Ghost

The music pours out through the speakers as I lift the glass up to my mouth downing half the bourbon immediately enjoying the burn that follows up from my stomach to my throat. I signal the bartender for another as he zooms past me to help another patron. Seconds later, I down the second half and give the man a chin lift when he pours my second glass instantly.

I've been here no longer than ten minutes, but I knew right away I would be drinking tonight.

Christmas.

Fuckin' Christmas.

And here I was trying to escape it all.

Candice and the other old ladies wanted to do something nice for the brothers, something nice for Bone. It's something I respected, but knew it wasn't something I could stand being around for too long. Christmas was about family. And I didn't have one outside the Nightmare Warriors.

"You look like you could use some alcohol." I look up and find a different bartender starring down a me from her spot behind the bar. Looking down I see my glass is once again empty and nod my head as she lifts up the bottle of bourbon.

"Thanksuh." I stop attempting to read her tattered and worn out name badge.

"Robin. Like the bird, but I swear if you attempt to give me a cute little bird nickname, I will kill you slowly." Smiling, I nod my head again, accepting the damn challenge.

"No nickname, got it." I smile taking in her features as my eyes trail down her body. She's on the tall side, with a rocking' rack. Her hair is dark, skin pale, but her eyes are bright green. It's an interesting combination and I feel myself wondering more about her. "I'm Ghost."

"Ghost? Like. Casper the friendly?"

"The very one." Watching as she shrugs.

Robin turns around looking at he bar, noticing every patron is being helped then turns back towards me, leaning on the bar top giving me a peek inside her blue polo shirt. "So, why are you in a need of alcohol?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, I know most people have plans on Christmas Eve. Family and friends to visit, parties to crash, Santa's lap to sit on." She starts looking down at her palm laying flat atop the bar. "Why are you here and not with your family?"

"Got no family to celebrate with." My answer is straight forward, but it causes her head to fling up with shock. Her eyes look suddenly saddened as if my answer has somewhat destroyed her, but she quickly covers it up, giving me a smirk.

"Well, their loss right? My family aren't exactly the celebrating Christmas let's get together type either." She states but before I could say more, someone shouts her name from behind. She turns towards them, giving them a single finger in the air, signaling them to wait. Turning back to me, she pushes down her irritation then eyes me wearily. "You going to stick around for a bit?"

"Got no where to go." I lie, I should be getting back before Candice sends out a damn search party, but I've found myself becoming quickly attached to Robin. Not sure if it's her take no shit attitude or her body, but I suddenly have no place to be on Christmas Eve.

"I'm off in two hours. Maybe we could celebrate together." She says eyeing me up and down.

Damn this woman is bold.

"I'll be outside."

Nodding her head, Robin smiles then walks over to help the other side of the bar. I place down a couple of twenties then get up and head outside for a cigarette. Walking through the busy bar, I take one last look back at Robin who watches me leave while pouring a shot for one of the patrons, then head outside.

It's cold out so I bundle my jacket closer to my body. Pulling up my phone I see a few missed calls from not only Austin but Max. I call Austin, almost hoping he doesn't answer knowing he will want to know where I am.

"Everything good?" He answers.

"Good. Just needed some fresh air."

"Got fresh air at the clubhouse brother." In other words, he's making sure I'm levelheaded.

I can still remember the first time Shane brought me to the clubhouse. I was broken from the piece of shit background I had. Rage and violence were the only emotions I knew how to control, and I used them often. When Austin decided to make me a prospect, I knew I found something that could keep the demon inside at bay, but even he can tell when they begin stirring under the depths of my damaged soul.

"Needed a different kind prez." And just like that I can feel the tension in the air. Austin trusts me, I have doubt about that, but I hate that I can't prove my loyalty beyond that. My brothers know everything about each other, most have been friends their whole lives, but I'm the one that stands out, the one whose past no one knows about. And because of that, I will always feel like the outsider.

"Come back when you get some." He says causing my breath to hitch.

Family.

Brotherhood.

That was what I was missing before.

"Will do."

Hanging up the phone, I pull out my cigarette, hating that my dread is making me smoke so soon. I have been trying to quit smoking for some time now, but nothing works. At times, when my past attempts to catch back up to me, I will tinker. It's always helped, but lately, and most definitely now that I watch my brothers get married and raise children of their own, even that's not helping.

After my cigarette, I walk over to a small bench located right before the street. I sit, pulling my coat closer and zipping it up when the frigid air becomes even colder. It's cold, but nothing I'm not used to. I wasn't lying when I told Austin I needed some fresh air. Sometimes the cold icy still air, is better than anything and knowing it's coming from a free life, makes it all the more sweeter.

"No thanks, but you get home safe now you hear?" I turn when I hear the familiar voice of the beauty I just met.

Watching Robin exit the back door that leads inside, she curses the cold tempertures, then shrugs on her fur coat. I stand and ready myself to go over towards her but stop when I see a man walking over to her. He's tall but slender with long slicked back hair, and judging by his stance, he's drunk.

"You sure you don't want to try and find a hotel baby? You look like you could use a merry Christmas." The idiot slurs wobbling over towards Robin.

"No thanks buddy. Waiting on my ride anyway."

Fuck, wrong thing to say.

My feet move faster as the idiot smiles widely and moves to grab her shoulders. Before he could connect, my hands move out grabbing her first, pacing her behind me as he slips and falls onto the cold icy ground.

"What the fuck man?" He shouts, attempting to move his hair out of his face. I turn towards Robin who can't wipe the shocked look of her face fast enough.

"You're still here?" She whispers and fuck do I feel a deep pang in my chest at her words.

Did she think I would stand her up?

"Fuckin' ice. Damn Christmas elf and shit" Turning towards the drunken asshole, I move my hands off Robin, and turn my body towards him. I want to throttle his neck for even thinking he could touch her, but I reign in my anger knowing he's drunk.

"Get up." I shout through my teeth. Grabbing his scrawny arms, I straighten him up and push him toward the direction of the bus stop not far from here. "There's a stop close by. Use it, get home."

He mumbles but does what I say and marches towards the sidewalk. I turn to Robin whom is starring at me with a look I can't quite decipher.

"I don't know whether to be angry that you didn't think I could handle that jackass on my own or turned on and beat your head in before carrying you back to my cave."

Not knowing exactly what to say, I shrug and cross my arm at my chest. "You're early."

"Boss let some of us go home since we we're overstaffed." Her eyes narrow a bit and I can tell she didn't think I would still be here.

"Didn't think I'd be here did you?"

"Truthfully?" Her eyebrows shoot up with a leering smirk tracing the curves of her lips.

Fuck she's beautiful.

"Truthfully." I dare her.

"No. no offense but you're like six foot eight, two hundred fifty pounds of muscle. Although I believed you about not having any family to celebrate tonight, I had no doubt in my mind you could easily find something warm to dip your dick into. Figured I wasn't even on your radar."

Rolling my eyes at her dramatics of my height and weight, even though she's close, I walk over towards my bike passing her along. Once I reach it, I fire it up and stare back at her.

"You've got somewhere to be?"

"Think we've already established that I don't."

"Come with me."

"Ah so I am on your radar." She states moving closer to me. She stops just before my boots, starring at my bike with another look I can't interpret.

"Not like that darlin'." Her bright green eyes peer back up. "I'm part of a motorcycle club. The old ladies of that club, they threw a Christmas party. I should be there right now. Want to come?"

Her eyes narrow but stay alert as they stare into mine. Most woman have one of two reactions when I mention my club. They either want nothing to do with me since I'm with what's considered a dangerous and criminal organization, or they want me more, naked, on top of my bike.

Can't say the later doesn't sound appealing with Robin.

"Club huh?"

"Nightmare Warriors." I nod my head, pleased that she hasn't gone running off telling me to stay away from her.

"Think I've heard of them. Aren't you guys the ones that go into bars at Christmas Eve, endeavoring out to take advantage of poor unsuspecting beautiful bartenders?"

A laugh consumes my body as I chuckle through my worried expression. Fuck this girl is something else.

"Something like that."

"Then I'll go. But I wonder if you don't mind giving me directions. I've got to get out of my clothing if I'm to go to something as special as a Christmas party hosted by old ladies."

Fuck if her smart ass remarks aren't a turn on.

"Where do you live?"

"What?"

"Your home babe. Where is it?"

"A few blocks away."

"I'll follow you. Wait for you to change, then we can ride together."

"On your bike?"

"That a problem?"

"No, just haven't been on a bike before." Her eyes fill with lust and damn if I don't wan to bend her over my bike and spread her out right here and now.

"Good. I'll be your first. Get to your car, I'll follow behind." Without another word, Robin moves towards her car while I wait there and watch her get in. Once she's inside, I hop on my bike and follow her to her home.

Turns out Robin wasn't kidding when she said she lives just a few blocks away. Not even ten minute later, we pull up into a driveway of a town home littered with green and red Christmas lights. I park my bike behind her car then hop off starring at her as she moves to open her front door.

Once I'm inside I spot Robin turning on every light in her house, moving down the hall and towards what I assume is her bedroom. She throws her head back as she ventures into her room while I close and lock the door. "Make yourself at home, I'm not one of those girls that takes forever to get ready, give me five and I'll be right there."

Not bothering to say a word, I look around the small townhome's living area where it seems like Robin spends most of her time. There are two baskets of laundry mostly containing her work out gear, work uniforms and a bundle of lacy underwear that I have to fight back the urge to grab and sniff.

Snapping out of my perverted ways, I continue my search, noting the small updated kitchen with a nook built inside. Tile runs throughout the whole place and there is a small television inside of what looks like an armoire.

Temporary.

That's the word I would choose for her home, yet everything about Robin doesn't scream as if she were here for a small amount of time.

Before I can ponder anymore, I hear Robin humming the words to a song that sounds familiar and I make my way towards her bedroom. Her hallway has no pictures, no Knick knacks and nothing stating that this is her home. I reach her bedroom and see her placing on a long sleeve, white linen button up shirt in front of a body length mirror. She turns just as I enter the threshold and smirks, causing me to stop midway.

Fuck Ghost. Boundaries man.

"Sorry, I just. you have an amazing voice."

"Thanks handsome. So, you never did explain why I should call you Ghost. Is that like a road name or something?" I narrow my eyes towards her curious as to how she knows what a road name is. "I uh, might have googled all facts about an MC while I was in the car."

"I was wondering why you were swerving so much. Figured you were just a bad driver." I shrug as she laughs moving closer towards me. Once she's close enough my hands automatically reach out to grab her and pull her towards me, noting how perfect she feels against my body.

"Is that a woman thing?"

"What?" I ask moving my mouth closer towards hers. Her eyes begin closing slowly as she stares at my lips.

"Driving. You think I'm just like your stereotypical woman that can't drive?" Her smile grows as my face remains stern.

Shaking my head, I answer her question then let my mouth come crashing down on hers. The kiss is perfect, and when she opens her mouth for my tongue, it becomes even more so. Her arms go around my neck, dragging my down to make it deeper but I stop it before it gets too far.

"I don't think you're like any other woman on the planet darlin'. Now come on, I promised you a Christmas party." I say smiling while tugging her hands with mine. We walk out together and head for my bike once she locks her door.

"So, you sure you don't want to just take my car? If it's the whole 'me guy and I can't let woman drive thing' then I don't mind you driving my car, just treat her right is all I ask." She says making her voice harder when she makes her sexist statement.

"Don't have a problem with you drivin' babe, although I was serious about your swerving." I smirk watching as her scowl grows. "But I think this has more to do with your fear of my bike than who gets to drive."

"I'm not scared of a motorcycle." She scoffs crossing her arms and looking back at her house. I move closer towards her and when she turns back over at me she startles, making my arms go out to steady her.

"You sure about that babe?" She removes my arms from hers, rolling her eyes when my fingers reach out to touch the light shade of pink now flaking her cheeks. "That's a damn good color on you."

"Whatever." She huffs out. "But I bet there are more accidents on a motorcycle than there are in a damn car."

"You'd be wrong babe. Statistically there are way more car accidents than bike accidents." Eyeing me wearily, Robin stares at me for a second before stomping over towards my bike and skimming it over. She must clear it from her mental test because she throws her hands up and asks if I'm coming.

Ten minutes later we pull up the compound. Normally It would have taken me longer but having her rack up against my back while her legs clamp down tightly around my waist every time I pushed the speed limit was causing me to find a way to hurry and get here before I embarrassed myself.

"Wow." Robins exclaims hoping off the bike. I cold tell she had been a little worried about the ride over, but she handled it like a champ, making me wonder what else she could easily handle.

"Yeah, it's busy since all the extended family members of the brothers are here too. It's not normally this crazy." I say as some of the kids chase around Adrianna in the front area.

Fuck, maybe I shouldn't have taken her here. I can only imagine what everyone is going to say when they see my arm around her, and there is now way in hell I'm not touchin' her tonight.

"It's Ghost." Adrianna comes barreling through and stops just before she reaches me. I grab her and throw her up marveling at the innocent sound of her laughter barreling through.

"Adrianna, leave Ghost alone honey, he just got here and" I hear Lyla start but look over when her speech stops mid-sentence only to see her staring at Robin with curiosity while Shane comes up behind her. "Hi, sorry I normally don't yell at my child like that." She smacks Shane's chest when he snorts then turns back to Robin. "I'm Lyla, this is my daughter Adrianna and my cave man Shane."

"Hi, I'm Robin, I'm a friend of Ghosts." I rub my chest at her saying my name.

Damn what the hell is this girl doing to me?

"A friend of Ghost?" Lyla sneers looking sheepishly at me with a growing grin.

"Alright babe think Ghost and his girl want out of the cold. Let's head inside." I want to thank Shane for derailing his wife but throat punch him for calling Robin my girl. I don't have a girl, can't have one.

"Nice meeting you." Adrianna flies by when her father calls her name.

"Bye." Robin waves but her face is the opposite of joyous. She turns to me with a confused look, one that is mixed with anger. "Why didn't you tell me there are children here?"

"What?"

"Kids, children, you knowlittle mini adults." Her arm flies out measuring about Adrianna's height in the air. "Why didn't you tell me there are children that come here?"

"I said family babe. What did you think? That there would be a bunch of ruthless bikers and their old ladies pounding at each other in every nook and cranny?" Her eyes downcast as realization settles within me.

That's exactly what she thought she would come in here and see.

"Okay look, I may have thought the worst, but I mean come on, you're a biker. Can you honestly tell me there has never been any nudity or sex gone on around here in the public eye."

"Not saying that."I shrug, causing her smug look to grow back and I don't know if I want to laugh or kiss it off her.

Fuck.

"Right."

"Look it's cold. Let's get inside and see what other stereotypes you had nailed me down for."

Leading her inside I watch as everyone mumbles around each other. Families looking around at the chaos that is Candice Stone's decorating skills, enough food to feed a village, and plenty of drinks and love. It's strange to see the clubhouse like this. Calm and collected have never been the style here for as long as I've been a member. But I can't say it's a bad thing.

"Want me to get you a drink?" I ask in her ear since the music is so loud in here. Robin's phone must have been vibrating because before she could answer, she pulls it out, frowning when she sees an unknown number on the screen display. "Wrong number?" I ask watching as her expression turns to shock. Her hair swings around, nearly swatting me in the eye.

"Oh, yes probably. I'm going to go and answer it, I'll take a beer."

Nodding my head I make my way towards the bar where Austin has the two new prospects manning it. I give them both a chin lift, forgetting their names already, then order two beers.

"She's cute." I turn when I hear the familiar voice of Abbigail Malone. Smiling down at her, I notice her son, locked onto her hip, giving me the same dead eyed look his father has mastered whenever he sees me.

"Who?"

Abby shifts her son's position to her other hip and gives me an exaggerated look. "Oh don't play dumb with me, it doesn't suit you. What's her story?"

"Don't know exactly."

She remains quiet for a few moments, so I take my cue and grab the two beers from the prospect. Turning around I sneak a glance at Abby and watch as her eyes grow soft as they take me in. "Whatever her story is, I'm glad you get to be apart of it. I can tell she makes you happy Nick."

"Just met her babe."

"I know, but since when has that stopped one of you bikers from making your claim." Giggling when I roll my eyes, Abby winks then waves goodbye to me to most likely seek out Chance.

Abby and I became close when I first got here and Chance had a stick in his ass, but since then he's manned up and took ownership in his feelings for her. Everyone thought we would be good together, but Abby was never it for me. I knew her heart ventured for someone else and I appreciated her friendship out of it.

I make my way to the center of the living area where I had left Robin but don't see her anywhere. I head down the hallway that is littered with stockings of all the brothers names and run right into Max and Shawna who is holding onto a very sleepy Emma.

"Hey man, heard you've got a girl on your arm this year. Did you hire this one?"

My fist clench and I have to stop myself from releasing the growl that threatens to erupt from my throat. Hearing Max speak about Robin that way has my all consuming rage ready to blow but it slowly diminishes when I see Shawna smack his chest, causing Emma to laugh.

"Oh shut up Max. Ghost, your friend was outside on the phone, she looked pretty upset."

"Thanks Shawna." I barrel past the three of them heading right for the backyard that houses the rest of the brothers and their families along with the giant tree Austin had gotten Candice for Christmas. When I left there were about fifteen presents still under the tree and now I don't see any.

"Ghost?" I turn and spot Candice bouncing over to me. "There you are, we couldn't find you earlier."

"Sorry babe, had other plans but I'm here now."

"Yes, and I heard she's a babe."

Damn, news travels fast around here.

"That you trying to be cheeky? Thought you were done with being nosy?" I smirk when her pout that seems to melt Austin to a puddle of goo returns.

"Ha-ha, you wouldn't be so rotten to me if you knew what I had in my pocket for you."

"And what's that?" Candice pulls out a small rectangular box and holds it out in front of me. Eyeing it wearily, I grab it when she shakes it back and forth within my reach.

"Before you get all macho and tell me that bikers don't open little blue tiffany's boxes, it's not for you, it's for Robin."

Fuck they know her name now?

"We don't know her Ghost, but she's the first girl you ever brought here. Your always the quietest one and as much as we love you, we can tell you keep yourself an arm's length away from us for a reason. I think this girl might be just want you need."

Fuck, they can see that?

"Candy."

"It's alright Ghost. Everyone has a past and until you're ready to share yours with us, know that we are here for you." Her hand reaches up and lays gently on my forearm now carrying the small blue rectangular git box wrapped in a baby blue ribbon.

Nodding my head, I place the small gift inside my pocket and look behind her shoulder at Austin not ten yards away. He gives me his authentic chin lift, somehow secretly signaling Candice to turn and look straight at him. "Looks like your man is waiting for you."

"Yes he is." She turns back to me with a small smile then reaches up and kisses my cheek. I nod my head again and watch as she heads back to where she belongs, in the arms of her husband.

I circle the back and spot Robin close by our fenced perimeter. Her head is low as she stares at her phone held tightly in her hand. I take a second to get my fill of her as she looks up at the night sky littered with stars.

"Robin?" Turing her head she spots me and gives me a sad smile, placing on the persona of the girl I met back in the bar.

"Hey stranger."

"Everything okay?"

She shrugs giving me another misleading smile then peers down at my hand carrying the two beers. "That for me?" She walks over, grabbing the beer before I could answer, using her shirt to open it and immediately throws it back.

"Take it that phone call wasn't as cheery as you'd hoped?"

Robin wipes her mouth with her hand looking up at the large Christmas tree that a few of the old ladies have started singing around. "You'd be right."

"You want to talk about it?" She shakes her head before I could even finish.

"No, it's just those non Christmas family members I had mentioned before is all."

"And that's it?"

"That's it." She dryly states chugging the rest of her beer.

I throw mine back as well while we both stay quiet as the night around us moves in a rhythmic dance of Christmas chaotic traditions. My hand finds the back of my neck as I rub the knot, not knowing exactly what to say to a woman that is clearly upset.

Is it really a family member? Maybe a dirtbag ex? Why does the latter make me want to kill someone?

"Do you want to go in my room and talk?"

This catches her attention as she eyes me carefully then shrugs when she looks down and notices her beer is empty. "Sure."

I lead her back inside, patting the gift box locked safely inside my pocket. Once we reach my room, I use my key to unlock the door, snickering when I hear her make a comment about this really being more like a frat house.

Once inside the music quiets down as if the room itself knows we need some silence to talk. I move to sit on my bed, and watch as she follows along, removing her shirt one button at a time. She reaches the last cusp and my reluctant hand reaches out, stopping her before she can show me just what color bra she is wearing.

"What are you"

"I meant what I said Robin. We can just talk if you want. I didn't bring you in here for that."

What the fuck is wrong with me?

"Really?" Nodding my head I stand up while she fixes her shirt, wanting to kick my own ass for stopping this woman. "I can't believe you're stopping me from undressing in front of you." She scoffs. "Are you sure you're a biker?"

My eyes simply stare into her bright green ones as her face becomes thoughtful. "Shit, that was a bitchy thing to say. I'm sorry. You've been a complete gentleman to me this entire evening and it seems all I can do is stick my foot in my mouth."

"It's alright."

"No, it's not." A small feather of her hair comes lose and I instinctively reach out and tuck it behind her ear, enjoying the small gasp I receive from her. "I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry Ghost. I'll understand if you want me to leave. I'm probably being such a drag to you."

My hands reach out and grasp hers as I tug her with me to the bed. Settling her beside myself, I grab the small blue box out of my pocket. "Candice, my presidents old lady, gave this to me. They wanted every person to have a gift to open on Christmas day. Some don't have any family or anywhere to go tomorrow, so she thought this would be a great tradition to start. We may not look like a family, but those people out there, I would die for. She wanted you to have this one."

"But what about you?" She asks eyeing the blue box with caution.

"Got mine earlier. This one is for you."

"But you guys don't know me and"

"Open it babe."

Taking the box from my hands, Robin opens is gently, and covers her mouth with one hand while the other pulls out a gold necklace with a cable chain that leads to a large pearl clasped at the end.

"Ghost. It's beautiful." She whispers then shakes her head and looks away. "I can't. I can't accept this."

"Robin."

"I can't take that Ghost. It wouldn't be right. I"

"Darlin'. Don't really care why you think you don't deserve something nice, but I don't plan on taking no for an answer. It's the last gift and you're the unexpected person tonight. Seems right to me that this is your gift."

Robin looks down at the necklace then shuts her eyes. After three Mississippi's she tilts her head back up and gives me a warm smile.

"Put it on me?"

I take the necklace from her grasp and watch as she turns around and faces the wall. Taking the majority of her hair and pushing it to the side, I put the necklace around her neckline, securing it with its clasp. When I'm done Robin turns around and leans in kissing me softly.

"Can't believe you guys have a bad reputation."

I chuckle, loving this girl's sarcasm more and more.

"Not all good either babe."

"Nobody is." She says firmly then shakes her head again as if attempting to erase whatever bad memory plagues her mind.

"Ghost?" Robin and I turn in unison when Candy's voice appears on the other side of the door, followed by a gentle knock. I stand and answer it noting Candice's face is a little flushed and cheeks rosy, most likely from the cold. "Sorry, to bother you two. I just thought you might want to come out here and join us. It started snowing."

I smile at this nut for literally giving me the best Christmas I've ever had. "Be there in a minute yeah?" Nodding her head like small child, Candy runs back down the hall shouting, 'It's actually snowing on Christmas Eve. I turn and watch Robin's timid expression then open the door wider allowing her to see the hallway. "Want to join?"

Her expressive green eyes grow soft as she stands, fixing her clothing then nods her head. "You know what? I do."

My hand reaches out and connects with hers as we both leave my room and head back outside. Everyone is out once we reach the threshold. We find a spot standing nearby Torque and his woman while the snow flickers and falls melting long before reaching the ground.

"I've seen snow fall before, but never like this."

"Like this?" I can feel her arm go around mine, lowering her head to rest on my shoulder as her embrace immediately warms my body.

"Surrounded by love and family. Devotion and friendship. It's beautiful. You're very lucky Ghost."

Looking around the backyard, I watch as every brother is surrounded by their family. Straight ahead of me I spot Austin and Candice, showing their son the snow. "Guess you're right. Never had a real family like the one I do now."

"Never? You mean no family back home that warrant their own cynical call from you?"

"Nah. I've got everything I want right here. Right now." My head dips down, my lips connecting with hers. It's a soft kiss but one that is promising her that nothing ends tonight.

This is the beginning of something new.

"Merry Christmas Ghost."

'Merry Christmas babe."

END OF VOLUME FOUR