Kraken (Hades Abyss MC 4): (Mississippi Chapter)

by Harley Wylde

  “I’ll have Grizzly meet you there,” Titan said.

  “The Pres for the Devil’s Fury? Why the hell would he do that?”

  “Because he takes in strays. Has a thing for giving teen girls a second chance. He’ll raise her right, and he’ll make sure Phoebe can see her whenever she wants.”

  “All right. I’ll head out once my girls are in bed.”

  I disconnected the call and picked up Ember, carrying her into the kitchen. Phoebe already had our plates on the table and was in the process of getting drinks from the fridge. She froze mid-reach and stared at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You have that look.”

  “Need to make a run later tonight. I’ll be gone until sometime tomorrow. Possibly longer. But I’m not going anywhere until bedtime. I’m going to spend as much time with my girls tonight as I can.”

  Phoebe gave me a tight smile, but I knew she wouldn’t ask questions. She was the perfect old lady. I put Ember in her high chair, then claimed a seat next to her. When Phoebe sat down, I noticed her hand trembled. It was her number one tell when something made her anxious. I reached out and placed my hand on top of hers, giving it a slight squeeze.

  “It’s going to be fine, baby girl. I’ll come home to you. It’s not something that will detain me for long, but I need to make sure you’re safe, and your sister too.”

  Her gaze held mine. “My sister?”

  I nodded. “I don’t want to risk your family doing the same thing to her. Do you?”

  “Of course not.”

  “I’m going to make sure she’s safe, baby. And I’ll ensure your parents can’t harm anyone ever again. I just need you to trust me.”

  “I do. But if anything happened to you…” Tears filled her eyes.

  “Hey, hey. What’s wrong, Phoebe?”

  “I don’t know. I’m overly emotional, I guess.”

  Emotional? Now that she’d mentioned it, she did seem rather sensitive lately. I’d assumed it was due to her scars, but maybe it was something else. I squeezed her hand once more, then pulled out my phone, shooting off a message to Bones. Need you to come see Phoebe. Bring your kit.

  Once the task was finished, I devoured my food. I’d lived off diner food before, but Phoebe was going to fatten me up in no time. For someone who hadn’t had a lot of opportunities to cook, she caught on quick. Dinner was amazing. “Baby girl, you are one wonderful cook. I’ve never eaten so good.”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I’m not that great at it, but I want to learn. I’ve been looking up recipes to try. I want to be a good wife and mom.”

  “Baby, you’re the best. Never doubt it.”

  “Love you, Blake.”

  I winked, knowing she liked it when I did that. Her cheeks always flushed and she’d get this little half-smile on her face. “Love you too.”

  While she bathed Ember, I packed a small duffle in case I was gone overnight. By the time our daughter was ready for bed, I was able to tuck her in. I placed a kiss on her brow and ran my fingers over her cheek.

  “Sleep well, little princess.”

  Phoebe lurked in the hall. The worry in her eyes ate at me. I took her hands in mine and pulled her in close for a kiss. My lips lingered, and I wished I didn’t have to leave her tonight. I backed her to the wall, my lips devouring hers until she was breathless. The doorbell rang, making me draw back.

  “Be right back, baby.”

  I opened the front door and found Bones on the doorstep. He held up his bag. “I came prepared. Now what’s wrong with your woman?”

  I let him in and Phoebe wandered into the room. I probably should have warned her I’d asked him to stop by. “She’s overly emotional. I know she’s been through a lot lately, but I wanted to make sure nothing more was going on.”

  Bones nodded and started asking questions. “When was your last period?”

  Phoebe’s gaze clashed with mine and skittered away. “Before I met Kraken.”

  “That means it’s been a month or longer,” Bones said. “I’m going to take some blood and test for pregnancy.”

  “There isn’t a faster way to find out?” I asked, knowing at this time of night, there was no way we’d get an answer right away.

  “If you want to find out before the lab can run it, get one of those home pregnancy kits. I’ll take enough blood to check a few other things as well. No harm in double checking, but if she’s missed her period, there’s a good chance she’s pregnant. I seriously doubt the two of you have been abstaining.”

  “Only when she was too hurt,” I admitted. I pulled my phone out and texted a Prospect to pick up a home pregnancy test.

  I’m on gate duty and Titan assigned Sean to the clubhouse. Fucking great. I’d forgotten for a moment we were still down to two Prospects after the shit went down the day Phoebe had been grabbed from the compound. Last thing I wanted to do was run to get a damn pregnancy test when I was leaving tonight.

  Bones narrowed his gaze at me. “Something wrong?”

  I showed him the text from Riley and he grunted. Perfect. No fucking help. Bones motioned Phoebe over to sit, then he withdrew the items he needed to get a blood sample. While he did that, I paced the room, and sent off a text to Stone, hoping he’d run to the store for us.

  Did you seriously just ask me to get a pregnancy test?

  I grinned at Stone’s response. Yeah, asshole. I did. Phoebe might be pregnant and I want to know before I leave tonight.

  I could imagine the cussing he was doing right now. But I knew he wouldn’t let me down.

  Fine.

  “Stone is dropping a test off in a bit,” I said.

  Phoebe seemed paler than usual since the mention of a possible pregnancy. We’d talked about starting a family. I’d thought this was what she’d wanted. Had I been wrong? I wanted to be excited over the chance to have a baby with her, but if she didn’t want this…

  “I’m done. I’ll get this to the lab and get back with you. Until then, take the home pregnancy test. If it’s positive, get some over-the-counter prenatal vitamins for now. I can call in the stronger stuff later,” Bones said.

  He packed up and left. I sat next to Phoebe, reaching for her hand. She leaned against me, placing her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and tugged her closer.

  “I know we talked about having another baby,” she said, “but with everything going on, I’m a little scared.”

  “The people following you have backed off,” I said. “And my trip tonight will ensure no one comes after you again.”

  “Until the club faces another threat. I knew what I was signing up for, Blake, but the thought of our kids being in danger scares the hell out of me. What if I’m out somewhere and someone takes me or our kids? Or all of us? I don’t want them to suffer the way I did.”

  I ran my hand up and down her arm. “Baby girl, we can’t live our lives worrying about the monsters lurking in the shadows. If we did, we’d never enjoy a single second of our time together. Yes, there’s a chance you and Ember, or any other kids we have, could be in danger at some point. Just know not only will I protect you, but so will this club. We will always come for you, Phoebe.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “My mind is racing with a million worries.”

  “You going to be okay with me gone tonight? Do you want me to ask someone to stay here overnight?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want to put anyone out, Blake. I’m just being silly and overly sensitive. Maybe Bones is right and I’m pregnant.”

  I pressed a kiss to her temple. “If you are, I will be the happiest of men. And before you ask, it’s not going to make me love Ember any less. She’s mine, end of story. I’m the only dad she’s going to know. Doesn’t matter if she has my DNA or not.”

  “How long before you have to leave?” she asked.

  “Soon, baby. Just waiting on Stone to get here because I want to know before I leave if you’re pregnant or not.”

  She nod
ded and cuddled closer. She didn’t fill the silence with idle chatter, and didn’t ask me to put on the TV. I breathed in her scent and found comfort in her presence. I knew she worried I wouldn’t come back, but there was no fucking way a preacher would put me in the ground.

  There was a soft knock at the door and I knew it would be Stone. I got up to let him in, but he remained outside, merely handing me the plastic sack.

  “There’s a shit ton of different ones. Didn’t know what she’d want so I got three one of the ladies at the store recommended.” Stone shrugged. “Never exactly shopped for one of those before.”

  I clapped him on the shoulder in thanks, then shut the door. Phoebe had been silent as she’d stood and came closer. When I turned, she was right in front of me, her gaze fastened on the bag. I gave it to her, then steered her down the hall to our bedroom and bathroom. Leaning back against the counter, I folded my arms, intent on waiting.

  She blinked at me like a little owl. “You’re not staying in here while I take these.”

  “Yeah, baby girl. I am.”

  “But… Blake…” Her cheeks went scarlet. “I have to… pee on them.”

  I rolled my bottom lip into my mouth and bit down, not wanting to laugh. She stared me down, and when she realized I wasn’t leaving, she heaved a sigh and dropped the sack on the counter. Phoebe removed the three tests inside, read the instructions for each, then, with her gaze cast away from me, she dropped her pants and hovered over the toilet, taking all three tests.

  “I’ve had my mouth on your pussy, share a bathroom with you, and you seriously thought you peeing on a stick would be revolting?” I asked.

  “It’s embarrassing,” she muttered.

  When she’d finished, she capped the little sticks and set them on the counter. While she righted her clothes and washed her hands, I stared at the little innocuous-looking plastic sticks. It was hard to believe something so small, so breakable, could tell me if I was about to be a dad again. I hadn’t lied to her. Far as I was concerned, Ember was mine, but this time, I’d get to be there for all of her pregnancy and see our kid when they were born.

  “It said three minutes,” she said.

  I set a timer on my phone, then led her into the bedroom. I made sure I had everything I needed for my impromptu trip while we waited. Phoebe sat on the edge of the bed, eying my duffle like it was a poisonous viper. She’d have to get used to me being gone overnight. It didn’t happen all the damn time, but often enough. Being a husband and father wouldn’t change my duties with the club.

  The timer went off, and I took Phoebe’s hand, as we went to check the results.

  A smile spread across my lips as I stared at each little stick. “Looks like we’re having another baby.”

  She wrapped her arms around me and held on tight. “That means you have to be extra careful and make sure you come home to us. I can’t do this alone, Blake.”

  I tipped up her chin and kissed her. “You can, but you won’t have to. I’ll be back sometime tomorrow.”

  “You’re leaving now, aren’t you?”

  I nodded. “Gotta go, baby girl. You call Titan if you need anything, understood?”

  “I will.”

  I kissed her one last time, grabbed my bag, and walked out before she could tempt me to stay.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Phoebe

  My stomach knotted as I heard the front door shut, but I tried to take a calming breath. Then another. I knew this wasn’t the first time he’d gone out on club business, and it wouldn’t be the last. I’d been around bikers long enough to know they did what they wanted when they wanted, and followed their own code. Even though the Hades Abyss weren’t monsters like the Sadistic Saints, I figured some things would remain the same. Like the club whores. Except the ones here weren’t forced into that way of life and came of their own free will.

  Didn’t mean I wouldn’t try to kick their asses if they touched Kraken. He was mine, and hands off. I knew Blake wouldn’t encourage them, but he hadn’t exactly seemed inclined to shove them away either. I’d have to learn to trust he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.

  Just like I had to believe he’d come home in one piece tomorrow.

  In such a short time, he’d become everything to me. I’d thought my parents loved me. I knew better now. There was no way they’d cared even a little if they’d been willing to give me away for a large chunk of cash. Which meant other than Ember, the only person who had ever loved me was Blake. I’d gladly given him my heart, and it would be his until I drew my last breath.

  My phone rang, and I hurried to answer before it could wake up Ember. Titan. My stomach clenched. Had something happened to Blake?

  “Hello,” I said, my voice not as steady as I’d have liked.

  “I’ve knocked twice. You going to open the door?” he asked.

  I scrambled to the front of the house and pulled open the door. Sure enough, the club Pres was on the doorstep. I hung up the call and stared, not quite sure why he was here. Kraken hadn’t been gone that long. I knew accidents happened anywhere, but Titan had a smile on his face, which eased my worries.

  “Kraken insisted you didn’t want company tonight, but I had a feeling you were here pacing the floor.”

  “Not quite pacing, but… I don’t like the idea of him going after my parents. Not because I care what happens to those monsters, but because I don’t want him to get hurt.”

  Titan nodded. “Figured as much. Just so you know, that man of yours can handle himself. Now let me in. We have some movies to binge-watch. I even brought popcorn.”

  I glanced down and saw the sack in his hand with the box peeking out of the top, along with what looked like a few different types of candy. I backed up and let him into the house, then shut and locked the door. Titan made himself comfortable in the living room while I grabbed two sodas from the fridge. When I returned to the living room, he’d already found an action movie.

  “Come sit,” he said, patting the couch next to him.

  I plopped down next to him. “You know, this is probably the strangest thing I’ve experienced in the last year or so.”

  “Strange?” he asked, opening a package of Twizzlers and handing me one.

  “The President of the Hades Abyss is in my living room, offering to watch TV with me, and is feeding me candy. Aren’t you supposed to be throwing back beers with the rest of your club and chasing women right now?”

  His eyebrows rose. “And forgo the pleasure of your company? Never.”

  I snorted and opened my soda, taking a gulp before setting it aside. At the Sadistic Saints, I’d feared their President. Deuce had made my life hell. He’d abused me. Hurt me the worst way a man could harm a woman. Done everything in his power to knock me down. Titan felt more like the older brother I’d never had, but I didn’t for a second think he was a fluffy cute bunny. I had no doubt he’d gladly make his enemies bleed, but I also felt safe with him.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  He just smiled and kicked his feet up on the table. I eyed his boots and he slowly dropped his feet back to the floor. I wondered if I should tell Aurelia he was trainable. Maybe it would make her more accepting of his lifestyle. If he put the seat down and had good aim, there would be a line of women waiting to be claimed by him. Titan and the others were far from ugly. Of course, Pretty Boy looked like he’d stepped off the cover of a magazine, but the others could hold their own.

  “Did Kraken tell you the news?” I asked.

  “News?” He shifted to face me.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  He yanked the candy from my hand and pulled my soda out of my reach. “No, he didn’t. If he had, I’d have brought you a salad and bottled water.”

  “Did you seriously just take candy from a pregnant woman?”

  “Not my first rodeo. I know you aren’t supposed to have a lot of sugar or caffeine.” He stood, gathering the goodies and carrying them to the kitchen.

  I followed, wonderi
ng what he was doing. When he handed me a banana and pulled out the gallon of milk, my jaw dropped. He didn’t really mean to… He took down a glass and filled it, then slid it over to me. Yep, he really did.

  “You took away my candy and soda and gave me a banana and milk,” I said, staring at the items in my hands. “I feel like a kid being punished.”

  “Eating for two now,” he said. “Need to keep a nutritious diet for the little one growing inside you.”

  “Ember turned out fine,” I pointed out, and I’d been damn lucky to get much of anything to eat or drink when I’d been pregnant with her. It was a miracle I hadn’t lost her with Deuce’s treatment of me.

  He leaned against the counter and stared me down. “Kraken is my Sergeant-at-Arms. You’re his woman, which makes you part of my club. Know what my job is as President?”

  “To be a big bossy pants who takes candy from women?”

  “It’s to ensure the well-being of those in this club. I make sure we prosper. Help keep everyone safe. And right now, that means making sure the only old lady this club has eats something healthy for the first Hades Abyss baby born in my chapter. We adopted Ember when Kraken did, but this little one will be here from the very beginning.”

  I peeled the banana, then savagely bit into it. He winced and shifted, which made me smirk. Served him right. I finished it off before I drained the milk. I had to admit, he was probably right about it being better for the baby. I hadn’t had a clue what I was doing with Ember, and I still didn’t know much about the right and wrong things to do during a pregnancy.

  “Bones came earlier to check on me,” I said. “But I think I need a special doctor. Think he could recommend an OB-GYN to me?”

  “Do I look like I know anything about lady doctors?” he asked.

  I waved to the now empty glass. “You know something about pregnant women. So, yeah. I’m going to assume that means you know about lady doctors, as you put it.”

  “Ask Aurelia who she recommends. I’ll see about getting some insurance for you, but the club will cover any medical costs. That baby is going to have lots of uncles.”