Chapter 13 – Speaking to her father and brothers.Anastasia BeatonPOVToday it’s seems as though had I woken up on the good side of the bed. I woke up with no nausea, my stomach didn’t feel like I needed to be plastered on the toilet, so I called my father and brothers asking them to meet me at my childhood home. I was going to break the news to them about my pregnancy and impending engagement.I didn’t know how they were going to take it, Axel’s telling his brother’s today, we’ve decided to wait to tell his parents until we go to the hospital and figure out what to tell them. Though he promised we’d act in love when he meets my father and brothers. That was the only reason I was currently sitting in my car outside my childhood home.I swallow the lump in my throat. I haven’t been here since my mom passed. I would meet my father at the restaurant not far from here, or we’d meet at my place or one of my brothers’ place. This place brings back too many memories of my mother. Right here
Chapter 14 – Doctor’s visitThree weeks laterAnastasia BeatonPOVFor the past three weeks Axel and I have spent most of them together. I’ve officially been put on desk duty. And for some reason I’m not mad about it.Axel and I have done a lot of talking not, just that but two weeks ago we talk about looking for a place to stay that would accommodate all three of four of us. Since we needed at least four bedrooms. One for him, one for River, one for the new baby and then other for me.I smile when I think about the visit the two eldest King brothers came to see me. They were concerned for me and wanted to know how I was feeling. I told them the truth about what happened. Damon was spotting a frown from beginning to end but didn’t say anything. Just before they were leaving, they promised to help me win Axel’s heart and to help me get him to fall for me. I just have to be patient and understanding.What they didn’t realize is that I’ve always been patient and understanding when it cam
Chapter 15 – Telling his parents’.Axel KingPOVWe were silently driving to my parents’ house, I couldn’t believe this, twins. Two children. I’ve heard my brother complain about how out of control the twins were, when one cried the other would wake up as well. How were we going to cope with River and two other babies as well?My mom wouldn’t be able to help. The nanny I hired would for sure quit. She didn’t have to, but she helps my parents with the three babies. Damon and Jessica’s two and River. Damon pays her of course. She wouldn’t want to help with Oakley and the two in Beaton.I pause and look at her belly. That’s where my babies were resting, growing. In just six months they’d be born, and they’d be in my arms. I’ve been in such a panic I almost forgot about the magical moment I experienced crying staring at a damn blob. I didn’t even know what I was looking at, at first. But then when I realized that was my baby, my baby growing inside of Beaton, there was this feeling of pea
Chapter 16 – Planning and schemesAnastasia BeatonPOVWhen I got home last night from Axel’s parents’ house I went straight to bed, when I woke up this morning Axel has already left for work. He left a note asking me to drop River off at his parents’ place. He and River has gotten comfortable at my apartment. It’s only the second time they’ve slept over although Axel sleeps in my guest bedroom. I still feel a little nervous having him around, like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m going to say or do something, and he’ll go off on me like he used to. I’ve had this fear ever since I found out I was pregnant. I’ve been keeping my distance out of fear of doing something wrong.I quickly get ready for work; I wear simple skinny jeans and a long sleave shirt and a pair of boots. I wasn’t leaving the station, so I didn’t care what I was wearing.Once dressed I quickly got River ready to go to her grandparents’ place. If I have a daughter, I want her to look like River, well like A
Chapter 17 – You’re being watched...Axel KingPOVWhen the person on the other line hangs up, I frown. Gracie… I look at the name on the screen, I remember the name. I have no idea from where, but I remember the name. Have I met her before?I shake my head; I didn’t need to wreck my brain thinking about it. I could ask Beaton when she gets out of the shower.I shouldn’t be thinking about her in the shower. because my brain keeps thinking about Beckett’s wedding and how amazing her body looked with my hickeys on her. How amazing her curves loved. It’s been months and her body has been engraved into my brain. There was no getting rid of it.I started to feel a little uncomfortable. I adjust my pants before trying to focus on the game on the screen. I used to play soccer in high school, I wasn’t bad at it. I didn’t really want to play but Damon sat Beck and I down when we were younger and told us, since we weren’t sure what we wanted to study we should play a sport we took a fancy to so
Chapter 18 – Ring shoppingAxel KingPOVThe stake out was a bust, they didn’t try to attack Anastasia when she was alone in the house. They sat in front of the house for hours, just watching the apartment making sure she didn’t leave. That’s what I found weird. None of the other officers were being followed so why was she being followed? It didn’t make sense.I was so fucking upset I nearly run over to them, and fucking choked them to death. One of the things I didn’t get from mother dearest was patience. My mom had plenty of that raising three boys. She needed extra just for me. I would go on with her just for the fun of it. asking her why she didn’t give me patience when making me. she would get shy, and my dad would beat the ever-loving shit out of me. just kidding my pops wouldn’t hit me. not pops he would stare at you in a way that if felt like you would much rather get the beating.I was blessed being raised by Ava and Deacon King. Not just them but my brothers too. I rarely ev
Chapter 19 – Meeting Gracie Anastasia Beaton POV I walk into the café I spot Gracie almost immediately. I wave at her and walk over. She gets up and hugs me as soon as I stop at her. We sit after that. I don’t order anything to drink, I’ll need to pee soon. Though I did pee before we left the mall, I pee ten times more than I normally would. I’m telling you my new best friend is the toilet, I see it more than I see any humans. We sit and exchange what’s been happening in our lives while we weren’t speaking. I haven’t said anything about my pregnancy yet. It was big news, so I didn’t just want to blurt it out. “Is that the ring?” Gracie asks. I nod. She frowns. “It’s rather small, isn’t it? Couldn’t he afford something a little bigger?” she asks. I frown. “I chose this ring. I didn’t want something big. I wanted something I’ll feel comfortable wearing to work…” I told her. She nods in understanding. But now I’m worried about what people are going to think about the ring. I
Chapter 20 – Wedding dress shopping… Anastasia Beaton POV This morning I was woken up by all the women in the King family. I was asked to get ready. I didn’t know what to expect… Now you might be thinking why they would wake me at eight in the morning, I was having a good morning since my doctor’s appointment. Well not this morning… So, I’ve been throwing up all morning. I couldn’t keep down breakfast. I knew it was important when they refused to give up. So, I got ready. In sweats of course. I wasn’t going to try and get into a jean right now. But now I’m standing in front of a bridal boutique and my heart wants to make a U turn. I didn’t expect everything to happen so quickly. Axel had just gotten the ring two days ago. I didn’t realize how crazy the King family was until this very moment. When we got inside and looked around, I finally realized I would have to wear a dress. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would be in a dress… Don’t they have a pants suit? Or a jumpsuit? I was
Epilogue two - Meeting after ten yearsEighteen years laterRiver was currently driving to a shoot, and she switched on the radio of her car. She was running late because she’s always late. But she really tried to be on time this time. It’s been hard since moving to LA and being without her family.Her favourite song came on and it brought her back to when she met the guy she’s been in love with since she was a little girl. He was her cousin’s best friend. Joshua Riddle… Joshua moved away when I was fifteen, and that was ten years ago, I haven’t seen him since.{Song – Leave me in the dark by Alexander Stewart.}And she started thinking about the past…+++++++ fifteen years ago, +++++++"So, who do you like of all the girls in our class?" Barrett asks.I hide behind the door listening to them talk. I like Josh and I didn’t want him to like any of the other girls in our class."Leigh’s cute…" Andrew says.I roll my eyes all the guys liked Leigh because of her blonde hair and her blue e
Epilogue 5 years later Axel and Anastasia’s house "Mommy, Mommy. Daddy, Daddy wake up its my and Colby’s birthday" Halston shouts running into her parents’ room, waking her parents in the process. She jumps on their bed. Axel was less than pleased with this daughter. He was dead tired and butt naked under the sheets. "Halston, I’ve told you a hundred times. You’re not allowed in mommy and daddy’s room so early in the morning. I'm going to count to three if you’re still here when I count to three, we’re not going out today." Axel said in a stern tone, he rarely used on his girls, but he needed to teach Halston some boundaries. What if Ana and him were doing it when she came in? Ana smiled at Axel but didn’t say anything. she hugged her youngest daughter. "Hallz bellz happy birthday." She gives her a kiss. She gets out of bed and leads her daughter out of the room. She winks at Axel before making her way out of the room. All the King children slept over last night. The house was
Chapter 36 – I LOVE YOU.Anastasia KingPOVWhen I woke up, I knew I was in a hospital. When I tried to sit up, I couldn’t, what alarmed me was my flat stomach.“Beaton you’re away.” Axel says in surprise…I look up to see him rushing to me.“The babies?” I asked. Nearly chocked.He smiles. “They’re fine, they’ve been transferred to the hospital Damon works at. My mother and father went with to make sure they were fine.” he explains.I let out sigh of relief. Then I remember what got me into this mess in the first place. “Axel, It’s Gracie, you need to arrest her, she plans to kill Sadie, you need to protect Sadie.” I say hurriedly.His eyed darken. “Your best friend Gracie?” he asks in a low tone of voice.I nod. “I heard her over the phone asking if they were sure Sadie was dead. I’m sure it’s her.” I tell him.He nods but doesn’t say anything… It takes him a minute… “Now tell me what happened from the very beginning…” he tells me.I start to speak when he stops me. “Wait let me cal
Chapter 35 - Anastasia is found.Two hours earlier…Axel KingPOVI look at the asshole in front of me, giving me attitude. I wanted nothing more than to strangle him, even if he didn’t know where Beaton was, he deserved everything coming.I open his file. “So, Gavin Granger…” I pause looking at him. “You know you’re going away for a very long time… You’ll die in here, there’s no way you’ll see the outside of a jail sell for the rest of your sick life.” I tell him calmly.I promised how the police chief I wouldn’t kill the guy or blow this case. We’ve been working on getting these guys for months. I wanted nothing more than to nail them, knowing they know where Anastasia is, is the only reason I haven’t tried to kill him yet.“You want to know something funny?” he asks with a smirk on his face.I humor him. “What?” I sit back crossing my arms.“You’re going to regret this… I’ll be out of here in an hour tops.” He crosses his arms mimicking me.My smile widens. “God you’re stupid…” I t
Chapter 34 – She escapes.Gracie AlmadaPOVMy burner ringing causes me to frown. Who would call me on this cell? I don’t have any numbers saved. I haven’t even given the number to anyone yet.I was planning to call Gavin later with it. that was the only reason I had it with me.I answer, but I couldn’t hear a word the other person was saying on the other line. Frustrated I nearly strangle Francis.So, I walked out of the cabin, I make my way further away.“What did you say?” when I finally have signal, I ask.“Gavin and the rest have been arrested. I cleared all contact between the two of you. You need to lay low for a couple of days. Make sure the girl doesn’t have anything on her that can be traced. We can’t let them find you. I’ll deal with Gavin…” She hangs up soon after.I frown and throw the phone against a tree. That stupid idiot! He got himself arrested! Why would he go on a job now when the police are all over?I knew he was useless. I wasn’t done using him yet and he got hi
Chapter 33 – The arrest. Gracie Almada POV What’s taking them so long? Why aren’t they here yet? Anastasia’s brothers and Axel just left my apartment. Glad I wasn’t dumb enough to actually bring her here. Gavin’s bright idea to bring her here was wrong. I knew Axel would come to me. Honestly, I didn’t think he loved Anastasia that much. The panicked look on his face told me he loved her a lot. Which worried me. He wasn’t going to give up until he found her. I clench my fists in anger. If she wasn’t a damn busy body. Listening in on my phone call. She thinks I didn’t notice her behind me when she tried to back away? I don’t know how much she heard, but the way she rushed out of here, I knew she knew I wanted to kill Sadie. She couldn’t live. I was going to wait until she gave birth to kill her, but I couldn’t wait any longer. If she told anybody I would be as good as dead. If it wasn’t for my fast thinking and asking Gavin to get her before she got to her dad’s place she would h
Chapter 32 – Axel can’t find Ana. Axel King POV We had to call it in… Anastasia is now a missing person’s case. Anastasia Beaton – King is missing without a trace. Because she’s a cop as well they’re having other stations help look for her. I know we’ll find her. We have to find her. Anastasia is pregnant. but she’s still a cop. She’s still a cop through and through. She can handle it herself. At the same time that’s what worries me most. I keep asking myself. Why did she ask to meet me? Everything that happened today worried me. Her phone was found on the side of the road. She’s just gone missing into thin air. There’s no trace of her. The team seems to think the rapist took her. It had to have been them, said Lucy. She said that they’d been following her for months. So, it had to have been them. I’m worried for Beaton, she’s at least six months pregnant. I know she could defend herself in normal circumstances but she’s pregnant. I’m worried she might get hurt protecting the b
Chapter 31 – Ana overhears Gracie on the phone…Anastasia KingPOVGracie and I have been hanging out at her apartment for about an hour now, we’ve talking about what we’ve got planned for the future. Gracie has plans to be an EMT now because she doesn’t like the station, she’s at. I one hundred percent support her in whatever she chooses to do. That’s what friends are for.We went shopping this morning. I got a couple of things for the twins now that I know the genders. I got a couple of pillows and blankets. What shocked me most was how happy Gracie seemed today. I think she’s got a boyfriend. She wouldn’t tell me, but I’m not going to push her into telling me, I’ll wait until she’s ready. She went crazy with shopping she got a couple of sexy lingerie and a bunch of low-cut dresses and went to get her hair done.It was a bit weird for me, because I couldn’t step into the salon without feeling the urge to throw up, so I waited in the car. Her hair looks really great. She bleached her
Chapter 30 – Sadie is hurt.One week laterAxel KingPOVI’ve been feeling down lately, while not down, upset. Since seeing Beaton with that guy, these weird thoughts keep running through my mind. Like confronting her and asking her who the hell that guy is. Locking her in the house and never letting her leave. You know those kinds of thoughts.“Yo, Axel check this out.” Lucy calls from across the room. I look over and see her eyeing her computer screens.I walk over. “What’s up?” I asked her.“I found this guy. He dated five of the victims. He is pretty crafty; he deleted all the posts with him in it. I found him while checking their friends’ social media. How he deleted it from the victims’ pages is beyond me. They’ve got to have someone tech savvy amongst them…” Lucy goes on to talk but I’m eyeing the punk on the screen. He is with two of the victims.“Who is this punk?” I ask.“The names Hank Walters. He’s got no criminal history, the only link we have is that he knew five of the