Apollo (Cerberus MC)

“I’m sure I can come up with something, but Jameson said they’re having a meeting of some kind.” Gigi frowns. She’s just as disappointed at the prospect of Hound having to leave as I am about Nate having to go to work.

We know what they do, and it’s very commendable, but we also miss them so much when they’re gone. If the world was a better place, we wouldn’t have to spend so much time away from them, but my sister was in a situation much like the ones they put an end to, and I can’t really be upset that they’re rescuing others from such hell.

“Yep, see that look in Dad’s eyes. He’s about to call it,” Gigi says.

And sure enough, we stand around for less than five minutes before Kincaid starts to walk toward the conference room. As if everyone is watching him, they all start to break off from their little groups and head in that direction.

Nate turns me in his arms, leaning forward, and brushes a kiss against my lips.

“You should go take a nap.”

“So you’re telling me to get in bed?”

He smiles. “I know you’re tired.”

“We’ll see.” I give him a smile, one last kiss, and watch him walk into the conference room.

Chapter 40

Apollo

“I know you’ve been waiting for months to hear about the new guys coming in. We ran into a few snags.” Kincaid looks across the room at Thumper before letting his eyes wander around the room. “We’ve changed how we vet people. We want to make sure we have all the information we possibly can before we hire.”

Thumper nods as if he understands completely. Had they dug as deep as they are now, he wouldn’t be a part of the team. I know he’s grateful to be here, and he’s an amazing part of the team, but at the same time, it shouldn’t have happened. We were infiltrated, and with that comes a sense of insecurity.

“We have three new guys and one female,” Kincaid continues.

Rivet fist pumps the air. “So I won’t have to play mommy any longer?”

Dominic covers a laugh with a cough into his hand, but we all catch it.

“She will assist in all areas that she’s needed, but her specialty is victim liaison,” Shadow explains. “She comes highly recommended.”

“So the Marine Corps requirement for Cerberus no longer applies?” Cannon asks from the corner. Shadow’s youngest son has been working for Cerberus for a while, but it’s been clear for a long time that he wants to take a more active role in the organization rather than keeping to the business and financial end of things.

“It hasn’t,” Shadow says with a hint of contention in his voice as if he’s already had this conversation more than once with his son.

“She’s a combat veteran just like everyone else on the team. The only exception we made was for Thumper, and his work history was more than enough to qualify him for fieldwork,” Kincaid adds, looking at Cannon to make sure the young man knows there’s no room for argument.

Rivet rolls her eyes, a small smile playing on her mouth when Cannon crosses his arms over his chest. Maybe others would take him more seriously if he wasn’t wearing a shirt that reads Good Hand Job Tip: Put It In Your Mouth.

“They will all be here when you guys get back,” Dominic says.

“This trip is going to be a little longer,” Kincaid begins, a low grumble of distaste running through the room. “But after this one, we’re not planning anything until January. We hope to have you guys back by Thanksgiving, but you know how it goes. We’ve scheduled ten days for this trip, so make sure your partners know so they can be prepared. I’m going to need a hundred percent focus from each of you.”

Ten fucking days. I guess it could be worse, but a week and a half away from April is pure torture. I won’t complain. Most everyone here is leaving someone behind. Even Legend has been sneaking off at all times of the day and night. Although he hasn’t mentioned having someone, I know there’s something going on.

“Em and Misty will be working to get the empty rooms ready for the new members coming in, so if your girls are accustomed to staying at the clubhouse while you’re gone, you need to let them know they can’t do that this time around. We have two vacant rooms at my house. Shadow has two as well. Itchy and Snatch always love having a houseful. I don’t want anyone to stay home that wouldn’t feel comfortable, but we have to get those spots ready.” Kincaid looks around the room, I’m sure looking to see if anyone is struggling with that decision. No one speaks up, but I’m not exactly comfortable.