Sanctuary (Freaks MC Book 2) by Sarah Osborne Page A

houses have a roof, sweetheart.”
    “ It has a roof... Mostly.”
    “ Do not do anything till I've looked at it. And stop pouting.”
    “ I'm not pouting. I do really like it, though.”
    “ Emma, I'm serious. You don't have the cash to fix it up, I'll help where I can, but I ain't a rich man.”
    She sighed. He was right, of course. A small inheritance had paid for her last house, but there was no cash in the pot, and she doubted she'd get a mortgage with her meager income. “Fine. I won’t do anything rash. I promise.”
    “Good girl. I'll see you this evening.”
    “ Okay, bye.” She passed the cell back to Beth. “Rat.”
    “ I'm under strict instructions not to let you do anything stupid.” She laughed. “His words, not mine. Come on, let's go and look at the other one.”
     
    ~ oOo ~
     
    “I'm not sure about this.” Emma stood outside the clubhouse and stuffed her hands into her pockets. “Maybe I'll wait in the car.”
    Beth smiled and, taking her arm, led her purposefully to the big black doors. “It's kind of a tradition to meet the guys here when they come back from a run, and Yaz is bringing the kids. Don't worry, you don't have to stick around for the party – I hardly ever do – but Samson will be disappointed if you're not here to meet him.”
    The lingering scent of stale beer and weed combined with cheap perfume and sweat assailed her senses as she walked through the door. Emma wrinkled her nose and looked around. Everything from the walls, to the bar, even the clothes that the assembled women were wearing, was black. The only splash of color came from the huge double-headed viper painted in gold and red on the far wall. Despite the room being practically empty, a pall of smoke hung heavily from the ceiling, Beth frowned and wedged the doors open. “It wouldn't kill them to clean this place up now and again. Come on let's go and say hi to the girls.”
    'The girls' eyed her suspiciously as Beth made the introductions. Only Bonnie, the President's old lady, smiled. “Hi love, welcome to Seattle. Beth tells me you're house hunting. How's that going?”
    “Awful. Every time I find something I like, Beth and Deke pick on me.” She sighed. “I have another couple of days to look before I have to go home. hopefully I'll find something. I really don't want to have to live in my car.”
    “ Have you sold your house already?”
    “ Almost, I've accepted an offer and they're keen to move things along.” She grinned. “It really seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, though, I'm not so sure.”
    “ I hear you, love. I hate moving. The next time will most definitely be my last. You want a beer?” She nodded to a downtrodden-looking girl who was standing behind the bar. “Two beers over here, love.”
    Beth straightened up and grinned as Abigail trotted in accompanied by a tall, thin woman in her fifties, carrying a sleeping baby in a car seat. “Hey, baby. Have you been good for Auntie Yaz?”
    Abigail nodded. “I had cake.”
    “ Good for you.” Beth picked her up and kissed her cheek. “Did you miss me?”
    “ Down, mommy. Need Bonnie hugs.”
    “ That'll be a no, then.” She set her daughter on the floor and looked down at her sleeping son. “Thanks for having them, Yaz. It was great to have a night off.” She turned to Emma. “This is Samson's friend, Emma. Emma, this is Yaz.”
    Yaz looked her up and down and sneered. “So, you fell for the old Samson charm. Hope you're not holding out any hope of him making you his ol' lady, cuz trust me, darling, that will never happen. If I were you, I'd go back to your nice little life and save yourself a lot of heartache.”
    “Yaz.” Bonnie scowled. “Emma is Samson's guest. Have a little respect.”
    “ Just saying it as I see it.” Yaz took the offered beer and leaned back on the bar. “Everyone knows he's a dog. No way he'll commit to one woman.”
    “ Samson's a good guy.” Beth didn't take her eyes off her daughter,