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Hades dropped his hand to hers, and they started their goodbyes. She and Hades had branched off at some point, but she found her way to the bar where all the men, Riders and East, were lined up taking a shot. She noticed Hades lifted his glass, but he didn’t drink. He placed it back on the bar.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Grain wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a hug. “Set up another fucking round, prospects. Need to toast the bride.”
The prospects moved at double time on Grain’s demand. When the Luke placed one in front of Hades again, he pointed to Vada. It would be a raincheck shot. And she knew the reasoning behind it. He was doing the responsible thing.
But I’m not driving.
The men raised their glasses, and Grain tightened his hold on her. “To Vada Monroe…”
“An honorary member of East?” She blurted and looked over at Gunner. He smirked, shared a look with Blade, and they both lifted their glasses an inch higher. I’m officially an honorary member.
The tequila went down a little too smooth, and when Grain called for another, Vada respectfully declined. Aside from the one pussy drink she had earlier, she swore off alcohol. Her wedding night would not end like the bachelorette party. She hugged Grain and made her way down the line of the East brothers, Gunner being the last. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and whispered, “Thanks for letting me be an honorary member.”
Gunner kissed her cheek. “Welcome to the family.”
That’s what East was to Hades and now for her. He may have left the club, but some bonds could never be broken. This was one of them.
Vada noticed Hades standing, eyeing her, and sending a direct message. The goodbyes were taking too long. She couldn’t agree more. As much as she loved every second of her wedding and reception, she was ready to start her honeymoon. She hugged Trax, Rourke, Caden, and Dobbs. Saint got up from his seat, smiling.
“We’re officially brother and sister now,” she said as he drew her in for a hug.
“That means if Roman pisses you off, you tell me, and I’ll set him straight.”
Vada chuckled as she moved to Kase. It was harder to gauge whether he’d accept a hug. It was her wedding, and all the other members had given her a hug. Still, she was cautious with Kase, not wanting to overstep with the president.
“Thanks for letting us have the wedding here. It was perfect.”
Kase scowled, taking a slow drag from his cigarette. “You got copies of that video?”
“Oh yeah, I can get you one if you want.”
“Yeah.” His gaze softened slightly. “That was a good fucking gift. Both clubs appreciate it, not just Hades.”
A compliment. From Kase? She flattened her lips, but her smile slipped. She was still on the fence whether to move in for a hug. Kase took the decision out of her hands. He reached around her back and pulled her closer. It was a monumental milestone in their relationship.
“Does this mean we’re friends now?”
“For fuck’s sake.” Kase huffed and tightened his grip, confirming it. “You’re a pain in the ass.”
Vada stepped back, noticing the small smile on his lips. It was confirmation enough. She rounded Kase and walked over to Gage, who had his arms spread wide, waiting.
“That’s right, motherfuckers. She saved the best for last.” Gage grabbed her in a hug and squeezed her tightly. This lasted longer than all the other embraces. Gage had totally stepped up for her today. Stepped into a role that wasn’t supposed to be his, but he took it on. For me.
Vada thought the tears for the day were long past her, but they weren’t. Her eyes welled, and she gripped the back of his shirt.
“Thank you for walking me down the aisle.” Her voice was shaky as she fought against tears. “And for everything else.”
“The honor was all mine, Vada,” he whispered.
Family.
****
It was after two in the morning when Hades pulled into the driveway with Vada’s arm wrapped around his stomach. It was cooler than predicted and he offered to take the truck, but Vada wouldn’t have it. It was a short enough drive from the clubhouse to their home, but he’d felt her tremble against him a few times. He reached back, sliding his hand over her thigh. It wouldn’t warm her, but he was hoping it would settle her.
The smooth leather over her skin only left him unsettled and eager to get her in bed. They could’ve been at the house an hour ago, but leaving seemed to be an event. Hades had to muster all his control and force his patience to rise above. And he did.
Hades pulled the bike in front of the garage and shut down the engine. He kicked up the stand and waited for Vada to get off. She grabbed his shoulder and swung her leg over the side. By the time he got off the motorcycle, she had her helmet off, shaking her hair loose. The moonlight caught the reflection of the visor and shined across her face.
