Our Bloodline

by KC Kean

  I need my Aceholes right now. I need to feel that sense of family and belonging they offer me without question.

  CHAPTER SIX

  (Roman)

  Slowly blinking my eyes open, I stall at my surroundings, before it dawns on me that we’re in the Steele suite at Beechwood Hall. Luna faces me, her breath rhythmically blowing against my chest as she sleeps soundly. The sunlight trying to sneak in through the curtains tells me it’s at least morning.

  Parker is curled up behind her, the true meaning of a big spoon and little spoon, holding her protectively. I can’t imagine how they must feel, but a new level of tenderness falls between them. The way they swung open the doors into the conference room yesterday, covered in blood, with Veronica a ragged mess, I knew we were lucky to see them alive.

  After they came out of the shower last night, Oscar, Kai, and I had agreed not to badger them with questions. Instead, we’d let Luna and Parker sleep off the events from yesterday, and discuss everything as a whole group today, Rafe included. I didn’t want them to have to relive it over and over again. As much as I hated not being fully in the know, I know it was the right thing to do.

  Attempting to stretch out, I feel the weight of an arm slung over my waist, and a leg hitched over my thigh. Glancing past Parker, I see Kai laying flat on his back with his arm thrown over his face.

  Fucking, Oscar. Who knew this little shit was so damn cuddly?

  Trying not to wake him as I slip out of the covers, I push his leg off mine and place his arm on Luna’s waist. Crawling to stand at the bottom of the bed, I stretch my arms above my head as I take them all in.

  I had no idea this is what our family would look like: my brothers and my Princess. Luna was destined to be mine from day one, an agreement between the bloodlines or not, she’s mine. She is ours, and that doesn’t bother me in the slightest.

  I always knew I would be expected to share her with West, but when she brought up the subject of marrying Parker legally, I couldn’t have been happier. Her love and protection of him, matching my own, only made me want her more. I’m just happy she’s alive and a part of my life.

  Heading for the bathroom, I quietly shut the door behind me and turn the shower on. A bed for all of us is perfection but laying with those fuckers is like sleeping in an oven.

  Letting the rainfall shower wash over me, I try to calm my need to slit everyone’s throat who’ve brought destruction to me and mine. My chest burns with anger, as my pulse throbs for all the wrong reasons. Their time will come, I just need to make sure I don’t let my hotheaded tendencies take over.

  Using the vanilla body wash, I smelled all night on Luna, I shut off the water, wrapping a fluffy grey towel around my waist, stepping back into the bedroom. Last night, after Maria’s note about clothes, I searched through the dressers finding clothes in a variety of sizes. It’ll do until our duffel bags are brought up with our own items of clothing inside. Throwing on a pair of tight black boxer briefs, I rub the towel through my hair and head for the kitchen.

  My Princess is going to need her coffee this morning, and I’m going to be all sweet and shit, and have it ready for her.

  The kitchen is massive, all high-end steel appliances with pure white walls, and charcoal grey cabinets and backsplash. The dining table is big enough to seat twelve, and there are six stools at the island in the center of the room.

  Fiddling with the fancy as hell coffee machine, I figure out how to turn it on before I pull ingredients out of the fully stocked fridge to make bacon and eggs for everyone.

  Grabbing the pans from the bottom cupboard, I’m all set when I notice a multi-functional system on the wall. Clicking through the touchscreen pad, I see you can link your phone up through Bluetooth, to control the lights and other electronics throughout the suite, or play music.

  Opting to click through a few radio stations, avoiding all the pop and country songs, Body On My by Pitbull and Loud Luxury comes through the speakers. Music isn’t really my thing, but sometimes a song just has the right vibe, and my body starts to move.

  Lost in my little bubble as I sing along to myself, I fry up the bacon and make enough eggs for everyone, absorbed in what I’m doing. So, when the song ends, and clapping starts behind me, I jump out of my skin.

  Whirling around, spatula in hand as my weapon, I frown at Luna and the guys all standing at the door with smiles on their faces.

  “Don’t fucking do that,” I grunt, taking a deep breath, trying to calm my beating heart.

  The fact that my Princess is standing in just a long t-shirt, that falls to her knees, does nothing to relax the beating in my chest.

  “Please, continue, Rome. The way your ass was shaking was really working for you,” Oscar says with a chuckle and an exaggerated wink. I glare at him in response.

  “No fucking bacon for you now, asshole,” I say, pointing the spatula in his direction, before turning back to the stove. My cheeks heat slightly at their attention, but I refuse to be embarrassed.

  A hand slides up my spine coming to rest on my shoulder, as lips gently kiss my back. I know the feel of my Princess’ lips, and my eyes shut instinctively, as her touch sends electricity coursing through my veins.

  “Hey, baby,” she murmurs against my skin, and the emotion that washes over me, grounding me, leaves me speechless. “Ignore him, you looked sexy as hell.” Her lips lifting against my skin.

  Turning the heat down on the stove, I drop the spatula and turn to wrap my girl in my hands. I feel her lips against my chest as I pull her in close, soaking in her presence for a moment.

  “Take a seat, Princess. The coffee is done, I’ll bring you a mug over.” Kissing her gently on the head, I walk my girl over to the breakfast bar. I feel her eyes track me as I rush back to make the drink as promised, and it gives me goosebumps. I love feeling Luna’s attention on me.

  Kai and Oscar take a seat with Luna, while Parker takes over cooking the food. Placing the mug down in front of her, she catches my hand before I can step away.

  “Everything okay?” she asks, and I nod.

  “Everything’s fine, I just want to take care of you. Even if that means making you a cup of coffee, because you’re too independent to let me do anything else,” I add with a smile, as she gives me her classic eye roll in response. The perfect reminder that my girl is here, but there is still a lot to talk about.

  “I’ll have a coffee too, Rome!” Oscar calls out as I turn back around, but I shake my head.

  “You know where the machine is.”

  “No fair. Luna got one,” he whines and Parker chuckles beside me.

  “That’s because she has a golden heart, and a magic pussy,” Parker chimes in, and I can’t help joining in with the laughter.

  “Hell yeah I do,” Luna laughs along, and I know what Parker meant now, back at Ace when he said this is our family. Our sense of home. I just need to make sure I belong here. Pushing my self-doubt to the back of my mind, I help Parker plate everyone’s food and take a seat at the breakfast bar with the others.

  We all dig in, having not eaten since mid-afternoon yesterday. A dark cloud begins to form over us all, in anticipation of the conversation we all know we need to have.

  “Would you like me to call Rafe, Sakura? So, we only need to have this conversation once?” Kai asks, staring at Luna with gentle eyes.

  “That would probably be best. I’m going to take another shower and get ready while you do.”

  Rising to her feet, she walks around the island placing kisses on each of our cheeks before heading out of the room, all of our gazes following after her.

  “How bad is it, Parker?” Kai murmurs, and we all look to Parker expectantly.

  “It’s not great,” he sighs, swiping a hand down his face.

  My blood is already simmering with anger. God, help those motherfuckers.

  *****

  (Luna)

  Slipping into a pair of black skinny jeans and burnt orange turtleneck, I frown at myself in
the mirror. This is one of the very few outfits Maria has arranged that isn’t a damn dress. I don’t know what she thinks we're doing here, but I need breathable clothing if I’m gonna kick ass.

  Although she did think of everything, right down to phone chargers and toiletries, so I can’t complain too much. The guys all got dressed while I was in the shower, scrubbing away the memories of the blood coating my skin.

  I hear the main door knock, but I know this is going to get heavy, and I have a call to make first. Quickly tapping the screen on my phone, the ringing tone fills the room.

  “Luna? Luna, I swear to god, this better be you calling! I have been going out of my damn mind over here!” Red shouts through my cell and my anxiety relaxes a little.

  “Hey, Jess. You okay?”

  “You only call me that when things are serious. What’s going on, Luna?” She quizzes me instantly, knowing me inside and out, even when she isn’t standing in front of me.

  “It’s a little hectic, but we’re okay.” I try to be honest with her, but I don’t need her worrying. “How are things at Maverick’s? All good?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

  I hear her shuffle on the other end of the line, and a door clicking shut behind her.

  “It’s fine, everything’s fine. Don’t worry about me, just stay safe, okay?”

  A bang sounds from her end and I hear her shush someone. At least she’s bossing someone there just like she does with me.

  “Alright. One other thing before I go, I need you to stay away from Trudy. She was somehow involved with them drugging us and taking us.”

  “What?” She whispers, devastation etched into her voice. I know the feeling, I thought we could trust her, but shame on me.

  “Yeah, something Veronica said, you know, before I killed her.”

  Silence consumes me as I wait for her to respond. I don’t regret it, but in a short period of time, I’ve killed two people, with good reason. I just don’t want her to think I’m becoming a monster.

  “Thank god.” She sighs. “That bitch had it coming, and when I see Trudy, I’m going to give her a piece …”

  “Keep away from her, remember? Let her sweat it out. I’ll deal with her eventually,” I mumble, running my hands over the comforter at the bottom of the bed, absently.

  Shouts from the lounge catch my attention, and I frown in confusion.

  “Red, I’m gonna have to go. I’ll check in as often as I can, okay?”

  “Yeah, of course. Love ya, Captain. Make smart choices!” she shouts, and it melts my heart.

  “I love you too, sassy pants. Behave.”

  Ending the call, I drop my phone to the mattress as I rush for the door, wanting to know what all the noise is about.

  Swinging the door open, I’m surprised to see most of The Ring in here, all of which stop their shouting to glance in my direction.

  Great, this talk just got a whole lot bigger.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  (Oscar)

  A knock sounds from the door and Kai stands to answer it. It’ll be Rafe. Finally. I’m ready to know what happened last night to Luna and Parker before we all arrived at Beechwood Hall.

  I messaged my sister last night, but she hasn’t responded, making me a little worried. We text all the time, but I wanted her to know where I am. Niamh is fifteen and lives back in Ireland with my mother. Lucky for them, I’ve never been able to leave the States, having to stay with my father. It’s all worth it though if it keeps her out of harm's way. As much as I despise my father, I was surprised my mother saw the damage he was causing too. When I pushed for her to take Niamh and go back to her homeland, she actually fucking listened.

  A bang draws my attention to the entryway, where Kai is gaping at all of the people stepping into the room. Rafe, Juliana, and Maria, we kind of expected, but I watch as Reggie Rivera, Travis Fuse, and dear old dad, Patrick O’Shay, follow them into our room too.

  What the fuck?

  Without a moment's pause or an explanation for why they are here, all hell breaks loose.

  “What the fuck is going on, Oscar?” My father growls as he storms in my direction. Rafe instantly lifts a hand to Patrick’s chest, stopping his movement. My eyes are solely focused on my dad’s angry face, but I can hear Kai’s father shouting too.

  Another boom sounds around the room, bringing everyone to a halt. Glancing around, I see my Luna in the doorway leading to the bedroom with a surprised look on her face. Me and you both, baby girl. The glare on her face could cut ice as she stares everyone down.

  “Does someone want to tell me what the fuck is going on?” She demands, and I feel my cock stiffen in my pants. Damn, I love it when she’s feisty.

  “Really? You think you have the right to ask me what’s going on?” My father looks her up and down, disgust clear on his face. “You’ve got some explaining to do if you think you’re going to be connected to my family, to my son!” my father shouts, and my blood instantly boils.

  “Shut the fuck up, Patrick. That’s my wife, and you’ll do well to remember that. Disrespect her again, and we will take great pleasure in putting you six feet under. You hear me?” I growl, feeling my pulse quicken and my face heat with anger.

  Nobody, and I mean nobody, insults Luna like that. He needs to learn that now before I show him where my loyalty truly lies.

  My father fumes before me, his body stiff as he clenches his jaw, fire burning in his eyes, but I hold my ground. I want him to see how serious I am. I don’t look at the others, yet I can feel the tension rise as my brothers stand by my words. I hear Roman growl beside me, and a glimpse of a tattooed hand rests on my shoulder in support.

  “Patrick, right?” Luna says, stepping further into the room. Her confidence vibrates from her with each step she takes, as she keeps her facial expression neutral. Everyone else is still frozen in place. My father barely offers a nod in response before she continues, “If you ever step into my bloodline’s territory again making demands, I’ll shoot first and ask questions later. Do I make myself clear?”

  He scoffs at her in response, and Rafe instantly wraps his fingers around Patrick’s throat. Good. Let him see the army she has. Those who are willing to protect her no matter what. He shoves against Rafe’s chest, but he doesn’t budge, reminding Patrick O’Shay who has the upper hand.

  “Let’s take a seat at the table, shall we?” Maria Steele asks, heading for the kitchen without a backwards glance, and everyone starts to follow.

  I don’t move until Luna nears, holding my hand out to lace my fingers through hers. Placing her hand in mine, she squeezes my shoulder with the other. I was all set to offer her comfort, yet here she is, returning the favor to me instantly.

  Looking to the kitchen, I see the guys have all waited in the lounge for us. Parker steps towards me, concern in his eyes.

  “We’ve got your back, Oscar. Okay?” He offers, squeezing his hand around the back of my neck, and damn does it relieve more of the tension building inside of me.

  “The same goes for you too, Kai,” Roman adds, getting a nod in response.

  He won’t have any issues, Roman was always meant to marry Luna. My father can fuck right off. I’m a fully grown adult married to someone I love. It’s as simple as that.

  Leading us into the kitchen, everyone has taken a seat at the table already. Maria and Rafe hold up the two ends of the table, while Juliana, Reggie, Travis, and Patrick all sit in a line. Leaving this side of the table free for us to join them. Luna sits in the middle, with Kai and Roman to her left, and Parker and I, to her right.

  “So, what can we do for you?” Luna asks, always willing to charge head-on into anything. Her fingers stay threaded through mine in her lap, while Parker rests his palm on my knee. They’re both grounding me, as I continue to calm the storm brewing inside.

  My father goes to respond, but Travis Fuse cuts him off.

  “I’d like you to explain to me why you are married to my son, along with three other men, and t
he first I hear of it is in a crowded room? With your bloodline inked on his skin?” Cool, calm, and collected. I wonder where Kai gets it from?

  Luna leans forward, dropping my hand to her lap as she braces her arms on the table, staring deep into his eyes. Silence engulfs us as everyone waits to see what she says.

  “Travis, can I be honest with you?” She finally asks, not waiting long enough for him to respond. “I don’t really care to explain myself to a man who chooses to cause his son so much pain, then shows up here acting like he gives a shit. Unless you’re here to contribute to the current situation, I highly recommend you shut the fuck up.”

  He flinches slightly at her words but doesn’t back down. Luna taps the table with her finger as the room grows more uncomfortable, and she doesn’t stop.

  “Does anyone have any serious questions?” She asks, looking to everyone at the table, and I love that Rafe is struggling to hide his grin at her sassy attitude. She has us all by the balls, and we love it.

  Travis frowns as my father finally finds his tongue.

  “I don’t think you have too much room to talk about family since we all watched you shoot your own mother square between the eyes last night,” he snaps. I’m close to killing him right now, for insinuating Luna has no understanding of family.

  “That woman merely provided working ovaries. Don’t pretend to think you understand any of this.” Luna sneers back, pointing her finger at him, but he just shakes his head.

  “Yes, Patrick. You’ll do well to not speak shit about things you know nothing about,” Maria interjects, likely trying to move the conversation along to keep Rafe calm.

  “My son does not know commitment, sugar, and he doesn’t have time for this shit when The Games are here,” he spits, glaring from Luna to me. “Get your shit, we’re leaving. Your mother and sister are waiting back in the room.”

  My hand instinctively pounds into the table in front of me as I start to panic. “What the fuck do you mean? Where is Niamh?” Parker’s hand grips my leg tighter, forcing me through the fog of rage taking over my mind.