Demon's Angel: Satan's Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #2 Read online

  Contents

  Cast of Characters

  Satan’s Devils

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Coming Soon

  Other Works by Manda Mellett

  Glossary

  Acknowledgments

  Stay in Touch

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Published 2019 by Trish Haill Associates

  Copyright Manda Mellett

  Book and Cover Design by Lia Rees at Free Your Words

  (www.freeyourwords.com)

  Edited and formatted by Maggie Kern

  Proof reading by Barbara J. Bailey

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book reviews.

  www.mandamellett.com

  Disclaimer

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Warning

  This book is dark in places and contains content of a sexual, abusive and violent nature. It is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.

  Cast of Characters

  Colorado Chapter

  Officers

  Demon – President

  Buzzard – Secretary/Treasurer - Old Lady Sindy

  Thunder – Sergeant-At-Arms

  Mace – Enforcer

  Sparky – Road Captain

  Patched Members

  Hellfire - Old Lady – Moira - Children – Demon, Kennedy, Samuel

  Bomber - Old Lady – Jeannie

  Cad

  Ink

  Lizard

  Pyro

  Paladin - Old Lady Jayden

  Rusty

  Prospects

  Dan

  Runt

  Wills

  Smithy – Failed Prospect

  Sweet Butts

  Bella

  Breezy

  Sheila

  Titsy

  Tulia

  Deceased Members

  Blackie – Previous President

  Furnace – Previous VP

  Ingot – Previous Enforcer

  Taser

  Arizona Chapter

  Officers

  Drummer – President - Old Lady – Sam - Children – Eli

  Wraith – Vice President - Old Lady – Sophie - Children – Olivia

  Heart – Secretary - Old Lady – Marcia - Children – Amy, Jacob, Isabel

  Dollar – Treasurer

  Peg – Sergeant-At-Arms - Old Lady – Darcy - Children – Noah

  Blade – Enforcer - Old Lady – Tash

  Joker – Road Captain

  Mouse – Computer Expert - Old Lady – Marianna

  Patched Members

  Bullet - Old Lady – Carmen

  Hyde

  Jekell

  Lady

  Marvel

  Roadrunner

  Rock - Old Lady – Becca

  Slick - Old Lady – Ella - Children Faith

  Shooter

  Viper - Old Lady – Sandy

  Prospects

  Matt

  Fergus

  Truck

  Deceased Members

  Adam

  Buster

  Tongue

  Chapter One

  Demon

  As soon as we’re through the door of the tattoo parlour and out in the fresh air, Lizard takes out a cigarette and lights it, taking the opportunity to top off his nicotine levels before we get back on our rides. Moving upwind, I lean back against the brickwork, content to wait patiently for him.

  He inhales, then breathes out smoke. “What did you think?”

  Taking a moment to give his question some serious consideration, I glance around me. Devil’s Ink was one of the first businesses to be opened back in the eighties when the motorcycle club became established in Pueblo, even pre-dating the merger with the Satan’s Devils. The building itself has seen better days, and the location, well, life has moved on, leaving the shop behind, with the result that it’s no longer getting the foot traffic it once attracted. Lizard, as manager and chief ink-slinger, is on the right track with his proposal to move into a more affluent part of town.

  “Tattoos are more popular than ever.” He fills the silence, mistakenly believing I’m not seeing things in the same way as him. “It’s no longer just bikers and military types. People from all walks of life, a lot of women as well. We need somewhere modern, with more room. Extend our piercing services, too.”

  His last suggestion, offered with a wink, makes me grin. Yeah, clit and nipple piercings are definitely on the up. Cock piercings, too. Personally, I say fuck that shit. I can satisfy a woman enough without putting my dick out of commission for a few months and taking the risk of having to spend the rest of my life pissing sitting down. But there are a few of the brothers that swear by them.

  “If we move, Liz,” I speak at last, “I’d definitely like to look at expansion. Get another artist or two. A woman to handle some of the more personal shit.”

  “You spoil all my fun.” But he’s said it only because it was expected. Lizard’s a good man. His throwaway lines hide a seriousness underneath. Previously a Marine, he earned his handle for his ability to stay so still he fades into the background, then to move and pounce startlingly fast. He gave up objecting to how we often shorten his name to the ill-fitting female form years ago. Whatever his moniker, Liz lives and breathes the club, always putting his brothers’ interests way ahead of his own.

  It doesn’t take long to make up my mind. “Bring it to the table. I’ll back you.”

  His quick up-and-down of his head shows my response hasn’t surprised him; it would be hard to find an objection. “Already spoken to Buzzard. He’s looking at the financial implications.”

  I’m not unhappy that Lizard has approached the treasurer before speaking to me. If we couldn’t afford the move, it would be a non-starter. “You looked at the projections?”

  “Yeah, I reckon we could increase our takings enough to pay for a couple of extra hands. Buzz agrees.” For years now, it’s just been Liz, another tattooist and a part-time receptionist.

  “Should be a formality, then.” I watch as Liz makes sure he’s locked the door. “You gonna show me this new place now?” My question needs no reply. It’s the reason I’ve come along after all.

  Getting on our bikes, we ride the short distance to the new mall in town. It’s a mix of large businesses with some artisan shops as well. Lizard is proposing we lease one on the end. It’s located close to a
hair and makeup salon. Not too near to put more manly types off, but with the right displays in the window, we could attract the feminine trade as well. Liz is already adept at inking unicorns and fairies.

  The club’s tattooist opens the door with the keys the real estate agent had given him. There’s not much to see. The shop’s devoid of anything inside, bare walls still smelling of paint, plain concrete on the floor. It’s a good size and the rent isn't extortionate; priced to attract new business, not to put it off. Liz starts pointing out where the drywall would go to give privacy for the cubicles, still leaving a good-sized reception area as well. It will be his baby, and I let him rattle on as, excitedly, along with lots of gesticulations, he brings his vision to life already knowing he’ll have my vote if Buzzard is indeed on board with the costings.

  When he runs out of steam, I slap him on the back. “Good work finding this, Brother,” I tell him at last, when he’s run out of things to offer to persuade me. “Bring it up in church. We can do the internals ourselves.”

  Lizard beaming, pleased that my endorsement is one step closer to bringing his project to fruition, we at last exit what, hopefully, will be our new premises, stepping outside into the sunlight. While I glance around, noting that the large parking lot would be good for customers, he bounces the shop keys in his hands.

  “Best get these back to the agent.”

  I nod, distracted. My attention has been caught by a blonde head walking past pushing a stroller. Is that…? My eyes crease. I’m sure it is.

  “Liz, I’ll catch up with you later,” I toss quickly over my shoulder.

  Whether it’s who I think or not, I know I’m going to have to make sure. I didn’t know she had a baby. Maybe looking after it for someone else? Fuck. How many years since I last checked up on her? I wouldn’t know if she’d gotten married or not. If it’s her, what’s she doing back in Pueblo? And, why didn’t I know she was here?

  As Lizard nods and goes off in the other direction, I quicken my step, heading the way the woman had gone. It certainly looks like Violet Palmer, but I need to get closer to make sure. I’m assailed by guilt, remembering the promise I’d made to her brother to look out for her. I’d followed her progress through college from afar, getting information from mutual friends. When she graduated and moved out of state, appearing to be settled, she’d gone out of my mind. It dawns on me I probably haven’t spared her a thought for what must be all of three years, if not more.

  The blonde-haired woman pauses to look into a shop window. My steps come closer together in an effort to catch up. In profile, she even more resembles the sister of my dead friend. So intent on a display she’s examining, she jumps when my shadow falls over her.

  “Violet? Is that you?” I say quickly. A large tattooed biker would likely scare a young mother if she’s not who I think she is. If I’ve made a mistake, I’ll back off fast.

  She swings around. One glance into those vivid blue eyes and I know I have the right woman. I’m perplexed when she looks scared, those brilliant orbs looking right and left as if seeking an escape route. Her reaction is puzzling, I’d have expected a welcome. But then, it has been a few years. What do I know of her nowadays? I’m wearing my cut and she might not want to be seen with a biker.

  My promise to her brother, however much overlooked, means I don’t want to leave without some kind of conversation, at least a belated check-in to make sure she’s okay.

  “Violet.” I repeat her name. “I didn’t realise you were back in Pueblo. Why the fuck didn’t you let me know you were here?”

  A purse of her lips, a little sigh of capitulation as she sees she’s not going to be able to evade this confrontation, then words finally leave her mouth. “Dave,” she acknowledges, for some reason more than a little reluctantly. “I’ve been back a year and a half.” Her hands gesture meaninglessly. “I didn’t know I had to check in with you. Nathan was the only connection we ever had between us.”

  My fingers pinch the bridge of my nose. For some reason, her statement and the tone in which it’s delivered, upsets me, leaving me with the feeling I’ve let her down.

  “It’s on me, Vi, I should have made more of an effort to stay in contact. I promised Nathan I’d watch out for you.”

  She startles, and a frown shapes her features. “Whether you pledged that or not was between you and him, and in the end, you didn’t.” Pain covers her face for a second, then with another little shake, she shrugs whatever is troubling her off. “There was no need. I’ve done fine without you, David.”

  I can’t read her. It’s as if I’ve annoyed her. As if I’ve failed her. The thought doesn’t sit well with me.

  Her hands take the stroller again, and she begins to wheel away what a brief glimpse showed me is a sleeping baby. I don’t want to let her go, not until I’m satisfied that all’s well in her world, just as I’d have wanted Nathan to do for my own sister.

  “Hey, wait up.” Again I follow her, and wrap my fingers around the handle of the stroller, halting her progress. Pointing down to the quiet bundle, I pry for information. “You’re married?”

  “No.” She doesn’t offer a lie, but the truth without explanation, while looking a combination of cross and apprehensive as her eyes scan our surroundings. Mine do likewise. If there’s a security guard or cop in the vicinity, a burly biker in his cut might be questioned as to why he’s upsetting a young mother.

  Having expected an exuberant welcome, this reaction is not what I predicted from Violet. While I knew what she was doing for the first few years, I hadn’t actually seen her in person since the funeral. When I’d approached, I’d anticipated her delight at seeing me again, that her behaviour would have resembled what it would have been all those years ago. Back then, she’d been an annoying kid sister trying to tag along with her older brother and his friend. I’d been the same age as Nathan, Violet ten years younger; the gap large enough to be both frustrating and amusing. The kid had had a crush on me from the time she’d turned a teen, her efforts to flirt at that time irritating. Now it seems such attraction has faded in the intervening years. That should have been comforting, but seeing her today, grown into a beautiful woman, for some reason her lack of interest annoys me.

  Wanting to continue the exchange, or at least to leave on better footing, I peer down at the blanket covering the bundle in the stroller. “Boy or girl?”

  She replies hesitantly, as though not even wanting to give me that much information. “Boy.”

  Age? Name? Father? A multitude of questions sit on the tip of my tongue but remain unasked. To let them spill would be more like an interrogation. But I can’t let her walk away, not like this. Now I’ve seen her, it won’t be possible to forget her so easily. Not now I’ve got a sense of unease warning me something isn’t right. Quickly I scan my surroundings. There’s a coffee shop newly-opened across the way. I point to it. “You got time for a quick coffee, Violet? Or have you got somewhere you need to be?”

  She’s reluctant, but she could never lie to me or Nathan. Oh, she’d tried, but her tells always gave her away. Her cheeks would redden and her eyes would refuse to meet ours. “Mom said to tell you, you had to take me with you.” Yeah, right. The memory makes me smile. She’d tried that one more than once, both her brother and I knowing their mother had issued no such instruction. But often, her pout would sway us, and we’d more often than not let her tag along.

  For a second her cheeks flush, then her shoulders slump in defeat, accepting that now I’ve made contact, she won’t easily get rid of me. “Yeah, okay. Just a quick coffee. He’ll be waking soon and will need feeding.”

  I’ve not been around babies, never seen any in my future, so am relieved the bundle in the stroller remains quiet as we enter the coffee shop and place our orders. I’m not surprised we both order the same. My taste for black with one sugar was honed when I was a teenager, and a copycat child developed a liking for the same. It’s odd, but I find I’m pleased. At least in this, she hasn’t changed
over the years. My lips curve as I recall her grimace when she’d taken that first long-ago sip. But she’d obviously persevered, and now it seems to be habit.

  We find a table with space for the stroller. The silence is awkward.

  “He’s good,” I point out, for lack of anything else to say.

  From my limited experience, I don’t know if it’s not unusual that she doesn’t at least move the blanket to check he’s okay, but then I suppose it’s probably as true for babies as it is for dogs: if they’re sleeping, you let them lie.

  “He has a good set of lungs when he’s hungry.” Without one glance the baby’s way, she picks up her coffee, blowing on it to cool it.

  I’ve leapt to assumptions, I realise. “Is he yours?” I belatedly enquire.

  Another unreadable expression, then, slightly fiercely, an odd response. “All mine.”

  “What’s his name?”

  She takes so long to answer, I start to think she might have forgotten, or be thinking up a lie. But if that’s so, for the life of me I couldn’t think of a reason. Eventually, just before I have to prompt her, she quietly replies, “Theo. He’s five months, to save you the bother of asking.”

  I’m curious. There’s so much she’s not telling me. I take a few swallows to re-caffeinate myself. “The father?”