Contents
Preface
Prologue
1. CHAPTER ONE
2. CHAPTER TWO
3. CHAPTER THREE
4. CHAPTER FOUR
5. CHAPTER FIVE
6. CHAPTER SIX
7. CHAPTER SEVEN
8. CHAPTER EIGHT
9. CHAPTER NINE
10. CHAPTER TEN
11. CHAPTER ELEVEN
12. CHAPTER TWELVE
13. CHAPTER THIRTEEN
14. CHAPTER FOURTEEN
15. CHAPTER FIFTEEN
16. CHAPTER SIXTEEN
17. CHAPTER SEVETEEN
18. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
19. CHAPTER NINETEEN
20. CHAPTER TWENTY
21. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
22. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
23. CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
24. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
25. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
26. CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
27. CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
28. CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
29. CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
30. CHAPTER THIRTY
Also By Betty Shreffler
About the Author
KING OF KINGS
Copyright © 2020 by Betty Shreffler
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereinafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. For information email: [email protected]
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Editor: Sandy Ebel, Personal Touch Editing
https://www.facebook.com/PersonalTouchEditing/
Proofreader: Karen Lawson
Cover Design: Pop Kitty Design
Created with Vellum
She is his heart… he is her armor.
The open road and horsepower of a Harley is my freedom. My escape. Looking forward, I forget the past, forget my responsibilities, and lose myself to the ecstasy.
It’s a way of life. One I was born into and one I will die a part of.
But with that freedom, comes a price.
Prologue
NIX
“Keep pacing and you’ll wear a hole in the floor.”
Jake’s heavy boots come to a stop. Pulling his black ball cap off, he scratches the back of his head.
“I’m losing my shit, Nix. What if I’m a terrible father? What if I fuck this kid’s life up? My own father was a piece of shit. I want my son’s life to be better than what I had.”
Standing, I cross the few feet between us and place my hand on his shoulder, looking into his emotion-filled eyes.
“He will have a good life. He’s not just your son, he’s my nephew too. I’ll have your back, always, brother. You’re a better man than you give yourself credit for, and besides, I wouldn’t let you fuck up his life. I’d beat sense into you first.”
With a chuckle, his shoulders lose their tension, and I drop my hand.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. Goddamn, having a kid makes you crazy. When is a nurse going to come out? I can’t take worrying like this much longer.”
The man’s mind is going a mile a minute, and I get it. Jake loves my sister with everything he has. She’s everything to him, and now they’re about to have a family. His level of protectiveness is about to skyrocket… who am I kidding? So, will mine.
Liz is my sister, but I’m the one who raised her. From the time our mother took off when we were kids to making sure Liz got into college, I was always there. I made an oath to my father to protect her and do right by her, and I’ve kept that promise. Now, I’ll do the same for my nephew.
A pretty brunette nurse in pink scrubs enters the waiting room, and Jake’s attention whips to her, his tone anxious.
“Is she all right? Is my son okay?”
“She’s just fine. Your son is too. You can come and see them,” she tells him with a genuine smile.
Following his steps, we enter the hospital room, and Jake goes to Liz’s side. Eyes filled with love and wonder, he gazes at her first, then his newborn son. Arms crossed and leaning against the doorway, I watch my sister hand my nephew to his father. With a confident stance and solid arms, he gently takes him from her outstretched arms.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” she asks, her voice revealing her fatigue.
Unable to pry his eyes away from the little man in the blue blanket, Jake’s voice goes soft. “He’s perfect, Peach. Our son is perfect.”
CHAPTER ONE
NIX
Four weeks ago, I became an uncle to a tiny version of Jake Castle, and I couldn’t love him any more than I do. Tonight, is Liam’s grand entrance into the Kings, and I’ve warned all my brothers to be careful. Jake was already protective of his woman—add in his son, and you have a wolf ready to tear into anything that threatens his pack. That is exactly why I haven’t told him Tolito’s cousin, Reed, has been released from jail, along with a few other members of the Wild Royals. He’s got enough on his plate right now. He deserves this night to enjoy with his family. Club Business can wait… at least for one night.
The front door of the Kings’ clubhouse swings open, and Liz enters, carrying Liam bundled in her arms. All eyes go to them, then Jake entering behind her. It’s a very different look, seeing him carrying an infant car seat versus the cocky playboy smirk he wore two years ago. It took the right woman to settle him down, and although at times it was tough for her, my sister was that woman.
Setting the infant car seat down on a nearby table, Jake accepts the pats on the back and watches carefully as others approach Liz and Liam. Wearing an orange and black onesie, Liam’s shirt reads, My Daddy Rides A Harley. The awws from the women are in vocal unison.
Nodding my head to Jeff, my longtime bartender, I point to the liquor bottles and shout, “Get a round of shots for everyone. Tonight, we celebrate!”
Liz is corralled to a table where the club member’s girlfriends have gifts for her. Liam is taken in the arms of Jenna, my woman and Liz’s best friend. Crooning in his ear, she holds him snuggled against her, whispering private words to him. Seeing this brings the frequent thoughts I’ve had lately to the surface. After two years together, it’s time to put a ring on it and make her mine.
Drinks are passed around, and the celebration of Liam goes into full swing. Presents are opened, and Liz creates a pile of Harley Davidson themed clothes, toys, and baby supplies. Lifting a pool cue, I tap Jake on the shoulder, drawing his attention away from Liz.
“We’re in the clubhouse. Nothing to worry about here. You can take it easy tonight.”
Lifting a beer to his lips, Jake laughs. “It’s not that. I can’t stop watching them. I’m afraid if I do, I’ll wake up from a dream, and it’ll all be gone. They’re my everything. I didn’t think it was possible to love two people so much, the thought of losing them can keep me up at night. I’ll sit outside his crib and watch him for hours, amazed at what Peach and I created.” Setting his beer bottle on the nearest table, he reaches for a pool cue. “Fuck, they’ve turned me into a pansy. Listen to me.”
“Who are you kidding?” With my lip curled into a humored smile, I laugh. “Liz turned you into a lovesick pansy long before Liam came.”
“Fuck you. Make a bet, so I can win all your money.”
Tossing a few twenties on the table, I top them with my beer.
&nbs
p; “Let’s make it double tonight. I’m feeling lucky.”
Pool is a pastime Jake and I enjoy. We’re equally good, making for challenging games and no guarantee of who will take home the cash at the end of the night. The thought of intentionally letting him win, so he and Liz can enjoy the extra cash crosses my mind, but fades just as quickly. Honest games are something the whole club takes pride in. We push each other to be better at everything—better men, better riders, better brothers, better spouses—you name it. A lot has changed for the Kings. We’re closer than ever. The past has taught us, breaks in the chains that hold us together weaken our strength as a club. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and we’re a stronger club because of it.
On Jake’s break, the balls scatter across the felt, and he makes a legal break, sinking four balls into the pockets. He takes solids and moves around the table for his next shot.
“I heard Reed is out of the slammer.”
Damn it.
“How’d you find out?”
“Trevor.”
If only he’d kept that news to himself longer.
“Think we need to be worried?” Jake asks, ticking his jaw when he misses his shot.
Moving around the table, I calculate the angles for the striped balls.
“I wish I knew the answer to that. Either way, we need to be prepared. Reed and Tolito were close, and I hear he’s the new Pres for the Royals. There’s a chance he or his crew will want blood.”
Tipping back a beer, Jake takes a long swallow. “A year and a half of peace and now we have to watch our backs because of these fucks again. They’re a never-ending menace.”
“What do you think about us offering a truce? I don’t know Reed. He was always in the background. Maybe he isn’t like Tolito.”
“You’re too good of a man, Nix. Even if Reed isn’t as evil as Tolito was, he’s still going to be a Royal. You know what they have to do to earn a patch.”
“Fuck, I know. I can’t help wanting to get ahead of this, though. The rivalry needs to end.” I look over at Liz and Liam, watching my sister kiss my nephew’s forehead. “For all of us.”
* * *
With my hand wound through Jenna’s soft red curls, I pull her head back and thrust harder into her slick opening. With my cock buried deep, I cum inside my girl, my muscles going lax as my body gets its needed release.
Slapping her ass, I free her hair and pull out. Her body’s still shuddering through the end of her orgasm. I kiss her shoulder, giving her affection for the pleasure she’s given me. Dropping onto my back, she wiggles her body closer, lying over my chest. Twisting a ringlet of her hair around my finger, I show her more affection, bringing her pink lips to mine.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Uh oh.”
“About us.”
“Oh?” Perching her chin on her raised hand, brown eyes focus on me with interest. “What about us?”
“Seeing you hold Liam tonight had me thinking about our future. It had me thinking about diamond ring shopping.”
“Really?”
I hope the higher pitch of her voice is indicative of her feeling the same way I do.
“Would you want that?”
Nerves jumble in my gut as I watch her eyes.
“Yes, I would. I love you, and there isn’t anyone else I’d choose to be with. It’s absolutely what I want.”
Leaning forward, she claims my mouth, our kiss filled with heady emotion. Limbs tangling, my cock hardens. Taking her in my arms, I put her on top of me. Bending her knees, she straddles me, sliding my thick cock into her pussy.
Running my hands along her sides, I hold her steady as I look into her warm eyes.
“I want to make you happy. As happy as you’ve made me.”
“You already do,” she replies, moving her hips.
* * *
Feeling the warmth of Jenna’s body tucked into mine as I rouse from sleep is the perfect way to wake up. Slipping my hand between her legs, I circle my fingers around her clit until they’re covered in her desire for me.
“Will you suck me off? I’m craving your mouth around my cock.” Teasing my lips across her ear, I suck her lobe into my mouth as I thrust my fingers inside her.
“Mm-hmm,” she moans. “But it’ll cost you a good tongue fucking.”
A needy growl slips through my teeth. “You know I love it when you talk like that.” Thrusting forward, I press into her ass. “It gets me hard.”
The rumble of Harleys in the distance stops the motion of my fingers on her clit.
“Damn it. They’re earlier than I expected.”
A throaty whine escapes her as she rolls onto her back.
“Let someone else open the shop.”
Stepping off the bed, I adjust my fading erection in my briefs and scour the bedroom for a pair of jeans.
“Can’t, babe. William needs some repairs to his transmission. I told him I’d give him a hand. We’ll finish what we started later.”
“You better.” With a wink, she turns and wiggles her ass in the air.
With a pair of jeans in hand, I come back to the bed and slap her ass.
“Quit teasing me. It’s hard enough walking away from you.”
Sliding a leg into my jeans, I kiss her as she leans over my shoulders.
“At least let me make you something quick to eat. I know how you get sucked into work and forget about eating.”
“All right.”
The scent of bacon and eggs drifts into the bathroom while I’m getting ready. Hunger pains draw me to the dining room, where Jenna has two plates of food served and ready.
“Thanks, babe. I appreciate it.”
Kissing her on the head, I join her at the table. A couple of bites in, I set down my fork when I hear Harley engines cut off in my driveway. Jenna rises from the table.
“I’ll get some more food cooked.”
Heavy steps stomp across my porch, unfamiliar voices snapping my attention to the door.
“Jenna, get down!”
Bullets tear through the wooden door. Diving for her, pain rips through my lower abdomen. The bullet grazes my side, but I can’t worry about that now. With Jenna beneath me, I reach for the gun stashed under the sink. The front door bursts open, and I don’t waste time getting acquainted with the intruders. With the pull of the trigger, I unleash several bullets at our attackers. Wild Royal patches come into my view as they run from the shots.
Dropping the gun, I check to see if Jenna is all right. Blood is soaked on my shirt and hers. With trembling hands, she’s holding her stomach.
“Jenna, baby, hold on.”
“Nix…”
“It’s okay, baby. I’m calling 911.”
My shaky hand manages to press the numbers. Rushing for something to compress against her wound, I give the dispatcher the details. Hanging up, I press a towel firmly to her stomach.
“Baby, look at me. You’re going to be okay.”
Heart hammering in my chest, I fear the worst. A red pool of liquid soaks the floor, our bodies, and our clothes. Face pale, she’s lost too much blood.
“Nix…”
“Hang on, baby. They’re coming.”
“I… love… you.”
Arms dropping to her sides, her beautiful brown eyes lose their shine. Staring blankly, her life fades, taking away the woman I love.
A roar bellows from my chest. Trembling, aching, my muscles constrict, my gut wrenches. Pain—physical, mental, and emotional—comes in crushing waves of agony. Holding her against my chest, I rock her as my grief destroys me, gutting me from the inside out.
The sound of footsteps and voices barely register. Men try to take her from me, and I swing my fist.
“Don’t touch her!”
“She needs our help,” I hear them say.
My heavy weighted arms fall as her body is lifted onto a stretcher. I’m inconsolable, unable to move.
“You’ve been shot. We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Leave me the fuck alone. My life doesn’t matter. She’s gone.”
CHAPTER TWO
NIX
I thought I’d buried enough people in my life, but I was wrong. I was wrong about everything. My decisions led to this day—the day I watched a coffin holding the body of the woman I love lower into the ground. Instead of taking her engagement ring shopping, I’m saying goodbye. The scars on my body and on my heart will forever remind me of my mistakes.
Next to me, Liz cries over the loss of her best friend. Reaching my arm out, I hold her against my chest and console her. Jenna’s parents look at us—under their puffy red eyes, I see hatred. They blame me for her death, and they’re not wrong. It was my fault. I brought her into my life—a life filled with bloodshed. Over a year and a half ago, I made the wrong choice of helping the TBI. It was Liz who paid for my mistake first, and now Jenna has paid with her life.
Rain droplets tap on my leather jacket. Black umbrellas sporadically open around me. The damp breeze of an oncoming storm sweeps across my face. Inside, my emotions match the weather—a dark brewing rage.
Ahead of me, the road is empty, gray, desolate. I don’t know where I’m going. I don’t know how long I’ve been driving. The thought of finding a private gravel road and ending my misery with one bullet plagues me. It’s the innocent face of my nephew that’s keeping me from following through. I can’t leave him and Liz behind with the Royals still out there, intent on destroying my family. They’ve taken enough from me, darkened my soul, and now, it’s revenge I want.
King of Kings Page 1