The Gray

By Brandi Fox

Nikki Davenport ran away from the only life she knew 15 years ago. She created a life for herself that felt like the right choice. Her life was steady and established, everything was going according to her plan. Until her past collided with her present in the form of Christian Devoux. When Nikki see's Christian for the first time in 15 years, now the president of her dad's motorcycle club, she knows the monsters are back and they want something.

Nikki will need to decide if she can walk in the gray or if she has to run again. In either case, Christian will not make her decision easy.

*This is for mature audiences only. This book is edgy, raw, and a little dark. This story may not be for everyone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brandi Fox
• Release date: Jan 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224170753

Brandi Fox

Hi! I am sure you all noticed I have not posted any social media or website on my profile. WORRY NOT, I am in the process of starting an Instagram dedicated to book reviews and my own books. The website on the other hand, will have to wait until I gain a bigger following. But enough about business, lets talk about me! Currently, I am dedicating my time to my 3 kids, my book and writing, as well as getting my "sea legs" in book reviewing. Four years ago I started community college to get my AS in Administration of Criminal Justice. As of a few months ago, I finished my schooling and received my degree. During that time I started writing Unstoppable. Please keep in mind, I am not a writer by any means. While reading my book you will notice punctuation is an issue or even some spelling errors in Scarlette's name. I started writing out of nowhere! Scarlette and Kane's story formed and I felt compelled to write it. I had no intention of finishing this story, nor actually publishing it! In the end, I really hope everyone who reads Unstoppable enjoys it, takes something away from it, and falls in love with the characters as much as I did. Thanks guys! - Brandi Fox

Book preview

Chapter One

Do you understand why we don’t choose a side Monster? Why we walk in between both worlds? My dad’s question floats through my mind as I sit here, listening to a husband and wife argue over who is entitled to what in their divorce. These people are disgusting. They are fighting over money, cars, a house, and even a dog. But neither of them have brought up their two children. They can care less about what happens to the kids, unless they come with a price tag.

We own our place and accept that we are not entirely good people. We accept that we are the rogues in this world and we are not pretending to be anything else. The people who think they are righteous are the very one’s that hide behind a mask. We expose them and rip that veneer away with pleasure. That's who we are. My dad’s answer whispers to me, guiding me through how to handle these two people in front of me.

This is all your fault David and you should pay for everything! Man up and take responsibility for once!, the wife yells at her husband. They really shouldn’t be speaking directly to each other during mediation, but I am allowing it to gauge them. So far, the wife seems to be the controlling one, yet she claims he controlled her throughout the marriage. The husband on the other hand looks defeated and beaten down. Now I know how I am going to take control of this situation.

Before the wife can speak any further, I lean my elbows on the desk in front of me. With my movement, the wife and husband direct their attention to me. The husband looks a little frightened, while the wife squares her shoulders.

This is why I should be granted everything I am requesting. He has to be in charge of my life and I want none of that anymore. He is free to live his own life and find someone else to control.

I watch her, while staying silent. It’s a tactic I use on people to make them uncomfortable. It shows them that I am in control and they are not. People typically cannot handle silence for many different reasons. The wife in particular can’t stand it because she needs affirmation that she is valid in her feelings and words. I won’t be giving her that satisfaction.

She starts shifting her legs and touching her jewelry. She has cleared her throat several times, attempting to dislodge the anxiety that's choking her. I cut my eyes to the husband and he seems confused about what’s happening. I am sure he hasn't heard silence from her in years.

We rip away their veneer. Yeah, we do. Time for me to do that with this couple.

Leaning back in my chair, I direct my focus back on the wife. What about the kids? You haven't mentioned them the last hour you have been speaking. You mentioned in your declaration you want full custody of them and child support.

Her eyes widen a fraction, before she regains her composure. Smiling sweetly, she says Well, of course. They should stay with me, I am their mother. David will need to compensate me for raising them. That's how it works. I deserve that after everything I have done for his kids.

White hot rage shoots through my veins. Her words show just how little she gives a damn about the kids. I take a couple seconds to breathe through my anger. Before I can say anything, David shocks me by speaking up.

No Carol, they should be with me. You are never home to spend time with them and they would rather be with me. His voice wavers, but I can hear the undertone of conviction. He has not argued with her about a whole lot, until this moment. He clearly cares about the kids and feels they are worth fighting for.

Carol scoffs. That is ridiculous! How dare you question my parenting. You will never see your kids again if I have any say. She smiles while directing this to David. That smile shows me how rotten this lady’s soul is. Greed can rot a person's soul into a cavity, something that smells and reeks of bad shit. That is Carol's perfume.. Greed.

Time to rip this bitch to shreds.

Carol, I say with authority in my voice. Her head snaps around quickly. Her face shows indignation, but her eyes show me fear. This is how this issue is going to be resolved. If you do not agree to this, I will make sure the judge has my recommendation that is not favorable to you in any way. My voice is even, but brookes no argument. It’s my eyes and face that drive the point home. I’ve learned alot about how to speak to people without having to say a word. These lessons were taught to me from my past life.

Carol’s mouth opens and closes a few times. She is attempting to regain her control, but not finding the words to say. David looks downright shocked.

Finally, Carol finds the words. You cannot speak to me that way. How dare you tell me what to do and threaten me. Who the hell do you think you are?

My lip twitches as a smile tries to fight its way onto my face. Leaning back on my elbows, staring intently into Carol's black eyes, I say, My name is Nikki Davenport and I see right through you. I allow my smile to grace my face after seeing her eyes widen in fear, and the look of utter disbelief contorts her face.

I look at David to gauge his reaction, but all I see is the same look. Poor guy has never had someone in his corner until now. Sad.

Carol, you are going to agree with David having full custody of the kids and weekend visits, if the kids want. David will not ask for child support. I look at David for confirmation. He nods his head. You will accept alimony in the amount I request. Carol opens her mouth to argue, but I cut her off with a look. You will get half of the sale of the house and any furniture that is currently there. You will keep your car and David will keep his. David continues to nod his head, but Carol looks about ready to break into tears. Do we have an understanding Carol?

Then it happens, the deflation. Carol bows her head and her shoulders slump inward. I watch in pure enjoyment as all her control bleeds out of her. I allow that feeling to swirl inside me, to feed the monster I keep locked away.

Yes, we have an understanding. She whispers.

I look at David. His eyes are big and round in shock while he stares at Carol. He then looks at me and gives me a smile. I can see his eyes misting over, but I look away before he realizes that fact.

––––––––

After wrapping up with David and Carol, I head back to my office. Taking a seat, I allow the interaction to unfold mentally. Carol will go on to find another man like David, but she will need to lick her wounds for a while before she does. David will be rid of her and thankfully, so will the kids. I can’t imagine Carol wanting to be involved in the kids’ lives. At least David will have peace.

People like Carol believe they are the big bad wolves, blowing everyone’s house down and reaping the benefits. When in reality, they are the little pigs pretending to be the wolf. It takes the real big bad wolf to step in to bring that reality back into focus.

In my life I am the wolf. It has been that way for years, that I forget my own logic. Little did I know that all it takes is one man to bring that reminder crashing down on me.

Chapter Two

It’s Friday when my past and present collide. It all happened while I was having lunch, reading a book.

Stephanie, my assistant, walks into my office as I am finishing the last of my salad. Looking at her, I see her beautiful face flushed and a goofy smile stretching her mouth. Curious, I lift an eyebrow.

Wow. What has you all hot and bothered? I ask.

She starts fanning herself with her hand. Girl, there is a drop dead gorgeous, hunk of a man here looking for you. He is all bad boy and wrong doings bundled into one. She places her hand on her forehead.

I laugh at her description. Hmm. I wasn’t expecting anyone for the rest of the day. Are you sure he is here to see me? The wheels in my mind start slowly turning.

Yeah, he asked for you. He didn’t say he had an appointment, but he said he was family. As Stephanie places her hand on her hip, to prepare to give me a proper scolding, my mind thinks the worst. No, it can’t be. Girl, we have been working with each other for years and established a friendship. Why didn't you tell me you had an actual Jax Teller in your family?! I should slap you silly for keeping that man to yourself.

All the blood drains out of my face. Sweat starts dotting my skin as memories long suppressed come flooding back. A man with long, dirty blonde hair and hard piercing green eyes flash in my mind's eye.

You can’t fucking leave us Nikole. You can’t abandon your family because you are hurt and angry. Big hands grip my shoulders tightly and those green eyes that have seen too much, drill a hole through me. Those eyes are pleading with me now, misting over in desperation. Please don’t leave me. You’re all I got in this life that brings me balance. Without you, I got nothing to tether me. Then those eyes widened with shock and hurt from my words in response to his pleading. The cruel words that spat out of me like venom to the very person I never wanted to hurt. Those eyes turned dead that day and a little piece of my soul was corrupted. Fine. Fucking leave and never look back. Leaning in close to drive the point home, he finishes the final blow. You're dead to me and this club. Fuck off.

The memory fades as a snapping noise gets closer to me. Nikki. What’s wrong with you? Stephanie is snapping her fingers in my face and forcing a water bottle in my hand. I take the water gratefully, swallowing mouthfuls of it.

This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening!

Years have passed without any contact or run-ins with the club. Why now? What do they want?

Nikki, what is going on? Is this guy really family or are you in some kind of trouble? Stephanie asks. I look into her eyes and see worry.

No trouble. I respond. He is family. Kind of.

Stephanie’s eyebrows pinch together. Do you want me to tell him you are not here?

I laugh a little. If only it was that easy. That wouldn’t work. You've been in here too long. He will know I told you to say that. I exhale a long breath. Go ahead and send him in. Looking back at Stephanie, I add, Do not answer any of his questions. None. Think of all his questions as phishing and could be held against me.

Ok, what the hell is really going on? You're starting to make me nervous.

I shake my head. I will explain everything after I find out what the hell he wants.

Stephanie looks at me for a few minutes before walking towards my door. She looks back at me before walking out. I give her a reassuring smile and she walks back towards the waiting area.

I use this time to do some breathing exercises and regain my composure. This is my world and I am in control. He can’t do anything here.

Heavy boots can be heard walking down the hall, towards my office. I can hear the sound of a chain rattle as well. The confident gait tells me alot about the man who will shortly be in front of me.

That man walks into my office and dominates the whole space. The aura surrounding him is different than 15 years ago. He is no longer the soldier that wasn’t fully consumed by the bad, he is the bad. His eyes no longer hold a light of hope, but now hold an inferno of power and danger. His face no longer holds the comforting smile that warmed me, but a cold smile that screams danger.

Christian is no longer the man that I remember, but a man that I fear.

I glance down at the flash on his cut and close my eyes in hurt at what it says.

President

Christian has become the reaper himself, fear personified. Pain lances at my heart for the man I remember, that I left behind. Also for the boy I grew up with. The one who used to listen to music with me on the roof of the compound. The one who I used to have deep conversations with me about life and the club lifestyle. The one who I fell in love with despite his choice. That man no longer exists. The man in front of me is all that is left.

Christian’s smile widens as I open my eyes. Bet you never thought you would see my handsome face again. His voice pings around my office and vibrates through me. His blonde hair brushes his shoulders. His laugh lines etch his full mouth. His biceps bulge as he crosses his arms. His green eyes show me the disdain he feels for me.

Inhaling a deep breath through my nose, leather and bike exhaust fill my senses and stir something deep inside me. All of that, mixed with Christians body wash, brings me back to the very thing I left behind.

Get control Nikole. This is your life!

Feeling the resolve settle into my bones, I allow my anger to take the driver seat. This is my life and how dare he barge into it like he belongs.

Looking at Christian, I show all the anger and my own disdain. I was looking forward to never seeing your face again.

A flicker of something passes on his face, but he recovers quickly. Smiling, he tilts his head a little. I forgot how quick you are. His smile widens. And how much of a cold hearted bitch you became.

My lip curls in anger. Why are you here Christian?

He uncurls his arms and starts striding around my office. Looking at all the pictures on the walls. His eyes casually sweep my desk and what's on it. He is taking inventory.

Looking back at me, he states, Still no husband or boyfriend huh? Did you figure out that blue and white collar men are not your speed?

Nope. Just realized that men complicate things. Men have a tendency to barge in and try to run another person’s life. I reply with a direct stare.

Christian steps closer to my desk. I notice he does not seem intent to sit down in the chairs provided. I understand what he is doing. It is an intimidation tactic. With me sitting and him standing, he shows his dominance over me.

Smirking, Christian says, Yeah, we do have that tendency. Do you remember why us men do that? Hmm?

I grind my teeth. To keep their old lady safe.

My answer has Christian smiling wider. That’s right. Tell me the issue with that or does it just go against your independent woman streak you have?

I can feel the blood rushing to my cheeks as my blood pressure goes up. The issue with that Christian, is it’s just an excuse you men feed your old lady’s so they stay in line. It has nothing to do with protecting, but more to do with protecting your fragile egos.

His smile slips a little, before he pulls it back. Whatever you have to tell yourself to convince you otherwise that you're just a miserable bitch that can’t hold onto a man.

My anger snaps like a rubber band breaking. Before I can take back control, I stand up from my desk chair and lean on my desk to get face to face with this asshole.

Fuck you! You're a chauvinistic piece of shit that looks at women like they are property. Maybe that's why you don't have a ring on your finger.

Christians face turns lethal. The shit eating smile morphs into a flat line, while his face and eyes turn to stone. He places his large fists on my desk and leans on them until his face is so close to mine, that I can feel his breath caressing my face. My composure starts to waver at the downright scary person in front of me.

Christian takes his time mapping out my face, before settling back on my eyes. I can see what's coming, but it still hurts when he delivers the blow. Having an old lady is not on my list of fun activities. I had one of them once, but bitch was too jaded to see what she had. Direct hit. Tears start stinging my eyes as I try to fight them back. After that, I never want another one again. She taught me the danger of being exposed and vulnerable to another person. She left me to rot in hell alone, while she went off to find something better. Two tears track down my face, but I refuse to break eye contact with him. As Christian watches the tears fall, something changes in him. His smile comes back, but it's not a nice smile. It's a shark's smile. One that smells blood.

Lightening fast, Christian wraps his hand around my neck. My eyes widen in fear, but I refuse to allow my body to react. I keep my hands firmly where they are and my feet rooted to the spot. He pulls me closer to him until our noses are touching.

I love seeing you cry, Nikole. It shows me you're weak. It also makes your eyes turn the color of whiskey. He applies a little more pressure to my neck. You're a traitor who turned her back on her family because her daddy died. You ran scared because you didn't want to be around the monsters that you blamed for your daddy’s death. A little more pressure around my neck. But now the monsters are back and you don’t have a choice.

My heart is pounding inside my chest and the tears won’t stop now. I try not to think about my dad’s death. I try not to think about how I felt when I heard he died. Christian was there to hold me and comfort me, but I took out my rage on him. I want to fight him on what he said, but I can’t. He isn't entirely wrong.

Christian pulls me closer until his cheek is resting on mine. I can feel his quick breaths in my ear. No matter how fucking much I hate you Nikole, I need something from you.

I try to swallow but I can't. Christian loosens his grip, just enough for me to. Fuck you. I whisper.

His grip gets tighter, cutting off my airway. I curl my hands into a tight fist, resisting the urge to claw at him. I won't give him the satisfaction of a fight. Then I feel his teeth bite sharply on my earlobe. A yelp tries to crawl out of me, but I bite my lip from allowing it out.

Releasing my earlobe, he says, Don’t fucking push me Nikole. With that, he releases my neck and stands to his full height. I take large lungfuls of air, as I hang my head. I hear him walking towards my office door. When I look up, his hand is gripping the door knob and his head is hung. With his back to me, he tells me, Meet me at the compound tonight. You don’t have a choice.

I open my mouth to argue, but he looks at me over his shoulder with a look that stops the words from exiting. "I will hunt you down and