We already anticipated this and all of us were protected by our Reaper forms. We spread out, taking on each of the men that Chamuco had with him first. They weren’t any match for beings that could call their souls up from their physical bodies and slice them into neat little spiritual ribbons.
That was exactly what we did.
All of Chamuco’s men dropped their weapons at the same time and dropped to their knees. He began shouting in Spanish but they were no longer in control of their own movements. Ten souls stepped from their physical bodies and cowered in front of us.
“Ex?” Grim asked.
“My pleasure.” Ex cracked his knuckles. “I’m hungry.” With a mighty roar, he ripped the souls into pieces with sharp claws, letting them float in the air around us.
The men screamed and convulsed, their fear so real we could almost feel their pain and anguish. Patriot tilted his head back and let out a howl like a fuckin’ werewolf. Sometimes that pain fed his soul in ways that never touched the rest of us. The only other who fed was Hannibal.
Grim ticked his head to Han. “Go for it.”
Hannibal began to gather the chunks that were wreathed in dark shadow. Opening his mouth, his slurped in the parts and shoved them down. Sucking and crunching sounds could be heard at the same time Chamuco’s men cried and begged for mercy, screaming for release. The souls were literally consumed while still connected to their physical forms.
That kind of pain gave me chills. I wanted Chamuco to feel that agony before he died.
Rael and Mammoth watched with dark laughter. The rest of us stared as Chamuco dropped his gun and sank to his knees before Grim.
“Mercy, por favor,” he begged. “You are the real Chamuco. I am only the imposter.”
“Yes, you are,” Grim agreed. “You will pay for your crimes.”
Chamuco blubbered and cried like an infant squalling for dinner. He kept bending down and bowing, sending up prayers in Spanish. Nothing was going to save him now.
“Tell us about Gina and Sasha.” Grim ordered.
“There will be no further collection on their debts. I swear it.”
“Prove it. Call whoever you need to make it happen.”
We watched as he sent orders to his men, speaking to several on the phone with a shaky but determined tone. “No one will come after Gina, her children, or Sasha Pratt. They are protected by my own men now. I swear it.”
Huh. At least something good came out of this worthless shit’s life.
“Bodie?”
I nodded, cracking my knuckles as I walked forward, plunged my fist inside his chest and yanked his heart free. The beating organ pulsed in my hand as he began to quiver and shake. I slowly closed my fist around the warmth, feeling the life energy as it drained away and I began to squeeze. The organ finally popped, spurting crimson fluid all over me and the ground.
I laughed like a mad man and let my brothers take his soul, twisting, tugging, and yanking on it until he was nothing but spirit ash. The ground rumbled beneath our feet as Lucifer welcomed the darkest of souls into his hidden lair.
Chamuco’s screams echoed long after the fissure closed, proof he would suffer in eternal torment.
The blood of my enemy stained my clothes and I felt satisfaction rumble through my chest.
Vengeance . . . was all . . . bloody . . . MINE.
“Sasha, baby, our son is up.”
I rolled to my side, groaning with the lack of sleep. Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes and yawned.
“Come here.”
I stood up, padding my way across the floor slowly. When I reached Bodie’s side, he hugged my body close, circling both me and Maverick in his loving and secure embrace. He began to move, dancing slowly as he hummed a soft tune and snuggled our son closer.
“I fed him with some of your breastmilk. I figured I’d let you get a few more minutes of sleep.”
“Thanks,” I whispered, laying my head over his heart.
“It didn’t last long.” He laughed lightly as his chest rumbled with the sound. “I woke you up because I needed to hug the two people I loved most in this world.”
“You’re such a smooth talker.”
“I’m serious. I was staring out the window, rocking Maverick and it was so quiet and peaceful that I wanted to share the perfect moment with you too. The three of us.”
I hugged him tighter around the waist as we swayed together, rocking our son, and enjoying the fullness of our hearts. The last two months sped by in a blur but I wouldn’t change them for any amount of money in the world. The pregnancy had been long and difficult. I was sick almost the entire nine months and the birth had been the most painful thing I ever endured in my entire life.
Was it worth it?
Staring down at the soft brown hair on my son’s head there wasn’t a moment of hesitation. I’d do it all again to have this moment right here, my son cradled in his father’s thickly muscled and inked up arm, watching the love in his gaze that was so pure and unconditional that tears filled my eyes.
“I glad you woke me up. It’s perfect.”
“Being with you and having Mavi, it’s more than I ever could have hoped for.”
A single tear escaped and soaked into his t-shirt but Bodie didn’t notice. It was more than I had ever dared to hope for, far greater than I could have dreamed. Even as a young girl, I never pictured my future to turn out this way. Suraya did, though. She said I would be a mother, a wife, and I would grow up happy with a life that would make her proud.
Perfect, I agreed in my head. I hope you’re happy where you are, Suraya. For the first time in my life, I feel complete. I miss you and I’ll always love you.
The thought had barely left my head when a star outside the window suddenly twinkled brightly, glowing more than any other star in the vicinity. My chest filled with hope, love, and reassurance.
The conversation with Cindi about finding closure filled my mind briefly and I knew, without a doubt, that I finally found peace.
...
If you enjoyed this second holiday novella with Bodie and Sasha, please leave a review to help others decide on the book. To read the next book in the series click here: Ridin’ for Hell
You can add more of the Royal Bastards MC to your tbr here: Royal Bastards MC Tonopah, NV
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Tonopah, NV Chapter Reading Order:
#1 The Biker's Gift (Holiday)
#2 Bloody Mine (Holiday)
#3 Ridin' for Hell
#4 Devil's Ride
#5 Papa Noel (Holiday)
#6 Hell's Fury
#7 The Biker's Wish (Holiday)
#8 Hell on Wheels
#9 Jigsaw's Blayde
Pres – Grim “Grim Reaper”
VP – Mammoth
SGT at Arms – Rael “Azrael, Angel of Death”
Enforcer/Officer – Exorcist “Ex”
Enforcer – Jigsaw
Secretary – Wraith
Treasurer – Han “Hannibal”
Road Captain – Patriot (Marine)
Tail Gunner – Daniel “Lucky”
Founder – Papa
Member – Bodie
Member – Diablo (Cleaner)
Member – Xenon (Tech Spec.)
Prospect – Toad
Prospect – Shadow
Prospect – Spook
27 Authors. 26 Stories. One Hell of a ride!
Royal Bastards MC Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/royalbastardsmc/
Website- https://www.royalbastardsmc.com/
Papa Noel
The silver fox biker lived on my street.
Staring up and into his dark brown eyes with little flecks of gold dancing in the dark depths, I was totally and completely mesmerized while simultaneously feeling cornered as the prey of a large hunter while a prowling lion closed in for the kill. A twisted grin appeared on his face as recognition lit up his eyes and then he frowned. That was when I noticed my son cradling his arm against his chest.<
br />
“Kid needs a doctor,” the biker announced, appearing concerned.
“Oh, Noah! I’ll grab my keys.”
I walked away in a rush, spinning on my heel as I ran for my handbag and keys, pausing to open the garage door. I didn’t have to tell the biker to meet me there. He was already inside after I noticed the empty doorstep and locked the place up. When I entered the garage, Noah was in the backseat and buckled in, his cheeks flushed, and his expression pained.
“Toss me the keys, honey. I’ll drive.”
I could have debated the whole thing, but I wanted to sit with my son anyway. Sexy silver caught the keys with ease, and I climbed into the back of my Rav4, immediately checking over Noah for more injuries.
“Where does it hurt? Just your arm?”
He shook his head but bravely held back tears.
There were scrapes across both knees and a deep cut across the same arm that didn’t look quite right. Blood was smeared on his clothing in a few spots.
“I’m sorry, Booga. I know it hurts. Let me see.”
Noah lifted his left arm and I paled when I noticed it wasn’t straight. I had injuries like this one before and it wasn’t an accident like my son’s. I was positive he broke a bone.
“Okay, keep it close and hold it with your arm but don’t squeeze.” My hand cradled his cheek. “I’m here. I love you and I’m not going anywhere.”
Noah sniffled and leaned his head against my shoulder. “My bike is all busted up.” He sounded more upset about that than his arm.
“We’ll fix it, kid.” The deep timbre of the biker’s voice snagged my attention from Noah.
We both looked up at the same time and I caught the gentle stare of the big man driving in the rearview mirror.
“Thanks, Santa. I know you’ll help. That’s what Santa does.”
Blinking, I turned to Noah and lifted a brow. “You know him?”
“Yep.” Noah winced and then peered up at me with wide innocent eyes. Too innocent.
“Is that where you’ve been disappearing? Into a stranger’s house?” I shot the biker a disapproving frown.
“No, Mama. He’s nice like Santa.”
Oh really? “What’s his name?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Noah shifted in the seat. “It’s Santa.”
I pursed my lips. “His real name?”
“Why don’t you ask me, pretty girl? I’m more than happy to tell you.”
Uh huh. “Well?” I asked with attitude, sending a glare in the direction of the front seat.
“Jayce Riggs. My friends know me by my road name Papa.”
Noah giggled. “See? Papa is the same as Santa.”
I sighed dramatically. Later, once I knew Noah was alright, I was going to question that biker and he better tell the truth.
“We’re here,” Jayce announced as we pulled into the parking lot of Central Nevada Regional Care.
He slid from the front seat and opened his door, quickly rushing to my side. His large hand reached out for mine and I was pulled to my feet next to the car as soon as he yanked the door open. A brief squeeze of my fingers and Jayce released, carefully scooping out Noah as my son lay his head on his shoulder.
I’d never seen Noah react to any man like this – so comfortable, almost affectionate. There was no time to dwell on it as I shut the door and ran toward the entrance to the Urgent Care.
The facility wasn’t busy with only a few patients waiting in the main lobby. We were promptly checked in and shown to a room, the curtain drawn as Noah was placed on the bed with care.
Jayce gave him a big smile. “Well, Booga, I’d say you’re gonna get to do something cool today.”
Why did this biker think he could use the nickname I’d given my son?
Noah didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, he even smiled. “What’s that?”
Jayce was about to answer when a nurse walked into the room. Red scrubs hugged her curvy figure and the blonde hair on her head was piled into a messy bun. She was quite attractive with a voice that I immediately found professional and soothing. Kindness reflected in her gaze as she moved toward Noah.
“Hello there, Noah. I’m your nurse Nylah. Can I come check on your arm and see how you’re doing?”
Noah tilted his head to the side and scrunched up his nose. “You’re not gonna squeeze my arm, right?”
Jayce let out a chuckle. “Kid is too smart for you, Nylah.”
She smirked in his direction. “Yeah, yeah. If I can survive Rael, then I think I’m capable of anything. Besides, I like my patients smart.” Nylah gave Noah a big smile.
Jayce snorted in response. “That’s the truth. Rael is a pain in the ass.”
“So are you. Get out of my way, Papa. I need to check on my patient.” She shooed him off with her hands.
Jayce moved to the side, his eyes brimming with mischief. I was certain these two knew one another and I found the idea both irritating and frustrating since he didn’t say a word to confirm or deny it. The question was in my eyes and he could tell.
I sent a glare his way which only caused the biker’s smile to widen. Turning to Noah, I watched as Nylah examined my son’s arm. He kept a brave face on as he let her touch him and check his breathing as well as his other vital signs. Perusing his injuries, she paused to gather supplies and came back, cleaning the scrapes on his knees and applying bandages.
When she was done, Nylah leaned back and patted Noah on the head. “You’ve been very brave. How about a popsicle while we wait for the doctor?”
“Sure!” he exclaimed, losing some of the misery he’d been trying to fight off.
“What’s your favorite? Grape?”
His eyes grew round. “Yeah.”
“I’m going to fill the doctor in about your arm and then I’ll be back with the popsicle. Okay?”
Noah nodded enthusiastically.
Nylah left as I sank into a chair next to the bed Noah was perched on. The nurse had raised the end, so Noah was sitting up but slightly inclined.
“How did she know about grape being my favorite?”
I was all set to answer when I noticed Noah had directed his question to Jayce.
“Well, son, I think there must be a little magic floating around here.”
Noah’s eyes widened further. “Magic? Like Christmas magic?”
Jayce ran his hand along his beard. “I think so. If I’m real quiet and still, I can feel it. What about you?”
My son stopped wiggling and squirming on the bed and closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, he was smiling from ear to ear. “Wow. It’s like a little tingle in my belly. Is that what you mean?”
“Yep. You’re real good at this.”
Noah beamed a bright smile. “You’re the best Santa ever. I think you must have gone back to the North Pole for more training.”
Jayce let out a loud guffaw. “Kid, you’re one hundred percent right.”
I had no idea what they were talking about but seeing their interaction proved Jayce wasn’t a creep. At least, I hoped so. I would still watch him around my son. Noah was too trusting of strangers. No one was hurting my baby, not after all we’d been through and overcome to arrive here in Tonopah.
Nylah popped into the room with the popsicle and Noah chatted away with Jayce until it was gone. Licking the stick, he stuck out his tongue at me when I snatched it out of his hand.
“That’s enough, silly.”
A few minutes later Nylah took Noah to get x-rays and promised he would return soon.
“Super cool,” Jayce told him with his gravelly tone.
I paced with the emptiness that followed, worried about the results.
“You’re tense,” Jayce observed, leaning against a row of cabinets as his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Just routine, honey. He’ll be fine.”
“You don’t know that. He hasn’t seen the doctor yet.” I tried not to stare at the black leather vest and all his tattoos. Jayce had bad boy written all over hi
m. Combine that with his wicked grin, hypnotic eyes, and the sex appeal that oozed from every single pore and this man was a volatile cocktail I was tempted to drink right up. I found his salt and pepper beard oddly appealing. My fingers twitched with the desire to brush the muscles all the way up his arms and under his t-shirt, to trace each inch of ink and ask their significance.
Jayce ticked his chin in my direction. “You always this tightly wound?”
What was that supposed to mean?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied with attitude.
His naughty grin reappeared. “Sure is easy to rile you up.”
An amber sparkle shimmered in those dark depths and I had to resist the urge to tell him that most men never conjured any kind of reaction from me at all. I was numb to the male species after Chet. Men equaled pain, not pleasure, captivity not freedom. Well, until Jayce Riggs, silver fox biker with his annoying swagger and promise of sinful pleasure.
“You keep right on staring at me, pretty girl. I like what I see too.” His chocolate filled gaze roamed my body, taking its time as he began at my toes and slowly crept upward all the way to my lips. Pausing, he opened his mouth and nearly panted, winking as our eyes met. “Fuck. You’re just ripe for the pickin’, aren’t you?”
Shocked, my mouth popped open in an ‘o’ before I closed it with a snap. “You shouldn’t talk like that in public.”
He chuckled and dropped his hands, moving a little closer. “There’s all kinds of things I shouldn’t do in public, honey lips. Why don’t you help reform me?”
Smirking, I tossed my hair over my shoulder in an effort to prove his words weren’t having such a wicked impact on my female bits. Dirty biker. “Aren’t you too old to have a woman reform a single thing about you?”
He didn’t skip a beat and answered fast. “For you, sugar lips, I’d give it a try.”
Right. “Stop referring to me as honey and sugar and whatever else you keep saying.”
“Why would I want to do that?” he asked, sauntering closer. “That’s exactly what the fuck you are, little mama. Sweet. Tempting.” His hand lifted and his fingers caressed the skin along my jawline. “So damn irresistible I know I’d get lost in all that honey and sugar. I could happily slip into a diabetic coma just for five seconds of my lips claiming yours.”
Bloody Mine (Royal Bastards MC, #2) Page 8
