Chapter 4—Sad chant.

CHAPTER 4.

SAD CHANT

                  ~ASHLEY’S POINT OF VIEW~

Last night was certainly the best night of my entire life.

I know I might sound bitter—I lost a sister just yesterday, and somehow that same night is the one I now call the best night of my shitty life. But where’s the lie? 

I was served a delicious meal,one I couldn’t even name.

I slept in a gigantic mansion, in a room all to myself. 

The room was as big as my dad’s living room,maybe even bigger. And for the first time in my entire life, I slept on a bed.

Back with my mom, I was never allowed to sleep on a bed; I was forced to sleep on a mat. 

And with my dad?............Only Daisy was allowed on the bed. We were supposed to share it, but she claimed she couldn’t stand the smell of my shampoo,it made her want to puke in the middle of the night. So my dad made me leave the bed for her.

But last night, I slept on a big, soft bed and bathed in a spacious bathroom with soap that smelled like flowers.

I get up from the bed and take another long glance at the silky night lingerie they gave me.

Standing in front of the mirror, the thought of becoming Warrick’s new wife sinks deep into my mind again, and my face pales. He’ll be here any minute now, and my life is about to turn into a living hell.

The excitement of this new place fades quickly the moment it hits me—I am now the devil’s wife.

Last night, I asked the man who brought me here about Warrick, and he said I’d see him today. He’s out on private business downtown. As usual, he’s always on the move. That’s why he’s not only the most feared president of the MC but also the richest.

Rumors say he deals in drugs, but we all know he’s deep into the oil business. That’s what made him a millionaire. His family also owns multiple ranches, passed down through generations.

A sharp knock on my door pulls me from my thoughts.

I quickly walk over and open it, revealing the man who brought me here. I step back to give him space.

He’s still in a suit.

Damn… do they wear suits even in their sleep?

Behind him is a middle-aged woman in a bonnet and apron. I guess she’s the cook.

I close the door softly and turn to them.

“Good morning,” I say, forcing a small smile.

He smiles back. “Good morning. Sorry I was busy last night,I didn’t get the chance to check on you like I promised.”

I shake my head. “That’s not a problem, sir. It’s fine.”

His eyes widen slightly at that, and he exchanges a glance with the woman beside him.

He clears his throat. “You don’t have to call me ‘sir,’ miss. My name is Adams. I’m Mr. Warrick’s butler.”

He gestures toward the woman. “And this is Nonna. She’s Mr. Warrick’s housekeeper.”

My eyes shift to her, and she gives me a polite, controlled smile.

“I’m Ashley,” I say quietly. “Ashley Knowles… but you can call me Ash if you want.”

I’ve never really had friends who call me that. But maybe here… in this strange new place… I could be someone different. Someone who actually has friends.

“That’s a beautiful name, miss,” Nonna says. “Welcome home. If you need anything,or even a tour of the house.I’m always in the kitchen.”

I nod. “Noted. I’ll keep that in mind.”

They both nod in approval and turn to leave, but I stop Adams.

“When is Warrick coming back?” I ask, my voice slightly shaky. “Or… did he come back last night?”

He pauses, just for a second. There’s hesitation there. I see the flicker in his eyes.

“You don’t need to worry,” he says carefully. “Mr. Warrick is on his way. He’ll be back soon.”

I swallow and nod.

They leave, closing the door behind them.

The moment they’re gone, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

He’ll be back soon.

I’m about to meet my husband.

No… scratch that.

I’m about to come face-to-face with the devil.

For the next thirty minutes, I pace around the room, thinking about how to present myself,how to act, what to say,anything that might get me on his good side.

Then a shadow catches my eye. I move toward the balcony and peer out.

Matt.

He’s in the next room, standing on his balcony… shirtless.

I should look away. Immediately. Before he sees me and decides to finish what he started yesterday.

I still don’t fully understand why he blocked my path, but I know it wasn’t for anything good.

Matt has never liked me. Daisy made sure of that—especially after he found out I was impersonating her and getting him to send me nude pictures and videos.

His eyes last night were cold. Full of rage.

So yeah… nothing good.

Still, thanks to Adams for stepping in, I avoided whatever he had planned. But I should have known I’d see more of him,he’s part of the Sons of Chaos MC.

I shift the curtain slightly so he won’t notice me watching.

Even with his back turned, my throat goes dry.

My eyes trace his broad shoulders, the way they taper into a narrow waist.

His skin glows golden under the morning sun, covered in tattoos that stretch from the back of his neck down to his waist.

Then he turns slightly, revealing his side profile.

God.

He’s ridiculously handsome.

The kind of man that makes you forget he hates you… the kind that could hurt you without blinking but the sight of him still makes your middle wet.

A cigarette rests between his fingers as he brings it to his lips, inhaling slowly, head tilted back.

Smoke curls into the air, drifting past his jaw, his throat…..disappearing into the sky.

Even the way he smokes is sexy.

I swallow hard, my thighs pressing together before I can stop myself.

I hate that I react like this.

But suddenly, the deep rumble of bikes fills the air.

Both of us freeze. I lean closely to the curtain, looking toward the gates.

They come in one after another—identical bikes, identical black jackets—moving in a slow, controlled procession.

No music.

Just engines.

Too many to count. At least fifty or a hundred.

Every rider has their cowboy hat tipped upward toward the sky.

I don’t understand it. Their customs, their rituals… none of it makes sense to me.

But something in my chest tightens.

I glance towards Matt. He’s completely still now.

And I know—

This isn’t good.

They’re moving exactly the way the Desert MC did before they announced Daisy’s death.

Something is wrong. And whatever it is…

It’s bad.