Paternity excluded. There were no genetic markers in the child’s DNA profile which could be found in the sample of the possible biological father.
“The results are conclusive, Vi. I checked. There are no ifs or buts. Angel is not Theo’s biological father. He has no links to the Silvestris.”
“You did this?” I look up at him, a little angry, as he’d gone against my wishes. I’d been too scared of having Theo’s parentage proven. Angel might be dead, but that didn’t mean my son would be free of the family. There would always have been a threat.
“I had my suspicions, Vi. Took a hair sample from Angel, swabbed Theo’s mouth. All completely painless. Got the results yesterday, seemed fitting to give them to you now.” He pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me, giving me security.
I need the comfort. On one hand I’m elated at having proof Theo was no relation to Angelino. On the other? It’s confirmation that an unknown man had raped me. I’ll never know who he was.
“You have me, Vi. And our son.” Demon instinctively understands what’s troubling me. “If you’d never met Angel? Likelihood is we wouldn’t be here now. Same way, if Blackie hadn’t raped Mo, I wouldn’t be alive. Things happen for a reason. Sometimes the bad shit has to take place for the good to evolve.”
He’s right. Wasting time wishing things would be different is worthless. Everything I’ve been through, however painful, led me to him.
“I love you, D.” I rest my head against his chest.
He’d been tense, and now I feel the stress seep out of him. His breath leaves him on a sigh. He waits, but only for one more moment before bending his lips to my ear and instructing, “Prove it.” The rub of his hard cock against my pelvis leaves me in no doubt as to his meaning. I’m only too happy to oblige. I’m sure Vicky won’t mind looking after Theo for a while.
We move in the next day. As the weekend starts, I begin to come to grips with the thought the house where I grew up is really going to be the home where Theo, and any other children Demon and I might have, is going to grow up. I realise Demon couldn’t have done any better. While I’ve grown to like and respect his biker brothers, having a place of our own is far better than being full time at the compound. Vicky proves an amazing help, her suggestions on getting the place updated and fixed where needed are invaluable. I might have gotten a little pre-occupied with the changes I’m planning for Theo’s room.
Sunday dawns and yet another surprise dropped on me. A barbeque with everyone from the club. I couldn’t be angry, as I didn’t have to do anything apart from get myself and Theo ready. Mo and Jeannie brought the sides, and the men brought a few animals’ worth of meat. As everyone started to arrive, I have to admit, I’d decided some surprises weren’t bad after all.
“You okay with this?” Mo asks as she flops down in a chair. “Living here?”
I nod. It hadn’t taken long to get my head around it. Or for Demon to get a new bed bought and installed in the large bedroom we’ve decided to claim. One day, to be precise.
The backyard is large. Demon’s standing with Theo in his arms, watching Mace and Pyro kick a ball. Hell had turned up in his truck, full of boxes inside. He, Bomber and Rusty are busy putting up a swing set and slide. I bit my tongue before I could say it would be a few years before Theo could use it. And I was glad I had. They’d even bought a baby seat to hang from the chains. Theo is going to love it.
Oh, and Cad’s trying the slide out. I crease with laughter as he gets stuck halfway down and nearly breaks the thing trying to get out.
“Happy?” Demon steps up beside me. “Oh, yeah, Grandma.” He passes Theo to Mo who’s walked up and tapped him on the arm. Then he asks me again, “Are you happy, Vi? Did I do alright?”
I put up my hand, curl it around his head, and tell him, “You know you did. Everything you’ve done? Perfect.”
“Perfect, eh? Things will be perfect when your man there appoints a fuckin’ VP,” Thunder grumbles as he walks past.
Demon just shoots him his finger.
“Hey, Prez. Give us a hand?”
Mace has started to pull down the rotten wood from the old tree house in order to replace it with new. As Demon turns to me with an eyebrow raised, I give him a little push. “Yeah, go play.”
His amused glance makes me giggle. All of them are like little kids. I reckon that tree house will end up man-sized.
As I watch everyone milling around, relaxing and enjoying themselves, I use the moment of peace to reflect.
Not even two years back, when I was settled in a life far away, was this how I imagined my life would turn out. I could never have foreseen the turn of events that would lead me to this, here and now. Never thought I’d reconnect with the first love of my life. I might have been to hell, but I returned. Or, I smile softly and mentally correct, a demon dragged me back out.
Looking around at the members of the MC having fun, I could never have envisaged bringing my son up around men of this type. Now having an understanding of what’s under their rough exterior, a strong commitment to family above everything, I know I need have no concerns.
I never expected to return to this house, but it’s the best decision Demon has made.
Demon had it wrong all this time. Nathan wouldn’t be upset that he and I had gotten together. He’d be happy for both of us.
As a gentle breeze blows, wafting aromas from the meat cooking on the grill, I imagine I hear echoes of children playing. Not Theo, but Nathan and Dave, and an annoying little girl trailing behind them, never leaving them alone.
Well, I grin, D’s got me for the rest of his life now.
Acknowledgments
When I started writing Paladin’s Hell I knew Jayden and Pal would get together, but I didn’t know what they’d find along the way. I knew nothing about Hellfire or Demon; they hadn’t started talking at all. But once they did, wow.
What a history Hellfire has, a past which involves Demon down to the very fibre of his being. Hellfire has played the part of his father so admirably, Demon had no clue he wasn’t his true son. It’s Hellfire’s amazing example that helps Demon cope with the circumstances surrounding his conception.
It had to have affected Demon. Had to make him examine himself and question what he carries within his blood. His own situation means he acts differently to other men might have done, stepping up to adopt Theo when other men might have stepped down.
The Colorado chapter is turning out to have a different feel to the Tucson one, and I hope that, like me, you’re coming to love the members there.
The next book will also be from the Colorado chapter, but I’m being sneaky with this one. Until you read the book, you won’t know who it’s about. It will be called Devil’s Due, and I’m hoping for a June release date.
In September I’m planning the (currently) final book in the Tucson chapter.
As always, I have to thank the team who are behind me, keeping me on track to produce the book you like to read.
Firstly my editor and great friend, Maggie Kern. This is the fifth book we’ve worked on together. I really appreciate her insights and help in getting a first draft through to the polished product. Now she’s going one step further and formatting for me too. Just a comment that it was amazing to meet her in the flesh this year in Ohio.
My beta readers—what can I say about them that I haven’t said before? I couldn’t write without them. In particular, Tami whose knowledge of the area surrounding Pueblo is critical for the Colorado series books. Thank you for all your help, Tami. As for the others? I’m sure you already know how much I love and appreciate your input. You know who you are, but thank you again Danena, Colleen, Sheri, Terra, Zoe, Nicole, Alex and my husband Steve.
Yet another amazing cover courtesy of Lia Rees. I love the way she takes an image and works her magic on it.
It’s the first time I’ve worked with Barbara J. Bailey for proofreading, but it won’t be the last. Thank you for the help.
Last but not l
east, I’d like to thank Tracy Wood who’s the best PA in the world. There doesn’t seem to be anything she can’t help with. My writing life is so much smoother with all her help.
As always, I’ve left the most important people to the end. So now please, every person who’s taken a chance on this book, accept my heartfelt thanks. If you weren’t buying my books, I wouldn’t be able to write them.
You can help even more. If you liked this book, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell a friend, hey, tell me. Every time a reader contacts me to express how much they enjoy any of my books, especially when they ask for more, it spurs me to continue writing. I appreciate every message you send or comment that you make.
Know what’s even better? I don’t care where. Just one or two words is helpful. Reviews help authors make sales, sales allow authors to pay editors, models and photographers, cover designers etc, and put food on the table.
To anyone asking the question, while the Tucson chapter may soon come to a close, there are still the other chapters.
One thing I can promise you, there’ll be another Devil along very soon.
Devil’s Due
Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #3
Copyright
Published 2019 by Trish Haill Associates
Copyright Manda Mellett
Book and Cover Design by Lia Rees at Free Your Words
(www.freeyourwords.com)
Edited and formatted by Maggie Kern at Ms.K Edits
Proofreading by Melanie Darrow at Professional Writing Services
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book reviews.
www.mandamellett.com
Disclaimer
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Warning
This book is dark in places and contains content of a sexual, abusive and violent nature. It is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
Cast of Characters - Colorado
Officers
Demon – President
Buzzard – Secretary/Treasurer
Thunder – Sergeant-At-Arms
Mace – Enforcer
Sparky – Road Captain
Patched Members
Hellfire
Bomber
Cad
Ink
Lizard
Pyro
Paladin
Rusty
Skull
Prospects
Dan
Wills
Smithy – Failed Prospect
Old Ladies & Children
Moira (Hellfire’s): Demon, Kennedy, Samuel
Jeannie (Bomber’s)
Sindy (Buzzard’s)Violet (Demon’s): Theo
Jayden (Paladin’s)
Violet (Demon’s): Theo
Sweet Butts
Bella
Breezy
Sheila
Titsy
Tulia
Deceased Members
Blackie – Previous President
Furnace – Previous VP
Ingot – Previous Enforcer
Taser
Cast of Characters - Arizona
Officers
Drummer – President
Wraith – Vice President
Heart – Secretary
Dollar – Treasurer
Peg – Sergeant-At-Arms
Blade - Enforcer
Joker – Road Captain
Mouse – Computer Expert
Patched Members
Bullet
Beef
Drifter
Hyde
Jekyll
Lady
Marvel
Roadrunner
Rock
Slick
Shooter
Truck
Viper
Prospects
Matt
Hound
Roadkill
Old Ladies & Children
Sam (Drummer’s): Eli
Sophie (Wraith’s): Olivia
Marcia (Heart’s): Amy, Jacob, Isabel
Darcy (Peg’s): Noah
Carmen (Bullet’s)
Becca (Rock’s)
Ella (Slick’s): Faith
Sandy (Viper’s)
Marianna (Mouse’s)
Tash (Blade’s)
Maya (Joker’s niece)
Deceased Members
Adam
Buster
Tongue
Hank
Bertram
Chapter One
“Fuck! Break it up. Get them a-fuckin’-part.”
Four arms come around me, two bodies pulling me back. I continue to swing blindly for a moment, hearing swearing and an oomph before I’m better restrained.
“For fuck’s sake, Beef. What’s got into you?” Lady, far stronger than he looks, snarls into my ear.
“You want to take me next?” Peg, the sergeant-at-arms of the Satan’s Devils Tucson chapter, growls. “’Cos I’ll fuckin’ break you in two.”
The voices at last seep through the red fog in my mind. As the mist clears, Rock comes into view, standing in front of me, ruefully rubbing his jaw while moving it side to side as if to test it. One of his eyes is already swelling and is surely going to be black tomorrow. What the fuck have I done?
“Becca’s going to be fuckin’ furious with you, Beef,” Rock warns, as he shrugs off Drummer’s assistance and question as to whether he should call Doc. “What the fuck just happened?”
I don’t know. That’s the plain truth of it. Rock’s my best friend. Has been since we prospected together. Tonight, at our monthly sparring match, I just lost my fucking mind and took out all my frustration on him. My eyes catch his, wincing at his left eye that’s closing more by the second.
“Brother, I…” I stop. How can I apologise when I don’t know what the fuck happened?
“Suggest you go cool off,” barks our president, Drummer. “Whatever’s between you two, sort it the fuck out, and not with your fists, Beef.”
Rock’s looking at me, more curious than pissed off. He knows better than anyone, losing control is so unlike me. Shit, Becca. That little girl doesn’t deserve me sending her man back to her in pieces. Tomorrow she’ll no doubt give me a piece of her mind, and I won’t stop her. I love that girl like a sister. Or more than that, I admit to myself. Maybe that’s part of the problem.
It hits me then, why my anger came out and why the target was Rock, the man who’s now confidently turning his back on me, his action showing he knows whatever drove me to act out of character has left me. Peg and Lady feel my body relaxing and release me at the same time. I follow Rock down from the ring, squeezing my large body through the ropes and dropping down to the floor.
Instead of going off to examine his injuries, he’s waiting for me. “Want to talk about it?”
My shoulders rise and fall. “Probably need to, Rock. But not now, okay?”
“You gonna sort,” the prez’s hand waves between Rock and me, “whatever this is, out?”
“Sure, Drummer. Look, I’m sorry, okay?” It’s not okay. But the lame apology is all I can offer. Hitting out at Rock, taking out my frustration on him as I can’t hit or shout at the person to whom my anger is really directed. Or, more realistically, at myself, and the situation I’ve found myself in.
“Go home, Beef,” Rock tells me, his eye now completely shut. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
But I don’t want to talk, tomorrow, the next day, or the one after. The mess I’m in is completely of my own making.
“My office, ten o’clock. You hear me, Beef?”
I hear Drummer loud and clear. Seems my president has had enough of my recent behaviou
r, my sour moods, my sulks, which culminated tonight in turning what should have been a friendly bout into something that could have become a murder scene had I not been pulled off by my brothers.
A chin raise to him, then I purse my lips as I view Rock again, his hand stroking his jaw as he tries to ease the ache there. I got off uninjured as he, at least, was pulling his punches. If he hadn’t, one of us may well have ended up dead.
Prez has a right to be concerned.
Eyes follow me as I leave. Wraith, the VP, shaking his head. Blade looking confused. Joker looking from me to his partner Lady, even Heart’s face is set and angry. All I can do is raise my hands in general apology and stride out through the clubroom into the fresh night air.
Home. That was where Rock suggested I go. Home. But where the fuck is that now? The home I want to go to is my suite adjacent to Rock’s that I had occupied since the Satan’s Devils had moved to this compound. I’ve given that up though, allowing him and Becca to have more space. They needed it, having added baby Rose to their family.
Around me, my brothers have fallen like flies, all capturing their one. Their old lady, the love of their lives. While I would never have made a move on Becca—she was Rock’s from the start even though he’d had his head up his ass for a while—she’s the image of the woman I want.
Rock had taken time making up his mind, allowing me to become close to his woman. No one knows it was only my loyalty to him that had stopped me from stepping up and claiming her. She’d got under my skin. Those long hours when she’d stayed with me in my hospital room while I lay close to death. She’d been there, when I came back to life, but she was never for me, only for Rock. I knew it and hadn’t interfered. The perfect woman for Rock had entered his life when he least likely expected it.
Satan's Devils MC Colorado Boxset 1 Books 1 - 3 Page 72
