Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Dad didn’t respond. He simply turned and started towards the door. I followed him through the crowd of brothers, and the second we were outside, Dad looked at me and asked, “You making it okay tonight?”
“I got no complaints.” I wasn’t in the mood to beat around the bush, so I asked, “Whatcha got on your mind, Pop?”
“You.” Worry etched his face as he said, “You know the vote is coming up.”
“I’m aware.”
I wasn’t exactly shocked when I first heard that my father was stepping down as president. He’d held the position for as long as I could remember—long before I was even born, and the years had taken their toll. And rightly so. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the club and his brothers. And because of that dedication, he was both feared and respected by all who knew him.
As much as we all hated to see him step down, I knew we would find a way to carry on. I wasn’t sure the same held true for him, so I asked, “You sure you’re ready for this?”
“I’m not leaving the club. I’m just stepping down and giving some fresh blood a chance to lead. A serious expression marked his face as Dad continued, “That being said, I know you are hoping that the fresh blood will be you, but I don’t think you’re ready.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I know you don’t agree, but I think you need more time. You still have some growing up to do.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. What do you want from me?” I huffed. “I’ve proven myself time and time again, and it’s never enough for you.”
“Being president isn’t just about being tough or fearless. It's about making decisions that can affect not only your life but the lives of our brothers and the reputation of this club.”
“You don’t think I get that?” I argued. “Hell, I’ve been watching you do it since I was able to walk.”
“Watching and doing it for yourself are two different things. You can’t just slap that president’s patch on your chest and that be the end of it. It’s about leading and listening, honing your instincts, and everything in between.”
“Never thought otherwise.”
He reached over and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You have to trust me when I say experience is the best teacher. You’ll see that this role is a heavy responsibility—one that will weigh on you in ways you can’t begin to imagine.”
He wasn’t just speaking as my father. He was also there as the revered President of Fury—a role he hadn’t taken lightly. His weathered face carried the marks of the countless battles he’d fought and the lessons he’d learned from them. He was a pillar of strength in both the brotherhood and as my father. He was respected by all, especially me—which is why it hurt so deeply to hear him say, “I've been through it all. I’ve been through the good and the bad. I’ve seen the highs and the lows, and I don't want you to rush into something you're not ready for.”
“How can you think I’m not ready?” I tried my best to keep my voice low and steady as I told him, “I’ve been preparing for this day since I was born. You’re talking to me like I’m clueless about this shit.”
Beneath my father’s rugged exterior, there lay a compassionate heart that beat fiercely for his club and the values it upheld. His leadership was unwavering, guided by a deep sense of honor and unwritten codes of loyalty. Like a seasoned oak in a storm, he anchored the club and its brothers, providing guidance and protection, and I’d always hoped to follow in his footsteps.
It pained me to hear him say, “I know you’re not clueless. I also know you aren’t ready. The day will come when you are, but for now, you still have some learning to do. Let the road teach you its lessons, and when the time comes, you'll be the president this club truly needs.”
“But you don’t think that time is now.”
“No, son. I don’t.”
“Then, that’s all that needs to be said.”
Without saying anything more, I pushed past him and headed back inside the clubhouse. I didn’t bother going back to the bar. I was in no mood to deal with the guys, so I headed straight to my room and crashed down on my bed. As I stared up at the ceiling, I thought over everything my father had said, and it was impossible not to feel disappointed and hurt.
I’d dedicated my life to the club, proving my loyalty, and I honestly believed I’d earned my place among the ranks. Hearing my father’s lack of faith in me gutted me, but that lack of faith also stirred something inside of me.
I was more determined than ever to prove my father wrong.