The Ties That Bind Us: The Devil's Apostles Book 5 (The Devils Apostles) by Annie Buff (1)

THE TIES THAT BIND US

 

Author: Annie Buff

 

Editor: Chris Cain

 

Cover designer : Treena Ross

 

Poems by Athena Kelly Copyright ©2018 by Annie Buff, all rights reserved

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including internet usage, without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

These are works of fiction. Names, character, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used factiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

Like each book I write, I poured my heart and soul into this. So many of you have taken this journey of my Devils with me and it still blows me away how amazing you all are. So many people need to be thanked properly and this is the time. Athena Kelly, you just rock! Thank you for lending me your talents and writing such amazing words for Krispy to give to Isadora. Your poems are
phenomenal.

To the real Isadora Sunday, for allowing me to steal your name and give Izzy a life all her own. For the muses that inspired Krispy and Isadora I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my D, for putting up with all the hours I spend writing and ignoring life around me; I love you big.

 

For my idiots, the real inspiration for each and every character I create; you guys are the best.

And for each one of you that spends your free time immersed in my books, there are no words that properly say thank you. You the readers are my rock stars!

To my beta reader Jeni, your input has taken my work to the next level and I appreciate you so much!

The last person whom I must say thank you to is my mom. She has been my guiding light and my support since day one. Thank you mom for believing in me. Blurb

Krispy; She’s my charge, has been for a year now but I want her so damn bad it hurts. That soft honey blonde hair and big brown eyes kill me slowly every time she smiles at me. She’s the daughter of Ajax the cleaner but that doesn’t make me love Isadora any less. One day she will be mine forever, we just have to kill Jester. The new president of the Brazen Bastards, and one mean son of a bitch.

Isadora; Joshua “Krispy” Harrison is everything I want in a man but how do I convince my dad that he’s good for me. I know what this life is, my dad has been quite candid about it but I don’t care. I will do what I have to even if that means killing. Whatever it takes to be part of the Devils and part of him.

KRISPY

She should have been off limits, the daughter of a fellow brother but Joshua “Krispy” Harrison just could not stop himself. Never had he had thoughts about any woman the way he did about Isadora. All he wanted was to feel her under him as he pumped himself in and out of her at a feverish pace. To hear her panting in his ear and asking for more. At least that was his fantasy every night when he turned out the light. That’s when his hand would travel down his stomach and grab his dick. Krispy had never masturbated more in his entire life, she had that effect on him. He walked around with a constant hardon and it was all because of Isadora.

He had feelings, big damn feelings but somehow he’d kept them in check. Aside from being in the midst of a battle with a nasty MC, her father was one mean son of a bitch. Krispy liked him, even respected him but Ajax was not one to be taken lightly. He had seen the aftermath from the dog fight with Aries, the former president of the Brazen Bastards and he definitely didn’t want to be in his bad side. The other problem was Krispy had never finished the job and lost his cherry. He had fooled around, had a few blow jobs but he had not done the deed thus far and wasn’t even sure how to start that type of relationship with Izzy. He knew she liked him, they had hugged and kissed but it stopped there which made him wonder if she was a virgin too. He actually hoped she was so he wouldn’t disappoint her if it wasn’t good. He desperately needed help but talking to anyone would be more embarrassing than he could handle. Killing was easier than admitting he was still innocent at twentyfour.

It wasn’t that he was saving himself for anyone, it was just the right opportunity hadn’t presented itself until Isadora and if he didn’t find a way to get inside that girl his dick would be raw from all the self service. But it wasn’t just physical when it came to her. There was a connection to her he couldn’t deny. Krispy had a feeling Isadora was his ‘one’ and somehow he had to make her father understand that.

Ajax himself had found his once in a lifetime love recently too so maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to get him to listen, but then again the cleaner wasn’t known for patience. “Fuck he’s gonna kill me.” He said as he rode into town to pick up Isadora from work. He was still her full time security and that gave him an excuse to be close.

Jester was the new president of the Bastards and just as crazy as Aries was. They were gunning for all of the Devils, the Dawg Pound and now the Stone Sinners MC since they had stepped in and lent assistance when Ajax was on the hunt for Aries.

He stopped bike in front of Sweet Surrender, the bakery her stepmother owned and where Izzy worked. Krispy had his choice of bike or car and since Isadora loved riding he chose the bike. He also loved the fact she had to hold on to him as they rode. She always smelled so good. Even after baking all day she still smelled like jasmine, he wondered if it was intentional or just her. Krispy never had the balls to ask her.

He had been stabbed, shot and had the shit kicked out if him but when it came to women he was what his queen would call a hot mess. Even the few kisses they’d shared were Izzy initiating them.

He saw her through the glass, she had taken charge of the bakery while Tara, her boss and step mom took maternity leave. She and Izzy’s dad just had a baby girl so both were at home for a while. Since they were now family, Isadora stepped in and took over. She did love the bakery and was good at her job. The other girls that worked there stepped up too making it a lot simpler of a task.

“Hey you.” He smiled at her as the door chimed. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. She had that soft blonde hair and big chocolate brown eyes. Krispy thought she looked like an angel.

“Hey back. I just need to lock up and we can go. I’m starving, can we stop at Handlebars for a burger? Dad says we can eat there whenever for nothing.” He remembered Ajax mentioning that but to Krispy that wasn’t right. He’d pay when she wasn’t looking.

“Yeah we can, just call Tara or your old man and let them know. I am not in the mood for an ass whoppin if we’re later than they expect.” She smiled and picked up her phone, sending a text home. Izzy wanted to stay with Krispy as long as possible. She had fallen hard the over the last year for him, even if he had no clue.

He held her one night when she cried, after the original bakery burned down. That night she was a mess and he stayed with her and just held on. Isadora still remembered how it felt to have those arms tight around her. How the muscled limbs made her feel so safe. To her he was the best looking guy she’d ever seen, with his beautiful blonde curls; combine that with his sweetness and she wanted this one. No boyfriend to date had ever made her insides jitter the way Krispy did. Izzy never called him that, always Joshua. It was his given name and considering he hated his club name she would never use it.

Closing up took just under ten minutes and the two were on the bike heading east toward Handlebars. When Krispy had to stop at the tracks for a train Isadora kept her arms around him. He almost hoped the train would never end, her touch was killing him. After this ride he was going to need more than a cold shower, he would need a tub full of ice to curb his libido.

When the bike stopped at Handlebars there were a few Harley’s he knew. One belonged to Magic, the president of the Stone Sinners. The other one he recognized belonged to Ajax, her dad. “Oh kiss my dick.” Krispy said under his breath. He was hoping for some time without any of his brothers around and here was her father. He did own half the bar but it was late and Krispy just expected he would be home with Tara, his wife.

“What’s wrong Joshua?” Then she saw what he saw, Ajax’s brand new bike. She just laughed as she dismounted, some days it really did suck being the daughter if the cleaner.

As they walked towards the door her hand found his and she looked up at him. Isadora was flat out in love and one way or another this was going to happen. She had a feeling he felt the same but being who she was, he was terrified Ajax was going to kill him. Izzy could handle her dad, just as long as Krispy didn’t shoot his mouth off. He was normally quiet but he had gotten extremely lippy as of late.

Isadora went straight to the bar where Mack was, she liked the bar manager. Mack was funny and opinionated, plus she seemed to be good at keeping old Red in line. Izzy had a feeling before long Red and Mack would be a couple. It was the way he looked at her and in the way she always scolded him. Anyone could see those two were destined to be together. “Hey Izzy! I’ll send a waitress over to the pool tables for you guys. Anyone else coming?” She shook her head and took off to the game area where Krispy had found a seat. She saw her dad and Magic sit down next to him.

“Great.” Well it was time to make her feelings known so she marched over and planted a kiss on Krispy’s lips. Not a huge one but enough to say were a thing. The look Ajax shot her could kill, she expected it. Izzy was even looking for it. It was time and he would just have to accept it, whether he liked it or not.

A bottle of Don Julio tequila was delivered to the table and as Ajax poured he gave her quite the stare before pushing the shot glass towards her. “You wanna play with the big boys girl, well here’s your chance.” He was pissed and she knew it but Izzy stood her ground, tossing back the shot and glaring at her father.

She really did love the man, he was a great dad but with this she just needed him to back off a little. As soon as Krispy headed to the bathroom she let loose.

“Dad that’s some serious bullshit! I said it before and I’ll say it again, I love you dad but you have to let me make my own choices. Please dad!” He heard the pleading in her voice. His wife was right and damn did he hate that. He would let her see the kid but Ajax was surely going to make sure his words were heard. He gave her a nod, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t watch the young man like a hawk. Ajax saw him heading back and met him halfway. The terror on the kids face said it all. He expected to die right there in the middle of the bar.

“Seems my daughter is quite taken with you. So I’m gonna stand back and let her have her way. But kiddo let me make this very fuckin’ clear, if you hurt her I will find new ways to make your death last for days. Are we clear?” Krispy just stood there not sure if he was supposed to answer him or just listen. “Again, are we clear!” This time Ajax voice boomed throughout the bar. “Yes… yes sir, crystal clear. I… I think I love her.”

“ You do huh? Well hear this one too, you stick your dick in her it better be wrapped. She’s not ready to be a mom and you damn sure ain’t ready to be a dad, got it?” Krispy just nodded, he wanted desperately to be with Izzy so whatever he had to do to make that happen.

Ajax walked over to the table and grabbed his glass, downing the contents and kissing his daughter before he disappeared out the door. Magic grinned and followed behind him.

They stayed just long enough to enjoy a burger and a couple games of pool. He slipped the waitress a fifty before heading towards the exit. He caught Mosh and Renegade out of the corner of his eye, Renegade was laughing at what he just observed. Before the morning the entire MC would know Ajax wanted his balls on a platter.

Izzy and Krispy rode to the lake, he knew she liked going there and they had a favorite spot where they would go to talk. He was aware her dad could be kind of intense sometimes. More now that the baby was born and Izzy needed to have her space.

Hand in hand they walked down to the stone picnic table by the water. She wondered what her dad could have possibly said to Krispy but she didn’t ask. Biker rule 101, don’t ask too many questions. It had only been just under a year since Izzy met her biological father but in that time she really started to understand the brotherhood and the rules.

They sat face to face, kissing and talking. Krispy wanted this girl in the worst of ways. With every brush of her lips on his it got worse and worse. She needed to know, to understand just what she did to him and how bad he had it for her.

“Izzy,” she could hear the desire in his voice. Maybe this was finally going to happen. She had dreamt of being with him for months. He was just so shy when it came to the physical.

“Yeah Joshua, I want it too. I have for a long time, I just didn’t think you did.” Krispy shook his head. He wanted her more than he wanted to keep breathing.

“It’s just I don’t want to disappoint you. I ain’t never finished the deed. Fooled around but never got my cherry popped so I’m scared it’ll suck and you won’t want me anymore. I got feelings for you, more than just sex. Yeah I wanna fuck, reallywanna fuck you but it’s more. A lot more.” Izzy let her hand slide down his chest and over the bulge in his jeans. That drew a hiss from him and his eyes closed, taking in the sensations of her hand on his dick.

When she unzipped his jeans and her fingers started playing in his hair he was on the verge of losing it. Krispy expected to be done before they even started. He had to slow this down, take her to his bed. There was no way he was losing his innocence on a slab of concrete.

“We gotta wait, just a little while longer anyway. This ain’t the place for this, you ain’t that kind of girl Izzy. You have class, this would be ok if you were some bar whore or club slut but that’s not what you are.” The respect for her was impressive, and he was right. They needed to wait just a little longer and that was alright. At least she knew he liked her, a lot.

It was well after midnight when they got back to the compound and as much as Krispy wanted to follow Izzy to her room, he knew better. He didn’t have a death wish, he knew her father was just across the hall from her. Instead he kissed her at the front door and went to sit by the fire. He didsleep on the sofa but right at this moment he needed to think. There was a joint and a pint of whiskey in his saddlebags, he needed a little numbing medication to clear his mind.

He found Smoke by the pit, sipping on bourbon and staring into the night. With all the chaos happening surrounding the Bastards both presidents decided to keep everyone close. Smoke had enough acreage to house everyone comfortably so the Pound moved in. Trailers had been brought in, Ajax had a mobile home brought in and ground set. He talked with Smoke first, stating it would make things much easier for Tara and the president agreed. The eighteen acres he owned gave them all enough space for privacy but they were still within yelling distance should something happen.

“You look like you got a lot on your mind kid.

Wanna talk about it.” He had shit loads on his mind but Smoke didn’t need his problems, the clubs had enough going on.

“I’m good prez, just trying to come up with a way this can work and I don’t die.” Smoke smirked, this had to be about Isadora. He did understand the kids dilemma. He witnessed just how brutal Ajax could be firsthand and that even made Smoke leery.

“Want some advice? You gotta stand your ground kid. If you care about her, be a man and stand tall. Ajax ain’t gonna kill you, maybe kick your ass a couple times but he will see you’re in this for real.” Krispy had a couple other things bouncing around in his head too. Not just Izzy. He nodded at Smoke and pulled out the joint he had, handing it to his president. It was a respect thing, Smoke wasn’t that much older than him in years but in life experience he had decades on Krispy. He was the closest thing to a parent the kid had.

“I got a question prez, I’ve hated being called Krispy since it started. Is there anyway we can give me a new name? I don’t care if it’s dick face, anything but Krispy. Drives me fuckin’ nuts.” Smoke pondered for a few minutes, nobody had ever changed a club name after it had been given.

“That’s definitely not normal kid, I gotta think on that one. Talk to the Coalition and see if it’s even allowed. Never had anyone ask to do that before.” He assumed that but he still needed to ask, to try and get a club name that he liked or just something he could live with. Krispy definitely wasn’t it.

Even with his own trailer on the property he slept on the sofa in Ajax living room. Isadora was his charge and he would do just about anything to not fail, to keep her safe. If anything did happen to her he had a bad feeling Ajax would probably skin his ass alive. Whatever it took to keep her out of harms way, and whatever it took to make her his.

He hadn’t been sleeping very long when he felt a shift in the sofa, sitting up immediately.

“Sshh Joshua, I just wanted to be close.” He lay back down with Izzy in his arms. He was bare chested and she let her fingers twirl his chest hair and trace his scars. Before long those soft fingers had breached the waistband of the sweat pants he was wearing. She didn’t touch him right away, just let her fingers play in that thatch of hair. Even without being touched he still whimpered in her ear. The second her petite hands wrapped around his dick he almost cried out. Izzy did her best to stroke him but the material was hindering it.

“Pull them down. I want to touch you the way you should be touched.” Her words were barely a whisper but he heard her loud and clear. Krispy pushed the sweats down under his ass so she would have unrestricted access to his dick, and to his balls should she choose to touch them too.

It was an incredibly slow slide but that’s all he needed to be biting his lip and pulling a pillow over his face. The last thing he needed was to be heard. Ajax would definitely kill him then, it wasn’t the act it was the disrespect of doing that in his home.

“Fuck baby, God dammit that feels like heaven. Don’t stop, just don’t stop.” She had no plans to stop, not until he gave her what she wanted; his orgasm. Every time she reached the tip, Izzy let her fingers swirl over the head. He was leaking and it made the glide so easy. She knew he loved it, his body was quaking and she could hear his moans. Even with the pillow over him she heard it. It was almost time, she let go and shimmied down his body so she could put her mouth on him. When his dick passed her lips he almost came off the sofa. Krispy took a fist full of her hair and showed her the pace he liked. He wasn’t huge but decent sized and what he didn’t have in length his thickness made up for.

She took him all, right down to his balls and that was the beginning of the end. His legs started shaking under her and her had a death grip on her arm. When he held her head down she knew it was time, feeling the warmth of his seed on her tongue and splashing all the way down her throat. Krispy let go of her but Izzy didn’t move, waiting until he gave her everything he had and licking him so none would be wasted.

“Damn Joshua! You taste so good I wanna do that again and again. Come to my room, we can lock the door and I’ll start over. You’re dick is perfect sized and I think sucking you again now is something I really wanna do.” He nodded but held up a finger indicating he needed just a minute to gather himself and pull up his pants. Then he quietly followed her down the hall to her room but not for more, to tuck her in.

“You have no idea how bad I want this baby, but not if we gotta sneak to do it. When we do this it will be in my bed where I can love every fuckin inch of you, ok Izzy?” It was more than ok, just the fact he didn’t want to sneak around was impressive even if she didn’t care. There was always tomorrow she told herself, hugging him before he left.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

She could hear the chime on her alarm, burying her face under the pillow. Isadora knew she didn’t have to work today but she promised Tara she would take her into town for a few things. Baby Morgan was growing faster than expected and even at a month old she had outgrown her newborn outfits so the ladies were going shopping. Hitting the alarm she peeked out from under the pillow to check the time. It was seven and she knew if she wanted hot water she had to get up.

The scent of coffee distracted her from the shower and after the short night before, she really needed some caffeine. She found Krispy in the kitchen making her breakfast.

“Joshua are you really cooking?” He just grinned at her. The Queen had given him lessons on how to make breakfast. It was the only meal he’d mastered but he liked eggs so it wasn’t a big deal.

“I’m decent at breakfast just don’t ask for anything aside from bacon and eggs.” Krispy just chuckled as he turned the meat over. She sat on the stool and just watched him. They chatted about the party Red was throwing at the bar for Smoke’s birthday. Everyone knew except him. Peyton said it was a surprise party and anyone who knew him knew if he was aware of it, Smoke wouldn’t show up. He hated his birthday stating it was just one more day towards his grave and that wasn’t a celebration.

They were obviously too close for Ajax liking as he growled Krispy’s way when he walked into the kitchen. “I got a job for you kid. Just drop them off and meet me at the bar, that’s our home base for a while.” Krispy nodded, wondering why Ajax picked him. Even with the clubs working together he was curious. Unless it was dangerous and the cleaner was trying to get him killed. Krispy really hoped that wasn’t the case, he loved Isadora and one way or the other; she would be his.

After leaving the women off at the mall, Krispy stopped back home to get his bike and headed towards the bar. Something must have happened during the night for this meeting to be called. He was still nervous thinking Ajax was setting him up, but as a patch he rode over anyway.

Having to stop at the red light just across from Handlebars, he saw close to forty bikes all lined up. He also saw Wrangler, watching the rides and checking for anything that didn’t belong. Krispy parked his bike next to Slinger’s bright orange Street Glide and walked in. They were all there, the Devils, the Pound and even the Sinners. This looked ominous, something was incredibly wrong. What he didn’t see was the Queen, that made him wonder. Peyton was always at these meetings, she wasn’t called Queen for nothing. She and Smoke ran the club together and for her to not be here was about as odd as you could get.

Three tables of twelve had been set up and each president stood at the heads. Mack the bartender had beers on ice in buckets on the tables and several bottles of bourbon sporadically placed. Krispy grabbed one and popped the top, he had a bad feeling about all of this. He opted to stand against one of the wooden pillars waiting for the bomb to drop. It only took minutes for Smoke to begin.

“ Morning. Sorry to call you all here at the ass crack of dawn but I got some info late last night and after talking with Red and Magic we all think it’s important.” Smoke took a long draw off his cigarette and slowly exhaled. Whatever this was, wasn’t good. Magic had a big manila envelope in his hand. Handing it to Smoke and nodding.

“Mambo saw a few new faces around and figured he better check it out. Looks like the Bastards have prospects and we gotta deal with them. We can’t let them add to their numbers. The way I see it we got one of two choices, kill them or convert them. Ain’t no other way, I wish there was. They’re just kids, maybe twenty and that fuckin’ sucks but we gotta do what we gotta do.” He handed the two pictures out and watched as they were passed from one brother to the next.

Krispy took the two photos looking at the first one. Smoke was right, he was just a kid. As he pulled the second one out his heart stopped as the beer he had been holding slipped from his hand. It crashed on the concrete floor and shattered.

“Oh fuck me sideways! No, no, no! This can’t be right!” Krispy was shouting and all the brothers just stared, not knowing what the hell just happened.

“Kid, what is it?” Smoke had made his was to the pillar where he had been standing. Krispy handed him the second picture.

“See this? Anything look familiar about this guy?

Well it should, that’s my baby brother. Last time I saw him I was fourteen, but I’m fuckin’ sure as shit that’s Jake.” He was visibly shaking, knowing what was about to happen. Smoke understood and addressed the clubs.

“This one,” he said as he held up the photo, “bring him to me. Don’t kill him unless he leaves you no choice. But do your fuckin’ best to bring him in alive. The other don’t much matter.” Smoke put his hand on Krispy’s shoulder. The kid was in shock, he knew it. Family no matter how long you’d been apart meant everything.

“Kid I’m gonna do everything I can to keep him alive. But if he won’t agree to coming over, well that’s something for later.” Krispy had to get out of there, he had to ride. Anything to clear his thoughts and try to figure out how to keep Jake alive. Heading towards the door Ajax stopped him.

“Come with me.” It wasn’t a request and he knew it.

The fact that the cleaner was a new patch didn’t matter, he was Isadora’s father. Krispy followed him out back, expecting to have his ass beat but that didn’t happen. What transpired even shocked him.

“I’m gonna help you find him. He’s family kiddo. But you gotta promise me something.” Krispy swallowed hard, scared shitless of what Ajax was going to say. “If he’s loyal and won’t break you have to put him down. Ain’t no choice at that point. Can you do that? Kill your brother?”

“I dunno man.” He shrugged his shoulders. “That’s a hard one to answer. I can tell you if he goes after Izzy I can and will kill him. No hesitation and no remorse. Remember when I said I think I love her? I don’t think Ajax, I know. I will do anything I have to so she’s safe.” He watched as the cleaner nodded, still waiting for that hard right cross.

“I know you do, you’d have to kid. To put up with my shit you’d have to. I know it ain’t just a piece of ass. Nobody could put up with my shit just for that. But what I said still stands, do nothurt her.” Krispy got the message loud and clear, Ajax would kill him if he hurt Isadora.

Family Affair

The Bastards hangout was a bar called the Rack & Q and that’s where Krispy was heading to. He had to know if Jake was there, and if he could catch a glimpse of the elusive Jester. Nobody had ever seen his face, he kept it covered by a skull bandana from the nose down anytime he was on his bike. Smoke had mentioned having a spy go to the Rack but changed his mind, stating the danger would outweigh any quality information they would acquire.

Parking his bike by the library and walking the half mile to the bar, Krispy wasn’t sure how to handle seeing Jake in a cut with the Bastards prospect patch on it. Jake was always the more level headed of the two boys, but when they got separated in Foster care; Krispy had no clue what happened after that. He saw Jake once by chance outside a restaurant, he looked good but seemed far off. Like something was very off in his world. The Foster parents seemed okay but there was just something off and Krispy couldn’t place it. That was ten years ago and the last time he saw his brother.

The boys wound up wards of the state after their father went to prison for manslaughter and their mother just disappeared. It was one night when she left for work and never came back. He was eleven and Jake eight. He barely remembered either if them at this point. He knew they both looked like her, but he couldn’t even remember what his father looked like. He could recall that the man was a mean son of a bitch, beating the boys at the drop of a hat.

Standing under a tree near the corner he could clearly see the bar, the shocking part was no bikes. He expected to at least see one or two. The Bastards would sleep in the back if they had too much to drink, or if one decided he wanted to screw one of the staff or patrons of the establishment. From what they had all heard, that happened frequently.

“Quiet at the Q.” Krispy jumped at Smokes words. He wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings and his president got him. He should have known Smoke knew where he went.

“Fuck Prez, scared the shit outta me.” Smoke just chuckled. He knew the kid wasn’t expecting him but he damn well knew where Krispy had gone. He would have done the same thing.

“Go back to the property kid, no need to draw unwanted attention now. Me and Red are working on how to deal with this.” Smoke said as he lit a cigarette but Krispy had no intention of going home. He had to find Jake, try to make him listen. There was an abandoned clubhouse just over the county line, he needed to go. At least see if there were bikes parked outside or any signs the Bastards were using the old building. Krispy didn’t say anything, he just walked back towards his ride. He was heading east, he had to. Something was pulling him to that old building, it was just a gut feeling, there was a voice screaming inside him to save his baby brother.

Smoke watched Krispy walk away knowing he had trouble on his hands. The look in the kid’s eye spoke volumes. He was hunting his brother and the only way he would survive was for Smoke and the rest of them to join in the manhunt. The president knew his wife would murder him if Krispy got hurt. Smoke pulled out his phone.

“Ren we got a problem. Found the kid at the Rack and now I think he’s heading to the Anarchists old place. Get the brothers together and meet me by the mill.”

“Will do boss.” Smoke knew Renegade and he never let him down.

“One more thing brother, bring my wife. If anybody can talk some sense into him, it’s her.” With that he hung up and took off for the mill. It had been close for years, generally used for a place for the teens to party but today smoke needed it. He had a feeling Krispy was going to need his Attitude adjusted.

Smoke gave him just enough of a head start that he could take the back roads and beat him. His plan was to have the brothers block the roadway so he could keep the young patch from getting killed. Smoke had no intention of hurting him unless he pushed his boundaries. Disrespect would earn him that and more if Krispy didn’t reign himself in.

Krispy rode down the deserted highway at exactly the speed limit. His cut tucked neatly in his saddle bag, no need to have the law busting his balls just because he was a Devil. He still had no idea why this was eating at him like it was. He and Jake had never been tight but knowing he was prospecting for Jester chaffed his nuts.

It had been months since he had time alone to ride. Once Aries had started his shenanigans it was just an unspoken rule; no one goes alone. Right now he had to be alone. Knowing Jake was out there and with the Bastards no less, was gnawing at his gut. Krispy had a bad feeling Smoke would kick his ass for this but it would be worth any beat down the President could give if he found his brother.

Krispy was just coming up to Old Mill road when he saw them; a line of hogs blocking the roadway. “Fuck!” he screamed half hoping he was heard. Damn them for interfering. This wasn’t for them to get in the middle of, this was his to handle. Krispy had no choice but to stop. It just happened to be right in front of his president.

“Prez I gotta do this, let me pass. I ain’t gonna start shit, just see if he’s there.” Smoke let him speak, shaking his head. There was no way the kid was getting though.

“No can do kid. Too much at stake to let you go off half cocked. Don’t push me Krispy, you know I love you like blood but that by no means will save you from an ass kicking if you keep at this.” He knew what was coming but he had to get through that blockade. The key was still in the on position and he hit the button. His old Dyna roared to life, preparing to ram his way through when he heard it. A soft, sweet, feminine voice that did him in.

“ Joshua Alan Harrison! Turn off that bike and come here, now!” The queen’s voice came through as clear as if she was standing next to him. Krispy glanced over his shoulder seeing her standing there. He couldn’t not do what she asked, dismounting and hanging his head.

Approaching the Queen, he tried to look mean but Krispy couldn’t. Not with her anyway. He remembered Peyton’s face being the first one he saw after he finally woke up from surgery. The brothers had mentioned more than once that she didn’t leave his bedside unless Bones was there. She was his family, more than anyone else in the world and whatever ass chewing she was about to give; well he would have to suck it up.

“Joshua what are you doing?” She asked in that motherly voice only she had.

“Queen I gotta do this. Don’t you understand? Doesn’t anyone understand?” Krispy glanced back at Smoke and the brothers. “He’s all I got in this world Peyton. The only blood I got left and I can’t let him get killed. Please Queen, help me!” He was pleading but Krispy didn’t care, she was the only one that could change Smoke’s mind.

Peyton understood more than he knew. She killed her father and even though he had it coming ten fold it still hurt that it had escalated to that point. “Stay here. I mean it Joshua, don’t you move. You think my husband is scary, wait until I’m mad.” She said as she walked away towards the brothers. He had a feeling she could be terrifying when she wanted to. You don’t marry the president of a one percent club without having a set of brass balls. He stayed exactly where he was, watching her work her magic with Smoke and the rest of the clubs.

Ten minutes had come and gone and he was still in the same place, watching Peyton and the president talk. Krispy was too far away to hear them but by the looks of it, she was winning her argument. She turned and smiled at him before she came back.

“Okay this is how it’s going to go. And before you say a word, this is non-negotiable. Wyatt is going to go, you’re too close and we need to know what’s going on there. I love you Joshua but all you’re looking for is Jake. We need intel on everything there. Then if he is there we make a plan of attack. Nobody will go after him, just grab him and bring him back.”

Krispy didn’t like having to sit this one out but Peyton was right. He looked down at her wanting to argue, but that wouldn’t do any good. Her words to him were law. That and he had seen her mad and knew she had a mean right hook. One that not only put her husband on his ass, but Renegade too.

He wasafter his brother and didn’t give a shit what happened to the rest of them. He gave her a nod and got his bike and headed home. There was no other choice and Krispy needed a drink, maybe ten drinks and few hits off the joint in his wallet. Today had been nothing short of shit and he was knee deep in it. There was a spot at the edge of the canyon where he could be alone and think, that’s where he would be.

Krispy made it back and grabbed a bottle from the clubhouse heading on foot to the spot he knew he’d have some quiet. He sat on a flat topped boulder looking down and listening to the river below as the water splashed on the rocks that lined the bank. Of all the people Jake could get involved with, Krispy just couldn’t fathom why he chose the Bastards. Maybe they promised him something or maybe they had some leverage, either way he had to save his brother from certain death. After what transpired with Aries, Smoke was on a mission. This was the kill or be killed type. Krispy just couldn’t allow his president to kill Jake. If it came to that he would be the one to put him down.

He knew he was supposed to watch Isadora but he just needed some time to sort things in his head. The sounds of the water was somehow soothing his soul. All his adult life the club had been all that mattered, it was as easy as breathing. Now he was choking on the air that once fed him. The breeze coming from below blew his unruly blonde curls in his eyes as he reached into the back pocket of his Levi’s for the black bandana he always kept there. He never wore a lid on the bike so his trusty, faded bandana kept his hair somewhat under control. He was struggling to tie it when a soft set of hands took the ties from him.

“I got this Joshua. Let me help you.” He didn’t need to look, he would know her touch anywhere; Isadora.

“Hey,” he said not making eye contact. He was certain by now she had heard the chatter of his screw up today. The entire club knew what transpired on the Mill road today.

“Take me for a ride.” She nudged at his shoulder. “ I wanna ride and if you don’t take me I’ll go on my own. Or better yet I’ll ask Havoc. The Sinners are here.”

“The fuck you will!” He jumped to his feet, glaring at her for even suggesting such a thing. Isadora knew that would get him, it was the reason she said it. She remembered how huffy her dad got when Havoc was flirting with her, she hoped his name had the same effect on Krispy. “Stay the fuck away from him! You’re mine!” He didn’t mean to say it but she was his and fighting Havoc wasn’t on his list of things he wanted to do. He knew Havoc would wipe the floor with him. He’d seen him once take on four guys in Handlebars and he barely broke a sweat. Krispy didn’t want any part of him. Isadora sat down next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry for what happene d today. I heard and that’s rough.” He nodded, wondering just what she thought of him now. The kid who disobeyed his club and would likely get himself killed.

She wanted to ride but he needed something more intimate, something that only he would share with her. He needed to claim his woman and make her his ol’ lady. He took Isadora’s hand and led her through the brush to his little trailer. There was no way she couldn’t know what he wanted.

No words passed between them as they undressed each other. Krispy stood back and took in the sight of his girl. Izzy was tall and lean but had it where it counted. Her breasts were maybe a C cup but perky and perfect with her rose colored nipples. As his eyes traveled down her body he noticed she had no body hair at all. The only thought he had was feasting on her, tasting her sweet honey and feeling her tremble in his arms.

“Joshua,” She said but he silenced her. Nothing needed to spoken aloud. They just needed to let their bodies talk to one another. As he lay her down she saw the look in his eyes, it was like a tiger stalking it’s prey and Isadora was the prize.

After his lips left hers, he trailed kisses down her body to the juncture of her legs. She was at the peak of arousal, he could smell it and that alone made him thirsty for her. The fact she was dripping wet and it was just for him did Krispy in. Even with her legs closed he could see everything.

“Open,” he demanded and she complied wi th out hesitating. Izzy wanted his face buried between her legs just as bad as he wanted to be there.

One finger grazed her lips and she moaned, making him grin. She liked his touch and he planned on touching her a lot more. Krispy spread her open so he could look at his woman. Damn she was beautiful. That one finger made it’s way inside her with ease. Then the second joined the first in a slow pumping motion that seemed to do the trick. The soft whimpering joined the moans and he could hardly contain himself. Krispy wanted to watch her as she came. He wanted to lick her too but that would come second. He desperately wanted to watch. His free hand gently touched her face, then down to her nipple; pinching and rolling it between the finger and thumb.

When she was biting her lip he knew he was doing it right. Isadora reached down to rub her clit, her orgasm was so close and she wanted it.

“No.” Krispy commanded. She wasn’t helping him, he knew how to make her anticipate. Porn had been a great teacher, showing him everything he needed to know about how to make a woman tremble. But the more he watched and touched the harder it was to control his own body. Krispy didn’t realize how painful the throbbing of his cock would be.

“Please Joshua!” Izzy was all but begging him and under the circumstances he understood exactly what she wanted, him inside her. He gave in, laying over her and in one swift pump; his body melded with hers. She gasped at the pleasurable invasion

“ Fuck baby, did I hurt you?” Isadora shook her head, looking up at him. She had this fire in her eyes that was only for him and he knew it. Krispy wasn’t sure if he was her first but in that moment it didn’t matter, he would be her last and that was the most important thing.

He expected the pleasure but what got him was the electricity that drove through him. With each movement of his hips Krispy inched closer and closer. There was a condom in his jeans that had been hastily discarded on the floor of his bedroom. He knew he should reach for it but he was at the point of no return. If they made a baby tonight, well that was fine with him. Isadora was his love, his one. He was certain of it, the way he felt was so much more than sex.

“Fuck baby you feel so damn good.” Krispy whispered in her ear as he rolled, taking her with him so she was riding him. It wasn’t nearly as graceful as it was in the movies but he managed to make it work. Looking up at her biting her lip was almost his undoing. That and the way she grinded herself on him was making the wait even harder than he expected. Listening to all the whimpers and moans coming from Isadora caused the same reaction from him. Her body was starting to tense up and he quickened the pace, lifting her up and letting her slam back down.

The intensity of the pleasure drawn from being inside the woman he loved was so much greater than Krispy could have ever fathomed. He had heard stories but nothing could have prepared him for her, his Isadora. She was his angel and he’d go to Hell and back for her, all without being asked.

“God Joshua, yes! Harder! God Yes!” Izzy exclaimed as her orgasm hit hard, shaking and moaning loud enough anyone close would hear. Krispy was hot on her heels, grunting and going rigid as he spilled inside her. He held her tight down on his dick, filling her with all he had to give. Then he pulled her down so he could just hold her as the shaking slowed.

Izzy lay in his arms feeling something she didn’t quite understand. Tara said when she met her one that she would feel things that were both exhilarating and terrifying. That’s what she was feeling and that’s when she started to get it. He was her one, Joshua Harrison was the love of her life. She knew he hadn’t used a condom but being on birth control, Izzy hadn’t given it a second thought. The young lovers lay silent for quite a while before Krispy spoke.

“Baby I love you. I have for a while now, I was just kinda scared shitless to tell you. Izzy you’re way too good for me, but I love you.” She propped up so she could look at him, thinking how beautiful he was. Those soft baby blues got her, and his crooked nose that she thought was just perfect.

“Joshua, you’re perfect and I love you too. I think I started falling the first day we met. Tara said something a while ago about what it felt like to meet the one you’re supposed to be with. I didn’t get it then but now, well now I know what she meant. I’m supposed to be with you.” Krispy reached up to touch her cheek, she leaned into him. Just that simple gesture sealed it, the young lovers had silently made their commitment to one another but Krispy had something he had to say.

“There something I want to give you Izzy.” He watched her grin.

“Well I’d say you already did but I’m game for more of that something.” She had this sultry, sexy look on her face. He didn’t mind giving that again and again and again but that wasn’t it. There was something much more important he wanted to give her.

“I ain’t got much in this world. Peyton and Smoke made sure I had a place to live that’s decent. I’m getting more jobs from him so I’m making some cash, more than at the garage. This club was all I had until you and now you’re part of my world. The best part of it and I wanna give you the only thing that means more to me than the brotherhood, I wanna give you my last name.” He stopped and waited for her to comprehend what he was trying to say. Isadora was damn smart and he knew it wouldn’t take long.

“Joshua are you asking me to marry you? Holy fucking shit!” That’s exactly what he was asking of her, he just didn’t know how else to say it. Now was the hard part, waiting for her answer. She seemed to stare at him forever, he saw her contemplating the question he’d just popped. Krispy had a bad feeling the answer wasn’t going to be the one he wanted.

When she finally spoke it was a one word answer. “Yes.” He lay there stunned, that was the one he desperately needed but never expected. “But we need to keep this quiet for a while, my dad is going to shit a golden Twinkie.” Krispy knew Ajax would be less than thrilled but he really didn’t care. He had his woman and Krispy wanted his; permanently. She was right though, Izzy knew him better than anyone and he would blow a gasket so quiet it would have to stay.

They made love three more times that night, each time Krispy learned more and more about Isadora’s body and just what made her tremble. He learned equally as much about himself and what touches felt the best. Aside from being buried to the hilt, Krispy decided the way she sucked on the tip of his cock was the favorite sensation.

He knew it could never be better than it was with her, she was why he waited. He didn’t know that then but it didn’t matter, Isadora mattered in a way he never expected. Love was a funny, frightening thing but one he welcomed with open arms.

She lay blissfully sleeping in his arms while he lay awake relishing what had just transpired between them. Isadora would be his wife as soon as they could work out some details, like how to handle her father. Ajax would be a major obstacle but one they would have to overcome. Krispy was leaving the cleaner no choice, he was marrying Izzy and nothing would get in his way. Not Ajax, not the Bastards, not anyone. He had finally found what he saw with his married brothers and nobody was going to take that from him.

Krispy drifted off, dreaming of Isadora in a wedding dress. She stood with him in front of Renegade saying her vows. Vows that would bind them together for the rest of his life.

He was up with the sun, Smoke had sent him a text asking to have a minute first thing and he wouldn’t defy him, especially after his antics the day before. Krispy sat with a quick cup of coffee and jotted down something from the heart, something just for his Isadora and left it on his pillow for her to find. He quietly closed the door to his little trailer and headed down the pathway to the main house and his president. Krispy had an apology to make before Smoke said his peace.

Isadora woke to Krispy’s poem he wrote for her, as she read the words her eyes filled with tears. He really was the love of her life.

“The Ties That Bind”

 

The first time I saw you

 

And it all began.

 

All I really wanted

 

Was to be your man. I remember so clearly

 

The first time you rode.

 

You took to it perfectly

 

In kick ass mode.

 

I want to protect you, love you

 

And hold you tight.

 

No-one will harm you

 

Or they’ll have a fight.

 

Everything I feel reflects

 

In those big brown eyes.

 

Our hearts forever intertwined

 

With unbreakable ties.

 

SMOKE AND FIRE

Smoke sat on the wrap around porch they had added when the new clubhouse was built, waiting for the young patch to come down the path. He was still pissed at the kid and as president should be handing down an ass kicking but he just couldn’t find it in himself to do it. Although his behavior was outrageous and completely out of line, Smoke understood why Krispy acted out. Peyton had explained to him what he had gone through as a child and young adult. Since Smoke had an estranged brother he hadn’t seen in years it hit close to home. He saw Krispy come through the trees looking like he was about to have his ass beat and even though it was earned, Smoke just couldn’t.

“Sit.” The president ordered and the young man complied. There was no way he would defy him now and Smoke knew that. “Yesterday’s bullshit earned you a serious ass kicking kid, you know that right?” Krispy just nodded. There was no way out of this.

“Yes I know but prez…” He started but stopped himself. Krispy knew how deep he was in and talking would just dig the hole deeper and climbing out would be hard enough as it was.

“You earned it but I ain’t gonna do it. Can’t kid, I got a brother too.” The look of shock on his face said it all. He had no idea Smoke had any family left.

“I didn’t know you have a brother. Where is he?” Smoke just shook his head. He hadn’t spoke of him in years.

“Dunno, haven’t seen him in fifteen years. And nobody knows about him except Peyton, she thinks I should try to find him. Anyway Pops beat him something fierce right before I left for Mexico. Cash left and never looked back, I think about him sometimes; still hurts.” The look of sadness on the presidents face made Krispy’s heart ache, not just for Jake but for Smoke’s brother too.

“He’s a year younger than me, this life wasn’t for him. All I hope is that wherever he is, he’s happy and safe.” Krispy wanted that for Jake, being a Bastards prospect was not something he ever expected and it was eating at him.

“Prez I can’t stop thinking about Jake, how the fuck did he get involved with them?” Smoke didn’t have the answer to that question but it was one he would find out. From everything he had heard the younger Harrison wasn’t biker material. He seriously wasn’t Bastards material and that gave Smoke pause. Krispy was right, this wasn’t an accident. The Bastards went after Jake for a reason, that reason had to be Smoke and the Devils.

The two sat bouncing ideas off each other and sipping on the coffee Peyton brought out when a bloodcurdling scream reverberated through the canyon. Krispy knew without a doubt it came from Isadora and instinct kicked in; he ran. Smoke was right behind him along with Peyton who had been standing next to her husband. The three hundred yards from the clubhouse to Krispy’s trailer seemed to be miles as he kicked up rocks in a full out dash to make it to his home and to his woman.

He saw her standing outside and she was white as a ghost, there was an opened box in front of her and he could see blood and what looked to be hair, dark hair. “Fuck baby are you ok?” Krispy asked her as he looked down. Inside the box was the severed head of Cheyenne, one of Tara’s bakery employees and Isadora’s friend.

Krispy grabbed her and held tight, letting her cry and silently speaking to his president. Smoke understood everything. This was a message, a warning from the Bastards. Nobody else would be so bold. He wasn’t letting go, not until she stopped shaking. Even seeing Ajax coming he had no intentions of releasing his hold on her. Daddy dearest would just have to deal.

Ajax glared at him before he even glanced at the box and head, Krispy held his ground. Smoke said that he needed to be a man and stand tall so that’s what he was doing. “What the fuck! How did we not see them coming!” The cleaner was furious, more with Izzy being at Krispy’s then the head in the box. She let go of him to turn to her father, getting the evil eye of Ajax. As shaken up as she was, Isadora also stood her ground. She didn’t take shit from anyone and that included her father.

“ Christ dad have some sympathy. Cheyenne is dead for fucks sake! Does it really matter how they got in!” She yelled before stomping back into the little trailer and slamming the door, causing the glass in the door to spider web.

Smoke just chuckled, she was a bikers daughter through and through. Spunky and feisty, very much like his wife. Peyton had stood mute during all this but knew when to speak up. “Nero, I’ll handle Izzy. You guys need to find these assholes. This is our home and we all have children here, something has to give. Nora plays outside, so does Micah and Noelle. I don’t care how we make it safe, it just has to happen.” The queen told him as she walked towards the trailer door. She made eye contact with Smoke just before she opened the door. He knew what wasn’t said and he would damn sure take care of it.

Krispy hadn’t said anything either but he had a few thoughts. “They have to be close prez, close enough to know what we’re doing and when. I know you guys burned the barn at the old Steele farm but was the house still standing? That should be the first place we go looking.” Smoke nodded, knowing the youngest patch was right. The Bastards wouldn’t be far, they’d be close enough to spit on.

Krispy left his love in the capable hands of the queen, following Smoke back to the clubhouse. Ajax was right behind him and that was a place he didn’t want the cleaner to be. It was asking for a blindside. He stepped up his pace, using opening the door for his president as an excuse to make his way in front of Smoke. Krispy could have sworn he heard Ajax chuckle under his breath, all he could think was asshole.

“Ok brothers, the kid has a point. These fucke rs need to be found, they just crossed the line. Cheyenne’s death hits home. She was Tara’s employee so that means she was part of this club in a round about way.” The rest had filed in and taken a seat at the bar. Renegade smirked and they all knew the knives were coming out to play. Ren loved his knives. “There’s the other girl, what’s her name?”

“Krissi.” The feminine voice didn’t belong to the queen but she had come in. The voice was Isadora and by the looks of things she was furious. “Someone needs to go get her before she gets killed. Whatever you guys are doing, I’m in.” Smoke was grinning but Krispy had a look of fear on his face.

“Baby no, you gotta stay here where you’re safe…” Krispy started to tell her before she stood up and got right in his face.

“ The fuck I do! I shoot as well as Peyton and ride just as good as y’all do so if anyone thinks I’m staying on the sidelines, well you’re all morons. They murdered my friend, they’re coming after the man I love. Those assholes just pissed off the wrong girl!” Isadora had fire none of them knew about, including her father. Her declaration of love was more of a shock to the cleaner than the fact she wasn’t about to sit this one out.

Krispy knew he had just lost this argument and by the looks of it, so did the rest of them. Smoke nodded her direction then continued. He ordered the bakery closed, stating if the Bastards got to Cheyenne so easily no more chances could be taken. Jace was given the task of retrieving Krissi and bringing her back to the compound and investigating the bakery. The last time anyone had seen Cheyenne she was finishing up some last minute orders so that’s where they would begin. Wisha volunteered to help along with Falcon. She had a private investigation firm.

Renegade had gotten Smokes attention, he knew they needed to find the body. “Let me take the kid and find the rest of that girl. Her parents deserve to be able to bury their daughter.” Smoke nodded knowing it was the right thing to do. Krispy was just happy they were letting him help. Izzy stepped up to the conversation and all three men knew she was about to win whatever argument she started so as the president, Smoke made a very presidential decision; stop her before she started.

“You go too. You knew her better than anyone and she needs that. I’ll handle Ajax.” Isadora walked away with a smirk, she was being treated like the men and that meant something. She also needed to change into leathers and grab her gun. Not knowing what they’d run into on the road she had been taught to always be ready. The one time she had questioned her father about being ready, she asked him ready for what. He gave her the only answer he could and that was; ready for anything.

He watched his daughter walk away. Ajax was none too happy about her going out, dealing with the dead was his job but Smoke called an audible. The thought of arguing crossed his mind but the cleaner let it go. Saving grace was Renegade, he would keep an eye on her.

The three hit the road heading towards the bakery. Ren took lead, Krispy brought up the rear. They had boxed Izzy in, shielding her from any harm they might come across. Krispy was fairly certain they wouldn’t find Cheyenne’s body but knowing his woman and the fact she needed some peace they would go looking. Isadora rode like she was born on a bike, and before long each one had relaxed enough to play tag as they were riding. They had just made city limits when the tail was spotted. Renegade throttled back to let Isadora lead. With the threat coming from behind she was safer out front.

“Take the fire road home!” Renegade yelled loud enough for her to hear him clearly but being as stubborn as her old man, she ignored him and reached for her weapon. He saw the movement and shook his head, she was definitely as hard headed as his queen. Renegade slowed enough to be side by side with his brother.

“ We need to cut them off, put some distance between Izzy and them. Damn girl of yours ain’t gonna listen.” Krispy was well aware, she had no intention of backing down and just going back to the compound. The gun in her hand said as much. He gave Ren a nod, looking over his shoulder to see how much company they had; six coming. Those odds weren’t ones he’d bet on but keeping Isadora in one piece was all he had on his mind so he reached over his shoulder and let his Colt do the talking.

Isadora heard the shots being fired, knowing her gun only held five shots she gunned the throttle and took for the fire road. She was within spitting distance of the dirt turn off when she heard the boom. It didn’t take long for the fire in her arm to ignite. She glanced back and saw a lone rider, he was wearing colors but she wasn’t close enough to see the affiliation. Izzy did her best to keep the bike on two wheels but the burn was more than she could handle and as she made the left onto the dirt road it happened; Isadora went down hard.

The Sportster slammed into a mesquite tree while Izzy tumbled through the brush barely missing an overgrown Cholla cactus. The boulder she crashed into stopped her slide of she would have wound up some thirty odd feet down the hill.

Gravel stuck to her arms and neck and she felt the dripping if blood down her back and side. Isadora knew just how bad this was, still hearing the echo of shots through the canyon. The lone bike had slowed enough to know whoever this was, he was after her and she had two choices; run or hide. The choice was simple, Isadora had to run. Thankfully the adrenaline was rushing through her or she’d have never made it to her feet.

Desperately needing backup she reached into her back pocket for her phone, the screen was obliterated, rendering the phone completely useless. It took her just seconds to get her bearings and start running. He was behind her, she could hear the crunch of twigs getting louder and his voice as he taunted her. “Hey little girl, I’m gonna get you! Stop running and come play with me. We got a bunch of guys dying to have a little taste of the cleaners daughter.”

The shiver that went down her spine made her physically shake. She knew with out any doubts if he caught her killing wasn’t on his mind, it was something much worse. With him closing in Izzy wasn’t going to be able to outrun him, especially bleeding like she was so she had to find a place to hide.

The best cover was still a mile in and with him so close, making it that far was doubtful. She glanced over her shoulder to see if he was in sight as she fled, when she turned back around she caught a low branch smack in the middle of her forehead successfully knocking to the dirt. That’s all the time her pursuer needed to catch her.

“Oh what fun this is gonna be.” He spoke though rotten teeth as he took a fistful of her hair and began to drag her through the brush towards the road.

Isadora was starting to go into a full fledged panic attack. If he got her to the highway she was done for. Even the kicking she had started didn’t deter him. This man had every intention of taking her back to wherever they stayed and doing things to her she only imagined in nightmares. Just as she was totally about to lose it she remembered her gun tucked securely in the back of her jeans. She reached up and started swinging, catching him in the crotch. As the creep doubled over from the pain of being punched in the balls she made her move, grabbing her gun and in a quick aim and fire he went down. She discharged the other four bullets into his midsection, it was a reflex out of fear. She saw the body, bloody and still. The grey shirt he had on was slowly turning red and that’s when it hit her; she had just taken a life.

Renegade and Krispy heard the echo, knowing it came from the old fire road. Krispy took care of the last foe, gunning the throttle. Renegade was right behind him, both men knew Izzy was in trouble. As they got to the fire road they saw the skid marks. Krispy had begun to panic, thinking the worst. Ren kept his head as he looked at the scene. Her bike was a mangled mess and there was some drops of blood.

“Kid stay calm, look around here.” Renegade spoke to him and pointed. “No body is a good thing. She wrecked and ran so we go down the road slow like and look. Keep your shit together and reload, just in case.” Krispy knew he was right but Isadora was his life and if something bad happened he would never forgive himself. They went at a crawl until they saw the old Hog parked by a tree. Ren stopped close enough to feel the engine. It was barely warm, meaning it had been here for a bit. She was still out there somewhere. No man would leave his bike out in the middle of nowhere, that was biker rule 19. No bike gets left behind. Seeing footprints in the dirt they both dismounted and took out on foot. Krispy saw the disturbance in the brush and immediately knew which way to go.

They found Isadora sitting and rocking back and forth. Then they saw the body of the Bastard that came for her. There was no way he wasn’t dead. Krispy went to her and knelt beside her.

“Izzy baby are you OK? Ah kiss my dick, you’re shot! Baby look at me!” She looked up and he could see it, the blank stare. She was in shock and he wasn’t sure if it was blood loss or killing another human but either way he had to get her home.

“Joshua, I think I’m gonna be in trouble.” The words were softly spoken. She was worried about the cops but he knew cops weren’t coming, it would be Smoke that came. He’d heard Renegade on the phone with the president telling him they needed transport and Bones.

“Baby don’t worry, Smoke is coming. We’ll fix everything and if shit goes south Jace will handle it. Can you walk? We gotta meet Smoke on the road.” She nodded and he helped her to her feet, keeping his arm around her. Izzy was unsteady and Krispy assumed both the injury and the killing were to blame. He couldn’t fault her, remembering his first kill. It took a couple days to sink in but it was kill or be killed and he was barely nineteen then.

They made it just steps before the wobbling started. She had to stop and sit, so Smoke would just have to find them. Krispy reached for his phone but Renegade had beaten him to the punch. Smoke knew where they were so he just knelt down beside her and started talking about random things to keep her focused.

“Wanna go to dinner? It’s Two For One night at

Handlebars, I know how you love wings. What do say baby? You wanna go?” Izzy looked at him but didn’t speak, she had that damn blank stare again. It looked very much like the one Peyton had after shooting Skinny and that pissed him off. Isadora was pure and kind, she wasn’t a killer but their enemy turned her into one. He wasn’t sure if she would ever be the same after this.

RECOVERY

Smoke and Bones went as far as they could before parking Bones truck and heading out on foot. Bones had his medical bag in one hand and a Glock in the other, Smoke had both 1911’s locked and loaded. Renegade had cleared the area but both men aired on the side of caution just in case one of those assholes came back.

Smoke was just happy the cleaner wasn’t on property when he got the call, Ajax was going to freak out as it was. He didn’t need him getting in the way while Bones took a look at Izzy. They had walked about fifteen minutes when the president spotted his vice. He could see Krispy knelt down next to his girl. She was covered in dirt and blood.

“Kid, you OK? How bad is she?” Smoke asked as Bones stepped in to tend to his patient.

“Dunno Prez, she’s in shock. Definitely been shot but I don’t know what else. I don’t think he had time to do anything to her, fuck I hope he didn’t touch her!” Looking at her Smoke was fairly sure she wasn’t violated but he had to know for certain.

Smoke sat down next to her so he could get some answers. “Hey,” he spoke fairly softly. “He didn’t…” Isadora shook her head, letting him know the bastard didn’t have his way with her. A gunshot he could handle, rape was a completely different story.

Krispy stood just to the side of his girl, letting the doc take a good look at her. Bones glanced up at him. “Carry her to the truck, walking will cause more bleeding and I’m not sure if the bullet fragmented.” He nodded and scooped up Isadora and gently situated her so he could make the two mile hike back to the truck.

Smoke stood back, giving Renegade orders on what to do with the body and the lone riders bike. The corpse would be dismembered and scattered in the canyon while his bike would be disassembled and used for parts.

As Smoke caught up with Bones and Krispy he was on the phone with Falcon. Someone needed to retrieve Krispy’s bike and he needed the ramps to load up Izzy’s Sporty. Leaving it was like a trail of breadcrumbs and nobody needed to know what had happened here.

The drive back wasn’t long but Bones drove gingerly so he didn’t jar his patient. Krispy hadn’t let her go, cradling her to his chest and trying to keep her warm. It’s wasn’t cold out but shock had set in. He figured it was more from shooting someone than being shot herself.

Isadora closed her eyes, trying to rid herself of the fear she felt being dragged through the desert. She just knew if he got her away from there awful things were going to happen. “Joshua,” she finally spoke. “I want wings.”

“I’ll give you anything you want baby. How bad are you hurtin’?” It was funny how she wasn’t feeling much of anything at the moment. Krispy knew when the shock wore off the fire would start again.

They made it back to the clubhouse before Ajax got wind and Bones had her in his office in the nick of time. The cleaner’s hog rumbles down the dirt road that led to the property. Smoke didn’t have any choice here, her father had to know what happened.

It was a quick conversation before Ajax busted through Bones office door. “What the fuck went on out there! You were supposed to keep her safe!” He barked at both Renegade and Krispy trying to get to Izzy who had just been given some pain medication.

“Get him out of here!” Bones screamed staying in between his patient and her father. Krispy stood up and told Ajax exactly where to go and how to get there, that’s when the first punch flew. Krispy returned one of his own before both Smoke and Red threw them, literally threw them out of the clubhouse and down to the dirt.

“You stupid moth er fucker! We got between her and the assholes so she wouldbe safe. How the fuck could we know there was one waiting up the road! Wanna another go round? I am so game cleaner!” Krispy bellowed. The kid was furious and everyone understood why. Before the fight could continue Old Red took a hold of Ajax shirt collar and gave him a look. Every man standing within eye shot knew what that meant. If your president has to physically hold you, well you’re over the line and the best thing to do is just get a hold of yourself no matter how pissed you are.

“Walk it off Ajax, no need to fight amongst ourselves. Save it for the Bastards, I got a feeling we’re gonna need it.” Ajax didn’t go far. Just a few yards away and leaned up against a tree, glaring at Krispy. He knew the kid could see him, hoping to scare the shit out of him.

Smoke stood on the steps so his brothers could see and hear him clearly. “We need to figure out how they knew where we were.” Yes they did, what bugged Krispy was they were on property when the plan was discussed.

“ Prez, I think I know. One of them fucks walked that box to my trailer right? How easy would it have been to plant a bug or some kind of listening device. We wasn’t paying attention. I was getting my ass chewed for my shit yesterday which I deserved by the way. Can Jace get one of them things that finds stuff like that?” Smoke nodded, he had a sneaking suspicion the kid nailed it.

“First thing we check is that box, look around brothers. If it doesn’t look right then yell. Jace will get the equipment needed to find whatever we’re looking for. Falcon I need you to secure the perimeter. I don’t care how you do it, trip wires, mines, whatever you gotta do. And kid, go check on your woman. She needs you.”

Krispy nodded and sent Ajax a fuck you smile. He knew he was pushing his limits with his future father-inlaw but he didn’t have a fuck to give as far as that went. Isadora needed him.

The men dispersed as Smoke and Red went to have a word or two with Ajax. He was still glaring, more at the presidents than at Krispy at this point. Red just chuckled, he knew the horse collar he gave wasn’t going to be appreciated but the old man really couldn’t care less. He ran the show in his club and that included reigning in his cleaner.

“I really don’t like you right now.” Ajax spat at both Red and Smoke. “You throw me out when my daughter is hurt then you stop the ass whooping that kid had coming, what the fuck!” Smoke just shook his head.

“Seems to me you needed a little adjustment. Just be glad I didn’t let Peyton have at you. That woman shoots first and then asks questions, so be thankful you don’t have any new holes.” Smoke chuffed a laugh and it was true. Peyton didn’t take any crap from anyone including her husband.

Ajax knew he fucked up but making the admission was going to hurt. It would wait until he got word on how Isadora was, then he’d apologize to the presidents and the clubs. “Can we check on her? I gotta know how bad it is.” Smoke nodded and gestured for him to lead his way back to the clubhouse door.

Isadora sat on Bones exam table, still bleeding but she had started to clot. The doctor was setting up the instruments he would need to care for his patient. “Ok here’s what’s gonna happen, first is bullet’s gotta come out but I’m gonna need to take your shirt and whatnot off. You alright with that?” He asked her but it was more directed at Krispy than Izzy. She nodded and Bones continued his questions. “Want something to cover with?” Again the posed question was meant for the kid more than her but she shook her head.

“No, it’s fine. They’re just boobs and if you haven’t seen boobs yet we got a problem.” Isadora snorted a laugh the immediately winced from jarring herself.

“You sure baby? You’re alright without being covered?”

“Yeah it’s just us. I mean I don’t want an audience but Bones is a doctor and you’ve seen them up close and personal so yeah, let’s just do it.” Bones cut her shirt and bra off her and got to work, going as easy as he could. Krispy helped as much as he could but when he heard the clubhouse door open he took off his cut to cover her. Nobody else needed to see his girl.

Bones had the bullet out by the time the three entered his office, he was in the middle of irrigating the road rash on Izzy’s arms and neck. She nodded at her dad when he appeared in the doorway. Krispy however didn’t move from her side. He didn’t care if the Pope was there, she was his priority.

Ajax was less than thrilled at his daughter having no shirt on and only being covered by Krispy’s Devils cut but he kept quiet. He already started a shit show in Bones office, no need to make the situation worse.

Bones gave Smoke a quick rundown on her injuries, none were life threatening but she would be bruised and very sore for a few days. “I’m giving her some amoxicillin as a preventative measure and Vicodin for the pain. Kid knows how much and when. I welcomed her to the club since she got her first scar in the line of duty.” She smiled for the first time in hours.

“Dad relax, I’m ok just a little shaken up. And I got the bastard so one down and a dozen more to go right.” She did do that and Ajax had a proud parent moment. The apple didn’t fall far. He was certain he shouldn’t be proud of her killing but she did it and did it with style. She was still fighting the shock and that he could see.

Bones had her cleaned up and bandaged what need to be bandaged, leaving her to put on an old flannel shirt he kept hanging in the corner of his office; stepping outside to give her some privacy.

“She needs to take it easy, no bike for a week. I told her all this so she’s aware. And kid, no sex for the same. Anything like that could pull her stitches and if you tear them I won’t redo them, got it?” Krispy got the message loud and clear. It would suck but he would handle it.

Smoke sent Krispy after Isadora, there were things he still needed to know. He sat with her on the steps while she answered his president.

“Can you tell me exactly where you were when you first saw the asshole who shot you?”

“ Yeah, mile marker 338. I had just passed it when I saw him. The burn started like five seconds before. I think he had to be right there. I’m guessing but it makes sense right.” It made perfect sense, any further away and the chances of missing his target increased.

“Do you remember hearing the shot?” She didn’t, not for sure. Shots were being fired but Izzy just figured it was Renegade and Krispy. Then all of a sudden she looked up at her father.

“Holy shit dad, when did you grow hair?” Ajax had to laugh, the shock was obviously wearing off and she had started to joke with him. “And a freaking beard? It’s like super red dad.” Yes it was and he had a sneaking suspicion his baby daughter would receive those red genes too. Morgan had the beginning of peach fuzz on her tiny head.

Krispy watched his woman tease her father and try to give Smoke the best answers she could. Isadora reached for him and he sat next to her, taking her hand. “You still want wings baby?” He asked her and she gave him that smile only she had.

“Wings! God yes, I’m starving. And a burger too. Getting shot definitely gives you an appetite.” The crowd of men had to laugh, Izzy ate as much as they did.

Ajax had relaxed some, watching the dynamic between Izzy and Krispy. He knew the kid loved her, but seeing how they were together sealed it. Ajax still wanted to give him a beat down for the disrespect Krispy had shown him but that too was passing. “You can go to Handlebars but not alone. This hit home and we ain’t having anyone else hurt so you two are getting chaperones.” Ajax said looking down at his daughter.

Despite craving alone time with Isadora, Krispy didn’t argue. He still wanted to go a few more rounds with the cleaner but he’d save that for another time, being fairly certain it would happen. Krispy’s fuse had grown short when it came to her and Ajax had a way of pushing his buttons.

TIME GOES BY

Several weeks went by with very little issues concerning the Bastards and that had everyone on edge. A few shipments of hardware and ammunition had been stolen and Smoke had been shot at twice but it was minor. The women had been taken off house arrest and even Tara had been cleared to go back to work. The body of Cheyenne hadn’t been found and both presidents chocked it up to dismemberment. Smoke handled the funeral for her financially. It was the least he could do.

Isadora was doing most of the bakery work. The only thing she didn’t do was baking, that was Tara’s job. Ajax had been stopping in a dozen times a day and Izzy knew it was making Tara nuts but she stayed quiet. He could be kind of intense.

Isadora and Krispy’s relationship had blossomed, they became official by club standards. He bought her a cut of her own and had asked Smoke to mark her as his old lady which Smoke did with a smile. They both knew Ajax wouldn’t be happy considering that targeted her even more but Krispy wanted it never the less. Izzy had moved out of Ajax house and into Krispy’s little trailer. It was tiny with just one little bedroom but it worked. She had cleaned and decorated it, making his place a real home.

He had respected Bones orders of no sex but the minute that lifted, nobody could have stopped him from being with the woman he loved. Krispy took it gentle at first, but with time he gained the confidence to be just a little rougher. Izzy liked him on the rough side, her favorite was him taking her from behind with a fist full of her hair. Even the sting of a spanking was thrilling, never realizing how much of a turn on a little pain could be. The thing she liked the most was Krispy not pulling out after. He stayed buried inside her until gravity took over and his cock would slide out on it’s own. He would always trail kissed down her back before he took her in his arms and held her as they fell asleep.

Krispy left her to sleep, it was Sunday and they had no place to be. Well, at least she didn’t. He was headed to see his president. Smoke was always up with the sun and something Isadora said the night before wasn’t sitting right with him. The president was found in his usual morning spot, next to the fire pit in his Adirondack chair.

“Morning Smoke.” Kris py took the chair next to him. “I know it’s early but this has been eating at me. Last night Izzy said something and it stuck in my craw. She thinks this is about me, and I think she right. It makes sense with the whole Jake thing.” Yes it did Smoke thought, but why now? Krispy had his patch since he turned twenty. It was time to send Wisha and Falcon on a mission, Jace could join the party once he figured out how the Bastards knew where Renegade had taken the young lovers. That stuck in Smoke’s craw, the club was the only ones who knew who was assigned to what.

The box had been examined and nothing was found so now it was on to the area’s surrounding Krispy’s trailer, the clubhouse and anything close. As president he had to know, Smoke was still fuming although he hid it well.

Falcon and Jace both had scoured the surrounding desert looking for anything out of place, neither noticed anything that didn’t seem to belong. Smoke gave them new assignments but they would wait until the morning. It was bike night at Handlebars so the clubs would be going. Smoke sent the kid home to his woman while he pondered. “Lemme think a bit, then I’ll have some answers but for now we just get a day to blow off some steam. Make sure your bike is ready to go.”

Krispy just nodded, knowing what tonight was. Smoke thought it was just their regular night out, but it was far from that. Peyton had arranged her husbands birthday party for bike night so he would have no clue. Hating his birthday, Smoke was going to kill old Red when he found out Peyton recruited him. Things almost seemed normal.

Babysitting had been arranged, and the brothers headed to Handlebars with their women. Rylee rode on the back of Slingers bike while Peyton and Wisha rode their own. Isadora rode with Krispy, her bike was still a mess. Ajax let Tara “drive”, letting her take the front. She really didn’t do the driving for obvious reasons but I gave her the feeling of doing it.

The two presidents rode out front, feeling exhilarated. The club hadn’t ridden together in a way too long. All the rides if late had been rescues and
reinforcements. The Bastards had been laying low but Smoke knew it was only a matter of time. Tonight he would put his concerns to the side and just enjoy bike night with his wife and the brothers.

Handlebars wasn’t very busy but it was still fairly early by biker standards, just going on seven. Magic was in the lot leaning on his ride. The grin he sported went ear to ear and Smoke had that sinking feeling his wife had been sneaky. “Sweetness, what did you do?” The giggle that came from Peyton let him know she was up to no good.

“Nero Xavier McAllister, don’t be such a spoil sport! This is supposed to be a fun night.” He just gritted his teeth as he let her dismount. Damn woman went and put a party together for his birthday. “I hate my birthday.” He mumbled under his breath. Peyton knew how he felt about it, but it seemed to make her happy so the president would just have to grin and bear it. His actual birthday was several days before and with no
celebration, Smoke thought he dodged the bullet. Looks like he was wrong, very wrong.

The bar had been decorated with everything Harley Davidson including miniature bikes on every table. He saw a table full of wrapped gifts and his favorite bourbon and several classes on the Devils usual table. Smoke just shook his head, hating his birthday or not he did have the best wife a man could ask for.

The party was a huge success and with all the hoopla over Smoke, Krispy found a private moment with Isadora. “I want that to be us.” He pointed to Smoke and Peyton. They really were the ideal couple. Not that they didn’t fight, they did but they never let it destroy their love. That and Peyton picked her battles well. She never went to bat with Smoke unless she was positive she was right.

“Me too Joshua, they’re like a biker fairytale.” Isadora told him as he leaned over to kiss her. It wasn’t a long kiss, it didn’t need to be. That kiss said everything it had to. Peyton’s voice got their attention. It was time to toast the president. Krispy held her hand as they made their way back to the Devils tables while the Queen stood on a chair to toast her husband.

“ Nero everyday with you is an adventure, some are definitely more enjoyable than others. “ She chuckled as she spoke. “And five years later I wouldn’t change a thing. Happy birthday Nero.” The bar goers toasted Smoke also. As president of a one percent club he was respected by his peers. Most probably feared him but that was ok too.

The drinks poured late into the night for everyone except Izzy. The first shot of tequila didn’t sit well so she opted for Dr. Pepper instead. She just figured the wings she’d eaten had taken it’s told on her digestive system. Maybe extra hot was a mistake, she thought to herself. Then something occurred to her, she was late, as in period late. Isadora hadn’t thought anything of it since she was on the pill but being late and nauseous made her wonder.

She and Krispy made a stop at an all night drug store and thankfully he just waited in the lot for her. There would have to be an explanation to her purchase but for now she just wanted to get it done and be home.

Krispy could see her items on the conveyor from his vantage point. He had a feeling when she didn’t drink anymore what the deal was. After two months of being together almost daily he knew she had missed a period. It could have been from stress, getting shot will do that. It also could be she was carrying his child. The latter was his hope. Now it was just wait and see and try not to get his hopes up. That one was going to be harder than anything, Isadora was his love and having a baby with her was the ultimate.

She felt him gingerly get out of bed, trying his hardest not to wake her. The sun was up and that meant Krispy had work to do but Izzy had taken the day off so she had nowhere to be this early. Once the front door clicked she made a dash to the bathroom, grabbing her drugstore bag.

A quick read of the directions was all that was needed as she did her morning business, peeing on the stick. Once it was recapped, Izzy watched and waited. The box said three minutes but those minutes seemed to take forever. The test didn’t do anything for the longest time so she left it to get dressed. As she was brushing her teeth Isadora glanced over and saw a plus sign in the test window. She squealed with joy, running out to find Krispy; leaving the test on the bathroom counter.

Smoke saw Isadora running up the pathway with a grin on her face. “Where’s Joshua?” She said as she caught her breath.

“ Tire shop where Big Mosh works. Took the truck to get me some parts for the Camaro. Why? What’s up?” Izzy wanted to tell Krispy before anyone else so she dodged the question.

“I just need to talk to him. It’s important and I don’t wanna do it on the phone. Can I borrow a car?” Smoke nodded as he handed her the keys to the Chevy he had kept around for emergencies. Grabbing the keys she ran for her purse and sped off to find her man.

Isadora was so amped up she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings as she sang along with the radio. The sound of glass shattering and metal twisting filled her ears as she was slammed into the drivers door from the broadside. She tried to stay conscious, holding on to the steering wheel for dear life as the big truck backed up and rammed her again.

She knew she was screaming, there was really nothing else she could do as she watched the giant truck come at her over and over. Izzy cried out for anyone who might hear her but no one did. She tried to focus on the driver who looked eerily like her man but much older. He had a sinister grin on his face, one that said he was going to kill her. She had to somehow get out of that old truck.

Her vehicle was being thrown closer and closer to the canyons edge. The seat belt had locked and there was no way to escape from the mangled metal that was Smoke’s truck. Izzy said a silent prayer as the last hit came, careening the truck over the edge; rolling towards the bottom of the canyon.

TIES

It took a few hours but Krispy managed to fit everything Smoke wanted in the truck bed. Big Mosh made sure everything was secure before following Krispy back to the Devils property, he had to check in with his sponsor; Renegade.

Krispy made a pit stop at the mini mart for a bottle of bourbon and some rolling papers. Lately he needed some herbal medication to keep him calm. Ajax had been intentionally pushing his buttons and if he lost his cool, well things would be worse than they are now between them.

Driving from the mini mart back home he let his mind wander. Isadora hadn’t called him at all while he was gone and that made him wonder if she took the test or not. Maybe a baby wasn’t something she wanted right now, or maybe the test came out negative. If that was the case there would be no need to tell him anything. Once he got home and unloaded Smokes parts, Krispy would go see if she was home. Taking her out to dinner sounded like a good idea, but not to Handlebars. This was going to be a nice dinner. It wasn’t that her dads place wasn’t nice but it was a bikers bar and that meant prying eyes. They needed a quiet place to go just in case she wanted to tell him something important, like they were pregnant.

Unloading the parts took a couple hours, carefully placing them on the shelves in Smoke’s barn. It wasn’t really a barn but it looked like one from the road. Painted red and white with huge doors that a tractor could easily fit through. He left the keys in the coffee cup on the work bench and headed down the path to his trailer.

Looking around he knew Izzy wasn’t home but he was starving and had to pee. Standing at the commode he saw it, the test. The biggest grin he’d ever sported crossed his face, the test said positive. They made a baby together, Krispy was going to be a father. He stood stunned for a minute before taking off to find Isadora, ignoring the growl in his stomach.

Krispy’s first stop was Tara, who hadn’t seen her all day. He did stop long enough to hug and kiss baby Morgan before heading over to see Bones and Wisha. No Izzy there either. By the time he made it to his president, Krispy was getting worried. “Prez, have you seen Isadora? She’s not home and I can’t find her.” Smoke nodded and Krispy relaxed.

The look of confusion took over Smokes face. “She took the old Mule and went to see you this morning.” Smoke had nicknamed his old truck the Mule because on cold mornings it was as temperamental as a mule.

“I never saw her at the shop. Did she say anything else?”

“Only that she needed to talk to you and it was important. She never made it to Mosh’s place? Fuck!” Smoke yelled, knowing this was bad; very bad. Krispy went white as a ghost before hitting his knees.

“Oh kiss my dick! Bastards took her didn’t they! We gotta find her man!” He started to take off when Smoke grabbed his shirt collar, stopping him in his tracks. There was no way the president could let the kid go off half cocked. It was time for Church. He needed all hands on deck with this one.

Smoke sent a mass text, all it said was Church in caps. He knew the message would be received loud and clear. “Come on kid. I just called church, you can’t find her without help.” Krispy knew Smoke was right but his instincts said go find Isadora.

It took just under five minutes to have everyone including the Pound in the Temple room. Not one man said anything as the president entered the room. Smoke looked at the faces of his club before he spoke. “Isadora is missing.” He told them. Ajax stood against the wall listening to Smoke speak. When he heard the words missing and Isadora he went nuts.

“What! When! How the fuck did this happen!” He screamed as he approached Smoke. “What are you doing about this!” Then he turned his attention to Krispy.

“And you! Where were you when this happened! I told her you would get her killed!” That was the last straw, Krispy went straight for Ajax like a bull. His shoulder was down and he took the cleaner off his feet and straight through the door.

Before anyone could stop it, the two were brawling on the gravel driveway. Krispy traded blows with Ajax, surprisingly holding his own. “Fucking die!” The kid screamed as his fist connected with the cleaners nose. The blood spattered everywhere including in Krispy’s eye, giving Ajax enough time to pull one good punch. Krispy felt his eye socket crackle. Something broke but his adrenaline was rushing so fast there was no pain. Smoke had stood to the side, letting these two go at it but he’d had enough.

“That’s it! Knock this shit off!” Smoke commanded as he broke the brawlers apart. “This ain’t gonna help Izzy so get it together!”

Peyton had watched from the sidelines as the fight started and ended. Now was her time to step in. “Joshua, talk to me.We need to slow down and think. If she’s not home where, would she go? Did you try to call her?” He hadn’t, the thought never crossed his mind.

Krispy fumbled with his phone, trying to unlock the screen to no avail. Peyton took it from him and dialed. She listened to the ringing as Krispy paced. It just kept ringing half a dozen times before going to voicemail. There was no need to leave a message, Isadora would see the number and know.

The tears were welling up in his eyes, he couldn’t stop them. Krispy was going to have a breakdown in front of the entire MC but at this point he really didn’t care, until he heard Ajax muttering under his breath.

“You got something to say cleaner? I’m right here old man and I have no problems going again. I ain’t afraid of you!” Krispy bellowed. You could see Ajax
contemplating an out her go-round but he opted to shoot his mouth off instead.

“That’s my daughter and once we get her back I’m going to forbid her from being anywhere near you!” As his face reddened from anger, Krispy remembered the test in his pocket. He just grinned at Ajax.

“Good luck with that! She’s got my kid inside her!” He announced to the crowd, revealing the capped test. “It’s positive, and she’s an adult. You got no right to keep us apart! Oh and by the way daddy dearest, fuck you!” Which wasn’t the right thing to say. Ajax tried to tackle Krispy once again but this time the brothers stepped between them. Renegade was the one to speak, knowing he had a better relationship with the cleaner.

“You gotta let her make her own choices Ajax. She’s ain’t stupid, if it’s the kid she loves; well you can’t stop that. The heart wants what the heart wants. And he does love her, anybody can see that.” Ajax just shrugged his shoulders, knowing he had just lost this fight. The only thing that mattered was finding Isadora. As Ajax wandered away from the brothers he saw his wife. The look she had on her face said it all, he was In trouble.

“ Noah, really! I heard it all and you need to walk it off like Red always says. Izzy is an adult now and from the sounds of it she’s going to be a mom. You need to calm down and work with Krispy, not against him. He loves her Noah and you know that.” The ass chewing he was getting was well deserved and Tara was right, damn he hated when she was right. Ajax stepped in and hugged her, he wouldn't promise there wouldn't be more fights but he could try, for her and for his daughter.

RESCUE ME

He watched as the rust bucket of a truck rolled down the embankment and he laughed. No son of his would wind up with some prissy goody two shoes. He’d get over it, they always did. The bonus was a little revenge on Ajax, nobody killed a Bastard and got away with it.

Jester stayed on the cliffs edge for a while, making sure his mark wasn’t moving. The likelihood of anyone surviving that was slim to nil but stranger things had happened. When he was thoroughly satisfied the girl was dead he meandered back to his diesel and hopped in. The engine hadn’t cranked when he heard the rumble of a hog, a lot of them. The Devils were coming and he needed to be anywhere else when they arrived.

Smoke lead the caravan of bikes, hoping Izzy took the canyon road to the tire shop. The pace was slow, looking at everything. The smallest thing could point out where she was. Krispy rode next to him, Smoke allowed it as it was his woman they we’re looking for.

The skid marks were visible from half a mile, Krispy all but laid his bike down and ran to where they stopped; the edge of the canyon. At the bottom they saw what they feared, Smokes old truck.

Before the kid could slide down he was stopped by Smoke. “We need rope to get to her, you stay! Bones needs to be the one with me. Trust me kid, ok?” It wasn’t ok but he had no options, Smokes word was law. That and he had defied him enough in the past few weeks. So he stayed right where he was, watching and praying.

Smoke and Bones repelled down the canyon side several hundred feet before they reached the wreck. Smoke could see Isadora and she wasn’t moving. “Ah fuck man. Is she dead?” Smoke looked to Bones for answers. He almost didn’t want his brother to answer him, he could just pretend he didn’t hear him.

“She’s breathing, that’s the best I can do until we get her out of there and that’s not going to be easy. We need help Smoke. I’m afraid if I move her alone, whatever injuries she has could be worse.” That wasn’t what the president wanted to hear but it made sense. It was time climb back up and find Jace. His contacts with the sheriff’s department would come in mighty handy.

Krispy watched them climb back up without Isadora and he hit his knees, the wail he let go reverberated throughout the canyon. Peyton knelt down and put her arms around him. He needed as much comfort as she and the Devils could give him.

Smoke reached the crest first, announcing she was breathing but they couldn’t get her out. “Mule is mangled and if we pull her, Bones says we could aggravate her injuries. Jace, I need you to get us a rescue team here as fast as you can. Bones is calling Wisha for the truck. Isadora goes to the clubhouse, make sure they know that. No ambulance, no hospital. This wasn’t an accident.” He motioned to the skids. “Two sets, hers and something much bigger.” They all understood, the gauntlet had just been thrown down, this meant war.

Krispy looked at Smoke, then at the repelling rope as if he was asking permission. He had to be with her, to touch her. He thought he had lost her and had that happened he probably would have gone out to his spot in the canyon and eaten a bullet. Nothing in the world meant more than her. She was his saving grace, his blessing in disguise. “Go on kid but be careful, no need to fuck yourself up anymore than you already are. You need to let Bones look at you when we’re done here. That pretty face of yours looks like burger.”

Krispy shared just a minute with Smoke before starting down, taking one step at a time. The dirt and gravel was loose and the last thing he needed was to tumble down ass over teakettle. That would be one he would never live down. All he kept thinking was how Isadora was his life, his love and the blessing he never thought he would have. In his mind a poem began so as he lowered himself towards the mangled metal he began to verbalize what he was thinking.

"Blessing

 

You are everything to me.

 

You make me want to be

 

A better man.

 

You never have to fear. I will always be near.

 

This I vow.

 

To you I will be true.

 

I'll never leave you blue.

 

My heart.

 

I'll make you gloriously happy.

 

I know I'm getting sappy.

 

My soul.

 

You cure all my lonely.

 

My first, my one, my only.

My love. ” Waiting was killing him, even if he was by her side. Smoke had allowed him to climb down and sit next to the truck, with Isadora, but Bones said not to touch her and he hadn’t, but it was killing him not to. She lay still, as if she were sleeping but Krispy knew better. She was still bleeding all over which meant she was alive. The dead didn’t bleed, no heartbeat meant no blood flow. He just stared, letting the tears fall. There was no one here to see him weak so he let loose.

He could hear the hum of a helicopter in the distance. Smoke was standing in front of him talking but Krispy couldn’t make out the words. Nothing was making sense at the moment, that is until the president grabbed on and shook him. “Kid, you hearing me? Helo is coming, we’re gonna get her out. Get your ass up the hill, you’re gonna ride behind Bones.” At least this time the words came through and Krispy nodded, heading for the rope. “Oh kid, stay away from Ajax. Isadora needs you whole and that eye looks like shit. You can beat each other to a bloody pulp later. You feelin’ me?” That he was, and his eye hadn’t hurt until Smoke mentioned it. Now it was throbbing, along with his head. Peyton was up on the road, hopefully she had aspirin or something to take the edge off. Smoking or drinking the pain away would come later when he knew his love was going to make it. For now he would either try aspirin or just suffer through.

The swelling was inhibiting his vision in that eye. The left side of his face was severely swollen and the bruising had started. The only thing that made this situation any better was that Ajax had the beginning of two black eyes. Krispy had clearly broken the cleaners nose which gave him the utmost satisfaction. Krispy saw Ajax staring him down and since Smoke gave the order to leave him alone he stayed put. Ajax must have been given the same order because he too didn’t move, but just to add insult to injury Krispy blew the cleaner a kiss. It was a dick move on his part, he knew that but Krispy just couldn't help it. Ajax flipped him the bird which he deserved and he knew things would eventually be ok between them, it would just take a while. That was alright with him, as long as his woman was ok then he would be ok.

JAKE THE SNAKE

Jake watched from the west side of the canyon. Jester said she was dead but he didn’t think so. With all the commotion going on the girl had to be alive. His brother had sat by the wreckage for an hour before a helicopter arrived and a rescue crew lowered themselves down. The dead didn’t need to be rescued. Jake always second guessed Jester, he was a shitty president. Jester called him Snake because of the rhyme but Jake hated it. He hated Jester too, wishing that asshole would have just let him be. He was happy just being Jake.
He saw the helo lower the basket, and he smiled.

G oodshe’salivehe thought. Serves him right. The one thing Jester drilled into the heads of his prospects was do the job and do it right. Make sure you finish what you started. Looks like he needed to take his own advice. Now the only dilemma was should he go back to the Bastards hideout and report what he’d seen or take a ride to Devils property and hope like hell nobody killed him.

Jake wasn’t a cold blooded son of a bitch like Jester and the rest of the Bastards. In fact he hated the whole club thing, at least the one he was in. Maybe he could help his brother and the Devils, give them information they needed and they’d let him live. The only downfall to spying on his own club was if Jester got wind of it, well that wasn’t something he wanted to think about.

Jake had seen what they did to people they didn’t like, people that crossed them. He also saw what happened to women in their company. Remembering one particular lady, a shiver ran down his spine. There was almost nothing left of her after they’d all had their way with her. It was the most violent thing he had ever seen in his life. Horror movies were less grotesque.

With his decision made he hiked back to his bike, firing it up and hitting the throttle. Jake headed east towards Devils property to warn his brother and the rest of them. Someone had to put Jester down. It was time to end the madness and end the Bastards for good.

It took two hours to free Isadora from the wreckage. She hadn’t come to but did make a few groaning noises so Bones was hopeful. Wisha had brought everything she thought he might need during transport. With IVs started he loaded the gurney into the back of the truck and the Devils headed for home. All except Jace and Falcon, who were left at the scene to investigate. Smoke had given special orders on this one.

Bones looked at his patient, shaking his head. He just couldn’t understand who would want to hurt such a sweet young woman. She would need copious amounts of stitching just to stop the bleeding. What he was concerned about was her tiny fetus. An ultrasound would be the first order of business once he got her back. Aside from being able to check on her pregnancy, the ultrasound would allow him to see if she had any internal organ damage. Bones said a prayer for her and the baby. He just couldn’t imagine losing a child, fetus or not.

It didn’t take long to make it back and get set up for his patient. Krispy did his best to get inside that room but he failed. The doc needed room to work and no matter how much it drove him nuts, he obeyed.

Smoke handed him a joint, hoping it would calm him down. Krispy was pacing like a caged animal, Isadora and the baby were on the forefront of his mind. Even with Ajax being within pissing distance, Krispy ignored him and silently prayed for his family.

He eventually gave in and sat down under a tree, isolating himself from the brothers. The pot was doing it’s job, helping him calm down. He could feel his heart rate slow to and blood pressure seemed to be getting back to normal. Krispy was still freaking out but he kept it to himself. With his head in his hands he closed his eyes, picturing Izzy swollen with his child. He knew just how beautiful she would be with his baby growing inside her. Krispy was so lost in his fantasy he never heard Ajax come sit next to him.

“She’s really pregnant?” Krisp y nodded, handing Ajax the test he’d had in his pocket. The cleaner just stared at the plus sign.

“Before you go all fuckin’ postal on me, she ison the pill. We didn’t plan it, it just happened and I ain’t complaining. I’m gonna love her for the rest of whatever life I got left so if we made a baby, well that’s ok with me. And you… well you gonna be a gramps.” Krispy smiled. It was the first one since realizing Isadora was missing.

Meanwhile Bones had made the decision to open her up, he saw the internal bleeding on the ultrasound and knew what had to be done. It was risky doing surgery on a pregnant woman but she had to be saved first, the baby was secondary no matter what.

There was damage to her liver and spleen, both had large lacerations from the impact so that’s where he went first. Peyton was his nurse like usual but some surgeries she doubled as a doctor, pointing out things and asking questions. With Izzy being so small, Peyton did the stitching. Her hands were much smaller and she did well.

Bones took care of the major bleeders, stabilizing her condition but keeping a close eye on heart rate and blood pressure. Peyton stitched Isadora’s forehead, cheek and arms. Now it was all up to Izzy, she had to fight. The broken bones would heal quickly, the ribs would be the worst. Her wrist was fractured in two places but neither would be a long heal.

By the time he had her completely stable, Bones stopped to take a good look at the baby. He carefully let the probe glide over the lower abdomen of Isadora. “Queen look.” Peyton smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

“Should I go get Joshua? He’ll want to know.” She asked but didn’t wait for Bones to answer and he didn’t expect her to. Peyton was a mother to them all and with this revelation she knew Krispy would want to see.

The door flung open and Peyton appeared. “Joshua!” She yelled. That got his attention quick and he hit his feet and ran. Grabbing his arm Peyton pulled him inside towards Bones office.

“Hey kid. She’s doing pretty good all things considered.” Bones mentioned as Krispy looked around. She had a tube down her throat and IVs everywhere. He saw the stitched cuts and the bandages on her torso.

“What did you have to do? Is the baby OK?” The doc nodded and motioned for him to sit.

“We got the internal damage handled, Queen did all the sutures. I expect her to have a fuckin’ huge headache and she’s gonna need healing time. The breaks were minor but she just had surgery kid so pain is gonna be pretty bad. But I wanted to show you something.” Bones once again turned on the ultrasound machine and showed Krispy what he and Peyton had seen.

It took a minute for the eyes to focus and find what Bones saw. “Kiss my dick! That’s my kid! Oh my God, that ain’t just one is it?” Peyton hugged his neck and Bones patted his back.

“That’s twins kid. Congratulations daddy. Now go tell Ajax and let me get her set up for the night.” Krispy nodded with tears in his eyes, but he had questions for Bones.

“Are… are… are they OK? My kids, are they ok?” The level of concern the young man had was impressive. Bones heard the quivering in Krispy ‘s voice.

“They look just fine. Lemme get the fuckin’ machine going again and we can take another look.” Krispy kept hold of Izzy’s hand as he watched the monitor.

Bones ran the probe over her abdomen again, finding the tiny humans snug in their sac. Krispy was in awe, seeing their movements.

“Ok kid, we’ll call this one baby A, and this one is slightly bigger but that’s normal. Baby B is smaller by a hair but more active. Just by eyeballing their size, I’d say she’s about seven weeks along. So using that estimate you’re babies will come in the late spring.” Krispy just nodded. He heard a hog outside but brushed it off. One of his brothers was either coming or going. The sound of Harley’s were normal in this world. Krispy stayed as long as Bones would allow before walking out to the shock of his life.

BROTHERLY LOVE

“What the fuck are you doing here!” Krispy screamed at the newcomer who had ridden in when he was inside with Isadora. The young man still sitting on his bike grinned. Krispy just stared for a minute. He still had a boyish smile but being nineteen would do that. “He’s one of them! They did this to her!” Pointing at the clubhouse. They all knew he meant Izzy.

“Wasn’t me Josh, but I know who did it and I wanna help.”

“Why Jake? Why prospect? And for fucks sake why them? You had it all. A good family, a nice house and a decent place to sleep. Why would you give all that up for the Bastards?”

The younger Harrison hung his head, this wasn’t the life he thought he would have growing up. He
envisioned going to college and becoming a veterinarian, not a biker. Well not until Jester showed up with some very interesting motivation.

“Didn’t have a choice, you don’t say no to Jester. Did that once about six months ago, he lit my hand on fire.” Jake said as he pulled his riding gloves off, showing the scarred hand. “Burned the left so I can still shoot. I’m right handed.” Smoke watched the dynamic between the brothers. Being the president of the club, he was leery. To just show up bearing an olive branch just didn’t happen. Smoke smelled a rat, it might not be his idea but Jake was a with all likelihood the rat. Now to bait the trap with some cheese and see who bit.

“Jacob Harrison,” Smoke bellowed over the chatter of the brothers, “Come with me now You too kid.” Renegade followed even though he wasn’t asked. It was his job to protect the president. Ren was biker Secret Service and Smoke was his charge.

Inside the Temple room Smoke stayed standing. At six foot three and some change he was nothing less than intimidating and he knew it. Krispy sat in his usual chair while Renegade ushered Jake to sit directly across from his brother.

“ Why are you here? No bullshit, no story, just the truth and if you lie to me I will let Renegade practice his new carving skills on you.” The younger Harrison didn’t say anything for a minute, just staring at Smoke. He was trying his best not to let his fear show but it was seeping through.

“It don’t matter what you do to me, Jester’s punishment will be much worse.” Krispy just listened, checking his phone every few minutes. He was still thinking of Isadora and his babies but was curious why Jake wasn’t scared of Renegade. Even he was scared shitless of Renegade. Krispy had seen Ren in action and shocked didn’t even come close to covering it. Renegade never batted an eye when he was in knife mode.

Jake just sat, not saying much of anything and that was pushing Smokes patience to the brink. Krispy had enough too.

“Answer him Jake ! This silent shit ain’t working, Speak! “ He yelled as his fists hit the table. Krispy didn’t care if he was out of line, he was done waiting.

“I hate Jester, have my whole life. He’s a sorry sack of shit and I’m done. I never wanted this life but since I’m here I’d rather help you get rid of him. “ Smoke finally sat down, letting the words sink in. He pulled his phone out and sent a text.

“ We sit until I get an answer on my message. Kid grab my bottle off the bar. “ Smoke said to Krispy as he pulled out his pouch of herbal medicine. The bottle had just been set down when the chime went off. “ Well I’ll be a son of a bitch! Jake when did he show up? I heard he got twenty years. “

“Yeah he did but got released on some technicality. Josh he’s out, dad is out of prison and he’s Jester.” Krispy went ghostly white, his father was Jester. That explained so much, now he knew how his baby brother got caught up in the mess he was in. Krispy ran to the sink, retching his guts out. His father was a sadist and that was being nice. Neva, his mother took the brunt of the rage but Krispy had scars too. Ones he never spoke of.

“You OK kid? Smoke asked as Krispy collected himself and wiped his mouth. Smoke had never met Jester but just seeing his patch he knew the Bastards president was much worse than he first knew. “We will get him, that’s a promise. “

Smoke felt better about Jake being there. He wasn’t a rat, he was just a scared kid who got mixed up in something he couldn’t avoid. The Devils had to help being as he was family. Now they had to devise a plan to bring down the elder Harrison known as Jester and keep the youngest in one piece.

“I’m gonna take a wild stab and say you’re expect ed to return to wherever they are right?” Smoke asked but not really needing the answer. Then Krispy had things to say.

“He did this! I’m gonna fuckin’ kill him that son of a bitch! He’s gonna die slow!” He was on his feet screaming. “Where is he! You take me to him now” Smoke had to put a stop to this and do it quick. Both Harrison’s would likely be killed if he let them go after Jester and the rest of the Bastards.

“Slow your role kid. Jester is vicious and one slimy mother fucker. I ain’t letting the two of you go off and get killed. We need to do this right. I got an idea, Jake how you feel about dyin’? “ Smoke chuckled as they made their way back to the front lawn. He saw Ajax waiting out front of everyone and had a bad feeling the cleaner was about to cause trouble. Smoke would let Krispy handle his brother and Ajax. The president made the introductions.

“Jake’s gonna help us, Jester is the one who ran Izzy off the road. He knows if he screws the Devils over, well let’s just say he won’t be makin’ any babies if ya know what I mean. “ They all knew and Smoke heard the low laughs. He caught glimpse of his wife and knew she was about to welcome Jake into the fold, just the same way she did with them all.

“Baby brother this is the queen. She’s in charge and trust me you don’t wanna cross her, she has a mean right hook.” Jake nodded, following suit with his brother and kneeling. Peyton giggled and got down on their level.

“ Holy crap you two, get up!” She smiled as she held out her hand. “I’m Peyton McAllister and you’re Joshua’s brother Jacob. You’re skinny, come with me. Nero you can have him back after he’s had a proper meal.”

Ajax who had been silent during the intros decided it was his turn. “He ain’t going anywhere until he spills where his sperm donor is! “ The cleaner stood with his arms crossed over his chest. His stance said he meant business and nobody was safe, not even Jake. Tara stood listening to the time in her husbands voice. She knew he wanted retribution, that wasn’t a hard leap but this young man had nothing to do with Isadora being hurt; that was all Jester and his sick mind.

“Noah.” Tara started but was quickly cut off.

“No! Not this time baby. You know I’d do anything for you but now I gotta be the cleaner, the asshole son of a bitch we all know I am. He’s gonna tell me what I need to know so I can go take care of business.” Red had been mute during most of this, it was Devil’s business but when his cleaner began to get out of hand he had to step in.

“Ajax! Number one we donot talk to our women like that! Number two, Krispy is the one who will handle Jester. We back him up but the kid has to be the one, understand?” Whether or not he understood wasn’t the point. Ajax was livid at what happened to his daughter but old Red was right, Tara didn’t deserve his tone nor his words and Krispy had to be the one. Jester was his father and he deserved to be put down with some sort of honor no matter how bad he was.

Krispy hadn’t said much, he was waiting for the right time to announce his babies and now looked like as good of time as any. “Hey before we start killin’ people, Bones let me see my kid on the ultra sound thing. It was so cool, I got a tiny human inside the woman I love. Two tiny humans actually, due in the spring; look.” He had the printout of the ultrasound in his hand, very proudly showing off the twins. Ajax stood looking in utter shock. Becoming a grandpa hadn’t quite sunk in yet and now he was hearing twins. He had to sit, sinking down to the dirt.

“You OK old man? You’re gonna be a gramps for two. Ain’t that some shit! “ Red said laughing. This was definitely a Kodak moment. The look on Ajax face was pricele

HEALING

It had been a week since the accident and Isadora was up and about. She didn’t let the cast on her wrist slow her down, keeping up with Krispy as best she could. Her middle was still bruised and painful. Bones had said ten days on most of her stitches. The next few days would take a lifetime since they were starting to itch like mad. Every time she went to scratch someone was scolding her, usually Krispy.

Smoke had taken Jake down to the old mill road and staged a bike accident, Jace had called in a few favors to make it look like he hit a semi and was killed instantly. The corpse they borrowed looked eerily like Jake so Slinger just added the ink Jake had to the cadaver. It was creepy how much like Jake the body looked. It was the only way the club could think of to keep him safe.

While everyone was off taking care of business, Krispy took Isadora to his rock on the canyons edge. They needed time for themselves, just the two of them without the brothers around. “I missed being alone with you like this. I mean I know we live together but since I got hurt you’ve been sleeping on the couch and spending so much time planning, well I miss you Joshua.” She told him as she crawled into his lap, straddling him. Izzy missed it all including the intimacy of their love making and she had plans of her own as her hips grinded against his crotch.

“Baby, your stitches. And the babies, won’t we hurt them?”

“The babies will be fine and as far as my stitches, well you’re just gonna have to be very, very careful.” The sound of her voice was low, sexy and sultry as her teeth bit down on his earlobe. He was erect instantly, somehow the biting was erotic and Krispy wanted more and he wanted it now.

“Harder baby, bite harder! Damn that feels so good!” She did exactly as he asked, leaving teeth marks down his neck and shoulder. It didn’t take much more coaxing to have Krispy hard as steel and needing to be inside her. To make the ultimate connection with the one woman he loved.

He stripped her down and then himself, returning her to the straddled position on his lap. He would have preferred her legs over his shoulders but her ribs weren’t ready for that so Krispy lowered Isadora down, giving her all of him and starting a slow pump.

He knew this wouldn’t last long if he quickened the pace, especially with her being so wet. His balls were dripping from her essence. “Izzy baby… damn, fuck… “ was really all he could muster with her nails digging into his back.

Krispy nibbled on her neck when she flung her head back, whimpering at how good he felt in her. He was so close to his orgasm and if she didn’t hit soon he wouldn’t be able to hold off. She must have known just how close he was, Krispy was close to hyperventilation just trying to stop himself.

“Let go Joshua, come baby.” And that was all the encouragement he needed, grunting and spilling everything he had to give. He knew she hadn’t got hers so he planned to remedy that situation, lifting her up and laying her down on his shirt, kissing down her body until he settled between her legs.

“Joshua you just… “ Izzy mentioned, knowing what would be leaking out.

“Don’t care, need to feel you shake like when you come. “ His tongue found it’s mark, licking her swollen clit and letting two fingers slide inside her. Izzy was so slick, it was her juices mixed with his running out. As his tongue worked it’s magic he let a finger slide over her anus. Two were still inside her rubbing on that spot every woman hopes her partner will find. His thumb was circling her ass and she wasn’t objecting so he gave a little push; watching the thumb disappear.

The sounds she made as he touched her had Krispy hard again and there was something he wanted to do. She knew what was on his mind and turned herself over, inviting him to breach that spot every man wants. “Baby if it hurts, tell me. I’ll stop.” Isadora just nodded as she felt the tip of his cock rubbing on her asshole. She hadn’t done this either but with him, anything would be ok.

He remembered watching this so many times on the porn site, and how to pull her back on him as he pushed. To his surprise it wasn’t a fight, sliding all the way in. The small gasp she let out caused him worry, was he hurting her? Krispy tried to pull out but she protested. “Don’t stop.”

Krispy found a slow, gentle pace that made her whimper again and for him; he was going to lose it. The guys had said there was nothing like this and he had to agree. More so because this wasn’t something that happened every day. Reaching around he found her clit once more and let his thumb circle it. Soon her hand joined his and the motions had her panting.

Isadora was shaking, with every touch of his fingers and every pump of his cock in her ass she was almost shouting. “Harder Joshua, oh my God! I’m gonna come! “ He felt her walls pulse as she lost it, him hot on her heels; pulling out and depositing his seed on her ass cheeks.

With her in his arms he just held on. They shared their bodies and their souls. Nothing would be off limits for them. He trusted her but more importantly; she trusted him.

Krispy cleaned her up with his shirt and redressed her, then himself; going bare chested. He would toss the old shirt in the basket. Every time he wore it from then on, Krispy would smile. He didn’t rush but didn’t take his time either, knowing the alone time was limited and nobody was going to see her naked or them the way they were. That was private, for them only.

They walked back to the clubhouse holding hands. Anyone who saw these two just knew. They were a forever couple. No man would or could come between them.

Smoke sat in his usual chair but his companion was a surprise, Jake Harrison. Krispy saw them before they saw him and slightly smiled. Maybe his baby brother would be a good fit and the president would accept him and let him prospect. Krispy knew he couldn’t be his sponsor. Smoke wouldn’t allow that but maybe one of the other brothers would take him in.

Jake looked up seeing his brother and smiled. He hadn’t met Izzy yet and was in awe of how beautiful she was. “Damn Josh, how the hell did you get her! She’s a fuckin’ knockout.” Krispy knew that already. Isadora was nothing short of a runway model. He had no idea how he managed to nab her affections but he did, and that’s all that mattered.

Krispy just shrugged, his brother didn’t need any details. Smoke motioned for him to sit, something must be happening. Isadora stood behind Krispy, waiting for the president to ask her to leave but he didn’t. Instead he offered her his favorite chair. “Sit little mama, we got two new Devils cookin’ in there. “ Smoke chuckle as he pointed to her tummy.

“Seems Jester has taken over the Rack, the owner is MIA and I got a good idea where he is. Already sent Ajax and Renegade out to the reeds.” The reeds was a place by the lake where the mud was so thick you’d sink like quicksand. Many a body had been disposed of there back in the days of Merlin, Smokes father.

Smoke spoke and Krispy listened attentively, having an idea of his own. It would work if they played it right. The women wouldn’t have to worry anymore and Krispy could get the justice he needed. “Prez, I think I know how to get him; my father. He went after Jake on purpose, knowing that would be the one thing that would get to me. See, when we we’re kids I would take the beating to keep him away from Jake. Al Harrison was as brutal then as he is now as Jester. No way Jake would have made it but I’m tougher and as the older brother it was my job to protect him. When he went to prison it was like life started over, then my mom disappeared and we went into the system. To this day I think he had someone kill her, she ratted him out to the cops. Anyway I think it’s me Jester wants.”

It made sense, baiting the kid with his brother. Knowing Krispy would do whatever he could to keep the brother safe and now with his ‘death’ Jester had to be pissed.

“You just might be right kid and we need to deal with him, but business comes first. Renegade is leading a job down south. Seems the new leader of the Eighty-eight would like do some business with the Devils. Pedro Morales Gonzalez is his name, I remember him from my time across the border. He was just a kid then but aren’t they all. If memory serves me he was a decent guy so I’m not too concerned about a double cross. What I am worried about is the Bastards so let’s do this exchange and get your asses home so we can handle them.”

Isadora didn’t like the fact that her man would be out in the open like that but at least he wasn’t going alone. “Smoke, “ she asked. “When do they go? We’re supposed to see Bones in the morning.” Smoke already knew, as president he made sure he was informed on what was going in in his club. And knowing the young couple had an appointment to check on not only Izzy but the babies too, Smoke set the meet for the following night.

That night Isadora slept in Krispy’s arms, feeling safe and content. He wasn’t sleeping however. Krispy had his hands on her stomach, whispering to his children. It was still surreal knowing he made not one but two babies and both were safely tucked inside their mother. “Hey you two, it’s your dad. Bones says you can hear me. I haven’t even got to hold you guys yet and I love you so fuckin’ much. I been writing poems for your mom so I guess I can make one for my kids.” He said as he began to whisper to his children.

“It doesn’t matter

 

Girl or boy.

 

I’m just so filled

 

With absolute joy.

 

Then we find,

 

Not one but two.

 

I hope you all know How much I love you.

 

I can’t wait to see,

 

To love and to hold.

 

You’re precious gifts.

 

More valuable than gold.

 

My loves,

 

My hearts,

 

My life,

 

My joy

 

TWINS.”

 

BUSINESS EIGHTY EIGHT STYLE

The ride down towards the border was without incident which surprised them all. Renegade led which was expected but he let Krispy ride on his right. Slinger and Jace were behind them and Falcon drove the rig which was several car lengths ahead. They needed distance so the authorities didn’t suspect anything, but close enough to be there if trouble arose.

The meeting with Pedro was in a small cantina just on the American side. He was sitting in the corner with his back to the wall. The young leader had obviously made some enemies already. “Welcome amigos. Sit and enjoy some food and drink before we do our business.” Ren nodded and held out his hand. It was just a small gesture but one showing good faith. Smoke had given orders and they all would follow. Nobody wanted to piss off the president, that included Renegade.

Pedro was much more personable than his predecessor, even joking with the brothers. The new Jefè even offered them some female entertainment which they all declined. Business was business as far as they were concerned. Even with the hospitality being shown, each man aired on the side of caution.

With their business finished the brothers took to the road and headed north towards home. Falcon rode bitch on Jace’s bike. His was the newest and had the biggest rear rider seat. “Just don’t hug on me the way Peyton does with Smoke. I will seriously throw you off somewhere down the highway.” Jace said with a snorting laugh. It was about a three hour ride home and they took the back roads. This route was still a state highway but one far less traveled than the interstate. They all agreed it was the safer way back and informed Smoke of the change.

An hour away from the compound was the turning point. Renegade heard them before he saw them, the Bastards came from the deep desert brush. Six bikes and one four wheel drive truck. It was flat black with a roll cage and the driver looked just like Krispy, that had to be Jester. Ren went into fight mode, pulling the Kukri from his saddlebag and preparing for a battle.

“Kid we need to get off the road and find cover! “ Renegade shouted over the rumble of their bikes. He knew Krispy took this road frequently and would know of anyplace to hide. “Fuck! I hate these assholes!” So did Krispy, he saw the driver of the truck and guessed so did Renegade. Too bad someone hadn’t shanked the old man on the prison yard. That would have made his life so much easier.

Krispy took off ahead, leading the bikes. He knew where they needed to go. The old Steele farm was still standing, aside from the barn that they burned down. That’s where they headed, pushing speeds of nearly ninety on the curves of the old highway.

As soon as the group hit the dirt turn off, Krispy hit the brakes and bailed, letting his old bike crash into a saguaro cactus. The others followed suit, running behind him. “The shed out back has ammo!” The kid shouted. For whatever reason he liked to stash guns and ammunition in odd places. This was one if those moments he was glad for his odd compulsion. Smoke had gifted him with Tech Nine and that too was stashed out at this farm, but not in the tool shed. Krispy hid that in the main house, upstairs in the toilet tank; bagged up with plenty of bullets. He and Renegade hit the main building as Jace and Falcon raced for the old shed.

Krispy ran the stairs like Rocky Balboa, taking them in three leaps and busting through the locked bathroom door like it was nothing. Renegade was just inches behind him, knowing they needed high ground to gain the upper hand on the Bastards. Krispy assembled the Tech in seconds, peering out the window to see if their company had arrived yet.

They listened but heard nothing. No voices, no engines of any kind. “Kid this ain’t right, they should have been right behind us.” Renegade knew something was wrong. Bastards were never known for retreat so Krispy stood to look out the window, that’s when he took the first bullet. It tore through his shoulder and imbedded in the wall behind him.

“Fuckers!” He screamed as the fire began to spread throughout his upper body. It was a through and through and not life threatening but it still burned like a bitch and inhibited his shooting. Renegade swiftly traded off weapons for the Tech Nine and shoved Krispy to the side, spraying bullets out the open window. He counted six armed bikers which meant Jester was still out there somewhere. As he stopped to drop the empty clip, Renegade grabbed his phone. He had to get backup and quick but couldn’t find a signal.

“Fuck! I hate this goddamned phone! You got any service kid?” Krispy fumbled to dig his phone from the inside of his cut. He had no bars which meant no service either. The mountain must be interfering with cell signals. He looked up at Ren and shook his head. This was going to be a bad day all around.

Ren kept firing as Krispy dug through the cabinets looking for gauze or anything to slow the bleeding. He had a first aide kit but that was in the bag of his bike. There was no probable way to get back to it at this point. He heard laughing and that was a bad sign. They knew the Bastards had them cornered and the only way out was the way they came in. Renegade knew it too. That’s when he smelled smoke. One way to get them out in the open was to burn them out. Krispy smelled it too, knowing they had one of two options and neither was all that good.

“OK kid, we’re going down those stairs, gotta get on solid ground and make a run for the bikes. Can you move kid?” Krispy nodded, he would have to. They were armed enough but the thing he wasn’t sure of was if he could ride. His right shoulder had taken the bullet and the arm was going numb. Gripping the gun was becoming more and more difficult.

They made it to the first floor, peering out the windows but still seeing nothing but still smelling smoke. Ren shook his head, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Whoever said silence was golden had never taken on the Brazen Bastards. “Stay low, I’m gonna test the waters.” He whispered as he snuck from window to window looking for the enemy. The only movement came from a small bunny just looking for a nibble. Then the echo of gunfire started and Renegade hit the floor next to Krispy. What was odd was that no windows were shattering. The firing was coming from behind the house. Jace and Falcon had to be the ones shooting.

“Back door kid, let’s move!” Renegade had him by the arm, dragging him. The back door had a nine pane window that exploded as they reached it, sending glass shards in every direction. Some imbedded in Ren, some in Krispy but at that point the adrenaline was pumping; neither felt a thing. They just kept going and barely made it out before the house was engulfed in flames. The explosion threw them into the brush, someone had to have opened a gas line. It was the only explanation for the explosion. Had it been an RPG they would have heard it coming. Those had a distinct whistle and it was one they were familiar with.

Seeing Falcon taking out the Bastards from the bushes, Krispy gave a heavy sigh. They would live to fight another day. What he didn’t see was Jester. The son of a bitch had retreated like the coward Krispy knew he was.

Renegade had to get in on some of the action, pulling his Kukri and finding a mark. A very fat Bastard trying his best to reload. Ren snuck up behind him, the fat man never knew what hit him as the knife slid across his throat. The arterial spray covered Renegade but he didn’t care. This is what he lived for.

By the time the last man had fallen Krispy was feeling the blood loss. He wouldn’t be riding single going home. He’d be lucky if he didn’t fall off the back of his bike. At this point the entire right side of his body had gone numb but the good news was his bullet hole had started to clot so the bleeding was at a minimum. Renegade started giving orders.

“Falcon, you need to ride the kids bike and take him. Jace man, can you stick around and get whatever you can. I gotta go check in with Smoke then I’ll be back to deal with the bodies. I just need a signal to call in.” Falcon grinned and dug through his saddlebag, pulling out a strange looking phone.

“ Sat phone. Smoke liked the idea of never being out of touch. I already called in so they’re on the way. Smoke and Bones are coming. I didn’t know we’d have need for the doc but Smoke said he was coming too. Kinda glad he is, damn Krispy you look like shit. Your woman is gonna kick your ass six ways to Sunday.” He said laughing. Falcon just continued to grin, knowing how much trouble Krispy was in.

Krispy sat slumped against his bike, the adrenaline had slowed down and the pain was setting in. There was a joint in his wallet, probably smashed at this point but he needed something.

The joint was slightly flat but still smoke worthy so he lit it up and closed his eyes, letting the herb do it’s thing. Falcon was right, Isadora was going to kick his ass. He promised to be careful and here he was getting shot. Yep, his woman was going to blow a gasket.

A WOMAN SCORNED

Isadora was pacing waiting for any word on her man. Smoke had been on the phone when she overheard there had been a firefight and both Krispy and Renegade had been injured. She did her best to talk the president into taking her along but he vehemently denied her, stating not only could the situation still be hot but if anything happened to her; Krispy would lose his mind. Izzy needed something to do until the men returned. She was contemplating what to do when she heard her name being called.

“Isadora, I could use a hand.” The voice belonged to Peyton. Izzy trotted over to see what she needed help with.

“Whatcha need Peyton? I need to do something, anything to keep me busy. Do you know how bad they’re hurt?”

“ All Zeke said was prepare for surgery. I wish I had more to tell you. Here’s how to set up and a list of what we need. Set up that side and I’ll get this one.” She nodded and followed the Queens instructions, setting up and making sure there was plenty of everything. Isadora had been around the bikers long enough to know injuries happened frequently. She just hadn’t been privy to major injuries. That was Peyton and she was very used to it. Isadora had no idea how Peyton stayed so calm, her hands were shaking just laying out the surgical instruments.

“I think I need to sit down. I’m feeling a little woozy.” The light headiness was more than likely from nerves and low blood sugar. Izzy was carrying twins and hadn’t eaten for hours. Peyton must have known exactly what the problem was, bringing her a glass of orange juice.

Bones and Smoke arrived with their injured brothers, greeted by the queen and Izzy. She saw Krispy and knew he was the one who had been shot. “Jesus Joshua! What happened out there? “ Krispy just smiled at her, she didn’t need to know and he was good at smiling through the pain.

“I’m ok baby, come here.” He held out his left arm, knowing she needed some comfort. This life definitely wasn’t for the faint at heart.

Bones let him have his moment before ushering Krispy into his office. Isadora was right behind them even with Bones protesting. “Look I’m part of this now and I can handle blood so you’re not getting rid of me.” She told them. It was as much for Krispy as it was for Bones. Isadora wasn’t going anywhere, she would stay with her man and help if she could.

Between Renegade and Krispy, Peyton had her work cut out for her. It took her hours to remove all the glass from them. Some were just tiny splinters and those became the hardest to dig out. Reagan came for Ren after he was cleaned up. She just shook her head and laughed, this was the norm for her husband and she was quite used to his injuries.

When Bones finished with Krispy he checked on Isadora, the queen had mentioned her dizzy spell. “You’re not eating enough for a pregnant women. You should be taking in two thousand calories easy a day. Those babies are taking everything you’re eating and you aren’t getting enough nourishment. Izzy don’t make me force feed you.” She smiled and nodded, knowing Bones was right. With everything going in she just hadn’t thought about food. But now that Bones mentioned it, Isadora was craving wings and a big, fat cheeseburger. Knowing her dad had gone up to check on the bar she sent a text asking for food.

They met Smoke by the fire pit in his usual spot, bourbon in hand and looking extremely pissed off. Krispy sat on the wooden log he always sat on, making room for Isadora to sit next to him. Falcon was there too along with Jace who had finished up at the farm.

“They knew! Somehow those fuckers knew and it wasn’t Jake. Peyton had him moving furniture around and when I took the call from Ren I was in the garage. How are these assholes getting information about us.” Nobody had the answers the president wanted.

“ We decided to take the state route right before we left the cantina, wasn’t anyone around us when I called.” Falcon mentioned as he took a swig from the Bourbon Smoke kept at his feet. Bones had come to sit and have a drink, listening to the club chatter. He too had nothing to offer. The answer came from an unlikely source, Isadora.

“They bugged your bikes, at least one of them. I’d bet anything that’s how those assholes keep finding you.” Smoke stood and headed to where they parked, looking over his shoulder.

“Tear em apart. Down to the frames! I want this fuckin’ shit done! I’m God damned pissed off and this shit willend! My family has taken enough from the Bastards!”

They started on Renegades bike, disassembling it piece by piece and examining everything they took off for tampering. Once each piece had been thoroughly checked it was reassembled and the next bike was started on.

Six hours later they got to Krispy’s bike. The bug was found in his throttle bell. A throttle bell on a bike was to keep the road gremlins away, and as long as it was on the bike; nobody ever checked it. That’s why it was the perfect spot to hide the GPS detection. When Smoke saw it he went ballistic, throwing parts and yelling. Krispy knew this had to end. One way or another, the Bastards had to be extinguished.

Isadora was thinking the same thing but she just had to figure out how. When Jake came to help, the idea hit. Izzy hated not being honest with Krispy but this had to be done. They needed to be rid of Jester and the Bastards once and for all.

Isadora waited, watching for the right time. When Krispy went for more beers she made her move. “Jake hey, I need your help. But this has to stay between us. Not even Joshua can know. You game?” Jake looked at her with utter confusion but whatever she wanted he would do. From the sounds of it she was about to go off half cocked against the Bastards and there was no way he could allow that. His brother would kill him if Izzy got hurt.

“Yep just need to know the where and when. And maybe what your planning, that would help.” She smiled and nodded before walking away to meet her man at the clubhouse door. Whatever she was cooking up was going to get her hurt. He promised he wouldn’t tell his brother but he didn’t say anything about not telling Smoke, and that’s just what he did.

Smoke sat trying to wrap his head around what he’d just been told. Isadora wanted Jake to help her go after Jester. He could see why she wanted to do it but that damn girl was going to get herself killed. Jester was more than crazy and with Izzy starting to get a tiny baby bump, they would know and use it.

“Alright do what she asks but I need to know when she plans on doing this. Get me as much information as you can so we can keep that girl and those babies safe. I can’t have another death on my conscience.” Jake wondered who kept Smoke up at night but decided asking wasn’t the best idea he ever had, so he let it go. The president offered him a swallow out of the bottle and Jake graciously accepted. All he really wanted was to go home but that wasn’t going to happen now so the Devils would be the next best thing.

Over the next few weeks Isadora did some research on Alan Harrison. What she found out made her sick. More than likely he had pulled the strings on Neva Harrison’s disappearance, presumably dead. Thinking of poor Krispy losing both his mother and his brother pulled at her heart strings. At least he had his brother back and hopefully Jester didn’t figure out Smoke had faked Jake’s death. That would open up a while new can of worms, one no one was prepared for.

The day came for Isadora to meet Jester and deal with him once and for all. She had been using the Challenger her father had bought to go back and forth to work, Ajax wouldn’t allow her back on a bike until the babies were born. She asked Jake to meet her on Mill road and follow her to the Rack. Today the bakery would be closed, Izzy hung a sign on the door, stating a family emergency before taking off for the old Mill road. It kinda was an emergency, her family would forever be in danger if Jester continued to breathe.

She passed Jake who fell in behind her as she drove. Isadora wiped her hands on her jeans a few times, relieving them of the sweat that was accumulating. Scared was an understatement but it had to be done. Jester would expect Smoke or even Krispy to come at him, but not her. He was the kind if man who thought women were a toy, to do with as he pleased. Well he was about to find out this woman was just the opposite. Isadora didn’t sit idly by and let her family become victims, she was about to kick ass and take names.

Pulling into the Rack she took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She stopped the green Dodge about twenty yards from the front door and checked her guns. Hopefully the extra clips were enough for the job. Jake had stopped two buildings over, he needed to be her backup.

Laying on the horn, she knew it would get the attention of whoever was inside. When the door flew open she came face to face with the monster. He looked just like Krispy but a much older, weathered version.

“Well ,well, well. Look who didn’t die.” He cackled, sending a shiver up Izzy’s spine. This might be harder than she first thought. As long as Jake had her back she could get through this.

“ Looks like you sucked at trying to kill me. Now it’s my turn to kill you.” Isadora said pointing the Colt directly at Jester. He looked at her and started laughing.

“”You gotta be fucking kidding me!” He choked out still laughing. “Does anyone take you serious girlie, I mean yeah you got a gun but so do I and I have six aimed right at you.” Izzy started to panic and she knew Jester saw it on her face.

“You didn’t think I would really come out here unarmed and unprotected did you?” She kinda shrugged her shoulders hoping he had dine just that. From the sounds of it he knew something was up and had made sure he had ample security.

“She’s not alone!” Came a male voice from behind the dumpster. Jake was out of sight but he had a feeling his voice would be recognized anyway and he was right.

“Now there’s my chicken shit son. Wondered when you’d show up. Show yourself Snake.” Jake walked out with guns in each hand. He looked like a gunslinger from old. Jester noticed right away, his cut was over his shoulder, not worn. Jake dropped the leather on the cement in front of him. Holstering one weapon he proceeded to urinate on the vest, knowing just how mad Jester was about to get.

“I never belonged in this world! Now that you’ve dragged me in, I’m gonna be where I can trust the man who has my back. I’m a Devil now, me and Josh both.” He told his father as he aimed at Jester’s head. Jake watched every move, waiting for the Bastard to signal his men. It was subtle, but the head moved an inch. That’s when Jake screamed at Isadora.

“Down!” As he hit the pavement and started firing. Izzy did the same, ducking behind the open door of the Challenger and returning fire. She couldn’t lay flat, her belly had grown more than she realized so she crouched as low as she could.

Bullets flew past her head at an unreadable rate, she fired back but her semi auto was no match for whatever was shooting at her. She dropped the empty clip and slammed a new one in, continuing to shoot. “This asshole isn’t bulletproof! Why won’t he go down!” She knew nobody heard her, the gunfire was too loud. She barely heard herself over the shattering of glass and bullets hitting metal.

Isadora kept her head low and reached over the car door to shoot, hoping she would hit her mark. She heard boots coming towards her and she assumed it was Jake. When she glanced over her shoulder she saw her salvation; Krispy. “Baby what were you thinking?” Isadora was just about to answer him when she felt the burn. It was a bullet tearing through her abdomen. Krispy saw blood on Izzy and lost his mind.

Standing and shooting he made his way towards Jester without saying a word. He knew Smoke and company were in the trees, taking care of the Bastards; this one was his. Krispy unloaded his clip into his father, but he didn’t kill him. He knew where the vital organs were and intentionally missed them all. He wanted dear old dad to see death coming, just the same way he knew his mother did. Krispy knew the fear she must have felt and it was time to return the favor. Jester lay on the pavement struggling to breath, his lung was filling with blood. Kneeling over his father the barrage of emotions hit him hard. Jake came up on his side.

“Brother, you don’t have to do this. I can handle it if you wanna go be with your girl.” Krispy shook his head, wiping his eyes. He would take care of business and be there for his woman.

“You have ruined so many lives.” Krispy told Jester as he put his gun to Jester’s forehead. “For the sake of my babies and for Jake I can’t let you live.” He cocked the hammer back, looking straight into the eyes of a madman.

“You ain’t got the stones kid. You’re weak, always were. Just like your mother, she was…” The boom echoed between the buildings. Jester wouldn’t finish that sentence, he was gone and the world just became a better place for everyone. Krispy wiped the blood from his face and stood tall, running back to Isadora who had been loaded up on Bones gurney. She was crying and clutching her stomach, knowing how bad it was.

MOVING ON

It had been six months since that fateful day in the Rack parking lot. Jake had taken a Devils Prospect cut, sponsored by his brother. He had even made an impression on the queen, who had remodeled the clubhouse bedroom for him. Jake was fitting in exactly how it should be. At the moment he was in a hotel room overlooking the beach in San Diego getting ready for a wedding.

Isadora was in the adjoining room with all the women, doting over her as she got ready to marry the love of her life. “I look huge.” She told them as she looked at herself in the mirror. She had a spaghetti strapped dress, cream colored and flowing just passed her knees.

Peyton hugged her, “you look fabulous Izzy. Come on girl, you’re about to pop with twins. I was just as big and I only had one.” Isadora smiled and looked again, she didn’t look bad now that the queen put it that way.

Krispy paced the boardwalk as Smoke chuckled, the kid was a nervous wreck. Ajax saw Krispy and his internal chaos, walking over and putting a hand on his shoulder. “She loves you, much to my dismay; my daughter loves you. You take care of her and those babies, I’ll be watching you.” Krispy nodded, looking up towards the hotel window. He knew she was in there and would be coming down any minute. It was time.

Renegade stood barefoot in the surf waiting for Izzy. Krispy had his jeans rolled up the same as Ren, the tides rolling over his feet. “Don’t be nervous kid. If anyone deserves this it’s you two. Oh look, there she is.” Izzy walked with Ajax on one side and Jake on the other. Her hair had been tied back and she had yellow daisies in her hair. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. The glow from her pregnancy made her even more incredible. As she got close Ajax let her go and held his hand out to Krispy. “Congratulations son.”

Halfway through the ceremony the whooshing sound was heard over the surf. Her water had just broke. Renegade started laughing and sped up his service. As soon as the groom kissed the bride she was whisked off to the hospital. The twins were on their way.

After sixteen hours of labor the resident physician opted to do a C-section. Her blood pressure was dangerously low and the Obstetrician decided to air on the side of caution. The club was waiting for any word on how babies and mother were doing.

Krispy opened the door to Labor and Delivery with the smile of all smiles. “They’re here man, and they’re so tiny. Holy fuck! You should see them, they are perfect.” He turned to head back to Isadora but the brothers yells stopped him.

“You never said what they were! Did you get boys or girls?” the yelling was almost in unison. Krispy laughed out loud.

“ We have a boy, and a girl. I got one of each. Pretty fuckin’ cool huh.” He said before disappearing back behind the double doors.

Two hours later Isadora was in her own room and ready for company. Krispy sat on the side of her bed, holding his daughter and Izzy held their son. Smoke was the first to take a baby, before long both little ones were being passed from brother to brother.

Krispy had never looked more proud. His life was complete. His biological family had merged with his MC family. Life was as perfect as it could get. Smoke nodded as he cooed at the tiny boy. “Did they get names yet? I know you guys didn’t wanna know what you were having until they got here.”

Krispy nodded, “you’re holding Aven Donahue Harrison. The queen has Ariel Neva Harrison. My mom was Neva and it made sense to have her name carry on with both my kids. Aven is Neva backwards and Donahue is Jake’s middle name. Just seemed right.” And it was right, in every way.

Smokes Devils had three new members, two of would need time to grow but they had more family than they’d ever need. More people to love them, more people to protect them from whatever might come.

The Bastards were no more, Smoke and the brothers made sure of that but evil had a way of surfacing in strange places. For now life would be quiet and serene for the two youngest members if the Devils Apostles, as it should be.