Coming Home: Dominant Devils Book 2

by H. M. Stewart

  “You scared the shit out of me. How the hell did your pregnant ass managed to get the drop on me like that? You caring some kind of badass ninja in there or something,” I choked out while trying to get my racing heart back under control.

  “Not that I know of hussy but, I’ll keep it in mind. I didn’t mean to scare you, really I didn’t. You’ve just been sitting over here most of the day taking everything in. I wanted to check in with you to see where your head was at, that’s all.”

  “I’m good, chick. I’m just taking it all in like you said. I would have never believed a year ago that this would be happening. Never thought that I would ever see both parts of my family together and getting along so well, ya know,” I said looking at a tearful Layla. “Girl don’t cry again! Your damn pregnancy hormones will be wearing off on me and I’ll be crying right along with you.”

  “It’s all good honey. These are happy tears babe. I’m happy for you, that’s all. I’m glad you’re finally getting the best of both worlds. You and Hunter of all people deserve this. From what Trevor tells me you’ve got some things to talk to me about. Care to fill me in on exactly what it is,” my friend asked with a look telling me she already knows what’s coming.

  “Leave it to Trevor to make sure I go through with this,” I said with a chuckle. I turned to face Layla and take her swollen fingers in my hands. “I’m planning on staying in Great Falls for the time being. I want Hunter to start school there and grow up with some roots. I plan on flying out when I’m needed and will make preparations for when we go on tour. I’m hoping you’re okay with this but, if not, I’m ready to accept the fact that no matter what Great Falls is my home. I’m sure I can find something to do there if you need to find someone to replace me.”

  “You stop that shit right now girl. You will always have a place with us. We’ll have a break from touring til at least the beginning of the year and even then Ben’s pushing for next summer. We want time to get a handle on the parenting thing before we’re rushing out in the public eyes again. Our contract with the asshole is up December 31st and we all made the decision to look for new representation. That alone may hold us up or even knock us back but, after everything we’ve been through with that greedy bastard over the last six years I really don’t give a damn,” Layla snapped.

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I kinda figured you would be okay with me living in South Carolina. I wasn’t sure if you would get away from Leonard, though. He’s the biggest asshole I know but, he’s got a lot of connections and has been in this business a long time. You know he won’t be happy when he finds out you won’t be retaining him again. You guys prepared for the fall out?”

  “Ember’s dad is checking into a few things. Leonard might have lots of connections but, he doesn’t have as many as him. Dave has assured his daughter and the rest of us that one way or another we will land on our feet. I think he’s got something up his sleeve for Leonard. I’m just not sure what it is yet,” my girl said before changing the subject. “Enough bout business. How bout you tell me how your heart is doing. When you left here two months ago I was certain that you would be putting that stubborn pride away and going after that sexy ass man of yours. I’ve tried not to push you for details when you don’t talk about him when were on the phone. I’m a little confused and Trevor is like a vault on all things Avery and Braxton. So inquiring minds want to know what the hold-up is woman?”

  “When we got back, he was there to pick us up at the airport. When I looked at him coming towards me I froze. I instantly put that invisible shield up to shut him out. I’m scared to get hurt. When he sent that text message after I left it killed me inside. When he said he couldn’t be with someone who would leave, it broke my heart, even if it was said in anger. I can’t help but think that every time I have to leave to come here or on tour that it will be a constant battle or he’ll think I’m running again,” I told Layla on the verge of tears.

  “Look, I’m about to say something that I need you to hear and I need you to know that I’m saying this because I care about you. You need to know it’s coming from a good place,” Layla said stalling for a bit.

  “Okay, let me have it. I trust what you say isn’t to hurt me; only to lay the truth out for me. You’ve always been good with shit like that.”

  “Here goes nothing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Layla said before giving the brutal honest truth. “You’re a fucking coward Avery. For years I’ve watched you pine away after a man that has held your heart since you were a love-struck teenager. I’ve watched you hide your emotions and put that fake independent persona in place for the world to see. I know you can do things for Hunter and yourself on your own but, your too damn scared to let someone help you. You need to get that mess out of your head and go get the man who loves you just as much as you love him. If he was standing here right now I’d be telling him the exact same thing. It’s time to grow up and start dealing with shit like an adult. If you live everyday of your life scared to get hurt, you’ll die an empty lonely woman. It’s not that I won’t love and support you either way but do us all favor and make your own self happy for once. It’s time to stop dancing around the issue and face it head on chick. You’ll never know what could be if you don’t take the jump. If you try and it doesn’t work, you’ll always have people to help you through it.”

  I sat in silence letting my friend’s words sink in. She was right, though I wasn’t ready to tell her just yet. She stood and gave me a quick kiss on the top of my head before waddling over to her fiancé. She walked right into Ben’s open arms and snuggled right into his chest. I watched the two stand glued together as they talked with our friends. It drove home exactly what I wanted. I want that to be Axle and me. I want to face the world together.

  Axle

  After my short conversation with Avery last night my head was fucked. I couldn’t sleep or focus on anything that needed attention on my desk. I found myself gravitating towards my bike for a nice long moon lit ride. As I was straddling my sled, I saw Wall and Zeus come out behind me. They both said nothing as they got themselves ready to go. The three of us took off through the gate headed towards destination unknown. We rode for a few hours before pulling off at a truck stop just off of interstate 95.

  “How about some breakfast fellas? My treat,” I asked my two followers.

  “Sounds good to me Prez. I’m freaking starving. I’ll be glad when my damn woman gets back here. I mean no harm to Marley but she can’t cook worth a shit,” Zeus replied.

  “Yeah I think we should have had Queenie man the clubhouse and sent Marley to help Hawk at the bar. At least mom knows her way around a kitchen. I’m not sure what the hell Marley tried to make yesterday but I wasn’t touching that shit. I made sure to stash some good ole peanut butter and jelly away in my room before everyone left for California. That shits getting old. When the hell are the girls supposed to be back,” Wall whined.

  “They’ve only been gone since yesterday afternoon. They won’t be back til Monday night. You’ve still got today, tomorrow and Monday fuckers. I’m sure we can manage,” I said with a laugh.

  “This from the one who’s head’s been fucked up since a phone conversation earlier. You gonna finally go all caveman and take your woman back Prez,” Wall asked putting me on the spot.

  “I’m planning on it fucker. She gave me what you’d say an olive branch; I just need to figure out how to go about it. She mentioned persuading me into taking a ride to talk away from everyone. I thought bout picking her up from the airport on the bike and leaving from there but who the fuck knows. For all I know it could have been the drinks talking and when she gets back she’ll be ignoring me on purpose again.”

  “Fuck that Prez. I may be out of line but, make that shit happen. Do some of that romance shit those girls are always watching on TV. Show up and grab her on the bike or get your ass on a plane and go surprise your girl and your son. Take a little family vacation or some shit. Life’s too short to not go after w
hat ya want,” Zeus chimed in as we were moving towards the building.

  Just then someone walking outside caught my eye. If I didn’t know any better that lot lizard looked like Yasmin. I tapped Wall on the shoulder and pointed in the direction of the bitch climbing out of one of the rigs in the back lot straightening her clothes. No doubt what her ass was doing in that truck. When Wall caught sight of what I was trying to show him, I felt he’s demeanor change. Zeus must have caught on to what we were looking at because that crazy mother fucker took off in a full sprint towards the grubby bitch that fucked with our family. At first Yasmin was smiling then turned to run when she realized who was approaching her. It didn’t take long for Zeus to catch up to her though. He had her by the throat pinned up against one of the trailers in the busy lot in no time.

  As we walked over towards the two I called Throttle telling him to get his ass out here with the van to take the next piece of the puzzle back to the barn. So much for a quiet ride and breakfast. Looks like I’ll be busy dealing with this shit. Not wanting to seem weak even for a moment, I buried my worry for everyone I allowed to travel to the West coast. I hope that this is just a coincidence and not a ploy to distract us while the girls were gone. We hadn’t heard or seen anything in months. It’s the only reason the fellas allowed the women to travel with just Trevor and Prospect Dylan. I had been in contact with Ben as well. Giving him a full run down on who to be looking for and stressed that the girls were to stay put. He assured me he would have his team briefed and that everything that was planned for the weekend would be taking place at the house. The only time the girls would be out in the open would be coming from the airport and returning to the airport. I sent a quick text to Trevor and Dylan about stumbling into Yasmin, knowing they would put Ben and his men on alert. I’d have to trust that my family would be watched over while I dealt with this shit. I’d call Ben as soon as we had this bitch loaded in the van.

  Chapter 16

  Avery

  I woke up Sunday morning to Hunter jumping up and down on the bed Romy and I shared. “Momma, Aunt Romy gets up! It’s time to go to the beach. Auntie Layla says it’s time to get your lazy bones out da bed,” an excited Hunter yelled.

  As soon as my eyes opened the uneasy feeling in my stomach took over. I jolted out of bed barely making it to the bathroom before I emptied what was in my stomach. A few minutes later a hung over Romy joined me in the bathroom closing the door. She watched as I puked my guts out into the porcelain bowl I had my head in. When I finally felt like I could sit back my best friend had a cool wash cloth for me to clean up with.

  “Okay chick I’ve sent Hunter down to wake up the rest of the crew, now you need to spill the beans. What’s going on with you? Are you sick or what? I know it’s not from alcohol because you sipped your glass of wine all night. You didn’t do any shots and ate the same things everyone else did yesterday. Plus, you weren’t feeling well when we left Friday. I thought it was just a migraine because you seemed fine at the shower but now I wake up to you puking again today. Do I need to take you to the doctor or is there something you’re not telling me?”

  I looked at Romy knowing I couldn’t lie to her. Hell, I didn’t know what was wrong with me although I did have a hunch. “Romy I don’t know. I thought it was just a migraine or even a stomach bug but like you said I was fine yesterday. I can’t shake this feeling that I might be pregnant even though I was on the shot. A few weeks back I had Layla schedule an appointment to get my shot for me while I was out here. I planned on one last visit out here before I transferred everything back home. I’m due to be at the doctor’s tomorrow morning at 8:30 with Layla to get my next shot. They’ll do a test before they give me the shot because I’m late getting it.”

  “Holy shit girlfriend, how late on the shot are you? Weren’t you on the shot when you got pregnant with Hunter too?”

  “I’m only two weeks late getting it and the last time I had sex was over two months ago. The shot should have still been at full strength again. I was on the shot when I got pregnant with Hunter but I was giving it to myself, remember I was trying to keep it under the radar from my father. When I spoke to the doctor she said that it was a slim chance that I could have gotten pregnant on the shot, that more than likely I wasn’t keeping very good track of dates and for best results it should be administered in the top part of your ass cheek. That’s why I’ve always gone back to the doctor for them to give it to me. I’m sure it’s nothing but just a stomach bug,” I explained to my friend hoping to drop the subject.

  “Well you’re going to wake my ass up in the morning. I’m going with you. It’s probably just all the stress you’ve been under the last few months finally catching up to you but I’ll be there for you never the less. Now, let’s put our little string bikinis on and enjoy our last full day on the Pacific coast for a while. Our favorite little ones are waiting on us. Get your shit together and meet me outside chick.”

  I pulled my friend in for a hug and thanked her for the little pep talk. It did nothing to ease the feeling in my gut but at least I know I’ll have her support again if I am pregnant. Tomorrow morning can’t get here fast enough.

  I took a quick shower and pulled my hair up in a sloppy bun making my way down to everyone. When I got downstairs I realized everyone was already outside enjoying the sunshine. I saw a bowl of fresh fruit was waiting on the kitchen counter for me, compliments of Layla no doubt. With my bowl of fruit in hand I walked out the door and down to the beach where my family had gathered. I noticed that there were more men surrounding our little group than usual. I made my way straight to Ben, who was standing ankle deep in the water watching Hunter boogie board with Trevor and Demi. I walked beside him and nudged him with my elbow to get his attention.

  “Hey there baby girl. You sleep good last night? Trevor said you and Romy were still sleeping when Layla sent Hunter in to pounce on you guys. He also said you weren’t feeling very good this morning. You got another migraine,” Ben asked?

  “I’m good, although, I’m thinking Trevor needs to learn how to keep things to his self. I’m just stressed is all. I’ll be fine once I get life figured out,” I responded with a laugh.

  “Well don’t be mad at Trevor this time. As much as I would enjoy watching the sassy fucker get strung up it wasn’t him this time. Braxton called me right after you guys left for the airport. He gave me a heads up that you weren’t feeling well and made me promise to take you to a doctor if you still had a headache when you landed.”

  “Axle called you,” I asked Ben.

  “Yeah, I’ve talked to him a few times actually. He seems like an alright dude. It started not long after you went home the last time. He wanted to thank me for taking care of you and Romy, then when the invitation for the baby shower went out last month we’ve been in contact quite regularly. He wanted to make sure the group of you ladies would be under watchful eye out here. I guess things have calmed down at home but the threat isn’t completely gone,” Ben explained.

  “So that would explain all the extra body guards today? Has something happened after we left or is my big ole biker just paranoid again?”

  “I’m not sure what I’m privilege to say to you. Not sure how the chains of command in the biker world work. Just now that I got a call last night asking me to add a few more guys, especially if you all were going to be out of the house,” he answered.

  “I’m sorry you have to go to all of this trouble Ben. We can look into flying out today if it makes it easier on you. None of us want to put you and Layla out.”

  “Nonsense baby girl. Most of these guys jumped at the fact of watching over all you, sexy ass women in bikini’s, for the day. They don’t see it as a chore at all, that and like the rest of us, they consider you all family. So stop worrying and enjoy your fun in the sun. From what Layla told me, it might be a while before you make it back out to see us, which means I’ve got to get my Hunter fix before you leave. Go back up there with the girls and leave us alone would ya
,” Ben told me jokingly.

  I left him and ventured back up to where the girls were sitting and gossiping. We spent the day soaking up each other’s company and the sun. Stories of life on tour, growing up in the club and what was to come were flowing easily around my mixed group of family. When the subject of Madison leaving for school in the fall became a hot topic, Ember spoke up extending and invitation to her if she chose to check out schools on the west coast. It warmed my heart that both sides of my family were becoming a solid unit. I didn’t see Madison coming all the way out here for school though. My guess would be Florida. I’m sure she’s already talked to Brendan about moving off campus with her into a small apartment. She would be able to get her independence while being under what the club would see as a constant supervisor. The club had charters within thirty minutes of school plus, it was only a five-hour car ride home. Only time will tell. I was lost in thought when the attention was soon flipped back to me.

  “Hey Avery! Avery, Demi asked you a question baby,” my mother interrupted my thoughts.

  “I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought. What’s up Demi?”

  “I’m glad some things never change. I asked what you planned on doing now that you’ll be a permanent resident of South Carolina. I know you’ll be traveling back here when needed but, are you finally going to work on that solo project you’ve talked about,” Demi asked.

  With everyone’s questioning eyes on me I wasn’t sure what to say. Demi and the rest of the band were the only ones that new of my passion for writing music. “Honestly, I’m not sure yet. Right now I just want to get settled in with Hunter. He starts school in a few months. Once I get him in the routine I’m might start looking into it. I’ll send you anything I come up with chick. You know you girls will have first dibs,” I said with a laugh. “If I can cash in on a few songs a year, like that last one, I’ll never have to work again. I still want to be on stage though. I’ll figure it out eventually.”