Caleb’s POVI stride into the main bar, tension weighing on my shoulders, and head straight for the counter. The familiar clink of a bottle against glass echoes as I pour myself a drink. I lift it to my lips, savoring the burn of the whiskey sliding down my throat. It’s a brief moment of solace, but of course, it doesn’t last long.The midwife strides in, her expression stern and no-nonsense. Before she even opens her mouth, I know what’s coming, and I groan inwardly.“You need to get your wife into the bath,” she says, her voice as sharp as her glare.I can’t help the grimace that crosses my face. “She’s not my wife,” I reply, setting the glass down with more force than intended. “And I can’t do it. I’ll be skinned alive if I even try.” The thought of it alone is enough to make me shudder. “She’s just going to have to wait until one of the other women can come and help. I’m not about to book my own death.”The midwife isn’t amused, not even a little. She stands her ground, arms cross
Caleb POVI hear Doc laugh softly behind me.“When she’s done, the baby’s gotta go back to 'er,” he says, his tone carrying the authority of someone who knows what the hell they’re doing.“Shouldn’t she sleep? I figured someone should keep the baby away from her so she can actually rest.” It seems logical to me, and I half-expect him to agree, but Doc just shakes his head.“Nah, someone stays with her, Caleb. But the baby stays in the room with her.”I blink, the weight of that statement sinking in. “Someone as in me. Right?” I can already tell where this is going.Doc meets my gaze, his expression softening a bit. “If ya not up for it, just say the word. I’ll stay with her tonight.”The offer is tempting, and for a second, I consider letting him take over. But then the thought of King, what he’d do if I just passed this responsibility off, comes crashing into my mind. He’d gut me alive if I left Queenie alone, especially after all this.I shake my head, running a hand through my hair
QueenieA faint cry stirs me from sleep, pulling me back into a reality I’d rather escape from. My body moves instinctively, trying to sit up, but a firm hand on my shoulder stops me.“Go back to sleep. I’ve got him.” The voice is low, a whisper, and I blink against the blur of exhaustion. Caleb’s face comes into focus as I rub my eyes, pushing myself upright despite his insistence.“Seriously, Queenie, get some sleep,” he murmurs again, his tone soft yet unyielding.I shake my head, determined. “No, I’m fine. Hand him here.” My voice is steady, even if I’m not. I extend my arms, and after a brief pause, Caleb relents, carefully placing the baby into them. He hands me the bottle next, and just like that, the room falls into a calm, almost unnatural silence as I feed him.But it’s wrong. Caleb shouldn’t be here, doing this. None of this feels right. “Caleb, you can leave. It’s fine,” I say, forcing a weak smile, trying to dismiss him. But he just shakes his head, his expression firm.“
QueenieWhen I wake, the room is dim, and the quiet hum of sleep fills the space. Caleb is slouched in the chair, his arms crossed and his head tilted to the side, his exhaustion etched into the lines of his face. For a moment, I just watch him, grateful but feeling the weight of everything he’s taken on. Carefully, I slide out of bed, slipping into clothes without a sound. I cradle the baby against me, his warmth and tiny breaths grounding me, and make my way to the door.I close it gently behind me, leaving Caleb to rest. He deserves it, more than I can say.The main club is filled with bodies but cloaked in a suffocating silence. It feels like walking into a wake, the weight of grief and uncertainty pressing against my chest. The laughter, the usual clatter of voices and music, all of it is absent, replaced by a solemn tension.Big King strides toward me, his presence commanding as always. Without a word, he reaches out and takes the baby from my arms. “I was goin' to come get 'im,
CalebI watch Queenie storm off, her words ringing in my ears, and guilt settles over me like a crushing weight. I didn’t mean it the way she took it, but I can’t blame her for how it sounded. Burden. I wince at the memory of the word leaving my mouth. I couldn’t have chosen something worse if I tried.My dad glares at me, his arms crossed and his expression filled with disappointment. “You’re not doin' it, Caleb,” he says firmly, his voice low but sharp. “Don’t even think 'bout pullin' a stunt like that. Ya can’t take King’s place in this. It’s not ya call to make.”I open my mouth to argue, but he cuts me off. “No. Don’t even start. What ya said back there? About Queenie and the baby bein' a burden? That’s fucked up. You know it is.”“I didn’t mean it like that,” I mumble, my head dropping under his glare. “It just… came out wrong.”“Doesn’t matter how ya meant it. Words like that stick, Caleb. You’re supposed to be steppin' up for them, not makin' them feel like a damn inconvenienc
QueenieIt’s been a week, a full, agonizing week, since I gave birth and since King was taken from us. Today, I finally get to see him. The thought fills me with a mix of hope and dread. He insisted I not bring the baby, said it wasn’t safe, though it feels wrong. He should get to see his son. But I understand, in some twisted way, his need to protect us, even from behind bars. He didn’t even want me coming, not at first. It took Caleb and Big King arguing with him to get him to agree.Now, here I am, wrapped around Caleb as his bike eats up the miles. The wind tears at my hair, but it can’t strip away the weight on my chest. We’ve stopped twice already to stretch, and every second away from baby Caleb twists at my heart, but I need to see King. I need to see him with my own eyes and know he’s okay.When the bike finally comes to a stop, I climb off stiffly, my legs aching from the ride. Caleb shrugs off his jacket, his movements tense but calm, and I watch him curiously.He catches m
Queenie POVKing leans forward, his voice quiet but intense. “Ya the only one I trust to look after 'em, Caleb. Ya not like the rest of us, and that’s exactly what they need right now. When she’s ready, let 'er go home. Get 'er and the baby away from the club.”I shake my head. “I love the club. It’s family.”“But it’s not safe,” King says, his tone hard. “And I’m not there to protect ya.”“Don is dead. I’m safe,” I argue.“What about Skin? No one’s seen 'im. Or other clubs that might want to retaliate?” His voice softens. “Once ya feel strong enough, go home, Queenie. We planned to live at ya place anyway, so still do it, just without me.”Tears prick my eyes again as I shake my head. “If I leave, your dad has nothing. He’s using the baby to stay focused. If I take him away, what does he have left?”King sighs deeply. “He has the club, Queenie. He has my brothers and sister. Don’t stay for 'im. Promise me.” His gaze holds mine, pleading, and despite the ache in my chest, I nod.We ha
KingI didn’t want 'er 'ere. I didn’t want to risk it.This place is dangerous enough without addin' 'er to the mix. All it takes is one person to see how much Queenie means to me, how close she is, and they’d use it against me without hesitation. A rival club. A guard with a grudge. Anyone lookin' for leverage. The thought of 'er bein' in their sights makes my blood run cold. That’s why I told 'er not to come, why I fought so damn hard to keep 'er away. But no one listens to me, not Caleb, not my dad, not Doc, not even my lawyer. They were all over him, pushin' him until he convinced me to let 'er come just this once.So 'ere we are. And now she knows. She knows why she can’t come back, why Caleb or Dad or anyone else is fine, but she’s not.But the truth? The ugly, selfish truth? Another part of me didn’t want 'er 'ere 'cause I can’t fuckin' handle seein' 'er like this. 'Cause all I want to do is smash through the damn glass, grab 'er, and hold 'er so tight she forgets all of this,
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