Princess

by Sapphire Knight

  We all nod and mount our bikes as he does. Before we start them up, he shouts, “As soon as we have her, bail the fuck outta there, shoot whoever you need to and we ride toward the border as fast as possible. This is the Cartel, brothers; they won’t fuck around.”

  We should’ve brought more men. Fuck!

  With a sound like thunder, we crank over our engines, placing weapons wherever we need them for easy access and as one unit we hit the road, ready to piss off the fucking Mexican Cartel. We may as well be headed into a bee’s nest because that’s exactly how crazy shit’s about to get.

  PRINCESS

  I still haven’t spoken to my mom; I hung up when my dad answered. I don’t know why he’d be answering her cell phone anyhow. Bethany comes out of my room, hair pointing in every possible direction and mascara all underneath her eyes. She stayed the night since I knew Viking wouldn’t be stopping over at any given time. Knowing him if he shows up sometime with Bethany here, he’ll demand to smell my pussy again. That man can be so flipping pushy.

  “Morning, Sleeping Beauty.”

  “Ugh. That biker’s already rubbing off on you.”

  “Huh?”

  “With the nickname, I seriously doubt I resemble a Disney princess right now. I feel more like road kill.”

  “Well, you do kinda resemble a dead bird.” Shrugging, I blow her a kiss.

  “Shut up, some of us need sleep. Why are you up so early anyhow?” She passes me by, going straight to the fridge to get a glass of her favorite orange juice. I keep it around specifically for Bethany unless my brother stops over, then he’ll drink it all just to screw with her. They’ve known each other far too long that they like to torture each other in small ways.

  “Dude, it’s noon.”

  Her eyes shoot to the clock, verifying the time. “Shit! I was out of it. I didn’t pay attention to the clock in your room, with it dim in there; I figured it was pretty early.”

  “Nope, it’s just cloudy out.”

  “That would explain why I’m starving then. Did you eat?”

  “I had a banana, but I’m getting hungry now. Do you want to go somewhere or make something here?”

  Finishing her juice, she rinses the cup and places it in the dishwasher. Stepping away from the counter, Bethany twists back suddenly, launching her face into the sink bowl. Fisting her messy hair in one hand, she braces with the other, wrenching up all the liquid she previously consumed.

  “Holy shit!” Rushing over to check on her, I snatch a hand towel on my way. “Are you okay?”

  “Ohhhh.” She moans, expelling the water she had drunk before bed.

  Flipping the faucet on beside her, I grab the sprayer, rinsing it down the garbage disposal, so she’s not stuck looking at and smelling it.

  After a few minutes of hovering over the basin, she wordlessly leans back, bracing both hands on the counter, staring at the drain.

  “Bethany? Honey, you okay?” Cocking my head, I try to meet her eyes and push the kitchen towel in front of her. Her brow’s dotted with perspiration but her skin’s very pale.

  She stays quiet washing her palms with soap, then takes the towel from my hand, never glancing up.

  “How do you feel?”

  Tears build up, running over her lids, flooding her cheeks with wetness, truly worrying me. I hate to see my best friend upset, so I lean in, wrapping my arms around her and place my forehead on the side of her head.

  “Oh babe, don’t worry. You can stay here and just lay in bed until you feel better. I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

  She breaks her silence as a sob bubbles up, and she finally faces me. “I need diapers,” she cries, looking heartbroken.

  “Okay, in any other circumstance, I’d give you shit,” I giggle at the pun. “For the rest of your life, but I know you’re actually sick. We’ll just toss your undies out, and you can borrow a pair of boxers to wear.”

  Instead of laughing or chuckling, hell, even calling me a twat face like I’m expecting her to do, she busts out in a pathetic wail. I’ve known Bethany nearly my whole life, and I’ve never seen her like this—including bad breakups or drunken moments we’ve shared.

  Bethany hiccups, her tearstained face swollen from crying, as I hug her to me tightly. Maybe we should go to the hospital if she’s feeling this terrible. Shit, I hope whatever she has isn’t contagious.

  She takes a few deep breaths, her crying finally slowing down as she whispers, “I’m not sick; not technically, anyway. There’s something wrong with me, though.”

  “What do you mean? Why haven’t you told me sooner?”

  “Because…I wasn’t sure.”

  “You better not be fucking dying or something and just now telling me. I won’t let it happen.”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  Shocked, I don’t know if I should hug and congratulate her or cry, because in all honestly, there’s a good chance she won’t know who the father is. Her mom and stepdad will most likely kick her out even though she’s an adult. They’re dicks like that. She needs to find a better job so she can get her own place.

  With my eyes wide, I mutter, “Wow.”

  “I know.” She swipes her hand over her face, then fills a glass of water, chugging it down and refilling it.

  “So that’s what the puking was about and why you’re suddenly drinking more water.”

  “Yep.”

  “Wow.

  “You said that already.”

  “Who’s the father?”

  Grabbing the 409 from the opposite counter and a few paper towels, I spray the counter next to where Bethany puked. Once I’m done wiping it, she steps away so I can do the top of the sink. Coating the inside of the basin, I rinse it out and step back, still waiting for her to answer.

  “B, do you know who the baby’s dad is?”

  “It doesn’t matter, he doesn’t want it, and I won’t be letting him decide my child’s fate. He’s not the one carrying the kid around or who’s going to be taking care of it, so it’s not his decision to make.”

  “Holy shit, he doesn’t want it?”

  She shakes her head.

  “What a dickhead; he should be castrated. Who is it?”

  “I told you, I just want to forget about it. I have to figure out my life and how to support myself and a kid.”

  “Wait, is this the real reason why you called me so much and freaked out with Viking?”

  Shrugging, she places her other cup in the dishwasher and runs her hands through her hair. “That’s what started it, but then I did begin to worry about you when I didn’t hear back.”

  “That makes sense. I’m sorry you’ve been going through these changes by yourself.”

  “Hey, at least I have you now. Plus, it’s still too soon.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well two days after I had sex, I was massively ill and went to the hospital; they couldn’t find anything wrong with me, and then a nurse suggested that I could be pregnant. I thought she was crazy, but she said in certain cases a woman can be sick within days. She told me that my body may have registered the change immediately, where in others it takes longer to show pregnancy symptoms.”

  “That’s crazy, so did they run a test?”

  “Actually, I’ve had a fifteen-minute quick check with a nurse at my doctor’s office daily since then. Yesterday before coming here, they ran a blood test, and it came back positive. My doctor was thrilled. I guess she’s never had a pregnancy case like mine before.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Well, because my test came back positive yesterday morning, making it eight days since I would have gotten knocked up. Today makes day nine. According to her, none of her patients have ever found out that quickly before. I have to go back in a few weeks for another test, but I’m convinced now after being sick every single day and then fine later in the day.”

  “I’m so sorry you’ve been sick. Is it that douche you were playing beer pong with, the nig
ht of the house party?”

  “God, no!”

  “But I haven’t seen you go home with anyone else, except…”

  Her head tilts as she nods sadly, “Nightmare.”

  “Ho-ly fuckballs.”

  Monday and Tuesday drag by with no luck on breaching the Cartel’s Compound. Princess hasn’t contacted me again, and I don’t know whether to be upset or impressed. She knows I’m with my brothers, and she’s either keeping busy or letting me handle my shit.

  I’m getting real sick of being here, though. I’m ready to slide deep inside my woman and eat a fucking burger. I thought the hotel mattress in Texas was shit, but it’s a goddamn pillow top compared to the springy box I’ve been sleeping on here. It’s going to be straight hell on us riding back, sore and grouchy, most likely with some runaway bitch while dodging bullets.

  Now here we are, Wednesday morning and attempting to sneak in once again. We figured that if the place is usually loaded down with cartel thugs, then a quiet, early approach is probably best. The brothers are just as antsy as I am, ready to get the fuck away from here.

  Ruger catches up to Spider, talking quietly, “Look, all I’m saying is, it’s strange there isn’t anyone in this part of the Compound. Where the fuck did they all go?” He gestures around us at the huge abandoned space as we continue our trek.

  The back corner where we’re located is littered with trees, a small brick building that we’re assuming is storage, and random, massive-sized rocks, nearly the same height as me. It’s weird, but who the fuck cares if it provides us some cover.

  Shrugging, Spider glances around. “I showed you the satellite images. There were only a few heat signatures indicated with the program on the thermal mode. Unless they’ve decided to patrol, none of them are near this area.”

  Exterminator halts suddenly, whirling toward them. “Quiet the fuck down. This isn’t school or some shit where you two can fuckin’ gossip. If they hear us, they’ll shoot. Now shut the fuck up,” he orders.

  They keep quiet, and we continue on our path toward a specific building Ex was told to search first.

  Over the past two days, we’ve learned that the cop told Ex that he’d been watching the area closely and thought that this bitch he’s looking for is being held in a certain spot. There are regular rotations that monitor it made by three guards at all times, which will be no biggie for us to overpower.

  Spider had to wait until we penetrated the wall and were physically inside the cartel’s perimeter to log into their camera feeds with his cell. Supposedly, whoever has this chick is insanely cautious and at any little glitch, he takes off with her and disappears. By waiting until we were on their land, the system they use wouldn’t register it as an intruding device, just as one of their men trying to use the Wi-Fi. Fucking crazy shit that I’d never know about or even have a guess to think of; Spider’s one smart little fucker.

  Trailing along, I think of random shit, such as I’m grateful to have Spider with us and not against us. He’s a good asset to have and will be even more valuable as he gets in more time on the road with us. I should have him set up some type of security over at Princess’ apartment. I hadn’t seen a keypad by the door when I’d left her place last week.

  Sinner gasps, “You’ve gotta be fuckin’ with me.” He clears his throat as his steps falter. “Brothers, stop.” He gazes around out in the field.

  I don’t know if he found an IED or a mine or what the fuck, so I stop straightaway. My gaze scans over the ground around us. With it being the Cartel, it could be absolutely anything. If it’s not some explosive or drug, it’s most likely a pile of dead bodies stacked up somewhere.

  Next, Saint whispers, “No.” And we’re all silent enough to hear it loud and clear. “Holy fuck.”

  “What?” Ex grumbles and Sinner nods to the open space off to the left side.

  Everyone’s eyes immediately shoot in that direction, concentrating to peer closely enough and pick out whatever Saint and Sinner have discovered. Personally, I’m looking for snipers. I wouldn’t be surprised if they position a few out here to pick off intruders. It would explain the lack of heat signatures the guys were talking about earlier.

  The choking sound that leaves Spider as he finally sees them doesn’t surprise me one bit. I’d probably choke also…if I could speak or even move my mouth.

  Nightmare grumbles, “What the hell we supposed to do?”

  “Anything to the right?” Ex whispers.

  “When I looked at the map I saw a small cluster of buildings. I don’t know what they house, though, could be guard quarters.”

  “Do we run?” Saint asks.

  “If it’s a nest for the sentries they’ll shoot us on site.”

  Finally, able to conjure up words, I hiss, “Better than getting eaten by two fucking lions!”

  Glaring at Spider and Ruger, I point at them heatedly, “Remind me to fucking skin your asses when this is over with.”

  Spider’s eyebrows shoot up. “I swear we had no idea.”

  My fingers find the snap securing the large hunting knife to my belt. Pulling the button free, I grab my knife and clutch it in my left hand. My digits go to the clasp holding my hatchet, drawing it free as well; I grasp it tightly in my right hand. I’m as ready as can be if those scary motherfuckers come at me.

  I’ll most likely die, but I’ll be taking some of their blood with me.

  The brothers all follow my example, preparing. Saint reaches around to dig in his backpack, arming himself with a machete. He passes another to Sinner. The others remove various weapons they’re skilled with, watching the lions closely.

  They may be lying out there, looking harmless now, but they can easily outrun any of us if they’re hungry enough.

  Exterminator murmurs, “Back up slowly, one step at a time, stay as quiet as possible. Think of them as bears. Ruger, keep an eye on where we came from. Night, watch the path that we were goin’. Saint and Sinner, you got behind us. Viking, want your eyes on those cats. You’re probably the most skilled motherfucker out here with those weapons, who has a chance in hell at killing a goddamn lion. I’ll be monitoring them as well. If any one of us is gonna die, it’ll be me, not my brothers.”

  I’ve held a sense of respect toward Exterminator since the day he saved my life. He earned that, but today I respect him for an entirely different reason. The fact he’ll put his life in front of ours speaks of true loyalty and brotherhood. This is why we look to him as one of our leaders; he’s willing to ransom himself before us and take responsibility. I won’t argue with him, but if it comes to it, I’ll be the one forfeiting my life so he may live. I owe him that, and I will pay my debt if needed.

  We slowly begin stepping backward, steadily peering over at the enormous beasts, and it hits me that I should confess my initial intentions. That way they’ll all hate me and not interfere when I need to sacrifice myself. The brothers in the Nomads have become my family over the past few years; I won’t allow this to be their parting fate.

  “That day, you showed up early and saved my life,” I begin.

  He cuts me off mid-sentence. “Why do you think I was early to the bar?”

  “Because I’d been tracking you. I was there, waiting for you.”

  “Go on.”

  “I was sent to kill you from another MC, but you stepped in and stopped that rival club for me.”

  He grunts.

  “You were the first brother to have my back, and you weren’t even in the same club.”

  “You fuckin’ proposing or some shit right now?”

  “Just thanking you for offering me a new life.”

  I think it’s the most serious conversation I’ve ever had with any of them. We don’t do chats unless it’s full of ribbing each other, planning club business, or discussing the best way to torture someone.

  “You think we’d let you ride with us without knowing who the fuck you were?”

  His statement surprises me, and I glance at him. He poin
ts straight ahead, ordering, “Eyes on the cats.”

  One of the lions decides that it’s a good time to stretch, putting us more on edge as we keep shuffling backward.

  “I know who the fuck you are or were. I chose that time to wait for you, knowing someone was tracking me. I found a young kid who had a shitty fuckin’ deal handed to him and was following orders in place of the mercenary I was expecting. You’ve proved yourself to this club many times over; you fit with us. If this is your confession, I don’t give a fuck about what it was. You’re my brother, end of story. Now shut the fuck up, ‘cause if those cats scratch me from you flapping your jaw, I’mma stab you in the same spot.”

  I would grin but watching the other lion stand as well, has my heart rate speeding up.

  “Move brothers!” Ex growls and our steps speed up.

  Sinner speaks up, “There’s a chain link fence.”

  We all glance in that direction, finding that it’s not any ordinary fence. I’d guess it to be at least twenty feet tall of heavy twelve inch wired squares.

  Nightmare voices exactly what I was worrying about. “You better pray to whatever god you believe in, ‘cause there’s a good chance that fence is electric.”

  Both lions’ heads snap to us, licking their chops and begin to stroll leisurely toward us.

  “Oh fuck!” Spider says shakily, losing his shit and taking off, sprinting toward the fence.

  The lions perk up at him running, crouching lower as they prepare for their next kill.

  Ex catches on, realizing we’ve suddenly become more interesting to the felines, quickly becoming their next prey. “Beat feet for the fucking fence, now!”

  Our steps thunder against the dirt, running full force toward the only salvation in site. If we get electrocuted, we may as well give up, ‘cause we’d be well and truly fucked. I won’t let that happen, though; I’ll defend my brothers till my last breath.