Bikers nodded to him as he passed, some offering handshakes. Others just silent acknowledgement. He found the kitchen and grabbed a Coke, his hand shaking slightly as he opened it.
First time in a clubhouse? A woman's voice made him turn. She was maybe 40 with long, dark hair and eyes that missed nothing. I'm Stella. I run the bar here.
Caleb. I know who you are. Whole club knows. She poured herself coffee. You're the talk of the day.
Kid who saved Arthur, stood up to Dalton and didn't piss himself when 200 bikers showed up. That's impressive. I was terrified. But you didn't show it. That's what counts.
Stella studied him. How old are you really? 19. Christ, you're just a baby. She said it kindly without condescension.
And now you're in the middle of a war you didn't ask for. Story of my week. That got a laugh. Fair enough. Well, you're safe here.
These walls are solid, guards are good, and every man in this club would die before letting the cartel touch you. That's not empty talk. That's blood oath serious.
Why? Caleb asked. I mean, I appreciate it, but why go this far for someone you don't know? Stella's expression softened. Because Arthur's one of us.
Who he is doesn't matter. He rode with us, bled with us, and you saved him. That creates a debt. She paused. Also, most of these guys got kids.
Some your age. They look at you and they see their own sons. So, yeah, they'll protect you. It's what we do. A commotion outside cut their conversation short.
Shouting engines, the sound of the gate opening. Caleb followed Stella to the window. A convoy of trucks was pulling in pickup trucks loaded with supplies followed by more motorcycles. Reinforcements, Stella explained. Clutch called in the other charters.
Vegas, San Diego, even some boys from Oregon. By tonight, we'll have 400 bikers here. For one kid? For the principle. Stella's voice was firm.
Cartel thinks they can hit one of ours and walk away, we're about to teach them different.
The next few hours were a blur. Caleb was taken to the range, where Wrath spent 90 difficult minutes teaching him basic firearm safety and defensive handling. His ears rang despite the protection and his hands ached from the recoil, but by the end he could handle the weapon without panicking. You're not going to win any competitions, Wrath said, but you understand how to handle it safely now. If danger comes, get to cover and protect yourself.