso and I hiss in pain/pleasure. " Mmm. "

" You like that? " He asks while maintaining concentration.

I can only bite my lip and nod to keep from moaning outright.

Happy chuckles at my response. " Kinda hot that you're so turned on right now. "

" Shut up. " I say through my embarrassment.

Chuckling he says, " don't be like that. Girls who like a little pain are aces in my book. It's good to see you more relaxed. "

" Just excited that the transfer went through. " I hiss out in pain/pleasure. " That you're claiming me. "

It's then that his already deep voice drops a few octaves. " Oh, I'm gonna claim you alright. Clay and Gemma are taking the kid tonight and I told Juice to keep Red entertained till the morning. "

" And risk Jaycee beating her ass? " I joke.

He grunts before saying, " not our problem. Everyone around here knows how she is about him. If Red wants to play with fire, then let her. Besides, Jayce ain't going to be no old lady. "

" At this point, there's still the future, though. " I say absently while enjoying the numbing sensation of the needle and motor.

He grunts out, " they both know better ".

" Do you think it's fair? " I ask seriously. " Her being alone all the time? "

He doesn't hesitate to defend the stupid rules. " It ain't about what's fair. It's about making sure feelings don't get mixed with business. This is why she isn't a patched member. "

" I just hate to see her so lonely. Meanwhile, I'm the happiest I've ever been. " I damn near pout as the needle continues to work on me.

He sighs slightly. " You worry too much. Jayce is going to be fine. When she wants to, she'll bow out and the rules will be lifted. "

" She lives and breathes for this club. What if she never gets t- " I start but he interrupts.

" Reese. " He says in warning.

I know better than to continue. " I'm sorry. She's just my best friend. "

" I admire your loyalty. " He soothes me over. " It's the main reason you're getting this. " He says while digging a bit harder with the needle.

And now I can feel the juices sliding between my nether lips. " Mmm, fuck, Happy. "

" Kinky little bitch. " He comments in appreciation. " That's what you're going to be screaming out for me later. "

" I'm your kinky little bitch. " I whisper loud enough for only him to hear.

It's then that he decides to start asking questions. " How many have had what's about to become mine forever? "

" A few... None that mattered much. " I throw out.

I hear him dip the needle in the ink before he asks another. " Any of 'em my brothers? "

" No. " I say quickly. " You'll be my first biker. "

He slaps the top of my other thigh before continuing. " And last, little bitch. "

" Yesss. " I hiss out.

After that, we both go quiet for a long while. All that's heard through the clubhouse is the buzzing of Happy's needle and my occasional moan of sick pleasure.

Four hours and many more shots of whiskey later, he's finally done. He helps me off of the table and I go over to the mirror the whore dance in front of and look at it in the full-length mirror. Laying my eyes on it I gasp at the amount of detail.

A beautiful crow has its wings crossed like a human's arms. He's frowning and smiley faces are peaking from under where one of his wings sits. Right where Happy has his on his abdomen. It's fucking sick.

Pulling me back over to the table he begins applying the second skin. It's just now that it finally hits me. I belong to Happy and he just gave me his crow. From here on out it won't be just me and Bri anymore. He's going to take care of us and vice versa.

When I can finally speak I say, " I love it ".

" Good, because it ain't ever coming off, Reese. You're mine. " He growls before throwing me over his shoulder and heading out to his bike.

All the while everyone minus the skanks cheer us on.