The character King and others do speak in slang. These are not grammar/spelling mistakes. Throwing my bags in the car I get in and begin to drive home. I hate that my phone is so low. I need some sort of noise to distract and silence my mind.There's nothing, though, and the sound of the car doesn't make much difference either. I know what I am about to go home to, and I'm not looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to anything right now in my life.When I married at seventeen, my parents said we were the perfect couple—well-suited and amazing. My brother told me I was a fool, and I now wonder if he was right.You see, my mother prepared and taught me to be the perfect housewife. She wanted me to marry a good man, someone with standing within the community, and she succeeded. Being seventeen, I didn't realise what was going on; I just relished the attention he gave me.Me sixteen, him thirty. I saw nothing wrong with it as my parents welcomed him with open arms and introduced
MazikenI walk through the house and find Edward in the living room. He’s sat back on the chair, so I walk towards him.“How about this year, we go out for our anniversary?” he asks, and I stand shocked. That’s different and not expected. I nod and lean over him, kissing his lips and smiling against him.Grasping his hand, I move it to my head, hoping that he will tangle his fingers into my hair, only he doesn’t. He gently holds my head like I’m a weak, fragile doll. Climbing onto the chair with him, I kiss him more fiercely.My hand slips between my legs, and I begin to play.“Stop!” Edward’s shout has me jumping. “Don’t do that. You’re not a fucking horny teenager or some whore,” his words lash at me hard, and I nod.All I want is something, but even I know it’s not going to happen.“I’m showering,” he says as he moves me off him and walks out. I wait and then follow. Stepping into the bathroom, I strip and go to step into the shower.“What are you doing, Mazikeen!” His words are sh
Mazikeen POVThe last few days have been weird; King has ensured he has the seat directly opposite me. Of all the places he could sit, he sits there.I’ve tried to avoid looking at him, but it’s hard with him so close. Many of the professors complain about him and say he shouldn’t be here.If there is one thing I have learned about King this week, it is that he is smart. He flirts like hell with me slyly, but he belongs here. Every day, when he comes into class, he takes that seat and smiles at me. After class, he lingers for a while, making an excuse to talk to me.When he does, he leans in close.“Mazikeen!” Edward’s voice snaps me out of my daydream. “What has got into you this week? Your ring will be ready for collection in about a week. It was fixed,” he says.“Thank you, Edward. I’m sorry for zoning out,” I smile at him. We had food in a restaurant and are now sitting in a quiet bar. It’s different from how we usually spend our anniversaries, but something tells me tonight will
MazikeenWe get into the bar, and he lifts me onto the stool, his body staying closer to mine.“What ya havin’?” He looks at me.“Wine,” my word makes him laugh, as does the guy behind the bar.“Fuck sake Babe, I get ya a professor, but na, ya ain’t drinkin’ that shit,” he says before turning to the guy behind the bar. “Pops give us two of ya finest, this one needs a real drink,” he points towards me.“King, I was fine with wine,” I argue.“Ya favourite drink Miss?” He leans in closer. “That why?”“No, but it’s the only thing I drink or ever have,” I explain. His eyes widen.“Babe, are ya sayin’ you only ever tasted wine and never got fuckin’ drunk?” He laughs loudly.“Do I look like someone who goes out drinking and getting drunk?” I ask.“Na, but we’re so poppin’ that cherry t’night.” He turns to Pops as he calls him. “Two shots, ya favourite ones please, Pops,” King calls, and my eyes widen.“King,” I say.“Pops, measure it out, I’ll mix it,” King smirks at me. Pops walks back and
Mazikeen POVKing stops the bike next to my car, and I climb off while looking at him.“Look, I’m sorry for what I said. I warned you I wasn’t fun and that I’m a good person,” I explain.“You can be a good girl, Miss and see the truth in things like bike clubs,” King states.“It’s hard, King. I’ve lived an entire life being taught what is right and wrong, and while I know it’s innocent, there’s always that voice telling me it isn’t,” I say, and he leans back on the bike and looks at me.“There’s a lot I will take, but anyone talkin’ ’bout my family, brothers and cursed kings, I won’t stand for,” he tells me, and I nod.“I know it isn’t a gang, King. I apologise for that, but I’m not that person. I didn’t belong in that bar. Those women, were amazing and fierce, not book nerds and teachers,” I say.He chuckles and slings his leg over the bike to climb off before walking to me. His body pins mine against the car. “Ya amazing and fierce, Miss, ya just need someone to drag it outta ya. Go
Mazikeen POVWaking, I walk down and begin my usual routine of making breakfast. I get everything set up, and Edward walks down and joins me.He glares at me from across the table.“I’m sorry. I hadn’t realised just how late I had come home,” I explain.“It’s a bit late, don’t you think?” he asks, and I nod, knowing that he is right. “I have something for you to look at,” he states, and I watch as he goes into his case and takes out papers.He places them down on the table. “Don’t touch them yet,” he says as he walks out. Sitting I wait and he walks back in with a mirror.“I used some of your photos, look,” he says as he places the pictures on the table, I look across them not able to see what he is wanting me to. My body runs cold as I look at the latest pictures he puts down.“Where did you get these and how?” I stare at him, shocked. These are of me naked. I look at him, waiting for him to explain.“The cameras, darling, I took still images.”“Why?” I ask.“Well, it’s ten years, an
MazikeenWhen I get home, Edward is waiting. I’m not sure why he is home early today, so I stand looking at him, waiting for him to explain.“Your mother and father are coming by, so you need to cook for them, and they are bringing someone as well, so cook for five,” he says. Me cook...of course, it’s me who needs to cook.“She should have given me notice,” I say as I begin to take out the food. I hate that she just does this, and then I’m expected to cook a perfect meal for her.“If you ever answered to her, maybe she would do,” he states and sits. He watches my every move as I cook, and I don’t understand why she is coming tonight.Nearly two hours later I am setting the table and putting food on it before rushing to get everything ready while Edward relaxes like it’s nothing. Then again, I’ve lived this life for over ten years now.Going to the bathroom and wash my face and hands. I walk down and find my mother and father already sitting at the table; the woman they brought is sitt
MazikeenWhen I wake, Edward is asleep next to me. I climb out of bed and get ready before walking downstairs; standing in the kitchen, I cook.My phone beeps, and I glance at it. The group chat of professors is on the screen, apparently they are going out tonight. Replying, I confirm I will join.I need some time out and away from the mess of yesterday.Edward walks in and takes a seat.“We need to talk,” I say, and he nods.“We do, how you behaved was disgusting and embarrassed me in front of your family.”His words have me laughing. “I embarrassed you? How do you think I will feel when people find out my husband is fucking a woman to try and gain a baby?” I ask.“Can you keep the foul language out of it, Mazikeen? You’re not focusing on the point. I love you. I married you. We live together. You’re acting as if I am having an affair and giving someone else what I should give you,” he argues.“When was the last time you gave me anything I wanted or needed, Edward?” I ask.“You want
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