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“You’re not saying anything, Sparky. You knew about this?”
Sparky looks up and nods. “Yeah. It’s what he wants.”
Slade looks at me, and it’s only now I feel the weight of giving up the patch.
“Cas… what you’re saying, it’s… it’ll change everything.”
“It will, and that’s the whole point. I won’t ask you to vote tonight. I get it’s a shock for some, but it will happen, and I am stepping down. Leo’s not only my son, he’s like a son to most of you and a brother to the rest. He knows what’s at stake, how to fight for us. He’s the next generation of the Lost Souls.”
“I don’t disagree, but… I…” He doesn’t finish, but I understand.
Taking the lead, Leo steps forward. “I’ve spent my whole childhood wanting to patch in and stand at your sides in times of good and bad. There was once a time when I was reckless, didn’t care about consequences, and you all know the price I paid for thinking I was untouchable. I’m still paying it now and forever will, but it’s taught me how to be a better brother. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I promise, if you vote me in, you have my word that the club comes first. I’ll lead you in the direction this club needs to continue to stay on top. With my brother in Dog City, and me at the head of the table here, we’ll be stronger than ever.”
I squeeze his shoulder as steps back. “This Saturday night, we’ll meet in the back room, and we’ll vote.”
“So as of Sunday, you would no longer be president?” Myles asks.
“That’s right.”
Frowning, he looks at Mason.
The tension is so thick, I head outside for air. The decision still doesn’t feel wrong, but like Sparky said, it’s going to be the end of an era, and it’s gutting me in all the right ways.
“You didn’t have to do that tonight. You should’ve let Luca have his moment.”
I turn toward Leo, standing there with his hands stuffed in the sides of his cut.
“It was the right time.”
Chapter Twenty
JJ
Half the brothers can’t speak a word, choosing to drink their beers in silence as they process Cas’s announcements. The other half are already talking it to death. As I make my way over to Luca, I hear the talk is more of shock about Cas stepping down, and not that they don’t believe in Leo. I have no fear that he won’t be voted in. It’s only a matter of days before my brother is sitting at the head of the table and slamming down that gavel for the first time as president.
“Congratulations, brother.” I bring him in for a hug, and he lets me.
“Thanks. It went smoother than I expected.”
“Deep down, the brothers know you have the guts to do what’s needed to build a club in a new territory.”
“You think Leo’s vote will be as smooth?”
“They have a few days to think it over, but I don’t doubt it will. The old-timers knew their days would come to an end. And it’s not like your dad’s leaving us. They know Leo’s capable, and that your dad wouldn’t have put him up for it if he wasn’t.”
“I guess we’ll find out. I’m gonna go find Tor.”
The only time I’ve ever seen the bar this quiet is when there’s been a death.
“Jay.”
I tip my chin to Luca and cross the bar, heading toward my old man.
“You good?” I ask as he throws back a shot of tequila.
“I will be. I guess you know you’ll be getting my patch.”
“I’ve always wanted it, but I want it on good terms.”
