Satan’s Devils MC -Colorado Box Set: Books 4-6

by Mellett, Manda

  I hold her tighter. “It’s not just for him, Mel, it’s for everything you suffered, from the moment Skull walked out your door.”

  “Even now they could dismiss that case too. What are the chances of anyone believing me when the FBI has closed ranks?” She pulls away from me, stands and starts pacing. “I can’t believe they had the balls to write he’d done nothing wrong. For all he suspected, he could have been putting me in danger. That bastard gets away with no stain on his character, and I have to live with the knowledge the FBI think I’m…”

  “Living with a criminal and associating with an outlaw motorcycle gang. Join the club, sweetheart.” I stand, trapping her in my arms once again. “You’re marrying a biker. You wear my property patch. There will always be people who look at us that way, but we don’t give a fuck. We don’t give a damn for citizen laws. You know what’s at the bottom of why we’re hated so much?”

  She gives a small shake of her head.

  “We’ve got something everyone wants. Family, people who have our back, brothers who protect what’s theirs, as well as what belongs to their brothers. We’re a tribe, hon, and you’ve joined it.”

  Her head tilts to the side and she presses her lips together.

  “If you don’t like it, there’s still time to run.” I wink, showing I don’t believe she’ll take that option. “The people who really matter, your friends, your parents, they don’t give a damn. Who gives a fuck about anyone else?”

  Her hands come up to rest on my shoulders. “You’re right, Ro. This isn’t always going to be easy. But I’ve never been happier than when I’ve been with you.” She pauses, then grins. “I don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks.”

  Later, as we’re lying in bed after I’ve given my woman the loving she deserves, she turns to face me.

  “I don’t care about the money, Ro. If I’m awarded it, it’s the principle that counts.”

  She’ll get no argument from me about that. I just hope she’ll win, it will be the vindication she needs. Skull, she can leave to me.

  “What you thinking, darlin’?”

  “If, and it’s a big if, I get the compensation, would you mind if I gave it away?”

  We don’t need money. Even if I didn’t have wages coming in from the club, we’d make do. What makes her happy is all that counts. “Your money, you do what you want with it. Out of interest, who would you give it to?”

  “A charity that researches the reasons for miscarriage and into how they might be able to prevent them.”

  I grip her hand hard. “Can’t think of one offhand, but we’ll find someone to give it to who’ll use it for the right purpose. And I agree, it’s the right thing to do.

  If she wins, that is. If she doesn’t? Well, I’ll make sure she gets justice in any event.

  Chapter Forty

  Melissa

  “Oh my. You look beautiful, Melissa.”

  “Mom,” I warn, “if you cry, I’ll cry, and that will ruin my makeup.”

  She sniffs loudly and turns away for a second, dabbing at her face. “I’m not crying, just got some dust in my eye.”

  “Huh. I may be blind, but even I can see through that. Max, come here. Mel doesn’t want you slobbering all over her dress.”

  Wondering how Steph knows what her dog was about to do, I can only giggle.

  As if I’d asked, she answers, “He always makes a beeline for you, Mel. And don’t think I don’t know it’s because you’re always giving him a cookie.”

  “Not all of it,” I protest. “Just a few crumbs.” I mean, how can anyone resist when those soulful brown eyes are turned on them?

  “Your mom’s right. You look perfect. That dress really suits you.”

  I turn to thank Vi, then glance at Jayden and Steph, all wearing dresses in midnight blue, the same colour and material, but the style to suit their personal shapes. Jay’s is short, showing off her shapely young legs. Standing slightly to one side, part of, but also I know feeling a little bit lost, is Beth, similarly dressed in blue. I give her a warm smile, remembering her delight when I’d asked her to stand up with me today, though I suspect some of her pleasure was that at last I was letting her have a glimpse at life inside the club.

  “You all look…” I struggle to find the right word. There’s only one which will do. “Gorgeous. And just look at Theo!”

  Theo is dressed in a miniature tux. Toddling now, he’s wriggled out of Vi’s arms, and is making a beeline for the dog. “No, Theo!” His mother stops him before he gets to his target, swinging him up into her arms. “No dog hairs, not today. Not when you’re looking so fine.”

  “Sorry, not sorry,” mumbles Steph, making us laugh.

  “If it’s not him, it’s cat hairs from Bitch,” Vi gloomily says.

  It’s winter, and while I’d have loved a wedding held in the yard at the compound, it’s far too cold. Mom was delighted when I’d agreed to hold it in a posh hotel instead.

  Neither Pyro nor myself are religious, and my parents aren’t particularly either, so we’ll be married here as well. As I watch the snow falling outside the window, I’m pleased we don’t need to bother with cars, or being transported from place to place.

  “You got stepladders we can use?”

  The odd question gets me turning to see Vi and Jay staring up at Beth. Unfazed, she tells them, “Nah, I’ll kneel down instead.”

  “Bit of a risky position to be on your knees around bikers,” Steph warns.

  Just like that, they’ve made me giggle again. Beth, at over six feet tall, towers above me and them. As Vi steps closer and seems to measure herself and pretend to estimate the difference, I know her gentle teasing is breaking the ice. Beth must have been unnerved to walk into this group of strangers.

  “You know we might be able to find you a man your size,” Jay offers, thoughtfully. “Most of the club are tall.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Beth responds, a gleam coming into her eyes.

  I shake my head and hope trouble’s not on its way. The men Jay’s talking about are confirmed bachelors.

  While the others joke on, I feel glad I have my family around me, both my mom and my adopted sisters from the club, as well as my work friend. I’d be feeling even more nervous without them. The butterflies having a ball in my stomach don’t seem quite so bad with them around.

  Why I’m so full of nerves, I’ve no idea. Do I think Pyro won’t be waiting for me? We may have joked about him running a mile before it gets to the time for him to say, ‘I do’, but surely, I don’t believe that would really happen. If there was ever a man more dependable, I’ve yet to meet him. I try to shake off the sudden bout of anxiety, knowing my fears are all part of Skull’s legacy.

  One thing I know is I’m not making a mistake marrying a man the world views with suspicion. It’s the way the authorities view me too. Whether I marry Pyro or not, what happened with Skull has tainted me forever.

  “You ready?” a deep voice sounds from the doorway. It’s Dad.

  “She is.” Mom gives me a peck on the cheek, then hurries away to take her place in the hall downstairs. One by one, Vi, with Theo holding tight to her hand, Jay, Steph, led by the faithful Max and lastly, Beth, step up, kiss me too, then follow her out.

  Dad stands for a moment. “I’m so proud.” His voice croaks.

  “I’m only getting married, Dad.”

  His head shakes. “No, it’s more than that. I'm so proud of how strong you are, the way you survived, and the way you’ve put your finger up at the world and held your head high. Pyro’s just been introducing me to his friends, brothers as he calls them. And you know what, Mel? The way they speak about you? So respectful. No, they’re proud of you too.”

  I hadn’t cried before, I feel like doing so now.

  He holds out his arm. “Come on. Let’s go make sure Pyro can’t run away.”

  I laugh, like I’m meant to.

  My nerves rise again. I’m not one that likes being the centre of attention, alw
ays prefer to remain at the back. Now all eyes are on me as I make my entrance. Everyone’s here from the club—except for the prospects Karl and Beaver. I even invited the club girls, having at the back of my mind the thought that it’s to show them Pyro’s definitely off the market, though he’s never shown any intention to stray. Breezy gives me a little finger wave as I pass by, indicating the gesture has been appreciated. Moira, Jeannie and Sindy are sitting alongside their men, all giving me huge smiles.

  My other work colleagues are here too. I spy Holly and Macey, next to them sits Shayla, and Carter and Brice are just behind them.

  I start in surprise as I see Red, Crash and Twister from Vegas. Red and Crash are next to Demon, and Twister is sitting with Mace. As I pass the enforcers, Twister growls, “Just here to make sure you don’t back out.”

  As my eyes widen at his words, Mace adds in a loud stage whisper, “Don’t worry, Mel, I’m keeping an eye on Pyro. If he makes a move to the door, I’ve got plans.” He taps his nose.

  It’s while I’m trying hard to suppress my laughter that I at last turn my attention to the man waiting for me to make my way to him. Both he and his best man, Beef, are wearing tuxedos. I’ve already promised they can exchange their jackets for cuts after the photos. Pyro hadn’t been able to decide who of his brothers should stand up beside him, so in the end they drew straws. Beef won, or lost, as the others joked with him.

  But the VP was a good choice. He glances back over his shoulder, then nudges my man. Pyro’s eyes gleam in appreciation and can’t remove his gaze as I finish my journey to him. When I reach him, Pyro takes my hand, squeezing it so tightly, his expression so full of love, my heart feels like bursting with overflowing joy.

  The ceremony itself passes in a blur. I stammer out the vows I committed to memory, and Pyro speaks from the heart. We exchange rings, then sign our names on the marriage certificate. Then it’s done.

  Dad’s hired a professional photographer, and it takes an age as we pose for a hundred different shots, but I don’t care, this is a day that I’ll always want to remember. Most of the photos have me cracking up with laughter, as Beef, Demon and Pal lift their women into the air trying to make them the same height as Beth. Then Beth folds to her knees for the bridesmaid’s group shots, and, as Jay had predicted, gets several inappropriate offers which she dismisses good-naturedly.

  Tables are laid out with cloths matching my colour scheme in the dining room. Speeches are said. Pyro pretending to slide under the table when Demon lists what he’s done for the club with obvious embellishments, which have everyone rolling with laughter.

  It’s a great afternoon, and everyone around me seems to be having fun, just as I wanted. It’s our special day, and everyone we care about is here to share it.

  When the formal activities are completed, Pyro and I have our first dance together. Once that’s finished, I lead him off the floor, picking up my purse on the way.

  “Where we going?”

  “Just come with me, Ro.”

  “Fuck, Mel. This is the Ladies’ bathroom.” He looks around as if there’s a firing squad waiting to kill him for simply having stepped into the female domain. There’s no one else in here, so I reckon he’s safe.

  Instead of answering him with words, I take the pregnancy test out of my purse. I don’t need to say anything. Immediately Pyro stops worrying about anyone coming in, in fact, I think he stops breathing as I enter a stall. Moments later I come out.

  “What’s it say?”

  “Got to give it a minute,” I remind him. And, as I’d done so many months before, I put it into his hands.

  I could be pregnant, or the nerves of the upcoming wedding might have muddled up nature. Pyro stands, his eyes fixed on mine. I know he wants this to be positive, as much as I do.

  I don’t look away from his face as he glances down. Then he throws back his head and draws in a deep breath.

  “Fuck,” he growls.

  My face falls.

  “Best fuckin’ wedding present in the world.”

  Wait. What?

  “Ro?”

  Before he can answer the door opens behind him.

  “Get out,” he roars, without turning around to check who it is. The unknown person must have decided their need wasn’t urgent as the door immediately closes again.

  “Ro?”

  His hands tremble when he hands me the stick so I can see for myself. There’s a plus sign. I’m having Ro’s baby.

  He picks me up, spins me around, then quickly puts me back down. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have…”

  “I’m not made of glass, Ro.” I grin, wondering just how protective he’ll be now I’m pregnant again. “And let’s keep the news to ourselves, for now.”

  But Pyro’s looking at me intently as he seriously says, “No, Mel. I want everyone to know. If heaven forbid, anything is going to go wrong, I don’t want to suffer in silence or hide the pain.” His hand cups my face. “Everyone out there, sweetheart, well, this will make their fuckin’ day too.”

  Put like that, how can I refuse?

  We exit the bathroom, finding a line waiting outside. Beth’s crossed her legs and is bouncing with her hand between her thighs. It’s so exaggerated, so I know she’s putting it on. But I don’t have a chance to say anything, as Pyro grabs my hand and takes me back into the ballroom.

  He motions to the DJ who cuts the music mid-song, then bangs a spoon against a glass. When everyone is looking our way, he, to my embarrassment, holds the stick I’ve just peed on high in the air and yells, “My wife’s fuckin’ pregnant.”

  The room erupts.

  As if he hadn’t made it clear the first time, Pyro shouts again, “Mel’s havin’ my baby!”

  My parents are the first to come up to us. Mom has tears in her eyes, and I know she’s remembering what happened before. Dad congratulates Pyro, then has to move off as everyone comes over to give us their best wishes. When I’m hugged for the tenth time Pyro starts warning them off, pulling me to one side protectively.

  “It’s early days,” I repeat over and over again. But no one seems to care about that.

  When my friends and the Tucson club have had their say, Red approaches. “Really good fuckin’ news, Mel.” He leans in and kisses my cheek, then shakes Pyro’s hand. “If anyone deserves to be happy, you two do.” I expect him to walk away, but he hasn’t finished. “Clare’s staying close to the Vegas club, thought you should know.”

  “She okay?” I ask, genuinely wanting to know.

  Red’s brow creases. “She’s strong, became independent when he was gone such a long time. She’s well able to cope on her own. Problem is, the bastard isn’t taking it well, and is trying for custody of the kid. Threatening her to get her to go back to him. She’s worried about him planting evidence to say she’s an unfit mother. Seems none of us knew what a motherfucker he really was, not even the woman who’s been by his side for seventeen years.”

  “Asshole,” Pyro snarls, then raises his jaw toward Red, who jerks his chin in return.

  “Hey, girl.” Beth’s pulling my arm, dragging me away from the two men.

  They both wave me off, Ro’s eyes following me as I’m pulled across the room.

  Giggling as I have to run to keep up with her long strides, I ask, “What, Beth?”

  “Him, there. What’s his name?”

  I look around. There are three Devils propping up the bar. “Which one?”

  “The one with no ink.”

  Lizard’s there with full sleeves on both arms, Mace standing alongside, is also heavily tattooed. There can only be one man who fits the bill. “Ink.”

  “That’s what I said,” she says indignantly. “The one with no ink.”

  “Ink,” I say again, feeling my lips curve.

  “Jeez. Have pregnancy hormones already gotten to you? What’s the man in the middle’s name?”

  “Ink,” I laugh. “That’s his name.”

  “Ink? But he’s got no tattoos.” She st
ares over my head as if to check.

  “I rather think that’s the point,” I tell her drily.

  But she’s already lost interest in his name. “Can you introduce me?”

  This is what I feared might happen. “Are you sure you can handle a biker?”

  “If you can, I can,” she winks, “and will you look at that.” I turn to see Ink, who’d been leaning against the bar, is now standing straight. Beth fans herself. “I do believe he might actually be taller than me.”

  Well, she’s a grown woman, I sigh to myself. She can make up her own mind. For an answer I grab hold of her hand, and much in the same way as she’d done to me, drag her across the room.

  “Hey, Mel,” Liz calls out as we approach, “are you going to introduce us?” His eyes roam over Beth appreciatively, taking more than a moment to reach from her head to her toes. With her height, there’s a long way to go.

  I admit I’ve probably been around bikers too long as I never used to be this direct. “Sorry, Liz, it’s not you she’s interested in.”

  Mace raises an expectant eyebrow.

  “Or you.” I chuckle when he exaggeratingly puts his hand over his heart.

  “Yeah, Ink. It’s you. Ink this is Beth, Beth this is Ink. The rest is up to you.”

  Beth gasps, but now it’s me winking at her before I leave and go to find my own man, my husband and father of my child.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Pyro

  I’ve been a married man for four months. Four months, which have brought me nothing but joy. A couple of weeks back Mel had her scan and we saw our daughter for the very first time.

  I’ve watched over her as though she’s made of china, trying not to let anything upset her. Reassuring her how glad and fucking happy I am that she’s mine whenever she gets that lost look in her eyes, a look I’m overjoyed to be seeing less often as time passes.

  We’d had good news a couple of weeks back. Her claim had been settled in full. The judge had reviewed the evidence and determined she had been dragged into something by an agent who hadn’t paid sufficient attention to her safety. If, as was expected at the time, she was walking into a dangerous club, he’d put an innocent civilian at risk. Her good character, as vouched for by so many people, had shown she’d had no previous criminal leanings. He awarded the amount that had been asked, and I’d applauded as she’d made an anonymous donation to a charity that Cad had investigated and said was trustworthy.