I need to make an example of Shadow. Every brother in this charter needs to understand challenging me or disrespecting me will result in harsh punishment. I also need to do it with a level head and with the support of the rest of the brothers so this doesn’t happen again.

I could pull a gun and blow a hole in Shadow’s skull—which honestly is my preference at the moment. While that might make everyone fear me, it won’t necessarily make them respect me. It’ll only be a matter of time before someone steps out of line again.

“Call the doc to patch him up.” I give Shadow’s injury a more serious inspection. “If he lives, we’ll vote on him immediately.”

“Prez, everyone saw him pull the knife,” Hustler says.

“Yeah, but Z jumped him.”

I turn, seeking the brother who uttered that bullshit.

My gaze lands on Smoke.

Figures.

“He touched my ol’ lady.” I growl out the words and consider punching Smoke.

“Women don’t come before brothers. You can’t strip his patch—”

“Are you drunk, old man?” Rooster says. He points two fingers at his eyes. “I saw him attack Z’s woman. That’s grounds for a beating every day of the damn week.”

“As our VP, Shadow knows better.” Steer nudges Shadow’s lifeless body with the toe of his boot. “Or he should.”

Lilly

I know better than to get involved or try to stop the fight, but I can’t stand seeing Z get hurt.

Well, he’s the one doing the hurting. So, I guess I don’t like him in danger of being hurt.

I can’t look away though. It doesn’t seem right.

“He’s got this,” Teller assures me with complete calm.

“I see that.”

“It’s about time someone checked that asshole,” Lala mutters next to me. She sneaks a quick look at Teller, like she’s afraid she’s going to get in trouble for saying something against a brother.

Teller doesn’t acknowledge the comment. Instead, he draws me closer and leans down. “You all right?”

“I’m fine.” I hold up a hand and realize I’m still shaking. “Well, maybe a little freaked.”

He nods. “I’m glad Charlotte’s not here tonight.”

“Yeah, kinda wish I’d stayed home too,” I mutter. The guys close in a circle around Z and Shadow until we can’t see them.

I push forward and Teller pulls me back. “I’m taking you home.”

“I’ll take her,” the kid everyone calls “Prospect” offers.

“No, she’s with me,” Teller insists. He nods to the club girls huddled together by the bar. “Get the van and take them home or wherever, but they need to go.”

“You got it.”

“Teller, I can’t leave. I have to know—”