Maz POVAfter our argument last night, King fucked relentlessly on the floor, then told me it was purely to point out that if they hadn't sorted shit, he couldn't do that cause of how fucked the wood was.He was right. The wood in the house was fucked, so them sanding it and painting everything has helped.I feel him kiss me, and it stirs me from my sleep."Gotta go, babe. Shit needs sorting at the club. See ya later," he whispers. I don't wake up enough to reply. I just mumble back to him.I'm not sure how long after he left I woke up fully, but the side he sleeps in is cold, so he must have left hours ago. Turning, I see the paper on the bed. I smile and reach for it. Turning it over, my eyes widen.The sketch shows a person with the centre of their body hollowed out and empty. There's no longer a heart there. I read the poem.Hollowed outEmpty withinNothing lingersNothing livesCold spreads quicklyHardeningTurning into iceFragile and weakenedCracks begin to formUntil shatte
Maz POVI stop outside my place and help Tony out of the car."Sorry for showing up battered sweetpea," he whispers, and I nod. I can't exactly blame him when it was fucking King. Why would he do it? He knows. I told King my brother is Tony, so did he do it just to be an asshole? God, why did this have to happen?I let him sit and walk to the kitchen, grabbing the first aid box. Why? What the hell could Tony have done to warrant King beating him, let alone shooting a bullet right next to his head? Would he have really shot him?Wiping my eyes, I walk back over and use the cloth to clean his face. He moves and shrugs his jacket off, groaning as he does."Think the fuckers broke my ribs," he grunts, and I pull his top off, seeing the bruises."I'm sorry," I cry. God, this is my fault. It has to be. King did this because of me. What other reason is there for him to do this?"Sweetpea, not ya fucking fault. Assholes just
Maz POVTony glares at King."Get the fuck away from him, Sweetpea," Tony shouts, and my head shakes. King's arm stays wrapped around my body, and his other hand is grasped into my hair. It makes me feel safe; it reminds me I'm safe, and there's no way I am walking away from King.Standing, I cry into his chest. God, all this time, I had no idea Tony caused it. I had no idea he was part of it all."How about, rather than telling her to get away from me, ya think back and consider what the fuck ya did when she was fourteen that fucked with The Bears and pissed 'em off!" King shouts, and I hear movement."She didn't tell ya, neither did ya parents. She was raped at fourteen. They cut The Bears patch into her fucking hip. The fuckin' cunt got her pregnant and came back for the baby, but ya didn't know that, right? Great fuckin' club ya part of that rape and beat women," Big King shouts.The room falls quiet for a moment. Did he
Maz POVWhen I woke up, King's arms and legs were still wrapped around my body. I felt safe here. He is like a giant man cage protecting me. If I could stay here for life, I would. I know that no one can get close enough to hurt me while King is wrapped around my body."Yesterday was hard, babe, but at least now we're gettin' answers. Tony might be able to help find ya daughter as well," he explains, and I nod. Something tells me Tony won't know. If he had no idea about what had happened to me, how would he have known about my daughter? Surely, if they hid what happened to me from him, they would hide my daughter as well? I turn in his hold to look at him. I don't want to talk about any of it, not yet.My arms reach up and wrap around his neck. Kissing him, I push my body closer to him. "You didn't fuck me yesterday, King. I'm not letting you out of this bed until you have," I smirk, and he laughs. I mean it, though; yesterday was too different
Maz POVKing doesn't move, and Tony glares at him. Doc and Ink sit chuckling, and I feel like something has happened we don't know about."What's ya problem?" King shouts and looks at Tony. I want to go back upstairs to the peaceful life we had when we woke up without the drama of everything and everyone."Don't agree with her being with ya, that's what. She deserves fuckin' better," Tony argues, and I sigh."Well, it's not ya choice, is it," King mutters. He's right. Tony has no right in my life. I kiss King's neck and keep my body wrapped around him."No, but I ain't happy about having to sit here and hear ya fuckin' using her in bed," Tony shouts, and my eyes widen. Shit, of course, they heard. I hadn't even thought about that.King steps forward. "Using her! I didn't fuckin' use her," he shouts and I bite against his ear, he groans and stops before looking at me."Still attached to your back," I laugh, and he roll
Maz POV"Sorry for all the shit Sweetpea, swear I didn't know. I stayed away because I knew coming back too much would drag ya into the shit, and I didn't want to," he looks at me, and I nod."It's fine, Tony, I get it," I shrug slightly. Nothing can be done anymore."No, it's not fine. Why the fuck didn't ya tell me ya was raped? Been fuckin' fourteen years." He looks at me, shocked, and I can see he is hurt."I felt ashamed, Tony. Mum and Dad blamed me. They said I shouldn't have gone to that party and I caused it. I wasn't about to tell you as well and have you say the same shit," I explain."Ya think I would blame you? Fuck Maz, no. That shit isn't down to you, even if it had nothing to do with me and Dad it wasn't on you. You were a fucking kid trying to enjoy something in life," he shouts, and I nod."What do you know about your daughter?" He asks, and I shake my head."Nothing, I don't know anything, Tony. For months, I was hid
Maz POVWalking back down, I grab my bag. "I'm late for work," I mutter."Rose sorted it. Someone stood in for your lessons you weren't there for," Ink explains, and I nod. Tony is glaring at King again."Get used to it Tony, we fuck often, if it bothers ya that much, get earplugs," King laughs, and wraps his arms around my body. "See ya in class, yeah?""I better, King," I laugh and kiss him before leaving. I hope they don't fight. Getting to work, I find myself lost in classes. Lunch comes, and I pack my things away. I'm going to wait for King this time.Normally, I leave, but I'm waiting. Sitting, I wait and watch the door open. As I see the person walking in, I sit up."Would you mind accompanying me to my office, please, Mazikeeen?"James Felton looks at me, and I nod. Standing, I grab my things and follow him, getting into his office I sit."Is everything okay? I know I was off for a bit, but I had home l
Maz POVWalking to my car, Big King stops me. "Go to the lot," he says, and I nod. Climbing in my car, I drive there and see him following. I'm not sure why he wanted me to go here; maybe this is where Tony is now.Stopping the car, I step out. He waves me over, and I follow him around the back to the shooting range. My eyes scan everything as he holds the door open for me. The last time I walked in here, King was shooting at Tony's head, well, close to it."Don't worry. There's nobody on the floor today," he laughs slightly, and I step in. I'm still not sure why I am here. He leads me around and stands beside a table.I stare at him and then at the guns. Is this a joke? It has to be right. Is he wanting me to touch a gun?"Pick one up, see which feels right," he says, waiting for me to, but I don't move. I'm not touching a gun. "Maz, ya need to be protected. Anythin' could happen, and ya end up alone. Pick 'em up, see which feels
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