Tex (Hell's Ankhor #5) - Aiden Bates Page 0,89

only two years, I was patched into Hell’s Ankhor as a full member! I’d figured I had at least another year of prospect duties before I’d even be considered to be patched in. I’d gotten the patch, the handle, the whole nine yards. I hadn’t even allowed myself to fantasize about a handle, because I didn’t want to be disappointed with whatever was chosen for me. But Blade had decided on The Kid. I liked it. The Kid. It was cool, a little mysterious, a little badass—but not too serious.

And everyone already called me ‘kid,’ so this was just making it more official. Like my patching-in was just a formality for the acceptance that was already there.

When I’d joined two years ago as a prospect, soon after I’d started my business degree at the college, I’d been seeking stability, routine—some kind of foundation in my life. I’d been eighteen and a little unmoored.

I hadn’t expected the club to become my family. I wasn’t exactly looking for a family when I joined—after all, I’d left my own behind for a reason. I thought it’d be just what the name said: a club. But Hell’s Ankhor had turned out to be so much more. The club had been my support system as I’d worked through school. And in six months, I’d have my business degree, and hopefully I’d be able to take on a bigger role at Custom Ankhs.

I tucked the patch safely into the inner pocket of my jacket and took a moment to examine the gash on my palm. It was healing well, and Logan would be removing the stitches tomorrow. The fight with Crave and his crony was a blur in my memory. I didn’t even remember the pain of the blade biting into my palm—I only remembered the urgency with which I took the guy’s legs out from under him, and then the terror that had flooded me when I’d seen Crave with a gun to Jazz’s head. I still couldn’t believe I’d had the guts to do that!

Since he’d gotten out of jail, Jazz had become one of my closest brothers-in-arms. So when he’d been in danger like that, I hadn’t thought. I’d just acted. And that was reflective of the club’s influence on me. I was more confident than I used to be, because now I was part of something larger than myself, something I’d never really experienced before. I’d never been part of anything—nothing I could be proud of, at least. And I loved the feeling.

“Hey, Kid.” Tex clapped me on the back in congratulations, and my ribs protested at the jostling. I winced.

“He’s got a broken rib, jackass,” Jazz said warmly, flicking Tex hard on the shoulder. “Don’t smack him.”

Tex grinned sheepishly. “Right. From saving Jazz’s life. Sorry, Kid.”

“It’s all right,” I said, rubbing my side. “It’s just a little sore. Small price to pay.”

“It’s not just all right,” Jazz said. “You saved my life. I’m proud to call you my brother-in-arms officially now. Congratulations, Kid.”

“Seriously. We owe you,” Tex said. He pulled Jazz close against him and pressed a rough kiss to his temple.

They were like that a lot now, affectionate and romantic in a playful, familiar way. I was happy for them. Tex with Jazz was like a different person. He was so much more open, calmer, and happier. It’d taken them some time to find their way, but this new relationship seemed like it was a natural progression of their friendship, and it was awesome to see them both so much happier.

Around Ballast, everyone was enjoying a few beers as a break from the repairs. The tone of these gatherings had changed, too, as more members had settled into partnerships. We were all a little softer around the edges.

I wasn’t jealous of everyone in their relationships, not really. Love wasn’t on my radar. I was focused on school—in six months I’d be twenty-one and finally have my degree. That was all that mattered. But I hoped that one day I’d have the kind of love I saw between Tex and Jazz.

Or that I’d at least have the time and confidence to try to get laid. Twenty, and I was still a virgin. Ugh. I wasn’t ashamed of that, but it wasn’t exactly an ideal situation, either. I was more confident in Hell’s Ankhor matters, sure, but I wasn’t anywhere near ready to go out to a club and try to pick up a stranger. Just the thought of that interaction made