Alphas of Sin

by Anthology

  “Exactly.”

  “Bet.” He smiles and fist bumps my knuckles.

  “I need to take Lily out for a walk; I’m sure Angel’s napping and I don’t want her worrying about it.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “I’m not fucking you behind the shed again, 2. You want my cock, it’ll be after the pup gets some exercise.”

  “You said that last time too.” One of his dimples show up, effectively quieting any reply I may conjure up.

  Letting lose a huff, I leave the kitchen. Trekking through the long hall lined with multiple closed doors, I aim for one in particular: our room. 2 Piece silently follows along in case Avery’s asleep.

  She’s grouchy as fuck if she gets woken up. At least now we know why she likes her sleep so damn much. Bitch can fucking snore too. I’ll stop bugging her from now on. She needs the extra rest.

  The doc suggested increasing her sleep routine, so I’m going to do my best to make things easy on her. No more riding on the back of my bike for a while either, which blows, but her safety’s even more important now. I have to remain vigilant because I couldn’t imagine losing her. Or 2 Piece, for that matter.

  I’m still flipping my shit with my testosterone thundering through my veins from seeing my baby on the screen at the clinic today. Who knew a tiny dot could make you feel as if you’ve conquered the entire fucking world inside? That’s the best way for me to describe it, anyhow.

  I thought I loved her and 2 Piece before, but seeing the baby today, flat out stole my breath and put them on a whole new level with me. Seeing the grainy picture basically crushed my voice box, making anything that I could’ve possibly conjured up, just disappear in awe.

  Witnessing that blip, my son, in her belly, was so fucking life altering. I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life. To be sharing it with both of them leaves me fucking speechless.

  CHAPTER 3

  Avery

  London hugs me tighter against her huge boobs, listening to what happened and making me feel a little bit better. Just speaking to someone about it all is bringing a little peace to my heart. My body no longer feels like it’s being yanked in multiple directions; now, it’s more like pin pricks of anxiety all over.

  “Honestly, I can’t stop feeling this horrible weight in the pit of my stomach. Babies are supposed to be exciting and wonderful, yet I can’t stop my selfish thoughts and questions.”

  “You’re allowed to be selfish. I know when the baby finally arrives, you’ll take good care of it. While you’re pregnant, though, it’s the perfect time to think of yourself. You have every day of your life in the future to worry about other people.”

  “I’m not talking about eating a few extra muffins here, London. I’ve had it running through my head ever since I took the last test, that the guys will go off and be together without me. I’m such a jerk of a person to be wondering if my life would be better without this child in it. I’m going to suck ass as a mom.”

  “Honey, that doesn’t make you a shit mom. If anything, it makes you a good mom.”

  “How do you figure?” It comes out sounding a little manly in my ears, from my nose clogging up.

  “Because, you’re wondering if the baby would be better off someplace else and that you won’t be good enough. That’s already thinking like a good momma; you just don’t know it yet. You only just found out about this life altering event today. You need to give yourself a break and some time to digest it.”

  Her cell beeps again for like the thirtieth time, and she releases me to check it.

  Sitting back, I relax into the couch. “Am I keeping you from plans? I’m so sorry to rush over with hardly any notice.”

  “Oh no, this isn’t for me. Your men have been tearing that club apart for the past twenty minutes, going ballistic because no one can find you. I finally gave in and told Cain you were here and safe. He’s been updating me. He finally gave in a few minutes ago and told them where you are. This is him giving me a heads up that Ares and 2 Piece should be pulling in anytime.” She holds her phone up so I can see the message from her old man.

  “Oh shit,” I mumble, and she nods, smiling. London knows all about what it’s like to live with an alpha male. Even her son’s a baby alpha. Not only that, but he’s a cutey and a total terror.

  Taking a sip of water from the glass resting in front of me, we both sit silently for a few moments, waiting. Eighty-six seconds pass before the roar of their bikes can be heard, speeding down London’s road, sounding angry at the world.

  “I’ll meet them outside, so they don’t wake your son. Thank you for listening to me, London.”

  I stand, and she follows, pulling me into a big, quick hug. “Anytime, chick; I’m here for you.” Pulling back, I nod quietly.

  London walks me to the door, watching as I slide on my flip-flops. As I slip through the front door, she squeezes my arm softly, giving me a little boost of reassurance.

  I stand on the porch with my arms crossed, watching as they pull up and quiet their bikes. They peel their helmets off and rest them on their bikes. 2 glances toward Ares, and when his face is turned, a deep reddish-purple bruise with a fresh cut decorates the side of his cheek.

  I swear to God, Ares better not have hurt him. Storming down the stairs, I come to a halt beside 2, waiting for him to say something.

  “What the hell happened?”

  “I knew Cain would know where you were, but he wouldn’t fess up. Ares wanted to throw shit around, so I hit Cain to get him to talk.”

  “But he’s like your best friend!”

  Shrugging, he continues. “He let me get one in. It was the second one that he decided to hit me back.”

  “He could’ve seriously hurt you! He fights for a living; you don’t.”

  “No, he wouldn’t have,” Ares grumbles, shaking his head, pissed off. “I wouldn’t let him hurt 2; you should know that.”

  My arm flails dramatically. “Ummm, his face is jacked up!”

  “Thanks,” 2 mutters.

  “Not like that; you know what I mean.”

  “He was in the wrong; I couldn’t not let Cain hit him. I’m in charge of the club, Angel. I have to keep shit fair, whether I love this idiot or not.”

  “Why were you guys so upset anyhow?” I ask, resting my hands on my hips.

  2 stares at me puzzled. “Prolly cause our Old Lady decided it was cute to pop smoke and not let anyone know ‘bout it.”

  “Well, what did you both expect after you planned to kick me out of our room? I wasn’t just sticking around to watch it happen.”

  “The fuck you talkin’ about?” Ares squints.

  “You said earlier that you’d build me and our kid a house. You never once mentioned that either one of you’d be joining me.”

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake, woman,” he huffs. “You’re so damn smart, but sometimes I have to lay shit out or you freak.”

  “Did you just compliment me and insult my common sense all in the same sentence?”

  “Pretty much. I wasn’t being ugly about it, just statin’ facts and all.”

  Huffing, I blow it off since it’s true. “Okay, fine. I can get my own vehicle. I just need to find a job first.”

  “What?” 2 interrupts.

  “So you both can stay together in the room at the compound. I’ll find a job and an apartment. I get it; you both don’t want to deal with me and the baby around.” I sniff and Ares scowls.

  “Apparently, you don’t get shit. We want to build you a house to raise our family in. We—as in me an’ 2—want to help you with our kids and be a family with you. I already told you I want to keep you knocked up. We plan to be there living with you as much as possible to help and take care of you. We love you and plan to keep you.”

  Looking over at 2, he nods. “Yep. You’re flipping the hell out for nuthin’.”

  I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy inside to hear that proclamation. This must be what the doctor meant about pregnancy hor
mones making me feel crazy sometimes.

  “Now that we have that outta the way, let’s get back to the club. We didn’t get a chance to tell any of the brothers you’re pregnant before you went rogue.”

  Walking toward 2 Piece’s truck, he calls, “So, no kiss then, Shorty?”

  They both chuckle as I remain silent but flip them the bird. Just because I was overreacting earlier, I’m not going to make it that easy for them. I have to deal with both of them; they can handle a little bit of sass from me.

  Loading up in 2’s pickup, I mosey on back to the compound, not one mile per hour over the posted limit so they can’t lecture me about safety precautions again. I’ve heard that one a few times and I swear I fell asleep during the last. They can act like a bunch of overdramatic, protective asses when they want to.

  Shifting the vehicle into park, my door flies open with both guys staring at me eagerly. They remind me of kids on Christmas morning.

  “You remember the due date?”

  They nod.

  “Then I’m ready.”

  Ares kisses my forehead as I climb out of the truck and my feet hit the pavement.

  2 grabs my hand. “Let’s do this,” he mumbles, making Ares grin.

  When I first met Air, I didn’t think the man knew how to smile. Now, around us, he’s always grinning and snickering. Don’t get me wrong; he still has that scary, solemn look as well, but at least it’s counteracted with a smile here and there.

  Spin, Twist, and Cain are all sitting around a table having a drink. Cain rests an ice pack over one eye. I’m guessing that’s from 2 Piece hitting him earlier.

  “You found your runaway, brothers.” It’s statement, not a question since I’m obviously standing here.

  I roll my eyes and give the guys a short wave. The old me would’ve been mortified knowing that they got into it, but I’ve learned that the guys around here like to scrap, even with each other, so I don’t pay him any extra attention.

  “Got some news to share,” 2 announces, gaining their attention.

  Ares happily glanced at them. “We need some whiskey; we’re celebrating.”

  “We get a good run?” Twist guesses.

  “Nope,” Ares answers, looking toward the bar. “Shooter, bring us some whiskey.”

  “No problem,” he grumbles, bringing over a bottle and shot glasses for everyone. He sets them on the table, and Ares lifts two away.

  “I’ll take Angel’s. Our Old Lady’s pregnant.” He says it so nonchalantly the brothers just nod and grab their own glasses, filling them to the brim.

  Finally, 2 continues, “Yep, that’s right; we’re having a baby.”

  Spin chokes mid drink, coughing and sputtering, while Cain and Twist both shoot to their feet.

  “That’s fuckin’ outstandin’!” Twist comments, shaking Ares’ hand.

  Cain wraps 2 in a man hug, doing the loud pats on the back like men do, while hollering, “Hell yeah, brothers! So happy for ya! No wonder you hit me earlier. I’dda fucking strangled someone if it was my Sugar Tits and I couldn’t find her!”

  “Can’t wait to tell Sunshine.” Twist grins. “Did you tell her already, 2?”

  “No, I haven’t had a chance to call my sister.”

  “Can I text her really quick?”

  “Bet.” He nods and Twist eagerly pulls his phone out. He’s normally pretty quiet, but since he’s been with 2 Piece’s sister and they’ve had their own baby, he seems…I guess lighter would be the best way to describe him.

  Cain takes his seat again, turning to Ares. “We celebrating today?”

  “Hell yeah. We’re getting fucked up today; I’m celebrating this news right. I’m surrounded by the people who mean the most to me along with the woman, man, and club I love. Call the other brothers up. Hell, call up the fucking Nomads too, and let’s have some fun. Tonight we play, ‘cause tomorrow I have a house to build and a son to plan for.”

  2 Piece grabs mine and Ares’ hands, pulling us closer to him. “We have a house and a son to plan for—as a family.”

  Tears grace my eyes, and Ares grows silent with 2’s declaration hitting him as well. The guys all just smile and grin, happy for us that we’ve found a love worth fighting for.

  SAPPHIRE KNIGHT

  Sapphire Knight is the International Bestselling Author of Secrets, Exposed, Relinquish, Corrupted, Forsaken Control, Unwanted Sacrifices, Friction, Unexpected Forfeit, Russian Roulette and Princess. The series are called Russkaya Mafiya, Oath Keepers MC, Ground and Pound, and Dirty Down South.

  Her books all reflect on what she loves to read herself.

  Sapphire's a Texas girl who is crazy about football. She's always had a knack for writing, whether it is poems or stories. She originally studied psychology and believes that it's added to her passion for writing.

  Sapphire is the proud mom of two boys and has been married for twelve years. When she's not busy in her writing cave, she's playing with her three Doberman Pinschers. She loves to donate to help animals and watch a good action movie.

  Website: www.authorsapphireknight.com

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  BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED ~ ISABELLA LAPEARL

  Wet in more ways than one, Mazie Carmichael stood with a packet of batteries in one hand and a box holding a small vibrating muscle massager in the other. The skies had opened up during her quick, five-minute walk to the drugstore. But she’d pressed on. This was an emergency…sort of. She ached.

  Thankfully the aisle seemed empty as she studied the pictures of the various rubber attachments—a very important rumination since her beloved B.O.B. had fizzled out and died on her—without the promised happy ending.

  “If you need help, Mazie, we’re better than batteries. We’re a hell of a lot more reliable and satisfying than anything that comes in a box, too.”

  Startled, she shrieked and tossed aside both items as she covered her flaming cheeks with her hands in horror. She knew Eric—or had it been Evan’s—rich, seductive voice. It didn’t matter. Where one was, the other was never far away.

  Oh, my fucking god. Of all the things for the Mandel twins to catch me doing…

  She felt them close in as they flanked her. Mazie had heard the whispered rumors about what these two men usually did when they sandwiched a female between them.

  Shivers rippled through her body. Her nipples stiffened.

  Later, she’d make herself climax to the memory of that voice and the feel of them hovering, their body heat warming her. His words conjured up images of all the nasty things ‘nice’ girls, didn’t do. She wouldn’t, of course. But she’d sure as hell entertain lascivious fantasies about them…accompanied by her new purchases.

  “Cat got your tongue, darlin’?”

  Mazie knew the things she’d been holding hadn’t fallen to the ground, so she risked a peek over her shoulder. Sure enough, both men were holding the items in their respective paws.

  She drew in a steadying breath and tried to act as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “Can I have those back, please?”

  As she reached for the batteries from one, she turned to his twin for the other.

  He was quicker. “In a hurry?”

  “Sore, um…neck.”

  Mazie couldn’t meet his gaze. They wore beat-up boots—big ones. The box he clutched in his fist gave her something to look at. Seeing him hold her next B.O.B. just out of reach, stung her with embarrassment all over again. Did he believe her lie?

  When she finally lifted her lashes and her gaze climbed up his big body, she slowed to drink in his wide chest, his strong throat, and square chin. Finally, she made it up to his broad, bawdy smile and laughing brown eyes. No, he didn’t believe her for a second.

  God, he was a beautiful beast. Solid, wide shoulders, black hair. He was made for sin.

  They both were, in fact.

  She knew nearly everything about them and could li
st their attributes in her sleep. They were both veterans. They protected. They loved their country. And they both rode motorcycles, which was so damn hot. Mazie sighed. They were damn near perfect. And God had put men like them on this Earth to make women do stupid things. How in the hell could she keep herself from falling for that prank, too?

  “Is that right, huh? Want us to rub at your ache?” His eyes twinkled with mirth and heat as he spoke softly.

  Like you wouldn’t believe!

  Images of what that might be like streaked through her brain, and she flashed hot all over again. “No. No, um…I’m good. If you’ll just hand me my things, I’ll be—”

  “Going?” Was that Eric or Evan speaking? She still wasn’t sure. “Don’t rush off. We didn’t mean to scare you. Beside it’s raining out there, and you’re wet. You walked here, right?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Why don’t you let us take you home?” The other brother picked up where his twin left off. He circled behind her, making her look his way.

  They were practiced, smooth and in sync as they leaned in even closer. Her knees felt like putty. Everything about the way they spoke, moved—even breathed—seemed designed to lead her mind exactly where they wanted it to go.

  “You’re saturated. Your pretty dress looks wet through. So is everything under it, I’ll bet. Not that we mind.” His purely sinful chuckle had her throbbing in places only a man could ease.

  There was something wild and uncivilized about the pair. They followed their own damn rules, so cocksure and bold. That excited the hell out of her. They terrified her, too, because they moved in and around her like they’d been stalking her and were now closing in for the kill.

  How was that possible? She didn’t think either of them even knew her name. That had to mean something, didn’t it? When Eric and Evan strutted into her art class and stripped off their clothes, she and the other women were forced to bite back their sighs of delight. They were the most magnificent models she’d ever had the pleasure to draw. They’d never given her a single hint that they even knew she was alive, until now.