“Like what?” Rock snaps.
“You’ve been a bit of a dick to Murphy lately.”
Rock slams his mug on the counter. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“So someone else noticed?”
“Grinder mentioned it.” Rock lifts his chin at me as he returns to his seat. “Have I been harder on him than usual?”
“He’s your VP now.” I shrug. “Harder role than road captain.”
Wrath nods slowly, like he’s about to drop a truth bomb we won’t like. “You should’ve told him about this when you made him VP.” He pierces Rock with a disapproving stare. “All you did was undermine him and make him think you don’t trust him.”
Rock traces his finger in a line down the table. “They’re two separate things. Club.” He slaps his hand on one side of the line, then the other. “Family.”
“Fucked-up family,” I add.
“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Wrath crosses his index and middle fingers together. “The club is our family. Your blood relationship doesn’t change that. I shouldn’t have to explain this very basic concept to you, brother.”
“He’s right,” I say, dropping my gaze to the floor. “I’m sorry, Rock. It’s my fault. You wanted to tell them months ago.”
A heavy hand lands on my shoulder. I glance up, expecting to find Rock, but it’s Wrath. “There’s no way to prepare to have your whole history rearranged,” he says with more sympathy than I’d expect from Wrath. “Club still needs to come first.”
I nod.
“Apologize to Murphy. And mean it.” He squeezes my shoulder to emphasize his point. “Stop treating him like your little bro. He’s your VP now.”
“Shit.” I huff out a laugh. “Who would’ve seen that coming?”
“Right?” Wrath lifts his brow. “I always assumed he’d take over for me if I dropped dead.”
“You do beg for death on a regular basis,” Rock says.
“Don’t blame me because the truth is hard to swallow. You need to apologize to him too.” Wrath pierces Rock with an intense stare. “Your ability to own your mistakes and do what needs to be done to fix them is what makes you a good leader. All the brothers—well, except me—fear you. But we respect you more.”
Rock chuckles. “Thanks, brother.”
Wrath slaps the table and stands. “Heidi sent another text this morning. Said they’ll be back by noon.”
“What the fuck?” I sputter, reaching to check my phone. “Why didn’t you say that when you got here?”
“I wanted to assess the situation first,” Wrath says without a hint of apology.
“Thanks,” Rock says in his least thankful tone.
“Anytime.” He lifts his hand on his way out.
After Hurricane Wrath departs, Rock and I stare at each other.
“What do you want to do?” I ask. “Think they’ll stop by here?”
“I’ll stick around—
My phone buzzes, cutting off Rock’s answer.
Heidi: Are you at your house?
Me: Yeah.