Defining Darkness - K E Osborn Page 0,85

starts dragging her away from me.

“Nycto. No! Tell me what’s going on.”

“Eva, stop! Close your eyes. Whatever happens next, just keep your eyes closed.”

Eva lets out a gut-wrenching sob as she spins, clinging onto Void. The sight tears at my chest.

She shouldn’t have to witness this.

Jameson bows his head as my brothers all stand around on edge. I dip my chin letting him know I’m ready for whatever he’s about to dish out. He stares me down as I stand taller.

I deserve this.

I put my club in danger.

Two brothers died.

I must pay for my sins.

It’s his job to dish out the punishment. I will take this like a man, whatever is coming. His nostrils flare, and he sends out a whistle. I furrow my brows as Petros from Lincoln walks through the door. I roll my shoulders. I haven’t seen him for ages. It’s not like the other presidents of our chapters cross paths all the time. I’m not entirely sure what Jameson is playing at here.

Then movement at the door catches my attention as Coy from Louisville strolls through, followed by Venom, Gamble, and Koyn.

Oh shit.

I begin to breathe a little faster as president after president of the Royal Bastard Chapters filter in through the bunker doorway. I have to admit, I’m starting to feel the strain.

I was wary of Rancid.

He would kill brothers for less than I did.

But there is something worse than death.

Losing my presidency.

Or even worse, losing my fucking patch altogether.

If that’s what these presidents are here for, to de-patch me in front of my club, I’d rather die.

I puff out my chest, standing my ground. I’ve fucked up, but I’m not letting them think I’m sorry for it. The last president walks in, the sight hits me like a sucker punch to my stomach.

Hatch.

My lip twitches as I watch him watching me. He’s helped me so fucking much. Knowing he’s here to dish out whatever shit’s coming my way stings, but I also understand that if Jameson calls, you come running.

“Brothers, presidents, we all know Nycto has always been a loose cannon. I’ve filled you in on what happened with Eva and Ivy. While I understand this was a good outcome for Eva and Ivy, it brought death to two clubs. Tampa and Miami both suffered casualties because of your actions, Nycto, in saving two, we lost two. A life for a life does not count in this circumstance.”

Eva’s soft whimpers echo through the room as I tense further. “I understand, Jameson, completely. I mourn for Crow and Deep. I lost those brothers just like you all did, but the thing is… while I wish they weren’t dead, if it meant I get to keep Eva and Ivy safe, then I’d do it all over again. That’s the God-honest truth. Eva’s wearing my property patch, Jameson. It might not say much to you, but it means a hell of a lot to me.”

Jameson glances over at Eva taking in the cut. “I know you well enough, Nycto, to recognize that’s a big deal. I respect your stance on this. You were trying to do the right thing. In a small way, you did. You saved two women from a terrible life, but that does not excuse putting your club in danger, putting us all in danger. You know the loss of two brothers can’t go unpunished.”

“I take full responsibility. Do what you need to, but if I can ask one thing… make sure Eva leaves. I don’t want her to witness this.”

Jameson folds his arms over his chest. “No. She stays. She’s part of this.”

My chest squeezes as I face her, and I mouth, ‘I’m sorry.’ I don’t know what’s coming, but I definitely don’t want Eva to see it.

I make my way to the center of the room as tension fills the air. The presidents of my brother chapters all circle me. I stand tall trying to keep my shit together.

“Alec,” Eva whimpers my name.

Her desperation almost kills me.

“Nycto, you’ve been found guilty of endangering the Royal Bastard brotherhood. Your sentence… each president will take out their form of punishment in their own way.”

I grit my teeth.

Fuck.

This could go on for hours.

Eva will have to stand there and witness me being tortured. I don’t want this for her. She didn’t sign up for this. Anger flares inside of me.

Gamble steps forward and glares into my face. I ball my fists tight, staring right back at her. “This is for that time you slapped me