“If Sway had been out, I would’ve convinced you my way was better,” Shadow finally says.

“You assumed you’d move into his spot?” I ask.

“I’m the VP! Of course I assumed that, asshole.”

“Power isn’t given. It’s either taken or earned.” I drill him with a hard stare. “And you’re not strong enough to do either.”

“Fuck you, Z.” Shadow spits. “I earned my place.”

“Nothing is ever guaranteed,” Steers says.

“No shit.” Shadow sneers. “Never expected Priest to come up here. Especially since the fucker didn’t even die.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and shake my head. “Christ, Shadow, you’re dumber than I thought. Priest already hinted at National that he wanted us to take over your charter. Then you fucked up by getting arrested down there. No way was he ever gonna let you be in charge of any charter. You’re lucky he didn’t strip your VP patch months ago.”

Steer glances up at me and frowns. Guess it was news to him that we came close to taking over his club last year.

“None of us wanted to take over downstate. We said we’d support in any way we could, but that’s it.”

Thankfully, Steer seems satisfied with that answer. “I never would’ve wanted you as president,” Steer says to Shadow. “So, if I ran against you, were you gonna shoot me too?” He jerks his chin at Hustler. “Were you gonna take him out if he said no? Jiggy? Were you gonna shoot all your brothers in the back if you couldn’t get your way?”

Shadow has no answer.

I’m done playing with him.

I glance around the room. “I promised the decision to put Shadow to ground was up to the whole club. And it has to be unanimous.”

Actually, I’m not sure that’s true anymore. After what we’ve learned tonight, even if someone doesn’t vote yes, Shadow can’t be allowed to remain breathing. “Let’s vote,” Steer says. “Yes.”

Every brother steps forward and gives their yes without hesitation. Even Smoke.

I’ll give Shadow credit. He keeps his chin up and doesn’t beg or plead for his life.

This was an insult, an injury, to all of us. To purge the betrayal of the whole club, I allow the brothers to put the boots to Shadow for a while.

But I’m the one who finally slits his throat.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Lilly

I finally managed to fall asleep. Several times through the night I wake up and realize Z’s still not home.

The rumble of more than one bike briefly wakes me but I’m so out of it, I don’t fully awaken.