Beast

Chapter One

Beast

Brick flashed his phone screen to me with a wide grin. They look good, don’t they?

I nodded. What else was there to do? I wasn’t so big an asshole I’d deny his sister any true happiness she could find. I’d wanted it to be with me, but after all she’d been through, she’d needed a clean break and a fresh start. Far the fuck from here.

Kid looks cute.

Yeah, she does. Charlotte keeps calling Jenna her miracle baby. Brick sighed. I miss the hell out of her.

He wasn’t the only one. I understood why Charlotte had left, even gave her my full support. Still hurt like a bitch, watching her taillights fade into the distance, knowing damn well she’d never set foot in this town, or even this state, ever again. She’d lost her baby, and the doctors had said she might not have another. She’d proved them wrong.

How’s what’s-his-face? I asked.

Brick snorted. You don’t like saying his name, do you?

Nope. Not even a little. Every time Brick showed me pictures of Charlotte and her family, I thought about everything I’d lost the day she’d left. I’d been in love with her since long before I should have noticed her. Didn’t matter. I wasn’t what she needed. In the end, she’d settled in Alaska, found herself a nice, ordinary guy who worked for the National Park Service as a wildlife biologist. The guy made enough to take care of Charlotte and their daughter by legal means, and as much as I wanted to hate the man, he seemed like a decent sort.

Brick sighed. Rob is doing fine. Got a promotion last week, in fact. Charlotte seemed excited.

Perfect. Great! I’m sure Rob is the perfect husband for her, and the best dad ever.

Look, brother. I’m sorry Charlotte left. I know you had feelings for her, but she’s in a good place. Rob treats her like a queen, and she’s far away from all the shit the club deals with. The only danger she might face is a fucking bear or wolf. And I mean the animal kind, not the humans we run across who are fucking rabid.

I knew he was right. Knew it, but didn’t have to like it.

Fine. She should have moved away from here, from the club. I’m glad she’s safe and loved. I won’t say I’m thrilled she’s gone, but I’m happy for her.

It wasn’t a complete lie. I really did want her to be happy, even if it wasn’t with me. I could do without all the pictures of her new life. Brick liked showing off his sister and her kid, and I accepted it. Just didn’t like it being shoved in my face every damn week.

You ready for tomorrow? Brick asked.

Not even close. Did Torch say what the fuck he wanted?

You really haven’t paid attention, have you? It wasn’t Torch who called. It was Venom. The club needs a favor.

Of course, they did. Everyone wanted something. What time are they arriving?

Any second. Something about wanting to rest tonight, then talk in the morning before they head out first thing.

Guess I better drink up. I finished off my beer and got another. Didn’t have anyone to blame for my shit mood except myself. If I’d made a move on Charlotte sooner, she never would have gotten hurt. She’d have been mine, and I’d like to think we’d have been happy. Hindsight was a bitch.

It was unusual for a club to ask for a favor without giving any details. The Dixie Reapers were a good sort, so I wasn’t worried they’d ask for more than I was willing to give. Even if it was a bit odd. They had clubs they were closer to, even tied to by blood. So why come here? For that matter, why not settle this shit over the phone? It wasn’t exactly a short drive.

The clubhouse doors swung open and light spilled through the doorway, silhouetting a petite woman with curves in all the right fucking places. Hair black as pitch and skin white as snow. Fuck. I sat up a little straighter. Hadn’t seen the likes of her around here before. Maybe today wasn’t such a shit day after all.

She slowly turned her head, taking in the room. When she spotted Brick and me, she sauntered forward, the doors shutting behind her. My eyes adjusted to the dim interior again and I sucked in a breath. A tight black sweater clung to her like a second skin. Ripped denim molded to her shapely legs. The black boots on her feet were tiny but badass. She looked like a biker’s wet dream.

Dibs, I murmured, not taking my gaze off her.

Brick snorted. Guess you’re over Charlotte now.

If this angel gave me a chance? Possibly. I’d always have a place for Charlotte in my heart, but it didn’t mean I planned to spend every night alone. I’d had my share of club whores since she’d left, but this woman… she wasn’t the usual sort to stroll through our doors. She came closer, her jaw set and her stride purposeful. She was a woman on a mission.

When she stopped in front of me, I turned to face her fully. Her eyes were a dark blue, framed by thick sooty lashes. Put some red lipstick on her, and she’d look like Snow White. Perfection. My gaze skimmed over her before lifting to her face once more.

You done? she asked.

Just getting started.

She snorted and folded her arms, pushing her breasts up. I wondered if she’d done it on purpose, or if she had no clue she’d just shoved them so high her sweater had dipped low enough to expose the black lacy bra she wore underneath.

I’m starting to think it was a mistake to come here, she said.

The clubhouse doors opened again and the heavy tread of the men coming inside drew my attention. None wore cuts, but it didn’t mean they weren’t lethal. I could see they were each carrying multiple weapons, and the way the youngest was eyeing the woman in front of me said plenty. The little angel had brought trouble with her.

Shit, she murmured. I thought I had more time.

More time for what? I asked.

She sighed and focused on me. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.

Before I could ask what she meant, she stepped between my legs and pressed tight against my chest. Her small hand wrapped around the back of my neck and she slammed her lips against mine. Fire licked along my nerve endings as she parted her lips and let me have a taste. Christ! I’d never have thought I’d like such a strong woman. Most flirted but didn’t make such bold moves.

I wrapped an arm around her waist and held on as I took over, dominating her mouth. She whimpered and moaned, her hold on me tightening. I heard the unmistakable click of a gun being cocked, but I didn’t break the kiss right away. I enjoyed her a little more. When I pulled back, her lips were swollen, and her cheeks flushed. So fucking beautiful.

What the fuck, Lyssa? the younger one demanded.

She pressed her face against my chest before turning toward the men. I stood, keeping my hand at her waist. From the corner of my eye, I saw Brick had his gun trained on them, and the Prospect behind the bar had pulled out an AR-15. The others had their hands on their weapons. Every other brother in the room was on high alert. Whatever these assholes wanted with the woman -- Lyssa, he’d called her -- they couldn’t have her. If they even tried to walk out of here with her, they’d die. It was clear she didn’t want anything to do with them.

I told you I wasn’t available, she said. You wouldn’t listen. I don’t play around with little boys, Tony.

His face turned purple and he snarled before lunging for the woman. I moved without thought, shoving her behind me. The man drew up short.

I believe she’s made it clear she’s not interested. Run along, little boy.

The guy sneered at me. Like she wants anything to do with an old man like you. You probably have saggy silver-haired balls and a shriveled-up dick.

I heard a slight snicker behind me, and then Lyssa was all out laughing. I glanced over my shoulder and saw a tear slip down her face, then another, as she tried to catch her breath. Something funny?

She struggled a moment but finally pulled herself together. Yeah. The fact he thinks he has anything I want. Besides, you aren’t old. More like a well-aged bottle of scotch. All rugged and manly, sexy as hell, and just right for keeping me warm at night.

My eyebrows lifted and I fought not to smile. Yeah, I definitely liked this one. I turned back to the kid, who did his best to glower at her, even though he couldn’t see much of her with the way I was standing. The fact the guy on his left still had a gun pointed at me didn’t deter me. I knew even if he got a shot off, none of them would walk out of here alive. My club would make sure of it.

Get the fuck out of my clubhouse, while you still can.

I’m not scared of you, he muttered.

Then you’re stupid as fuck. I don’t give a shit who you are. This is my place and I want you gone. You either listen and walk out on your own, or you can leave in pieces wrapped in plastic bags. I glanced at the man holding the gun. And that’s not a gun, youngster.

I nodded my head toward Kye, the Prospect behind the bar. That is.

I could tell the punk wasn’t sure if I was bluffing, but his gaze darted to Kye more than once. After a moment, he turned and left, his entourage following in his wake. I had a feeling he’d be back, but first, I needed to know what the fuck all that was about, and who the angel was who’d kissed me.

All right, darlin’. Start talking.

My name is Lyssa, like the asshat said, and I heard about your club from a friend. I know you helped Lilian when she ran from Dragon. Those guys have been hounding me for a while. I could have gone to my dad, but… She shrugged a shoulder. If I’d done that, he’d have locked me in my room and never let me leave.

Exactly how old are you? Brick asked.

Eighteen.

I whistled. I knew I was older than her, but I hadn’t realized by how much. My dick didn’t seem to care about her age. I’d been hard as fuck since she’d walked in. Although, if she was friends with Lilian, that meant she might very well be friends with the Devil’s Fury. I wasn’t about to cause trouble with the other club by sticking my cock where I shouldn’t.

I heard the pipes on several bikes pull up outside. When Saint, Zipper, and Grimm came inside, I knew I’d have to put the angel on hold. I’d sit down and hear what she had to say, figure out how best to help her, but right now I had Dixie Reapers to deal with. Whatever they wanted, I hoped it didn’t take long.

Are you shitting me? Saint asked, his gaze narrowed on the woman who’d moved up beside me. Lyssa, what the fuck are you doing here?

Visiting? She moved a little closer to me, pressing her arm against mine.

Saint’s gaze moved from her to me. I didn’t like the look one bit, and I was about to tear into him. Then his next words froze me in place.

Torch know you’re fucking his daughter? Saint asked.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Lyssa crossed her arms. I’m not a kid, Saint. I can be with whoever I want. I don’t need my daddy’s permission. Or did all of you miss that memo when I packed my shit and left?

You were supposed to be in college, he said.

Torch know she’s here? Zipper asked.

He doesn’t, Lyssa said. And you aren’t going to tell him. Because if you do, I’m going to tell Delphine about the chocolate lava cake you ate without sharing any with her last week.

Zipper opened and shut his mouth.

Grimm cocked his head to the side.