To Awaken a Monster

by Sam Crescent

  He walked outside, and it had already started to get dark. One of the trash bins was already alight, and the other club brothers moved out of his way.

  Slowly, piece by piece, he burned up the evidence of Robin and himself.

  Never would he allow himself to get that drunk he didn’t know what was happening.

  Bear left as he finished burning up the documents.

  After the fire burned down, Preacher didn’t go home.

  He had to keep his distance for Robin’s sake. He’d already turned her life upside down and inside out.

  One, she was married to his son. Two, she was living in his house. Three, she was having his baby.

  Robin Rose fucking Riley was having his baby.

  Not Riley anymore, no, Keats.

  He was getting too old for this shit.

  Running a hand down his face, he tried to clear the fog from his mind, but nothing was working. It was all just a bit too much for him.

  He made his way into his office. Then he closed the door and walked behind his desk, slumping down.

  There was nothing for him to do yet, but sit around and wait.

  Waiting for what exactly, he didn’t know. With everything going on around him, he felt so fucking out of it. He couldn’t do jack shit with O’Klaren breathing down his neck. This new cop had really thrown a wrench in the works, and it pissed him off to know there was nothing he could do, at least not yet.

  Dog wanted to get another fight up and running, and it would be good for business. They’d already had too much of a gap between fights, and he was ready to get back into the swing of things.

  O’Klaren being a pain in the neck was a problem, but he couldn’t act rashly. It would be so easy to simply slit the bastard’s throat, but it wouldn’t solve anything. In fact, it would only make a lot of situations worse, and he wasn’t ready to deal with worse. The last thing he needed was for someone else who was either worse or better at his job to replace him. The squeaky-clean image this cop had made no sense, not when he knew the truth behind the words. So O’Klaren was good at manipulating people, which meant he was more than just a crooked cop, and he’d come here for a different reason. He believed O’Klaren hadn’t been sent here like Milner had told him. No, he believed O’Klaren had come here for an opportunity. Maybe his biggest mistake was in thinking O’Klaren was sent here after the club, when in fact, the cop came here willingly, because like most men, he liked to be top of the food chain. What better way than to become chief in a small town? He’d already been out, pissing everywhere, laying his claim like a fucking dog.

  “Knock, knock,” Joanne said, coming into his office. “I saw you come in here, and I figured you might be lonely and want some company.”

  “And you thought you were the best girl for the job?”

  “I know what it is you want, Preacher. I can give you anything. I’m so good. You know how much you like to use me.”

  She walked over to him and gripped his shoulders, but he didn’t want to be touched. He shoved her away, hard.

  “No.”

  “Come on, Preacher. It has been too long, and I know what it is you need. What it is you crave.” She ran her hand down, cupping his cock.

  He wasn’t hard.

  Grabbing her wrist, he twisted it, not enough to snap the bone but with enough pressure she’d feel it. It wouldn’t take much to hurt her.

  He loved the violence, and for him, the way he killed Milly, he’d given her mercy. He should have kept her awake for days, weeks, months, prolonged her torture until he no longer gave a fuck about what happened.

  “I said no. Get your skank ass out of my office, right now, before you no longer have a hand.”

  She cried out, but the moment he shoved her away, she didn’t fail him.

  She ran out of his office.

  There was no one he wanted.

  Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes, trying with all of his might not to think about someone else.

  He’d gladly think of anyone but her.

  ****

  O’Klaren entered his home and immediately was pissed off. Just looking at the place made him angry. He heard his kids in the background. Their music was way too fucking loud.

  “Sweetheart, you’re home.”

  He looked at his wife. Her face had too much makeup on, and all he wanted to do was slap her senseless. He raised his hand as if to do just that, but she stopped, whimpering. There was a time she had a mouth on her. She’d talk right back to him because she thought she had a voice, but he’d soon put a stop to any lip from her.

  “Get those fucking brats to turn the music down. I can’t think!” He walked into the sitting room, and kicking the coffee table out of the way, he took a seat. “And get me a drink. Now.”

  This town, it was everything he’d hoped it to be, but right now, he wasn’t getting what he wanted. Preacher and his godforsaken club were … he couldn’t deny it, fucking brilliant. He’d never known a fucking criminal to tie up loose ends, even better than he did. So far, he’d not been able to find a single hint of any illegal activity going on by the gang, but it was there. He knew it was, and it wouldn’t be long for him to find it. He wanted to do this, to prove that all of those that came before him were fucking pussies. The town itself didn’t exactly require too much in taxing thought. Nothing went wrong, and for the most part, flashing his badge installed fear, and he loved to see it. Preacher was a challenge. He’d expected the club to be sloppy, especially with Milner’s fat ass in the chair, taking bribes.

  Downing his drink, he handed her back the glass, wanting more and soon.

  She was quick to bring him back his glass full with the nice hard liquor. She stood, nervous, twitching, waiting for him to hit her, but he had no intention of hitting her. Preacher was good at spotting lies, and he needed to keep his slate clean. If he brought down this one biker, he knew it would be the start of a whole new life. There were a lot of bikers out there that needed to be put in their place. He'd take them down, one by one.

  Milly, she was supposed to help him, to provide him with the means of actually ending this piece of shit. Instead, she’d disappeared before giving him any concrete evidence. There was something going on with the Robin character, he knew it.

  First, he had to clear his mind.

  “Get on your knees. Tell the kids if they come downstairs before I tell them, I’ll give them the belt.”

  Chapter Nine

  The waiting room was small, compact, not like any other doctor’s office she’d been in before. This was more comforting, not too sterile.

  Robin liked it. It put her at ease.

  There was no one waiting to see Randall. It was just her. His assistant had already disappeared to let him know she was waiting.

  It was late, which was how she wanted it. She’d asked Preacher if there was any possible way to arrange a late evening scan. Of course, he’d done so without any problems.

  No matter what she asked, he provided it for her, and she felt guilty for asking for anything. Her life had been pretty damn special so far. No complaints from her.

  “This is fucking bullshit,” Bishop said.

  She looked toward her best friend, taking hold of his hand. Their relationship had really become rocky in the past couple of weeks.

  “It’s fine.”

  “I don’t think I can do this.”

  “Bishop, you’re not doing anything. You’re helping me out. Sticking around with me. You’re being my best friend, remember?” She hated how much she had to remind him of just how close they were. Friendship shouldn’t be something she had to remind her best friend of. They were not obligated to spend time together.

  He’s your husband, but clearly he wants more and you’re still not ready.

  He kept coming into her bedroom, and each night, he’d hold her close and she tried to pretend to be asleep.

  Bishop wanted something she wasn’t ready to give, and this was another reason why she hadn’t wante
d to marry him.

  Their boundaries were no longer set.

  He felt entitled to her.

  “You know what, I brought you here. I’ve got to get out of here. I need some air.”

  “Bishop, please, I’m begging you. Don’t leave me here to do this on my own.”

  “I didn’t ask for this.”

  “And you think I did?”

  “You can do something about it. You’ve got to stop screaming the victim card when you won’t take charge. I’m out of here.”

  “Please, Bishop.”

  He didn’t stop, and she flinched as he closed the door.

  Seconds later, Randall appeared.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “Yes.” He didn’t mention Bishop, and for that she was grateful.

  He led her toward the back room where there was a table and several machines. “Don’t worry about what you see. They’re all standard stuff. They’re going to let us see your little munchkin. Will Preacher be joining us?”

  “Erm, I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”

  “He already confided in me, Robin. He wants you to have the best care. Bishop was supposed to be here, but I heard what happened there. It’s not your fault, and you don’t have to make any decision you don’t want to.”

  “Why are you always so nice to me?” she asked.

  “I’m a doctor, it’s my job.”

  She laughed. “You’re a good doctor.”

  “I try my best. Now, would you like to—”

  The door opened, and she hoped it was Bishop only to find Preacher sticking his head around the door.

  It was strange, but she wasn’t disappointed. “Did I miss anything?”

  “Not a thing. I’m just getting set up, and I don’t have any gel. I’ll be back soon.”

  Randall left as Preacher took a seat.

  “Where’s Bishop?”

  “Left. He couldn’t handle it.”

  “That fucking boy of mine. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “I didn’t want you doing this alone.”

  “You’re not. We’re both here. I guess it’s kind of fitting. We’re the parents, not … Bishop.”

  Preacher took her hand.

  It was the first time he’d touched her since that night. She expected to feel scared, terrified, pity, but she stared at their joined hands and all she could feel was acceptance. This was between the two of them.

  “I’m here. I’ll be at every single one of these from now on. In fact, I’m not going to ask Bishop to take my place.”

  “But O’Klaren…”

  “Can suck on my dick. My son is not up to this task. He’s a fool. Whatever he says to you, ignore it.”

  “He’s still your son.”

  “Which is why I know he’s a grade-A asshole.” He stroked a curl out of her eyes, and he smiled. “You’re not alone with this. I know I’m busy, but I don’t mean to push you aside. Far from it.”

  Staring into his blue eyes, she was suddenly struck by how beautiful they were.

  This man had killed people, and yet, he had the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen. Bishop had slightly duller eyes, not as bright. They didn’t strike her to the spot.

  “I’ve got it. Sorry about the delay,” Randall said, entering the room and breaking any spell that had started.

  As she sat up in the bed, Randall took the chair opposite her. “Lift your shirt up, sweetheart.”

  She lifted her shirt to beneath her breasts and let out a little gasp as he squirted some gel on her stomach.

  “Sorry, it’s cold.”

  Preacher didn’t let go of her hand.

  “Now, we may not find out the sex of the baby today, but we will get a nice good look at what is going on in there. All of your blood work came back normal. You’re a healthy young woman, Robin. I’ll write you up a prescription for some folic acid, and we’ll get things moving on as they should.”

  She nodded, not really hearing anything.

  He put the ultrasound probe onto her stomach, and she tensed up.

  Her stomach was rounding. Her pants were getting tighter, as were her bras. Her body was getting bigger, ready for the baby.

  “Right, let’s have a look.”

  She heard some weird sound and then… “Is that a heartbeat?”

  “It is, and may I say it is mighty strong.” Randall pressed some buttons and then turned the screen. “Look, a heartbeat. A nice, big, healthy, strong heartbeat.”

  “Oh, wow,” she said.

  There wasn’t much to look at, just the unmistakable sound of a beat.

  “Your baby is in there, and right now, I think we’re looking at a good healthy size.” The doctor kept on talking, but Robin stopped listening.

  She smiled at the screen.

  There was a baby. It didn’t look like a baby, but it was there.

  A heartbeat.

  Her baby.

  Randall wiped the gel off her stomach, and she moved off the bed. Preacher still hadn’t let her hand go, and she was thankful.

  “We’ll meet again in a month’s time. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to see what little angel you’re having.” Randall handed her the picture. “For you to keep. Remember what I said. This is your decision, no one else’s.”

  She nodded. “Thank you.”

  “You’re doing really well here, Robin. If you ever need to talk, let me know and I will make sure I’m available to you.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Preacher led the way out of the small practice. His bike was waiting, and she paused.

  “Oh,” she said.

  “Don’t worry. We can walk from here,” he said. “Bear and Rebecca wanted to see you. I figured we could stop in before we went home.”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you good to walk?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  Preacher held his bike, taking off the stand and turned off the brake. They walked in silence for several minutes, neither of them speaking. The picture in her hand felt like everything.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “I’m feeling good. You?”

  “Yeah, I’m good. How are you handling everything?”

  “I’m not going to shatter or break.”

  “Bishop?”

  “He’s upset. I won’t give him what he wants, and like a child, he’s acting out. There’s not a lot I can do to change that.” She shrugged. “He’ll come around, I hope.” She looked down at her wedding band. “I don’t think we should have gotten married.”

  “I’m going to protect you. You and Bishop, it’s a sure thing.”

  “Yeah, a sure thing.”

  “You don’t think it is?”

  “I don’t know what I think anymore.” She sighed. “I can’t believe it’s a baby.”

  “What did you think it was?”

  “I don’t know. A little monster maybe? I’m not sure anymore what I expected. With every day that passes, this grows more real, you know.”

  “Yeah, it does. You’re handling everything really well, sweetheart.”

  “Thanks, I think.” She glanced over at him. “Thank you for everything. With Randall, and you know, everything.”

  “It’s the least I can do.”

  “You know you don’t owe me anything.”

  Preacher didn’t say anything, and she waited.

  “I don’t want you to get rid of our child,” Preacher said.

  “I won’t.”

  “I know it was an option I gave to you and it still is, but I’m asking you not to. I want to have this baby.”

  She stopped and looked at him.

  Grabbing his hand, she placed it on her stomach, holding it flat. “This is our baby, Preacher. I won’t get rid of it. It was never an option for me. Especially not now.” She lifted up the picture. His hand was still on her stomach. “How could I do that to this little baby?”

  His blue eyes again.

&n
bsp; What was happening to her?

  They captivated her.

  Preacher gently rubbed her stomach. “I’ll take care of you, and I’ll deal with Bishop.”

  “He’s really not so bad.”

  “Still, he’s my son, and I don’t like how much of a dick he’s behaving. I don’t accept it. I’ll deal with him.”

  They arrived at her parents’ home.

  She hadn’t been back to here since after the wedding.

  Her parents had spent her last couple of days living there arguing all the time.

  Preacher parked his bike and took the lead, standing at the door. He knocked on the door, and seconds later, Bear answered.

  He pushed Preacher out of the way, pulling her in close for a hug. She held onto him so tightly. This was still her father, and she loved him so much.

  “I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve told you, you can come,” Preacher said.

  Bear stroked her hair out of her face. “How are you?”

  “Very pregnant,” she said lifting up the picture. “We just came from my appointment. I got to hear the baby’s heartbeat.”

  “You did?”

  “Yep.”

  “I was there,” Preacher said.

  “Is that Robin?” Rebecca asked, coming to the door.

  She tensed up, seeing her mother. They’d never had the best relationship.

  “It’s good to see you.” Rebecca pulled her in for a hug, and she was so taken by surprise that for several minutes she did no more than hold onto her.

  “Mom, what is going on?” she asked.

  “What? Can’t a mother miss her child? It’s so good to see you. Where’s Bishop?”

  “He had to go and do other things.”

  “Yeah, I know what other things. Oh, well, his loss. Come on, I made lasagna. Your favorite.”

  She followed her mother into the house while Preacher and Bear talked.

  “Is that my grandkid?” Rebecca asked.

  “Yeah, it’s not a clear picture, but it’s there.” She held it out for her mother to take.

  “I remember mine. I was so freaking scared.”

  “You were?” She’d never talked to her mother about pregnancy or how she found giving birth or anything like that.

  They’d never had a mother-daughter conversation.