A few brothers quietly brush their hands over their own cuts. Younger brothers glance at the patches on other members’ vests. Patches they’ve probably seen a thousand times, but never given a lot of thought. We don’t make a big show of handing out those patches. Bloodshed, incarceration, and sacrifice are what we do to protect what’s ours. Things we acknowledge but don’t necessarily celebrate.

“Lost Kings protect what’s theirs. From the law. From outsiders. From everything. Always. Without question. It’s what we do to survive. And we always protect each other.”

My gaze strays to Wrath and he gives me a subtle nod.

“None of us are perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes. We depend on our brothers to show us mercy, kick our asses, or carry our burdens until we get back on our feet. We may not always like one another, but we’re always loyal.”

Almost everyone laughs.

“No matter how outside the law we live, there are consequences when you betray a brother. Our life and the code we live by demands it. The vows we took to be given the honor of wearing the patch requires our loyalty.”

Now, it’s time to go for the kill.

“Tonight, Shadow betrayed this brotherhood. Twice.”

I pause to let that sink in.

“First, he betrayed the most basic law Lost Kings have—he put his hands on my old lady without my permission.”

Did I just reduce the woman I love to a piece of property to prove a point to my brothers? Damn right I did. I love Lilly and have endless respect for her, but none of that matters tonight at this table.

“We’re not talking about a pinch on the ass or some flirting—which would be enough grounds for punishment.” I stare at each one of them before continuing. “He slammed her into the wall. Choked her.” My voice vibrates with rage. “He terrorized her someplace she should never be afraid—inside our clubhouse.”

“No way, brother. Shouldn’t happen here.” Jigsaw’s calm but stern voice reaches me from the end of the table. “Our families are always safe and under our protection in this clubhouse.”

Murmurs of agreement go around the table. This is the support I need. This isn’t only about me. It’s about all of us.

Fuck, is that killing me too. What I really want to do is march out the door and put a bullet between Shadow’s eyes.

“This isn’t who we are,” Steer says quietly from his seat. “We’re better than this.”

Rooster glances at Steer and then Smoke before raising his hand and standing. “Let’s not forget Shadow also pulled a weapon on a brother. On our president during a righteous beatdown.” He glances around at everyone. “Fighting dirty. Using a weapon against a brother. It’s cowardly. It spits in the face of honor, loyalty, and brotherhood.”