I kiss Eva’s forehead and slip from her hold. She grumbles in her sleep and makes the cutest face. I lean over the bed to plant one more kiss on her lips.
Tugging my jeans and T-shirt back on, I head over to the door to be a man. If I have a son, I want him to always honor his commitments and his word. So, it all starts with me.
Chapter 31
Brother to Brother
Owen
I knew I would find King here. We know each other well. It looks like Mix knows us both too. As I enter the dank basement room, Mix stands inside against a wall.
“You two are as stubborn as two mules,” Mix huffs and shakes his head.
“I respect this brotherhood. I know what I did was wrong,” I reply.
King snorts. He stands to his full height from the table he had been leaning against. I stand firm as he stalks over to me and gets right in my face.
King and I are the same height, so we’re pretty much evenly matched. He’s a bit leaner, where I’m a bit on the brawnier side. Don’t let that fool you though, we have gone toe to toe as kids and we both have our wins under our belts as well as our ties.
Only, this time I don’t plan to fight back. I owe him this for not coming to him as a man. I hold my hands behind my back as I stare him in his eyes, letting him know I’ll take whatever I have to for my woman.
“That kid has had my heart from the time my old man brought her home. She’s tough, but sensitive to the core. If you can’t bring her the world, you walk now,” King says after a long stare down.
“She’s had my heart for just as long. Eva’s my world, brother. I’ve wanted her for a long time. That’s the truth, but it’s not about some pussy. I love her more than a man should love anything. I’ll bring her the world and beyond,” I say with conviction.
“If you were anyone else, you would be leaving here in a sling,” he says, then punches me in the gut. “You’re the closest thing I have to a brother. Never hide shit from me again.”
I grunt and nod as I stand upright. He throws a right at my jaw and I eat that too. We stare each other down again. King’s hard glare breaks into a broad grin.
“We would have kids at the same time. Little fuckers are going to drive us crazy.” He booms with laughter.
I snort. “Shit, we’re going to get back everything we’ve done.”
“Yeah.” With a nod, King stops laughing and looks at Mix. “All right, old man,” King huffs. “What don’t we know?”
“This is your daddy’s shit you’re dancing in,” Mix says seriously.
“I’m listening.” King nods.
“Rose and Cage weren’t in some freak accident. Your daddy called me to let me know he had a tail. He and Rose had been out shopping. Your daddy thought he made out an old friend.
“The plan was for him to ride toward me and I would meet up to cover him and Rose. I didn’t make it in time. We were only seconds too late. A pickup rammed Cage from behind out of nowhere. The second cage that followed them pulled to a stop when they saw me and a few brothers rounding the bend.
“Shit got ugly. Spark took down the motherfucker driving the truck and we cleaned house with the others.”
“From the truck?” King cuts in.
“Yeah, there were about five of them. We put them all to ground.” Mix nods. “Your daddy and Rose were hurt bad. I didn’t want to move them, but if we didn’t, I knew we would lose them both. We loaded Rose and Cage in the bed of that truck those fuckers were in.”
He pauses with a haunted look in his eyes. His face has turned red as he speaks. I can tell he’s reliving it all.
He continues. “The other truck… I saw that motherfucker. I saw him with my own two eyes. I should have put him to ground for what he did. That night he beat Jewels to death in front of those babies, I should have killed him then.”
“Misty’s father?” King says tightly.
Mix nods. “Pop has had a hard-on for your daddy and me for a long time.” He takes another pause to shake his head. The sadness surrounding him is palpable.
“Jewels was a wild one. Misty reminds me a lot of her. She cornered Cage the same way Misty did you, King. She was content with taking what she wanted. Rose had been playing hard to get then. So, Cage took the bait.
“When Jewels came to me claiming she was pregnant with Cage’s son, I promised I’d protect her. Pop hadn’t put two and two together. Jacky had those hazel green eyes, but I’ve known your daddy since we were in diapers. I knew his mama too. She had those eyes.
“By the time Cage found out, he didn’t want Rose to know. She and Jewels locked horns whenever they were around each other. Jewels would press Rose’s buttons. And that Rose had a temper.” He chuckles.
King furrows his brows. “What are you saying, old man?”
“Jacky is your little brother. Pop eventually figured it out. He blamed me and Cage for his life falling apart and for his beating Jewels like that. Pop was crazy, jealous, and greedy to begin with. Our friendship had long since crumbled. We all came up together, but he didn’t show his true colors until your daddy became prez.
“It didn’t matter that Cage wasn’t the only one Jewels cheated on him with. He had a hard-on for your daddy. All Pop talked about was becoming prez someday. And then it happened for your daddy.”
“Wasn’t he the club treasurer?” I question.
Mix nods. “Until he started to unravel. Cage wasn’t going to let him take the club down with his shit.”
“So, are you telling me Pop is the one that’s put a price on our heads,” King says with narrowed eyes.
Mix gives a nod. “It’s been a long time coming. He’s been playing the shadow, trying to find the right pockets and support to do it. Some of the brothers who didn’t like the changes your daddy made early on left. They’re the ones who helped Pop try to take Cage down.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” King bellows.
“No one thought you would step up to take your daddy’s place. They had plans to challenge and overthrow me when I took over. I was too old for that shit. I knew you would handle things. Cage felt the same way.”
“Hold on,” King and I say in unison.
We look at each other, then turn back to Mix. “You keep talking about my daddy like he survived,” King says as he steps toward Mix and tilts his head.
“He and Rose did, for the most part,” Mix says as he looks between us both.
“You didn’t think they could kill your old man did you?” The sound of a raspy voice comes from behind us.
King and I spin around at the same time. Standing tall in the doorway is a scarred-face Cage. He looks older, but bigger and more sinister than I remember. His golden hair is tied back as if to show his scars with pride.
As I take him in, I notice the slight tumor on his right arm. Cage sees me home in on it and flexes his chest, taking a step forward. “Don’t let that bullshit fool you,” Cage rumbles. “I’ve had enough time to build my strength back. Now, are you two boys going to stand there and stare at me like a ghost or are you going to show your old man how much you missed him?”
King is in motion before Cage finishes his words. They wrap each other in a tight bear hug. I’m stunned. I fight back my own emotions as I watch King hold on to his father.
The two can do nothing but embrace for how long, I couldn’t tell you. Cage repeatedly pats King on the back, hard, as he begins to tell him how proud he is of him. I thought I couldn’t be more shocked than when Eva announced she’s pregnant.
Now, I’m just struck speechless. King and Cage release each other, and Cage opens his arms for me. I move into the arms of the man who has been my only real father figure. My heart bled when I thought I lost this man forever.
As I pull back and look at his scarred face, I want to quench my thirst for blood more than ever. It never sat right with me that Cage was in a freak accident. He’s one of the best riders I’ve ever seen. He taught us all.
“Six years,” I choke out.
“A long fucking time, son,” Cage says gruffly. He grabs me and King by the backs of our necks. “You boys have made me so proud. I’d hoped my shit wouldn’t come knocking at your door, but I’ve been waiting. Getting my strength back and waiting. That son of a bitch has known how to find me.
“I’ve even played the sitting duck for him to try—posing in a wheel chair and all—but my life won’t satisfy him. He wants the club or at least what’s left of it after he tries to bring it down.”
“That shit’s never gonna happen,” King grates out.
“You’re fucking right, son. My grandkids are going to run this show someday,” Cage says with a wide grin.
He kisses first King’s forehead then mine, reducing us to the boys we used to be. My heart squeezes, I love this man and we all took losing him hard.
“Damn proud of you boys,” Cage chokes out in the raspy sound that has become his voice. “My boys.”
Chapter 32
Distraction
Owen
The four of us roar with laughter in the clubhouse basement. It feels damn good. Cage looks like he’s been in need of laughter and camaraderie for some time now. From the way he has told us he has been living, I know it to be true.
I think I’m still in shock that Cage is sitting here before me. It feels good though. It feels damn good. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since we all pulled up chairs and started to talk.
The trouble brewing has taken a back seat for a few hours. Right now, we’re just a few men shooting the shit. Cage has a way of putting a smile on your face. That hasn’t changed.
What has changed, is the twinkle that used to dance in his eyes. Cage looks like he has become a harder man than he used to be. Don’t get me wrong, Cage Kennedy has always been one bad motherfucker. He just had a way about him that put you at ease in every situation.
Now, I don’t think many people would feel too relaxed in a room with him. It’s not just the scars or his new raspy voice either. It’s like Cage has truly become a lost soul—the shit Squad members are made of.
Suddenly, the air in the room shifts and the laughter dies down. “How are my girls?” Cage asks somberly.
King tosses a thumb over his shoulder. “Well, you already heard this one knocked up Eva. Other than that, I think she’s good. Then again, what do I know? Those two have kept me on my fucking toes.”
King shakes his head. “Some shit went down with Sal. She won’t tell me what and I know not to push her. I’ve just been hoping it’s not as bad as my imagination has made it,” King stop to purse his lips. “Seeing her with Gutter is the happiest I’ve seen Sal in a long time. I hate that shit, but I noticed.”
“Boy, you’ve done the best you could. Rose and I left you in a tight spot. You took care of your sisters and you’ve run this club.” Cage nods. “You’ve done a fine job of both.”
“Now you’re back and you can take the gavel back,” King says with a broad grin toward his father.
Cage shakes his head. “My days as prez are over. It’s time for new blood to take over. You’re where you’re supposed to be. Now it’s time for Brick to take his place,” Cage says as he looks me in my eyes.
My green gaze locks with his hard, blue stare. I knit my brows in confusion. “I’ve been leading the Squad since you’ve been gone,” I say.
“Right where we needed you to get you ready for now. Mix isn’t getting any younger. It was always in the plans to groom you two to be prez and VP. Eva is the right fit to take over Soul Deep for you in a year.
“I’ve had my hands in everything from a distance. You two just thought you were carrying out Mix’s suggestions and your own ideas.” Cage grins, causing his scars to lift and stretch.
“Wait, you want me to take over as VP?”
“Why not? I don’t think there’s a brother willing to openly deny you the right,” Cage says as he stares me in the eyes.
I sit and look at the old man for a moment. I’ve never thought about taking any office other than handling my squad. I even passed up enforcer to let Grim step in to fill the spot for me. It has just been easier to straddle both worlds that way.
“How would that work? Being VP would make me more visible to the public as a Lost Soul,” I think out loud.
“You already lead the Squad. You’ve been acting as a VP for years, not realizing it. Grim has settled in as enforcer under your watch. With the direction the club is going, there’s no need for the separation any longer. This is where I always saw things going. You are all ready, it’s time.”
“I think I like the idea of enjoying my grandkids and not wrangling in you knuckleheads.” Mix chuckles.
I pull a hand down my beard, lift my brows, blow out a deep breath, and sit back in my chair. I think of Eva helping to run Soul Deep Architecture and Construction, she would be amazing at taking over in a year. I won’t have to fully resign, but I would need to be here in South Carolina a lot more.
We could set up a main office here, since the gap between my club affiliation and business would be closed. I think Cage’s words over. I have been at King’s side whenever he calls over the years. I have noticed Mix fading more and more into the background. I never mentioned it or gave it much thought.
I’ve always been there for whatever King needed without question. Mix’s role was never my concern, unless it compromised King. Mix has never neglected being there for King or any of the other brothers for that matter.
“Looks like we’ll be having church. It’s time to bring back a ghost and pass a torch.” King nods.
“We’re good?” I ask King.
“I’m going to want to fuck you up every time I see you with my sister for a while, but if she loves you and you love her, I’m good. Hurt her and I have no brother,” he says pointedly.
“I guess we’ll be brothers for life.”
King nods and grunts. His phone vibrates on the table, pulling him away from our conversation. He looks down at it and his face turns red. I’m on guard right away.
“What is it, son?” Cage asks.
“Son of a bitch.” King looks up at me. “There’s a fire at one of the warehouses. Laces said I should come down personally. Someone left a message for me.”
“Let’s go.” I stand and pull out my phone to call in my squad.
When I get it out, it buzzes with a message. I read it and growl. “Motherfucker,” I spit.
“What?” King demands.
“Fire, worksite you came down to.”
“Take Grim and Reap with you. I’ll send Sugar to sit on Mags. Fly out and find out what the fuck is going on. Gutter stays put with the girls. I’ll take Tracks and Jacky with me. Meanwhile, have Diggs get over there while you guys are in route,” King rattles off orders.
“Already on it,” I say as I’m in motion.
I was thinking the same thing. Grim can get me there in the chopper and cut down the time while we still have our bikes. I text him to get him in motion.
“Something stinks,” Cage mutters. “I’m riding out with you, King.”
“I was thinking the same thing, brother,” Mix says as he moves to leave with me. “I’m riding with Brick.”
It’s damn near dawn and not one, but two fires on Lost Souls properties. This shit isn’t sitting well with me either. Looks like our friends are ready to rumble.
Eva
I blink my eyes and take in my surroundings. I pout when I realize Owen is gone. I miss his warmth and the comfort of his arms. It takes a second for me to realize that it’s my cell phone that has disturbed my sleep.
I reach for my phone to see a number I don’t know lighting up the screen. When my eyes flicker to the time, I frown. It’s seven in the morning. In the back of my mind, I wonder where Owen has gone off to and hope he hasn’t been called out on club business again.
I then wonder who the heck is calling me this time of the morning. I answer the call, but my voice is raw and dry from sleep and the screaming Owen had me doing
before I passed out last night. I clear my throat and try again.
“Hello,” I push out.
“Hello, I’m looking for an Eva Kennedy,” comes the voice on the other line.
“This is she,” I say as my brows knit.
“Hello, my name is Nurse Henry. Your name is down as next of kin for Rose Kennedy. You were next on the list. I wasn’t able to get in touch with Mr. Kennedy or King Kennedy. However, the file has notes for us to notify the family as soon as Mrs. Kennedy wakes up or in case of any major changes.”
“Excuse me,” I hiss. “Is this some sick joke?”
I can feel the tears well, one slips over as I wonder who would be this cruel. I swallow past the lump in my throat, ready to curse this woman out. I was devastated when I lost my mom. This isn’t funny.
“N-no, ma’am,” the nurse stammers nervously. “This is Eva Kennedy, right? Mrs. Kennedy has come out of her coma. It’s a miracle after six years, but it has happened, ma’am.”
“Wait, what?” I say and sit up in bed. I toss my legs over the side as my chest heaves. I can’t believe my ears. My brain tries to process what I’m being told.
“Listen, I’m new. I don’t want to lose my job. I was told if there were ever any changes to call the doctor first. Then to call the next of kin, in the order in the book, until I reached someone. Your name was next.
“Wh-where are you calling from?” I almost whisper.
There is a moment of hesitation on the other end. For a moment, I think she has hung up on me. I lick my dry lips when I hear her sigh on the other end.
“I’m at the private residence of Mrs. Kennedy. I’m just one of the private nurses from Loving Arms Home Care,” she finally answers on a shaky breath.
“Okay, okay,” I say to my own thoughts. If it’s possible she’s telling the truth, I need to see proof with my own eyes. I need to get to the bottom of this. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Can you give me the address?”
Forever Page 20
