Chapter Three: Baptism by Fire

Three days later, the clubhouse of the Savage Saints MC buzzed with predatory energy. The converted warehouse on the industrial side of town was a fortress, surrounded by a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire. Guards armed with assault rifles patrolled the perimeter, and security cameras monitored every approach—designed to keep law enforcement out and club business in.

Raven followed Jax through the main entrance, acutely aware of the stares that followed them. The main room was cavernous, with a long bar along one wall, pool tables and dartboards scattered throughout, and a stage at the far end where a pole stood ready for the evening's entertainment. Leather couches and chairs formed conversation pits, most occupied by members of the club and their hangers-on.

The atmosphere was different from the Broken Spoke—more organized, more territorial. This wasn't just a bar; it was the heart of an empire built on violence and controlled chaos. Men moved with purpose, conducting business in hushed tones while women served drinks and provided decoration. The hierarchy was clear in every interaction, every gesture of deference.

"Church in ten," Jax announced to the room at large, referring to the club's formal meeting. Several men nodded, finishing their drinks and detaching themselves from the women draped across their laps. Raven recognized the faces from her surveillance photos—Diesel, the massive sergeant-at-arms with his shaved head and intimidating presence; Viper, the vice president with silver threading his dark hair and a scar bisecting one eyebrow; Ghost, the lean treasurer whose pale complexion matched his moniker; and Hawk, the road captain with Native American features and long black hair pulled back in a braid.

These were dangerous men, killers all, but they moved around Jax with the easy familiarity of soldiers who'd fought together for years. Their loyalty was absolute, their bond forged in blood and shared violence. Raven wondered if she'd ever truly belong here, or if she'd always be the outsider looking in.

Jax turned to her before heading to the meeting. "Wait here. Don't talk to anyone unless they talk to you first. Don't volunteer information. And don't let anyone think you're weak."

Before she could respond, he strode away, disappearing down a hallway marked with signs warning against unauthorized access. Raven stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, feeling exposed and vulnerable. She made her way to the bar, figuring it was better than standing like a statue in the center of attention.

The bartender was a heavily tattooed woman with a shaved head and multiple facial piercings, her arms corded with muscle that spoke of hard living and harder fighting. She eyed Raven suspiciously, taking in the clean clothes and unmarked skin. "What can I get you?"

"Whiskey. Neat." Raven kept her voice steady, projecting confidence she didn't entirely feel.

The woman poured the drink without comment, sliding it across the scarred wood. The whiskey burned as it went down, but Raven welcomed the warmth, the slight dulling of her hyperalert senses.

"You Jax's new toy?" The voice came from beside her, sharp with curiosity and underlying hostility.

Raven turned to find a woman standing there, beautiful in a hard-edged way, with platinum blonde hair and calculating blue eyes. She wore the colors of the club, but with a bottom rocker that read "Property of Viper" instead of a full member patch. Her presence radiated the kind of predatory confidence that came from surviving in a world where women were possessions first, people second.

"I'm not anyone's toy," Raven replied coolly, taking another sip of her drink.

The woman laughed, the sound devoid of humor. "Honey, in this club, every woman belongs to someone. The sooner you figure out your place, the easier your life will be." She extended a manicured hand, rings glinting in the dim light. "I'm Destiny. Viper's old lady."

Raven shook her hand briefly, noting the strength in the grip, the calluses that spoke of work beyond looking pretty. "Raven."

"So what's your story? You don't look like our usual crowd." Destiny's smile was sharp as a blade, her eyes missing nothing as they catalogued Raven's appearance, searching for weaknesses, for angles to exploit.

"I don't have a story," Raven lied smoothly. "Just looking for a change of pace."

"Bullshit." Destiny's voice dropped to a whisper, but her tone remained pleasant, conversational. "Jax doesn't bring random women to the clubhouse unless they're useful. And he sure as hell doesn't call church right after walking in with one. So let's try this again—what makes you special?"

Before Raven could respond, the sound of boots on concrete announced the end of the officers' meeting. The men emerged from the hallway, their faces grim, their body language speaking of serious business discussed and decisions made. Jax's eyes found Raven immediately, scanning her face as if checking for damage.

He approached with measured steps, ignoring Destiny's presence entirely. "How are you settling in?"

"Fine," Raven replied, aware that every word was being listened to, every gesture analyzed by the women and prospects within earshot.

"Good." Jax's hand settled on her lower back, a possessive gesture that sent a clear message to everyone watching. "We're going for a ride. There's something you need to see."

Destiny's smile never wavered, but something cold flickered in her eyes. "Have fun, honey. Try not to get yourself killed on your first day."

As Raven followed Jax toward the exit, she felt the weight of hostile stares boring into her back. She'd passed the first test simply by surviving the introduction, but she knew this was only the beginning. The real challenges lay ahead, and failure wasn't an option.

Outside, the California sun beat down mercilessly as Jax led her to a row of motorcycles parked with military precision. He handed her a helmet, his expression serious. "Ever been on a bike before?"

"A few times," she admitted, remembering the boyfriend in college who'd owned a Yamaha, the terrifying thrill of speed and vulnerability.

"This is different. These roads, this speed—it's not a game. You hold on tight, you lean when I lean, and you trust me completely. Can you do that?"

Raven met his gaze, seeing something vulnerable beneath the hardened exterior. "Yes."

He nodded, swinging his leg over the massive Harley. She climbed on behind him, wrapping her arms around his torso, feeling the solid warmth of muscle beneath the leather vest. The engine roared to life, vibrating through her bones, and then they were moving, racing through the industrial district toward whatever revelation awaited her.

The wind tore at her hair, whipped away her fears, and for a moment, Raven allowed herself to feel alive in a way she hadn't since before prison, since before her world had collapsed. Whatever came next, at least she was moving forward instead of drowning in the past.