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,
QueenieWe’ve been on the bike for hours, and the rhythm of the ride should be soothing. But it isn’t. My mind is stuck, replaying every second of my visit with King, his face behind the glass haunting me. The worn-out look in his eyes, the bruises and cuts left over from what happened with Big King, they were nothing compared to the hollow emptiness I saw.That look.It’s the same one he had the night I was going to run, the night he told me why he slept around. That raw honesty, the pain he never let anyone see, it’s back now, carved into every line of his face. And it’s killing me inside.I wanted to ask him how he was. I wanted to demand answers, to know how he’s really holding up, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t do that to him. Asking would have torn open wounds he’s barely keeping stitched together. So I didn’t ask. Instead, I tried to hold myself together, to give him what little strength I could while I sat there helpless, separated by that damn glass.I want to say I won’t listen
CalebThere were a few reasons I stopped at the playground. The first, and most important, was to make her smile. To remind her what it feels like to be free, even if only for a moment. To see that spark in her eyes again, the one that’s been dulled by everything we’ve been through. The second reason was more practical: to tire her out. She needs rest more than she realizes, and I’m banking on the adrenaline spike from today’s chaos to knock her out when we get back.As we ride, her arms stay wrapped around me, her hold firm but soft. The roar of the bike fills the silence, drowning out the noise in my head, but not enough to quiet it completely. I’m so fucking lost on what to do.She tells me I don’t have to hold it all together, but she doesn’t understand, I do. It’s not just about her or the baby. It’s my dad, too, and the entire damn club. Everyone is reeling from King being gone. He was their rock, their solid piece, the one they all leaned on. Me? I left. For years, I wasn’t her
Caleb POVThe guys grumble but rise to their feet, shoving on their cuts as they shuffle toward the garage. I follow behind them, the baby still cradled in one arm. His tiny warmth is the only thing keeping me grounded as the weight of everything presses down on me.In the garage, the air is thick with the smell of oil and metal. Bikes and cars are scattered across the space, some stripped down to their bare frames, others half-assembled, waiting for someone to care enough to finish the job.I stop by a beat-up Harley and glance back at the guys. “Axel,” I call, nodding toward the bike. “This one’s yours. It should’ve been done two days ago. What’s left?”Axel steps forward, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Just need to finish the carb rebuild and check the brakes.”“Then get to it,” I say firmly. “It’s leaving today, no excuses.”I point at another bike, a sleek black-and-chrome Softail. “Blade, you’re on this one. Full tune-up and diagnostics. Owner’s expecting it by noon.”
QueenieWhen I wake, the soft glow of midday light filters through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. My body feels heavy and rested but weighed down by the knowledge that I’ve been out of it all day. I glance at the clock—it’s just after dinner. Irritation bubbles up when I realize Caleb didn’t wake me once to feed the baby. He needs to stop doing everything himself.Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I get up and head to the shower. The hot water is soothing, washing away the grogginess, but it does nothing to ease the frustration gnawing at me. By the time I’m dressed and stepping into the main room of the clubhouse, I’m ready to have words with Caleb.But when I walk in, he’s nowhere to be found. Instead, I spot Rose and Maz sitting on one of the couches, baby Caleb cradled in Rose’s arms.I stop, frowning as I glance around. “Where’s Caleb?”“He’s in bed,” Rose calls over, her tone firm but kind. “We sent him. That boy was running on fumes.”I nod, still
Queenie POVWe’re finding our way forward—together.“Just so you know, I’m not sleeping in my room tonight. I’m staying in yours with the baby,” Caleb says as he leans against the headboard, his voice casual but resolute.I groan, already anticipating the argument. “Fine. But there are rules.” I point at him, narrowing my eyes, and his lips curve into that infuriating smirk.“Oh, really? And what rules might those be?” he asks, chuckling softly.“One,” I start, holding up a finger, “you try to sleep between baby Caleb’s feedings. Two, you don’t silence him before I wake. I want to get up and feed him, Caleb. And three,” I add with a grin, “you have to sing me a lullaby every time to get me back to sleep.”His laugh rumbles through the room, warm and amused. “Queenie, if I sang, you’d be running out the door, covering your ears, begging me to stop.”I laugh, shaking my head. “Alright, no lullabies. But the rest—you have to agree to it.”He tilts his head, pretending to mull it over. “H
CalebI hadn’t planned anything for tonight. Hell, I hadn’t even remembered about the damn date until Rose reminded me. Now, everything feels rushed, thrown together, like some half-assed excuse, and I hate it. It makes me look like a jerk, and honestly, maybe I am.As we step outside the clubhouse, I head toward the car, my boots crunching on the gravel. But when I glance back, she’s just standing there, staring at me with a raised eyebrow.“Why not the bike?” she asks, her lips curling into a playful grin.I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Not everyone likes bikes,” I explain, keeping my voice neutral.She doesn’t move, just keeps standing there with that expectant look on her face. Finally, I mutter, “I guess we can take the bike.” Pulling out my phone, I quickly text Alice, praying she can squeeze us in somewhere last minute.When we reach my bike, I hesitate. I don’t let just anyone ride with me. My bike isn’t just a machine; it’s freedom, an escape, and having someone on
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