Chapter 6 Snake

Kade

"The Mexicans agreed, but the Italians still need a little convincing," Ryder said, looking at me. "I think they might have heard of our…situation." He said that last part low, but I was pretty sure everyone heard him.

When Ryder reached out this morning, I knew it wasn't good, but the Italians sure know how to be a pain in the ass.

I closed my eyes as that last part settled on my chest. I knew this situation wasn't my fault, but that didn't stop the feeling of shame and failure that washed over me. When I opened my eyes, everyone was looking at me with questions in their eyes.

I was the leader, and I was meant to lead, but this was a very complicated situation. I knew I needed to handle it before rumors started.

"We stick with the Mexicans, try to push our products as usual, but we go smaller. The next batch should be significantly less than normal. I believe the routes are still intact, but just in case, take four brothers with you," I said to Ryder, who nodded his head. My eyes fell on Mouse, who also nodded in approval.

I didn't need it, but it felt good whenever I got it.

"And the Italians?" Raze asked, playing with her favorite knife. "I hear they have the finest shit. Since they don't want to work with us, why not take it for ourselves?" she asked with that dangerous smirk of hers and an even more dangerous glint in her eyes.

Ryder, her twin, chuckled before grabbing her shoulders and massaging them hard. Of course his crazy ass agreed with her. They were the devil twins for a reason.

I loved being on their good side.

"As tempting as that sounds, I don't think we should go to war just yet. I still have to deal with this Slade situation," I said, and the room became a little tense.

I cleared my throat a little before continuing. "I know how y'all feel about me being married to Killa, and I know you think I am crazy or I've gone soft, but trust me, I have a bigger plan. Killa thinks he holds all the cards, but best believe, he is in for a very big shock," I said with a smirk, and for the first time since the whole marriage saga, I saw my men finally look like they believed in me.

"How do you expect us to accept that our 'leader' is now our enemy's bitch?" Snake said with a cold smirk. He emphasized the word "leader" to mock me.

I won't lie, that part stung.

You could hear the sound of a pin drop because of how quiet it became. I leaned back against my chair while my fingers tapped on the table slowly and tautly. We were staring at each other intently.

"Snake…"

"I have access to the Hounds' books." Ryder and Raze immediately sat up with surprised looks on their faces. Mouse too. My men started murmuring among themselves while Snake looked shocked. "That's what I have been able to do in just twenty-four hours. Can I ask what you've been able to do in twenty-plus years in this club, Snake?" I said with a raised eyebrow. His jaw tightened, and he looked like he wanted to strangle me. "I mean, besides trying and failing to get in Nikita's skirt, of course," I said with an innocent expression.

I heard a few laughs. Raze held her stomach, laughing hard, while Ryder just shook his head but laughed nonetheless. Snake, well, he looked pissed.

"There might be a code about killing our brothers, but trust me, Snake, I will chop off your junk and hang your balls at the center of the market if you ever disrespect me again," I said with seriousness laced in my voice.

"Damn," I heard Mouse say, grabbing his junk.

Snake slammed his hand against the table before pushing his chair back forcefully, knocking it down. He shot up from his seat, but Raze and Ryder were faster as they stood in front of him. The knife in Raze's hand was still dancing in anticipation. I knew she would slit his throat with no questions asked. Not that Snake was dumb enough to try shit.

"You do know how to throw tantrums," I said teasingly. I folded my arms and stared at Snake with boredom, even letting out a yawn to fuck with him. He looked between the twins and then me before snorting and storming off.

"Man, he is no fun," Raze mumbled with a frown before taking her seat. Mouse and Ryder chuckled at her antics.

I nodded my head, signaling the end of the meeting. The members left one after another, except for Raze, Ryder, and Mouse.

"Boss, were you really serious about the books stuff?" Mouse asked, still in disbelief. I knew why it was hard to believe. Every MC had their records, and it was the biggest secret aside from the cure for cancer. No one aside from the president and a very few trusted members had access to it. It was literally the lifeline of every MC. Hell, Nikita and I were the only ones with access to ours. I trusted these three, but business is business. And Nikita was family.

I nodded. I may not have it now, per se, but Killa knew my terms, and I was pretty sure he needed those routes desperately, so I knew I would have access to those books sooner than later.

"Damn, boss, you move fast," Raze said with a chuckle. Ryder and Mouse nodded with smiles on their faces.

I turned to look at Ryder. "Do you think the Italians will come around?" I asked. I knew everyone was scared of doing business with the Crucifers because of our financial situation. Hell, I was surprised the Mexicans agreed.

Ryder sighed before shaking his head. "I think they already have a supplier," he said, giving a look that told me I wouldn't like what he was going to say next. "The Hounds.”