The Vice President

by Addy Archer

  I hear a couple more gunshots ringing through the air before I hear a car speeding off. Carefully I stride through the room and check what’s going on outside. Seems those fuckers hightailed out of here. I keep my gun aimed forward as Alaric rushes toward the house along with Linc, Dog, and a few of my other brothers.

  “What the fuck, Hunt? Who were those guys coming out of the house guns blazing? They shot up your bike, jumped in a car, and hauled ass out of here,” Alaric snaps.

  They shot up my bike? My head swings to the left and fuuuuuuck. “Why the hell did they shoot up my fucking bike? Dammit, that’s gonna take weeks to fix.”

  “Hunter? Hunter, where are you, sweetie,” Peyton’s sweet voice flows through the air.

  Linc chuckles. “Dude, she callin’ you?”

  “No, asshole,” I snap. “Those Mexican fuckers threw a knife at her kitten and left the door open when they ran off. So, I’m guessing the little fluff is missing.”

  “Shit.” Linc is off his bike and heading my way. “What color and how tiny is the kitten?”

  “Black with a white spot on the middle of its head,” Peyton says from behind me.

  My eye catches movement from my left, and I slowly make my way to the bushes and easily lift the kitten out of there. The poor thing is scared shitless.

  “Here you go, buddy,” I tell the little fluff and place him in Peyton’s waiting arms.

  Dammit, the kitten is bleeding. The knife did do some harm; no wonder he ran off.

  “Oh no,” Peyton gasps.

  “Linc,” I snap, and the prospect’s head whips my way. “Go grab some towels or some shit from the kitchen and take the kitten Peyton is holding. Check him over. I think the knife nicked the tiny fluff.”

  He follows my order, and this allows me to give Alaric my full attention, but he’s glaring over my shoulder at someone, and I damn well know who. And I’m a bit surprised she isn’t following Linc into the house to make sure the kitten is okay. But with everyone here, I guess she doesn’t want to miss the discussion that’s about to go down.

  “The girl Linc is looking after? The one we saved from Romero’s house?” My words make my pres’ eyes connect with mine. “She’s their sister.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Alaric roars. “What kinda two-timing shit was this asshole pulling? No wonder they took everything except his life. Romero was keeping the woman stashed as leverage so the MC would do his bidding and refused to give her up? Damn, that somehow makes sense. What a fucking asshole.” His eyes narrow. “Still doesn’t explain what we’re doing here, in front of this cunt’s house while I specifically gave you an order to keep away from her.”

  Peyton watches us with hawk eyes but doesn’t say anything.

  “Peyton is pregnant with my kid. I claimed her; she’s my old lady. Stone here came up to the house, and we had words. We managed to put it all together about Romero and their sister. Then those cartel fuckers show up and all hell broke loose.”

  “Yeah.” Alaric’s gaze hits Stone. “Why did those cartel fuckers show up at your sister’s house? Ties between you two not as smooth now that Romero’s dead?”

  Stone slides a hand through his hair, his eyes wary when he says, “My president, my own goddamned father, told me over the phone, right before those fuckers showed up here, he made a deal to save the club. To save his own fucking ass because he was the one who wanted us in the drugs. Most of the young guys wanted out. It was never voted in, not a damn club decision, but he and five of his buddies pushed it through behind our backs. Quick cash for their rainy day. None of us knew they and the cartel were in bed together until a few weeks ago. They had to spill what they pulled our MC into because everything went to shit. I just found out that fucking drug lord, Alejandro, wanted a wife in return for the one Romero promised him. I didn’t even fucking know it was my little sister Romero kidnapped to give to the cartel. I knew Harper was missing. I never made the link until Hunt here recognized my sister just now from a picture hanging on the wall. The only thing I knew was that Romero had intel only he knew and that we needed it. Now I realize he took Harper and we couldn’t kill him because he was the only one who knew where she was. Romero fucked both the cartel and us over by staying in the middle. And now that fucking asshole father of mine promised Peyton as a wife instead because Harper is gone. The fucker still only has eyes on the cash instead of on his own fucking family.” His head swings to Peyton. “I didn’t know any of it until just now when he called me. I swear, Peyton. I knew something wasn’t right, but this? Piecing it all together? Man, this is fucked up.”

  “What about your mother, Peyton? You told me she seemed to pull through and then suddenly she died. How did she die? What did the doctors say? She was in the hospital, right?” All of this leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I know for sure something very wrong is going on here and has been going on for quite a while.

  “Fuck.” Stone curses some more and steps closer to Peyton. “He’s right to question this because it was around the time of the warning the club received from the cartel, remember?”

  Peyton goes as white as a sheet, and her fingers wrap around my forearm to ground herself. “Mom told me to watch over myself, and then she turned the discussion as soon as Dad walked into the room. She was telling me about Raven, how she had a father who would do anything for his daughter. She made me promise to keep looking after her, watch over her as a big sister. She went on about how Hunt was good—unlike some other bikers. She said that little girl also didn’t have a mother to look out for her. Now I’m confused. Was she talking about Hunt and Raven? She loved that little girl, I know she did. Or was she trying to warn me through some hidden meaning in her message? Talk about them but had me and Harper in mind. Or did she think she was going to die?”

  Her eyes are bouncing between me and her brother before they stay on Stone. “I’m… I’m so confused. Was Mom killed? Did the cartel have someone do it? Did our father do it himself? She never reached out for Dad. They hadn’t seen each other for a long damn time. Why was he even in the hospital? At the time, I didn’t think about it because it was the first time something happened to Mom.”

  It’s clear in Stone’s eyes that he’s agreeing with Peyton’s suspicions. “I vow right here, right fucking now, I will kill all those involved. Even if—” Stone swallows hard, but when his eyes find mine, he voices the harsh words. “Even if it means killing my own president.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It could be a fucked-up coincidence,” Alaric says. “Why don’t we try to see if they left some evidence, something to prove your suspicions. I get it’s a lot to take in with finding out your father gave up his two daughters. Hell, he might even have the death of the mother of his children on his hands. But if so, you’ll need sufficient evidence to have your brothers at your back when you need to do what you have to do. Are you following me?”

  “I’m following you,” Stone grits through clenched teeth. “But I might have someone over his head to back me up if needed.”

  “Good. Because we seemed to have been pulled into this shit unwillingly. So, needless to say, with both of your sisters under our protection, we have your back too,” Alaric vows, and my chest puffs up with pride and respect for my president.

  Always having my back and making the right decisions at the right damn time. With this fucked-up situation, it could very well mean war. Bloody. Deadly. Two MCs and throw a cartel in the mix, and shit is bound to get explosive.

  “Good to know, and I’m going to need it for sure. I have to get back and deal with this whole fuckup. I’ll mention the cartel showing up at Peyton’s house—” Stone says, but Alaric cuts him off.

  “Stick to the truth or a twisted version of it to keep you out of things for now. You tell them Hunt was there to take your sister. Peyton is pregnant with Rebel Rage MC offspring. If those cartel fuckers didn’t see you let them know Hunt opened fire and also knocked you out or some shit. I don’t know what those as
sholes are planning, so it might be good you hear them out before sharing information they might not need to know.” Stone nods at Alaric’s words.

  Linc strolls out of the house and hands the kitten to Peyton. “The little guy had a tiny cut, but he’s fine.”

  Peyton gives him a grateful smile and nuzzles the kitten. “Thank you, and thank you for looking after my sister too.”

  “Your sister?” Linc asks, surprise clear on his face.

  “Yeah, the girl turned out to be their sister,” Alaric tells him.

  “And we can’t wait to see her,” Stone states, making Linc swirl his way.

  He gets right into Stone’s personal space and snaps, “Not going to happen. No one is allowed to see her but me.”

  Now Stone is the one who’s surprised, but it quickly turns to anger. “She’s my goddamned sister. For fucking sure I will come see her, and I will take her home once this thing with the cartel is settled.”

  “The cartel, no fucking wonder she’s screwed in the head,” Linc whispers before he hardens his tone. “She doesn’t remember you or anyone else. Last time the president’s old lady came to check on her, she freaked out and I was back to making sure she could sleep for a few fucking hours a day. I’m not having her taking steps back; she’s just getting somewhat steady on her fucking feet. Pres, come on, you told me I was in charge of caring for her. I’m the only one she trusts.”

  “True,” Alaric states. “He’s in charge of the girl and the only one who can go near her without her going berserk.”

  “The only one, huh? You fucking my sister? Keeping her all to yourself?” Stone seethes.

  Linc is so damn fast, we’re all surprised when Stone’s head whips back from the punch to the jaw Linc gave him. “No cock will ever touch her on my watch, you motherfucking asshole. She’s become my friend, and I will look after her and face anything standing in her way of recovery. And for your damn information, I don’t think she’ll ever want sex. Now I know who fucked up her mind and body. The cartel, right? It wasn’t Romero. Man, if you ever think I’ll let you come close to her, you must be mental. No one is going to hurt Apple again.”

  “Apple? Who the fuck is Apple? My sister’s name is Harper, asswipe,” Stone says as he rubs his jaw.

  Linc keeps his eyes on him, but his tone of voice changes when he starts to talk about the girl. “The day she came in, it was clear she was all drugged up. It took a long damn time to pull her through withdrawal symptoms. She’s a fighter, but she also doesn’t remember shit. Not her name, not her favorite movie, food, nothing. When she finally put something in her mouth, it was apple candy she stole from me. Hence the reason I started to call her Apple instead of girl. She likes to be called Apple. So, she’s Apple to me, get it?”

  Stone swallows hard and gives a tight nod. “Thank you,” he murmurs. “She always loved those god-awful green gummy bears. I used to buy her those, though. As long as she didn’t eat them around me.”

  “Well, I like ’em too, but now I don’t get a chance to eat ’em since your sister keeps stealing them.” Linc chuckles.

  “I would like to see her, when she’s ready,” Stone tries again.

  “You know what? Lemme snap a picture of you and your sister, and I’ll show her. Maybe it’ll trigger a memory or something. I’ll videotape her reaction or FaceTime. Then we’ll go from there.”

  Stone quickly agrees and lets Linc snap a few shots. We talk some more to make sure we have a way to contact Stone with the shit he needs to handle. Peyton went inside to pack a bag or two. She’s coming with me to the clubhouse without any arguments. She knows damn well what kind of danger she’s wrapped in.

  And all this shit aside? It comes in pretty damn handy to have her under my watchful eye now she’s pregnant with my kid. Not to mention, I’m fucking happy Raven is with my parents and out of harm’s way with this cartel thrown into the mix. I might need to call them to ask if she can stay there a few days extra if we can’t clear this mess up before I have to bring her home.

  First, though? First I have time to fully focus on Peyton to clear things between us. Shit. I have an old lady. I never thought I’d take one, not even when Raven’s mother was pregnant. It never crossed my mind to claim that cunt. But Peyton? Fuck, yes. She’s all mine now.

  C H A P T E R S I X

  ~ P E Y T O N ~

  My head hurts. And to be honest, I’m surprised it hasn’t exploded off my shoulders yet. I can’t begin to understand the turmoil of insanity playing havoc on my life. Not to mention my sister’s life. Harper. My poor little sister has been found; though from my understanding, she’s still lost.

  They don’t know what happened to her, and maybe the loss of her memory is a good thing. With the things they mentioned and my mind running free with the possibilities of what this cartel is capable off. I can’t bear to face the mere thought of what she went through. So, I’d rather have her not remember me and her be safe instead of remembering what happened to her.

  And that’s just it. I bet the trauma is preventing her from remembering. I’m already anxious for when the memories come flooding back. That won’t end well if she doesn’t have the right support there for her. The way Linc stands up for her, facing my brother? It’s somewhat soothing to know she has a person watching over her. And I’ll be there for her too. Pregnant or not. Being wrapped in a load of insanity going on in my own life or not.

  I should be breaking apart myself from being dragged from my own home, claimed as an old lady by a different MC, and stripped of my own choices. Not to mention, my father seems to have promised to hand me over to a cartel. But being taken by Hunt and brought to his clubhouse also puts me near Harper. And there’s the fact Hunt and all of the bikers of Rebel Rage MC will protect me now that he claimed me as his old lady. All of this also brings me in the presence of my baby’s father. Ugh. Deep breath in and out.

  My baby’s father. I’m pregnant. Pregnant and somehow my father whored me out to the leader of a cartel? Somehow me being pregnant by a biker from a different MC suddenly doesn’t sound like such a bad thing. Who knew I’d ever needed to be protected from Trigger Pull MC? From my own damn father.

  Yes. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Not helping. I don’t think I’ll ever be calm again. With all the emotions surging through my body, rage is the one clawing at the surface.

  “You need to lie down and rest,” Hunt grumbles as he tries to tidy up his room.

  I place my hands on my hips. “I’ll do no such thing, asshole. Maybe you need to lie down and take a damn nap yourself.”

  That’s right, I’m giving him my anger. What else can I do with it? No one’s around except for him. And I vividly remember how things were left between us and how he shoved me in a dark hole the last time he dragged me to his clubhouse. I’m not going to forget about this little fact and embrace the sunshine and roses all because I’m pregnant and claimed by him. Father of my unborn child or not, this man is an asshole.

  He stops in his tracks and lets the clothes he was holding drop to the floor before stalking right into my personal space. “I get you’re still angry at me, but you need to sit your ass down and listen to me. I won’t risk you or our kid getting hurt.”

  “Maybe I lied. Maybe this isn’t your kid at all. Maybe, just maybe, I had sex with every guy I ran into after I left this clubhouse,” I taunt. “I could have sent the text to the wrong guy.”

  Because, for real, how can he go from asshole to claiming me as an old lady after one freaking text I sent him? My breath catches from the way a feral smile spreads across his face.

  “You were raised as an MC princess, Peyton. You fuckin’ breathe loyalty and respect. There’s no damn way you would fuck me over or not know whose seed took root inside you. All you’re doing with this statement is degrading yourself, and I won’t allow it.” He cups my face with both hands and gently feathers his thumbs underneath my eyes. “I hate seeing signs of fatigue on this gorgeous face. So, you’d better fuckin’ liste
n to me.”

  I almost lean into his touch. Almost. It’s so damn tempting to just give in, but I catch myself in time to rip my head away. “Thanks for the reminder I was raised as an MC princess, because that did me a lot of good, right? Because if I overheard my brother correctly, the president of said MC gave me away like a freaking cow to save his precious MC. I can tell you right now that I can’t see any loyalty or respect from where I’m standing. So, yes, thanks for pointing out that little detail. All of this makes me feel so much better and relaxed. Wow. I should really—”

  I’m robbed of my rant when his mouth crashes over mine in a punishing kiss. My hands fist his leather cut in an effort to push him away. I open my lips to fight him off with words, but his tongue swoops in and swirls against mine. I should fight harder, but the way he dominates my mouth while his hands roam my body makes every reason to deny myself pleasure wash away.

  My traitorous body longs for sexual attention. Craves it from this man. Damn these pregnancy hormones making me damn horny. It’s all his fault; therefore, he should be the one who makes me feel better. Hell, if anything, I need the escape, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

  His phone starts to ring, and he immediately breaks the kiss and steps back. Dammit, I was just surrendering to the moment—while hating myself for giving in—and here he goes prioritizing a phone call over me.

  “I hate you,” I growl angrily.

  The asshole has the nerve to smirk. “I know, babe. But it doesn’t bother me at all.” His eyes slide to his phone and the smirk melts off his face when he answers, “Hey, sweetheart, are you having fun or is Grandma teasing you too much?”

  Raven. Shit. In this whole mess of things we’re wrapped in, it’s not only me, Mr. Asshole, and an unborn child, but also his daughter. I let my ass hit the mattress and take my head in my hands, covering my eyes in an effort to rub away my pounding headache. I feel Hunt’s hand rub up and down my back, and I don’t even have the energy to shrug him off.