More Than Miles © Autumn Jones Lake 2016 All rights reserved
More Than Miles (Lost Kings MC #6)
ISBN# 978-1-943950-03-4
Edited by: Vanessa Bridges, PREMA
Edited by: Tricia Harden and Jessica Descent
Proofreading by: Sue Banner
Cover Design by Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations www.okaycreations.com
Image by: Wander Aguiar
Cover Model: Jacob Rodney
Formatted by: Stacey Blake, Champagne Formats
No Part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written consent of the publisher and author, except in the instance of quotes for reviews. No part of this book may be uploaded without the permission of the publisher and author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is originally published. No part of this book may be translated into any other language without permission of the author.
More Than Miles and the Lost Kings MC series are works of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, actual events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters and names are products of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
The publisher and author acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book.
Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. The only places to legally download Autumn’s books are Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
This is an original work of fiction by Autumn Jones Lake. Published by Ahead of the Pack, LLC.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
About the Book
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Glossary
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Chapter Sixty
Epilogue
Notes From the Author
Also by Autumn Jones Lake
Author Bio
Vexed
About More Than Miles (Lost Kings MC #6)
by Autumn Jones Lake
Blake “Murphy” O’Callaghan, Road Captain of the Lost Kings MC, has the world by the balls. Money. Women. The wide-open road. It’s all his, everything he wants…except the one girl he loves, the one girl who’s off limits. His best friend’s little sister, Heidi.
Abandoned by her mother when she was only eight, Heidi Whelan’s familiar with heartbreak. Especially the heartbreak of falling in love with her big brother’s best friend. When Murphy pushed her away, it broke her heart. Now, on her eighteenth birthday, he claims he loves her? Growing up around the Lost Kings MC, Heidi’s witnessed his manwhoring ways. He’ll never give that up for her. Besides, he’s too late: Heidi’s in love with her high-school boyfriend Axel.
Axel Ryan loves two things—motorcycles and Heidi. He signed up to be a prospect for the Lost Kings MC because it seemed like a fun way to get closer to her. Now that he’s gotten a taste of MC life, he’s not so sure this is where he belongs. He’s confident Heidi shares his dreams for the future, so even if he chooses another road, their relationship will survive the detour.
With more than miles between them, will the deceptions they’ve lived with for so long be too much to overcome? Can Murphy convince Heidi that the hard roads they’ve traveled will lead to the most beautiful destination of all, or is he destined to ride the open road alone?
The number of people who need to be thanked for making More Than Miles come to life might be longer than the actual book! I hope I don’t forget anyone, but if I do it’s not that I don’t appreciate you.
First, thank you to my readers. Your love of my characters continued support, and eagerness for each new book continues to amaze me. As a life-long reader, I know how many choices you have when you pick up a book. That you choose to read—sometimes re-read—my stories is beyond flattering. Thank you.
My critique partners, Cara Connelly, Kari W. Cole, and Virginia Frost. I don’t think I thank you enough for all of your support, encouragement, and help. You make Wednesday my favorite day of the week.
K.A. Mitchell, my friend, and mentor. You’re one of my favorite people in the whole world. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do to help me become a better writer.
Lili Saint Germain, thank you for your cover advice and helping me focus on the why.
Angi J., Amanda, Brandy, Chris, Clarisse, Elizabeth, Iveta, Tamra, and Shelly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me for another Lost Kings book. Andrea F., thanks for jumping in for Murphy’s book!
Vanessa Bridges, my patient editor, thank you again for your dedication to helping me refine and shape Murphy’s story. Thank you for continuing to go beyond what’s required. Even if I’m a little prickly at first, your advice and guidance is always appreciated.
Lisa Miller, thank you for helping me with my research and allowing me to pick your brain. Also, thank you for taking the time to create the More Than Miles playlist for me on Spotify!
Johnnie-Marie, Tanya S., and Terra, thank you for the time you spend promoting my books. Elizabeth, thank you for “getting me” and shouting your love of LOKI from the rooftops.
My Lost Kings MC Ladies Facebook group, thank you for being there. Thanks for loving LOKI so much and laughing at my Mr. Lake stories.
Iza thank you for your continued #WrathLove and all the hot, bearded man photos.
Thank you to my readers old and new that I’ve met this year. It’s been wonderful getting to know you. If you see me at a signing, don’t be afraid to say hello—I’m more scare
d of you, than you are of me!
Ah, and finally, my own personal romance hero, Mr. Lake. My fiercest supporter, who is always ready to kick the ass of anyone who sneers at romance writers.
To Bub. It isn’t the same without you.
Glossary
I first used a glossary in the Road to Royalty Limited Edition boxed set and again in Tattered on My Sleeve and White Heat. I’ve made a few small updates and changes here. If you’re new to the Lost Kings MC series, this is a good place to start!
The Lost Kings MC Organizational Structure
President: Rochlan “Rock” North. Leader of the Upstate NY charter of the Lost Kings MC. His word is law within the club. He takes advice from senior club members. He is the public “face” of the MC. Much to his annoyance, Rock is seen as the “father figure” in the club, especially by the younger members.
Sergeant-at-Arms: Wyatt “Wrath” Ramsey. Responsible for the security of the club. Keeps order at club events. Responsible for the safety and protection of the president, the club, its members and its women. Disciplines club members who violate the rules. Keeps track of club by-laws. In charge of the club’s weapons and weapons training. Will challenge Rock when he deems it necessary. Outside of the MC, Wrath owns a gym, Furious Fitness. He is experienced in underground MMA style fighting.
Vice President: Angus “Zero” or “Z” Frazier. In most clubs, I think the VP would be considered the second-in-command. In mine, I see the VP and SAA as being on equal footing within the club. Carries out the orders of the President. Communicates with other chapters of the club. Assumes the responsibilities of the President in his absence. Keeps records of club patches and colors issued. Z also co-manages the MC’s strip club, Crystal Ball.
Treasurer: Marcel “Teller” Whelan. Keeps records of income, expenses and investments.
Road Captain: Blake “Murphy” O’Callaghan. Responsible for researching, planning and organizing club runs. Responsible for obtaining and maintaining club vehicles.
Prospect: A prospect is someone who has stated a clear intention of being a full patch member of the Lost Kings MC. The Lost Kings vet their prospects for two or more years. To vote a prospect in as a full patch member, the vote must be unanimous. Not all prospects will become full patch members. Some will realize the club is not for them. For others, the club will realize that the prospect is not a good fit for the club. Prospects are expected to show respect to all full patch members and do whatever is asked of them.
The Lost Kings MC has three prospects that we’ve seen so far. Hoot and Birch have been around since Slow Burn (Lost Kings MC #1). We first met Axel Ryan in Corrupting Cinderella (Lost Kings MC #2) and got to know him better in Three Kings, One Night (Lost Kings MC #2.5) and Strength From Loyalty (Lost Kings MC #3). He is a main character in More Than Miles (Lost Kings MC #6).
Other members
Cronin “Sparky” Petek: Sparky is the mad genius behind the Lost Kings MC’s pot-growing business. He is rarely seen outside of the basement, as he prefers the company of his plants.
Elias “Bricks” Serrano: We saw Bricks and his girlfriend Winter in Slow Burn and Corrupting Cinderella. One of the few members who does not live at the clubhouse, he performs a lot of general tasks for the club.
Dixon “Dex” Watts: We’ve also seen Dex throughout the series and gotten to know him better in Strength From Loyalty (Lost Kings MC #3). He co-manages Crystal Ball.
Sam “Stash” Black: Lives in the basement with Sparky and helps with the plants. We got to know him a little bit in Tattered on My Sleeve (Lost Kings MC #4). Otherwise, we’re not really sure what he’s up to downstairs.
Thomas “Ravage” Kane: We got to know him a little better in Tattered on My Sleeve. Ravage is a general member who helps out wherever he is needed.
The Lost Kings MC Ladies
Hope Kendall, Esq.: Nick-named First Lady by Murphy in Corrupting Cinderella (Lost Kings MC #2), Hope is the object of Rock’s love and obsession. Their epic love story spans four books; Slow Burn, Corrupting Cinderella, Strength From Loyalty, and White Heat.
Trinity Hurst: Caretaker of the Lost Kings MC clubhouse and the brothers. She and Wrath have a long, tattered love story full of lust, fury, and forgiveness in Tattered on My Sleeve (Lost Kings MC #4). She and Wrath are also featured in White Heat (Lost Kings MC #5).
Heidi Whelan: Teller’s little sister. You have seen glimpses of Heidi through Corrupting Cinderella, Strength From Loyalty, Tattered on My Sleeve, and White Heat. She is also featured in a short story in Three Kings, One Night (Lost Kings MC #2.5).
Lilly Volkov: One of Hope’s best friends and frequent “booty call” of Z. You’ve met her in Slow Burn, Corrupting Cinderella, Strength From Loyalty, Tattered on My Sleeve, White Heat and two short stories, “Z and Lilly” in Three Kings, One Night and “Infatuated” from the Pink: Hot ‘n Sexy for a Cure anthology. She will be featured in Zero Tolerance (Lost Kings MC #8).
Mara Oak: Friend of Hope. Also an attorney. She’s appeared in Slow Burn, Corrupting Cinderella, Strength From Loyalty, Tattered on My Sleeve, and White Heat. She’s married to Empire city court judge, Damon Oak. Their story, Objection, will be available soon.
Lost Kings MC Terminology
Crystal Ball – The strip club owned by the Lost Kings MC and one of their legitimate businesses. They often refer to it as “CB.”
“Conference Center” – The clubhouse of the Lost Kings MC. It was previously used as a high-end religious retreat and is sometimes still jokingly referred to as the “Conference Center” or “Hippie Compound.”
Empire – The fictional city in Upstate NY, run by the Lost Kings.
Furious Fitness—The gym Wrath owns, often just referred to as “Furious.”
Green Street Crew – Street gang the Lost Kings do business with. Often referred to as “GSC.” “Loco” is their leader and frequent nuisance to Rock.
LOKI – Short for Lost Kings.
Vipers MC – Rival and frequent enemy MC. Runs Ironworks which borders the Lost Kings’ territory. Their president Ransom and his SAA Killa appeared in Tattered on My Sleeve and White Heat.
Wolf Knights MC – Rival and sometimes ally of the Lost Kings. Their president Ulfric appeared in Slow Burn. Their SAA Whisper is a partner in Wrath’s gym and appeared in Tattered on My Sleeve as well as Slow Burn. Actions taken by the Wolf Knights have seriously impacted the Lost Kings in recent times.
Other MC Terminology
Most terminology was obtained through research. However, I have also used some artistic license in applying these terms to my romanticized, fictional version of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club.
Cage – A car, truck, van, basically anything other than a motorcycle.
Church – Club meetings all full patch members must attend. Led by the President of the club, but officers will update the members on the areas they oversee.
Citizen – Anyone not a hardcore biker or belonging to an outlaw club. “Citizen Wife” would refer to a spouse kept entirely separate from the club.
Cut – Leather vest worn by outlaw bikers. Adorned with patches and artwork displaying the club’s unique colors. The Lost Kings’ colors are blue and gray. Their logo is a skull with a crown.
Colors – The “uniform” of an outlaw motorcycle gang. A leather vest, with the three-piece club patch on the back, and various other patches relating to their role in the club. Colors belong to the club, and are held sacred by all members.
Dressers – Slang for a motorcycle “dressed up” with hard saddle bags and other accessories. It’s designed for long-distance riding.
Fly Colors – To ride on a motorcycle wearing colors.
Mother Chapter – First chapter of the club.
Muffler Bunny – Club girl, who hangs around to provide sexual favors to members.
Nomad – A club member who does not belong to any specific charter, yet has privileges in all charters. Nomads go anywhere to take care of business usually at the request of the club pres
ident.
Old Lady/Ol’ Lady – Wife or steady girlfriend of a club member. Has nothing to do with her age.
Patched In – When a new member is approved for full membership.
Patch Holder – A member who has been vetted through performing duties for the club as a prospect or probate and has earned his three-piece patch.
Prospect – A prospective member of the club. The club needs to unanimously vote him in to become a full member.
Property Patch – When a member takes a woman as his Old Lady (wife status), he gives her a vest with a property patch. In my series, the vest has a “Property of Lost Kings MC” patch and the member’s road name on the back. The officers also place their patches on the ol’ lady’s vest as a sign they have agreed to always have her back. Her man’s patch or club symbol is placed over the heart.
Road Name – Nickname. Usually given by the other members.
RUB: Slang for Rich Urban Biker. A term generally used by real bikers to describe a person who rides an expensive motorcycle on weekends, and never very far. A poser.
Run – A club sanctioned outing sometimes with other chapters and/or clubs. Can also refer to a club business run.