I'm leaving

I'm leaving
Mason POV

Hera and I take Lily with us to the clubhouse.

Hera being the overprotective person she is insisted she didn't want to leave our daughter alone. "She's been through too much already," Hera said, her eyes serious as she buckled Lily into the car seat in the back.

"I don't like the idea of her staying home without us, not tonight."

I didn't push back. How could I? After all the hell we've been through, Lily's like a fragile little light we both want to shield.

Hera's voice had that protective edge, the one that makes me love her more every time I hear it. She's right, Lily's been yanked around enough.

The way Hera treats Lily is like she is her biological daughter. I would say, she treats her better than Linda would ever have.

She packs extra snacks in the monkey bag, tucks Lily's favorite stuffed bear under her arm, and even hums that silly lullaby tune to keep her calm during the drive.

Watching Lily smile from the back seat warms my heart.

It's moments like this that hit me hard.Hera stepped into our lives like she was always meant to be there. She's a blessing to us for sure. I glance over at her in the passenger seat, her hand resting on mine over the gear shift.

"You are amazing with her," I say quietly, squeezing her fingers.

She smiles, that soft smile that reaches her eyes. "She is easy to love. Just like her dad."

My chest warms at that and I find myself smiling back.

The drive from my house to the clubhouse is short.

Minutes later, we pull over outside the clubhouse.

Neon signs flicker from the pathway,bikes lined up like soldiers in the lot.

When I kill the engine, Hera steps out first and unbuckles Lily. For a moment, I sit in the car, unmoving until Hera knocks at the window.

“ Are you alright?” She asks, concern evident on her face. She has lily wrapped around her.

Taking a deep breath, I offer her a smile and push the door open.

“ I'm fine. Just…” I trail off, not sure how to describe how I feel deep inside.

Hera stares at me briefly then pats my cheeks.

“ It's okay. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Everything is going to be fine.” She comforts me. Unwilling to see her worry about me, I nod and square my shoulders.

“ Everything is going to be fine as long as I have you and Lily.” I whisper, take her hand and lead her inside.

Inside, the place is buzzing with life after months of tension, suspicions and heated arguments. It looks like the shadow rider Clubhouse in my memory.

The guys acknowledge mine and Hera's presence, others even giving her respectful smiles.

She has earned it after everything.

Looking around, I spot Raven in the corner booth, her arm around Fiona.

That's weird considering the two have always had an imaginary enmity.

Fiona is hunched over, face in her hands, shoulders shaking like she has been crying hard.

Raven seems to be murmuring something and patting her back awkwardly but steady. My gut twists.

Apparently, no one told her about Helena's betrayal.

Fiona thinks that she just vanished, not that she sold us out and paid the price for it.

When Fiona looks up and sees me, she bolts from the coach and rushes over with red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks.

"Viper, Please, you have to help. Aunt Helena is not answering her phone. She didn't come since yesterday. I think something bad happened to her, she wouldn't just leave without saying anything." Her voice breaks with desperation.

It hurts seeing her like this. Fiona is being caught in the middle, innocent like Lily. She doesn't know Helena's schemes, the way she worked with Finn to tear us apart.

I turn to Fiona, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, take a breath. Helena is probably out on personal errands. She can't disappear without a reason. We will check around, okay? She'll turn up."

Fiona sniffs, wiping her nose with her sleeve. "You promise? I just... I don't know what to do without her." Her eyes beg, and it stings. Lying feels wrong, but the truth that Helena is likely facing her own hell right now after what I set in motion. It would crush her.

Raven steps up behind her, nodding at me with gratitude. "Come on, Fiona. Let's get you something to calm down. The church is about to begin.”

With Fiona calm, we proceed to the meeting room.

When I step inside, a wave of nostalgia hits me, my mind throwing me back to when I became the VP of this club.

It feels like yesterday but looking back, it's been so long. I was barely 25 when I chose this life.

The big oak table is surrounded by the crew, each one of them taking their respective position. From the Shadows, I spot Shadow who likes living up to his name.

Ghost is slouched in his chair, arms crossed.

Zero is leaning against the wall with his eyes sharp. Raven stalks in lastly, sliding to her chair and crossing her arms.

A few prospects hover near the door.

Somehow, the tension is thick in the air and I guess it's the fact that we have two non members present in our church.

I stand at the head, clearing my throat. The room quiets. "Thanks for coming on short notice, everyone. I appreciate it." I start.

“ The past few days have been eventful and we haven't been seeing each other much. I apologise for my neglect.” I add. No one says a word, just giving me their ultimate attention.

"I have two important announcements to make.” I start, my voice firm. "First—Nyx here,” I say pointing at her. She looks caught off guard by the spotlight.

“She is my long-lost sister."

Silence follows my announcement. Most of them knew or rather heard about it but I never publicly announced to the crew that we are brother and sister.

“ Congratulations buddy. You finally found your sister.” Tank says and I nod.

He then turns to look at Nyx, “ welcome to the family young lady. You are part of this big family now.”

Nyx waves a hand. “Thanks. It's good to meet you all... officially." Claps follow, guys shifting to pat her shoulder. The tension eases a bit, but I feel it building again for the next part.

"Second," I say, and the room quiets fast. "I'm leaving the club. Retiring for good."

Shock slams in. Ghost's frowns and I spot Shadow’s eyes narrowing. Tank sits up straight.

"Viper? Are you serious?" Raven's mouth opens, hurt flashing clear. "What? You're abandoning us now?"

Hera gives me a smile from her spot, quiet and proud and it steadies me like nothing else.

When I made the decision yesterday, I knew she would support me even if no one else would.

I shake my head. "I am not abandoning the crew. I am just stepping back from this world. After so much chaos and everything that has happened these past few months, I feel like I need peace.

I am just tired. No more chasing enemies through the night, no more dangerous missions that could end with a bullet. I want a life where I can be home, watch Lily play without looking over my shoulder."

The words hang heavy. Ghost rubs his chin, eyes distant; Shadow nods slowly, like he gets it but hates it. Raven speaks up, voice shaky. "Is there a particular reason? Beyond all that crap?"

I meet her eyes. "That's enough reason,Raven.

We have bled too much, lost brothers, trust shattered. I can't keep living on the edge forever. Lily needs her dad whole, not half-gone on runs. My old lady also deserves better than waiting up worried. I want to build something real with them, away from the guns and grudges."

Zero pushes off the wall, arms crossed. "What happens to the club? We just scatter?"

"Not really." I say. "You will be taking over as the next VP. You've got the head for it. As per tradition, I get to select who succeeds me. If you are unsatisfied, you wait until you take over the position to revoke my nomination.”

His eyes widen, surprise mixing with something like honor. It's like he didn't expect me to announce him as the next VP.

“ I don't know man, I don't know what to say.” He says.

"Say you'll do it," I reply, clapping his shoulder. "The club is in good hands with you all."

Ghost clears his throat, leaning forward. "This final? Are you taking a break, or leaving forever?"

I nod firmly. "Forever.Its a Clean break."

He sits back, his arms crossed tighter and a frown forming on his face.

“ You know it's not that simple, right? They won't let you just walk away. Not to any of us.” He reminds me.

A pregnant tension follows his reminder and the crew turns to look at me.

“ I have a plan. That's why I need all your help and my old lady's of course.” I say, turning to look at Hera.

She smiles proudly.

“ Anything for you.”