by Quinn, Vera
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bethany
It seems like all we do is sit in rooms and wait to see what kind of havoc my family can make us go through next. Cage is getting antsy. He hasn’t been outside to play in days and he is completely off his normal schedule. Today he is acting out and asking to, please, be allowed to go outside to play. I know before the end of the day that River and I are going to need to come to a compromise so he can have some playtime outside of the clubhouse. He’s too young to understand that this is for his safety.
I must dose off for a few minutes. Cage was watching a movie with Maudi when I shut my eyes. I open my eyes and the room is quiet. Everyone is gone. I get up and I walk to the door and open it. Lyles, a prospect and Butch, one of the brothers, are sitting in chairs and they are on their phones.
“Where did Cage and Maudi go?” I ask the two.
“Krill came wanting to speak to you and you were asleep. He went to his office with Tiny. Maudi took Cage to the kitchen to start dinner. Slick had to go with Whistler, but Lizard and Bat were going to the kitchen with Maudi and Cage,” Butch tells me.
“I’m going to the kitchen to help with dinner. If you two have something else to do, I’ll be fine with Maudi and Cage.” I look at Butch since I know he’s in charge.
“I guess that’s alright. We’ll walk along with you to the bar. No one is going to get to you in the clubhouse,” Butch tells me. I know what he says is true. I have always felt safe here. I walk out of my room and shut the door. I make my way down the hall and I see Lizard sitting at the bar talking to Scout. Butch and Lyles head in that direction. I nod my head at Scout and keep walking into the kitchen. I see Maudi cooking at the stove and Bat is coming out of the stockroom with a handful of groceries. I wait for Cage to follow him out of the room, but he never comes out. My heart skips a beat and that’s when I see the back door is ajar and I know my nephew decided to go outside on his own. I don’t say a word. I don’t think I could make my voice work if I had to. I go to the door and I open it wider and walk outside. My eyes scan the backyard and what I see terrifies me. Cage is standing next to the fence and Rico is climbing through a hole in the fence. Rico has a gun in his hand. I don’t think, I should have yelled out, but I just took off running. I get to the two, but Rico has his hand in Cage’s long hair, and Rico isn’t letting him go even though Cage is trying to get away. That’s when I see a puppy at Rico’s feet. Rico has a gun, but I don’t have time to be afraid for myself. I am too scared for Cage.
“I couldn’t have been any luckier than to get the both of you at once. I knew sooner or later the kid would need to come outside to play, and I knew the puppy would do the trick. I just didn’t know it would take two days for it to happen. Where Cage is, Bethany is never far behind. This is a nice little family reunion, but we need to get the fuck out of here. You first, kid, back through the fence.” That’s when Rico let’s Cage go so that he can get through the fence and I jump.
“Run, Cage! Back to the clubhouse!” I yell at my nephew. I am no match for Rico’s strength. I hear the loud boom of the gun go off and I feel a searing pain. “Run, Cage!” I yell again and there is another shot and I can’t stand any longer. I fall to the ground and I hear another gunshot. No, Rico couldn’t have. Not Cage. That’s when the black and pain take me under.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Krill
I am walking through the clubhouse, headed back to Bethany’s room so I can wake her and let her know the news of what has happened to Jen. I couldn’t bring myself to wake Bethany earlier because she looked so peaceful sleeping. I knew that what I had to tell her was going to upset her, so I left her there to get a little rest while I made some arrangements for Jen. It took me a little longer than I thought. Maudi was going to take Cage into the kitchen to start dinner. That would give Bethany a little extra time to rest. I was almost back to the bar when I hear the first gunshot and I take off in a run. Then I hear a second shot. When there’s a third shot, a loud commotion comes from the kitchen area.
I make my way in and I see Cage. He has tears running down his face and I know that can only mean one thing. Those shots had to do with Bethany and my heart freezes. I move through the line of brothers and get to Cage. I bend down and bring him into my arms and hug him. I see Maudi standing by the stove and she has tears running down her cheeks and I wave her over. “Cage, you stay with Maudi. I’m going to go and check on your aunt Bethany. This is going to be alright,” I tell Cage.
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to go outside and play, and I heard the puppy by the fence. I went to see if I could find it. I didn’t see Rico.” I know what happened before I ever make it outside. I see Scout bent down and I run in that direction.
“We need that ambulance, now. Someone go down to the gate and let the prospects know to let them in.” Scout is yelling. I go down to my knees and I pull Bethany out of Scout’s arms and I hold her and kiss the side of her head. The front of her shirt is covered in blood and her breathing is labored. “Damn it, Krill, let Doc look at her. She’s going to bleed out if he doesn’t slow that bleeding down.” Scout pulls me back and Doc takes my place. I look at Scout and I can barely see the man through my rage.
“What the fuck happened and why were Cage and Bethany in the backyard alone?” I yell.
“I was in the kitchen on watch and Maudi needed some things on the top shelf in the stockroom. Cage was helping Maudi when I left to get the stuff off the shelf. I was gone two minutes.” Bat is beside himself. “I swear the kid knew not to go outside. Bethany had been telling him no all day. Maudi turned her back to put the potatoes on the stove and Cage must have gone out the back door.” Bat is having a tough time getting it out. “Bethany walked in the kitchen when I was coming out of the stockroom. I put the things on the cabinet and when I turned back around the back door was standing wide open and I went out after Bethany. I had seen that Rico had Cage by the hair of his head and Bethany ran to them. Rico let Cage go to get him back through the fence and Bethany jumped Rico. I couldn’t get a shot off without hitting Bethany and then Cage ran back toward me. I got him to safety and that’s when I heard the first shot. By the time I was back in place to get a shot at Rico, the gun went off again and Bethany fell to the ground. I shot Rico and he’s dead. I just couldn’t help Bethany.” That’s when I hear the sirens of the ambulance. Doc is still trying to work on Bethany, and I pray. I pray as hard as I have ever prayed.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Two weeks later
Krill
The first two days that Bethany was in the hospital, she coded three times. Each time I thought I was losing the woman I have come to love. I couldn’t deny it anymore. It only took the woman I love taking two bullets and her nearly dying three times for me to leave the baggage of my past hurt behind and for me to admit I love Bethany.
The woman would have died protecting our son. That’s right, I know that Cage is our son. I may not have been there the first nine years of Cage’s life and Bethany may not have given birth to Cage, but we are his parents. We will always put him first and we will love him unconditionally. His wellbeing will always come first in both our hearts.
Bethany’s and my marriage may not have started because we were madly in love, but we love each other madly now.
Cage and Bat both are carrying a lot of guilt inside of them over what happened to Bethany. There’s plenty of guilt to go around. I should have known Rico wouldn’t leave without what he thought was his meal tickets. Bethany and I should have explained to Cage better why he wasn’t able to go outside. Bat was only doing what was asked of him when he stepped into the stockroom for Maudi. I would have done the same thing, any of the brothers would have. None of us are used to the tenacity of a nine, no, I mean ten-year-old boy. We are on a learning curve in the clubhouse on raising children. We will all be more cautious, and Cage now knows what the consequences can be when he doesn’t listen to adults.
Today is Cage’s tenth birthday
and this morning we were able to bring Bethany home. It’s a day of celebrations on some fronts, other not so much.
We are having a small birthday party for Cage. He’ll be waiting on his phone just a bit longer, but he is getting a flat-screen for his room here at the clubhouse and another one for his room in our home.
We have decided to stay at the clubhouse until Bethany’s recovery is complete so Maudi will be here to help with the patient who is a bit cranky. Bethany doesn’t know what ‘take it easy’ means. The woman almost died two weeks ago, and she wants to get up and help with Cage. Not happening, even if I’m forced to tie her to our bed.
That’s right, while my wife was still in the hospital my room became our room. I’m not wasting another minute with this woman.
We postponed the memorial for Gunny until we brought Bethany home so she could be here. In two days, the somber event will happen, and we will say our last goodbyes to our brother.
The Spirit of Arms MC no longer exists, and the clubhouse is a pile of ash and rubble. No one knows what has happened to Nutz, but I am sure he will rear his head again one day.
Cage, Scout, Maudi, and I laid Cage’s mom to rest alone. I bought a cemetery plot in the town’s cemetery. I bought a simple headstone and the four of us said goodbye. Scout and Maudi were there for moral support. I said goodbye to a woman that I once thought was the love of my life. Little did I know. I am sad she isn’t walking this earth anymore, but she wasn’t the woman I thought she was. Cage was sad for losing the mom that he never knew. I have Cage scheduled to see a counselor that specializes in children just in case he has any lingering anger toward his mom that he needs to deal with, and the guilt he feels over Bethany getting shot. Once Bethany woke up after her surgery, we discussed it and we both think it’s important for our son to have someone besides his parent to talk to about how he feels about his mom.
I was able to talk to Dra and I explained why I wasn’t there to see him on his first visiting day, and he sounded a lot more like himself. I miss my brother. I could use his wisdom of things not to screw up with Bethany. The rest is his story to tell.
I just need Bethany to heal to find our happiness together.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Four weeks after Cage’s birthday.
Dra
That’s right, I’m the son of a bitch that you hate. I understand it, I hate myself. It’s not getting me anywhere, so maybe this therapy thing can help me.
I have been in rehab for six weeks now and every day is longer than the day before. I am one whiny little bitch. I miss the family that I tore apart. I miss being home and being at the clubhouse with my brothers. I miss all the freedoms I had and took for granted.
I miss Maddie, Betsy, and Lucas the most. I know I fucked that up. I received divorce papers in my mail today. I can’t even blame Maddie for wanting rid of me. I cheated on our marriage at one of times that Maddie needed me most. I left Maddie with the responsibility of taking care of a crying son and a confused daughter. I yelled at my daughter. I keep picturing Betsy’s heartbroken face with the big tears rolling down her cheeks. I am the lowest bastard that walks this earth and I deserve to lose my family. I didn’t lose them, I shoved them away with both hands.
Maddie also let me know that she miscarried our child. I should have been there. Maddie went through that loss alone. It was the last hurt that broke her. I just hope someday she can forgive me.
I have a lot to make up for and I will do it. I know what you’re thinking, he’s said that before, and I have. This time I mean it to the bottom of my soul.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Bethany
I have been home four weeks and I have slept beside River every night. I admit the first week to ten days I was sore and too tired to stay awake most of time.
River has been very sweet and waiting on me every chance he gets. If I want out of the bed, he carries me everywhere. If he’s in the room, my feet never touch the floor. He’s been very attentive, and he always has a hand on me. It’s like he’s afraid to not touch me and the kisses he has been lavishing me with have me wanting more and I am tired of him backing away. Tonight, it’s his turn to get a little surprise. I ordered myself a little something from one of the lingerie sites online and it arrived today.
My recovery has been one that has been bittersweet. Cage and Bat both are dealing with guilt over what happened to me, and I have spent extra time with them both. Bat and I have become good friends.
When I woke up from my surgery, I was in a lot of pain. They had to take out my gallbladder, spleen and a piece of my intestines. My liver was lacerated, but they were able to repair that. I lost a lot of blood waiting on the ambulance and then after the surgery an infection set in. I am lucky to be alive and I almost wasn’t, three times.
I found out when I woke up that Jen committed suicide and Bat killed Rico protecting me. I was sad for Jen dying. She had to have been desperate in her last hours of life, and I wish I could have helped her. She’s at peace now and when I’m allowed outside again, I will take flowers to her grave and grieve her passing.
Rico on the other hand is out of his misery of never being satisfied in life. River had him cremated, but he didn’t tell me what he did with the ashes. I’m not sure I want to know, anyway. That’s sad in itself, he was my brother.
We had the memorial for Gunny and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I feel guilty because my brother is the reason that Gunny is gone. I know Rico wasn’t there that night Gunny died, but he is the one that put everything in motion. All because of Rico’s greed.
Cage is coming out of his shell living here at the clubhouse. He had the setback with me being shot but he’s around so many men here. Before, it was just him and me. Scout is like the grandpa that Cage never had. Maudi is the doting grandma. River loves every minute he spends with Cage. Cage has the big family I always wanted for him.
I took a shower earlier and I have my surprise for River underneath my robe. Tonight, I am going to have my man.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Krill
I talked to Dra tonight and he told me that he received the divorce papers from Maddie today. She told me that was what she was doing, but I held out hope that she would change her mind. She didn’t. Dra also knows about her losing the baby. I know it’s hard for him, but I’m glad he is going to get the help he needs to deal with it.
Cage is tucked in bed and I am ready to get back to my room to spend the evening with Bethany. This is our time and I look forward to it every night. Bethany has been pushing for a more intimate relationship but I want to make sure she is completely healed before we take that last step in our relationship.
As soon as her eyes were open in the hospital, I told her I loved her. She cried happy tears, but the tears were hard to see on my broken angel. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss those tears away, but I couldn’t even get close to her. I was afraid I would hurt her.
I hope Bethany is still awake. I walk into our room and lock the door behind me. Bethany is sitting up in bed with a smile on her face. “Go take a very quick shower and come hold me. I have missed you,” Bethany tells me. I’ve been showering and rubbing one out, so I could resist the advances that Bethany has been so boldly making the last couple of nights. Tonight, I will forego the release so I can have a little longer to snuggle with my woman. When did I turn into such a woman—wanting to snuggle?
I go into the bathroom and I hurry through my shower. I come back into the bedroom and the overhead light has been turned off and the bedside lamp is on. Bethany’s robe is gone and in its place is a see-through teddy. I’m standing with nothing but my boxers on and my cock is so hard I could pound nails with it. I smell the slight smell of Bethany’s favorite perfume. It’s light and the smell lets me know I am home. I want to crawl inside my woman, cock first.
“Darlin’, you are playing with fire and you are not completely healed. My control has reached the point of not giving a fuck. Are you sure
about this?” My little temptress winks at me.
“You can be gentle this one time. I’ll make it up to you when I’m all healed.” Damn if I’m not a starving man and she is what I want to devour.
“If I do anything that hurts you in the least, let me know and I will finish myself in the bathroom but not before I lick your pussy until you scream my name. Everyone will know who you belong too.” My little vixen crooks her finger at me and asks for me to come closer. I pull back the covers and see that Bethany is only wearing the teddy top and her pussy is bare to me. She spreads her legs open for me and I can see her pussy lips are damp. Damn. I drop my boxers and climb into the bed with my wife. “I’m afraid this first time, I may go off before I’m ready. It has been a while and I have wanted you so much.” I lower myself slowly onto her body holding my weight from her and then move myself even lower. I am going to taste my girl first. I can smell her sweet aroma as I travel carefully down her body. I kiss and nip my way down. Her natural fragrance is driving me mad. I widen the lips of her pussy and run my tongue around the hard bud, licking and nipping, sucking and then licking. I run my tongue down and inside of her. Her nectar is the sweetest I have ever tasted. Bethany’s back is coming off the bed and she is gripping the sheets. Yes, baby girl, you taste so damn good. I lick back up and flick the tip of my tongue over and over in a fluttering swift movement. Keeping my tongue stiff, I then flatten my tongue and apply more pressure. I hear my girl moan. Yes, she likes that. Then I suck that bud into my mouth and insert one finger. Fuck, she’s damn tight. My cock wants in. Bethany is pulling my hair and I need to be inside of her. I kiss my way back up and then I lower myself carefully until the tip of my cock feels the wetness of her heat. I press my erection in further. I hold my weight up with one arm and insert myself inside my woman with the other. I have found my nirvana. I am home. I try to slide in more and her tightness pulses. I almost slam myself in, but I hold back. “Fuck, babe, your pussy is so fucking tight. It’s never felt this good. Shit! Nothing has ever felt this damn good.” Bethany is moaning and moving with me. We have found our rhythm and I pick up speed and go a little deeper each time I thrust back in. I feel the flutters of her orgasm beginning and it feels so damn good. I’m all the way in.
