Caleb POVAs we walk back to the bike, Josie chatters endlessly about her plans for the weekend. Her voice is cheerful, bubbly, but my mind is already miles away, back at the clubhouse. Back with Queenie and the baby. Funny how that place, messy and chaotic as it is, feels more like home than anything else right now.“Can I show you something?” she asks suddenly, stopping short and tilting her head at me with a coy smile.I raise an eyebrow, already bracing myself for whatever idea she has. “What?”“Just come with me. I want to show you something I enjoy,” she says, her tone full of mystery.I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Alright,” I mutter. “Let me guess—fashion and beauty? You’ve got a secret boutique full of designer clothes you want to show off?” I quip, adding a wink for good measure.She laughs lightly, shaking her head. “You wish. Come on.”We stop at the bike, and she spins toward me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, here’s the deal. You ride, and I’ll tap your s
QueenieIt’s been a month since Caleb’s disastrous date. The guys still joke about it, their laughter echoing through the clubhouse every time someone brings it up. Even Caleb laughs now, admitting that if it had happened to one of them, he’d be howling just as loudly. Sure, what she did was wrong, but the fact that he left her stranded in the middle of nowhere? That was legendary.But today, there’s no laughter, no jokes to cut through the tension tightening my chest. I’ve spent the entire morning sitting here, my eyes glued to the door of the room they hold church in, waiting for some kind of answer. Waiting for anything. We’re supposed to have the date for King’s plea hearing today. It’s my chance to see him, even if it’s just for a moment. But so far, Big King hasn’t come out, and the silence is suffocating.“He hasn’t told you anything yet, huh?” Rose’s voice breaks through my thoughts, her smile soft but knowing.“No,” I say, shaking my head. My voice is tight, barely more than
CalebLeaving Queenie’s room was harder than I expected. Seeing her fall apart, clutching the baby like he’s the only thing keeping her tethered—it burned in a way I wasn’t prepared for. I wanted to stay, to sit there until the pain faded, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to fix this somehow, even if King wasn’t making it easy.The moment the door clicks shut behind me, I make my way toward the room we have church in, each step feeling heavier than the last. My dad's sitting at his desk when I enter, his phone clutched in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He barely looks up as I step inside, his face hard and lined with exhaustion.“Ya shouldn’t be 'ere, Caleb,” he mutters, taking a long drag.“Don’t start with me,” I snap, slamming the door behind me. “I need to talk to him when he calls.”He exhales a plume of smoke, finally meeting my eyes. “You know he won’t speak to 'er, and ya think he’s goin' to open up to you? Ya got another thin' comin', boy.”“Maybe not, but I’m still going
Caleb POVTomorrow. His plea hearing is tomorrow. That was his last chance to talk to her, to tell her something—anything—to ease the weight she’s carrying. But instead, he says, “I’ll think about it,” knowing full well that after today, he can’t contact her anymore. It’s like he’s given up completely, and it’s gutting to watch.“Told ya, didn’t I?” My dad’s voice cuts through the suffocating silence, sharp and tired as he steps into the room.I turn toward him, my fists clenched, my jaw tight. “He’s acting like he’s never getting out!” I shout, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “Talking about her not waiting for him, about her moving on—what the fuck has happened to him?”I should’ve known. I should’ve known. The signs were there, clear as day, and I ignored them. That first visit—when he refused to let me go and then made sure my name wasn’t even on the list so I couldn’t see him—I should’ve realized something was wrong. He had a plan, and he was keeping it hidden from
QueenieCaleb’s arms around me are steady, grounding, but the storm inside me won’t stop raging. My sobs shake my entire body, and I feel like I’m falling, spiraling into a bottomless pit. Every word Caleb said slices deeper, each one a reminder that King is making a choice—a choice to shut me out, to push me away, to act like we don’t matter.How could he do this? How could he give up on me, on us, on everything we’ve been through together?I pull back slightly, wiping at my tear-streaked face, but the pain doesn’t ease. Caleb’s eyes are heavy with guilt, his hand lingering on my shoulder as if he’s afraid I’ll shatter if he lets go.“How am I supposed to do this, Caleb?” I whisper, my voice raw. “How am I supposed to sit here and watch him throw everything away?”“You’re not supposed to,” he says softly, his voice trembling. “You’re supposed to fight for yourself, for the baby. Even if he’s too stubborn to see it, you’re stronger than this, Queenie.”His words sink into me, but they
Queenie POVFor a moment, I can’t speak, the raw emotion in his voice cutting through my defenses.“Caleb,” I say softly, my tone wavering. “This isn’t your fight.”“Maybe not,” he replies, his voice gentler now. “But I’m making it mine. I promised King I’d look after you, and I’m not breaking that promise. Whether you like it or not, I’m coming with you.”I shake my head, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “You don’t have to do this. I can manage on my own.”“Yeah, I know you can,” he says, stepping closer. “But you don’t have to. Let me help, Queenie. Just this once.”His words hang heavy in the air, and I feel the fight draining out of me. As much as I want to argue, to push him away, I can’t ignore the truth in what he’s saying. I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, and terrified of what’s to come.Finally, I exhale, my shoulders slumping. “Fine,” I mutter, avoiding his eyes. “But only because I don’t want to argue anymore.”A small smile tugs at his lips, but he doesn’t gloat. “Good
QueenieThe mornings at the cabin are quiet. Too quiet sometimes. The soft rustling of leaves outside, the occasional chirp of birds, and the hum of the kettle are all I hear. It’s been two months since I left the clubhouse, and though the peace was what I craved, the silence sometimes feels oppressive. Caleb’s around, always helpful and steady, but the weight of what’s happened lingers in the air like an unwelcome guest.King pleaded guilty. Manslaughter. He took the deal. We’re waiting for sentencing now, and each passing day without hearing from him only solidifies what Caleb told me: King doesn’t want me waiting. He made that abundantly clear when he refused to take my calls or even send a single message. I've tried to write to him, and each letter was returned, every single one returned, unread. It’s like he’s trying to erase himself from my life, but the ghost of him haunts me anyway.The days have fallen into a routine. Three days a week, I’m back at the college teaching. It’s
CalebMovie nights have become a thing—something Queenie and I never talked about but just fell into. Every Friday, after baby Caleb is tucked in, we settle on the worn couch in the cabin’s small living room with whatever snacks we’ve managed to scrounge up. Doc has left now and tonight, it’s popcorn, some leftover cookies Queenie baked earlier in the week, and a couple of beers for me.Queenie’s curled up on the other end of the couch, her legs tucked under her as she scrolls through the movie options. “What about this one?” she asks, holding up the remote. “It’s supposed to be a tearjerker.”I groan. “No way. I’m not sitting through two hours of people crying.”“You cried during that war movie last week,” she shoots back with a smirk.“That was different,” I mutter, crossing my arms. “That was emotional.”She laughs, the sound light and unguarded, and for a moment, it feels like we’re just two friends hanging out. Not two people trying to rebuild their lives from the rubble of every
Caleb’s POVThe roar of the bikes fills the air as we pull up to the clubhouse. It’s been months since the twins were born, and life hasn’t slowed down for a second. I park my bike and glance over at King, who’s smirking like he’s already a step ahead of me. He probably is. He’s been in a good place lately—focused, lighter even. It’s strange to see after everything, but I can’t complain. He’s my brother, and for the first time in years, it feels like we’re truly in sync.The twins have turned our world upside down in the best way. Queenie’s been handling everything like a pro, balancing the chaos of our family with the chaos of club life. Baby Caleb is toddling around like he owns the place, and the twins, Ruby and Daisy, are always keeping us on our toes. Life is full, and though it’s overwhelming sometimes, it’s everything I didn’t know I wanted.I step off my bike and stretch. King does the same, then glances at me with a grin. “Ready for today?”“Yeah,” I reply, though my voice fe
King’s POVIt’s been two months since we found out Queenie was having girls—twins. Two months of chaos, laughter, and a whole lot of learnin'. Sittin' on the clubhouse steps with a cup of coffee in my hand, I let my thoughts drift. Life feels different now. Better, maybe. Calmer. Though “calm” isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe this club or my family.I’ve been spendin' more time with Kian. It’s something I should’ve done years ago but never did. I was too wrapped up in myself, in the club, in provin' I was the best choice for Prez. Kian was always just the kid in the background. Now, I see him for who he is—a sharp, thoughtful kid with a wicked sense of humor. He’s not a biker, not in the traditional sense, but he’s found his place here. He’s good with numbers, helping with the financial side of things, and he’s got this way of readin' people that reminds me of his mom.He’s been givin' me shit lately, though. “Finally realized I exist, huh?” he joked a few weeks ago when I i
Queenie’s POVSix months. It feels like a lifetime ago and yet just yesterday that everything changed. Lying here waiting for the woman to do the scan, I watch King and Caleb as they stand together. The sight makes my heart swell in a way I never thought possible. They’re so in sync now, their bond stronger than it’s ever been, and it’s a relief to see the tension that once lingered between them completely gone.King laughs at something Caleb says, and it’s such a genuine, carefree sound that I find myself smiling too. I still can’t believe how far he’s come. The darkness that used to grip him so tightly seems to have loosened its hold. It’s not gone entirely—I doubt it ever will be—but it’s no longer the thing that defines him. He’s lighter now, freer, and seeing him like this makes me love him even more.We’ve been staying at the club more than the cabin these past few months, something I never thought I’d be okay with. When King first suggested splitting our time between here and t
CalebShe’s a menace. A complete and utter menace. But God help me, I can’t resist her, not when she’s looking at me like that. The way she bites her lip and presses against me, whispering my name like it’s a plea and a command all at once—I’m a goner.Her lips are on mine, hot and demanding, and my hands move instinctively, sliding over her to feel the warmth of her skin. She’s soft, all curves and fire, and I’m reminded just how good it feels to have her like this. Like she’s mine. Like there’s no one else in the world.“Queenie,” I murmur against her mouth, trying to find some semblance of control. My hands tighten on her waist, holding her still as she grinds against me, her body determined to undo whatever resolve I have left. “We’re going to be late for everything, you know that, right?”Her laugh is breathless, filled with mischief. “Worth it,” she says again, her voice low and teasing, and it’s all the encouragement I need.Flipping her onto her back, I pin her beneath me, my
Queenie POVI wake up wedged between Caleb and King, feeling the weight of yesterday pressing on my chest. My mind replays everything in vivid detail, questioning every moment. If I hadn’t fought, would Delcote have still searched me? Or was it all just a punishment for not complying? He left me with my phone, almost as if he wanted me to panic.Then there’s the question of whether kicking his seat and enraging him had been a smart move. Sure, it made him stop, and that gave them the chance to find me—but did I escalate things? My thoughts spiral until I glance over to Caleb Jr.’s crib and notice it’s empty. My heart skips a beat as I sit up in a panic.“Rose and Maz have 'im,” King mutters groggily beside me. His voice is thick with sleep, and he doesn’t even open his eyes. “He woke up around half six, wanted to play, so they took him.”Relief washes over me as I let out a long breath and flop back down beside him.“How are ya feeling?” he asks quietly, turning his head to look at me
King’s POVAs we leave the hospital, the nurse hands me a printout of the ultrasound. The blurry black-and-white image of two tiny figures takes my breath away. Twins. I stare at it for a moment, the reality sinkin' in. This wasn’t how I imagined gettin' 'er checked would go, but here we are. Sliding the picture into my jacket pocket, I pull out my phone and shoot a quick message to Rose, askin' 'er to grab the portable crib and a bag of essentials from the cabin. “We’re stayin' at the club tonight,” I explain to Caleb and Queenie, who both nod in agreement.The ride back feels heavier, quieter, as if we’re all lost in our thoughts. Queenie holds onto Caleb, her grip tighter than usual, while I keep glancin' over to make sure she’s okay. The wind whips around us, but the silence between us speaks louder than anything.When we finally arrive at the club, the warm light spillin' from the windows feels oddly comfortin'. The moment we walk through the doors, Queenie makes a beeline for ba
Caleb’s POVAs we step out of the club, Honey’s voice cuts through the cool night air. “Why is Delcote back in town?” she asks, her casual tone sharp against the tension bubbling inside me. She leans casually against her car, her eyes narrowing as she looks at us. “I saw his car near the college earlier today.”Her words feel like a punch to the gut. I stop dead in my tracks, turning to meet King’s gaze. His expression mirrors mine—panic mixed with raw anger. His fists clench at his sides as his jaw tightens.“What did ya just say?” King growls, his voice low and dangerous.Honey raises an eyebrow, sensing the change in the air. “I saw his car near the campus,” she repeats slowly, looking between us. “What’s going on?”Before either of us can answer, Dad stops behind us, his voice booming as he barks orders. “Rose! Maz!” he calls out and I see them coming to the door. “Keep the baby with you. Don’t leave the club for anythin'. Got it?”Rose’s arms tighten around baby Caleb instinctive
Queenie’s POVThe end of the workday couldn’t come fast enough. I step outside, shivering as the cool air nips at my skin. My eyes scan the parking lot, but there’s no sign of King’s bike or Caleb’s. My brows furrow in confusion. They said they’d pick me up—didn’t they?I wait a few minutes, pacing slightly, trying to keep warm. Pulling out my phone, I dial Caleb first. No answer. I try King next, but it goes straight to voicemail. A frustrated sigh escapes me, and I glance up and down the street. No way am I waiting. I begin walking, deciding it will be quicker than waiting if they have totally forgotten me.The walk home feels longer than it should. My feet ache from a long shift, and the chill in the air creeps through my jacket. I forgot my purse at home this morning, so no money for a taxi or bus. Just me and the quiet streets.The faint sound of an engine behind me draws my attention. I glance back, squinting under the dim glow of a streetlamp. A patrol car slows, rolling up bes
King POV“I don’t want it,” Caleb mutters after a beat, his voice low but firm. Everyone stares at him, stunned. “I didn’t bring up that shit to get a shot at taking over. Right now, I don’t want it. I don’t want to be stuck here constantly, not when Queenie…” He trails off, realizin' he’s said too much.“Not when Queenie what?” Ink’s sharp tone cuts through the tension like a knife.Caleb sighs heavily, his hands runnin' through his hair. “Not when things are finally settlin' down. I don’t want to be tied 'ere and have 'er back at the cabin, never seein' each other.”Dad’s expression hardens. “Then why the fuck bring it up if ya didn’t want to take over?”I groan, hatin' the way this is spiraling. “He didn’t bring it up to take over,” I snap, tryin' to shield Caleb from the risin' tension. “He told Queenie, and Queenie told me. I asked him about it—he wasn’t plannin' on makin' it public.”My dad glares at both of us, frustration clear.Before he can argue I talk again. “Even if he di