Ravage
It was late by the time I made it back to the clubhouse. After helping the sheriff secure the scene, I headed back to the station with him as he called the RCPD. His worst fears were confirmed when he learned they were looking for a serial killer who had already murdered several people in and around the city in South Dakota. The lead detective on the case, Detective Powell, said that he would send Declan a copy of everything he had if the sheriff would do the same. Declan agreed. With nothing more to do, I rushed back to Karlyn, desperately needing to see her.
Only, she wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
Narrowing my eyes, I walked over to King, who sat at a table, a half-drunk bottle of Hell’s Breath before him. “She’s in my office. Indigo and Eros are guarding the door.”
Pulling out a chair, I sat and reclined back. “So, who pissed you off this time? Reaper? Montana? One of your club brothers?”
“My woman.”
“Ah.” I smirked. “And let me guess, you swallowed your tongue and said nothing.”
Picking up the bottle of Hell’s Breath, he simply said, “Yep,” right before he took a large gulp. “Woman ain’t ever gonna forgive me.”
“So what are you going to do now?”
King stared into the distance, silent for a moment. “I’m gonna let her cool off. Maybe tomorrow I’ll try again. Flowers,maybe. Or just... let her yell at me until she feels better.” His voice held a mix of resignation and hope, the kind that spoke of battles fought and lost, but never quite abandoned.
I chuckled, knowing this was how he handled most things—head-on, or not at all. “Or you could quit drinking, man up, and own what you fucking did. I’m not the best at relationship advice, King, but even I know the longer you let a woman stew, the angrier they get.”
King let out a rough laugh, the sound edged with exhaustion. “Probably right. But it’s easier to drown my pride than face her wrath sometimes.” He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. “Still, she means more to me than this damn bottle ever could.”
I nodded, recognizing the vulnerability beneath his bravado. Sometimes, admitting you were wrong was the bravest thing a man could do. “Just don’t wait too long, brother. Some things can’t be fixed with flowers or whiskey.”
“Where the hell is my wife?” Blade asked, walking over to the table, a baby in his arms.
“In my office with the rest of the women. We’re not allowed in.”
“Why the fuck not?”
“’Cause Grace said so,” King grumbled, and Blade blinked several times at him before throwing his head back as he roared with laughter. Maureen walked into the clubhouse, flipping King the one-finger bird as she passed the table, heading for his office, Declan groaning as he pulled out a chair and sat next to King.
“What the hell did you do now?” the sheriff sneered. “Maureen is fit to be tied. Give me my grandson,” he demanded, and Blade handed him the baby.
“Apparently”—I grinned, thumbing my thumb toward King—“this one put his foot in his mouth again.”
King groaned quietly, sinking deeper into his chair as if hoping the floor would open up and swallow him. Declan smirked, exchanging a knowing glance with Blade. “Every time you open your mouth, King, it’s like watching a train wreck—you just can’t look away.”
The table erupted with laughter as Zeus and Kronos joined us. “Gotta admit, King.” Zeus chuckled, rubbing more salt in his wounds. “I sure am learning a lot from watching you and your woman. What not to do.”
King flipped the president of the Gods of Mayhem off before saying, “I’m so happy I can entertain all of you. Now fuck off.”
Just then the doors opened as we all turned to see a beautiful woman and a familiar face walk in. King groaned, banging his head on the table. “Nope. I’m done. I can’t anymore.”
Ignoring my pissy brother, I got up and greeted the couple. Hugging the man, I muttered, “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I wasn’t planning on coming, but my woman wanted to see her uncle. Plus, I have something for the sheriff. One of his deputies told us he was here.”
I nodded. “Yeah, he just showed up. Yo, Sheriff, your file is here!” I shouted before turning to the beautiful woman at his side. “You must be Kyllian Ward. I’m Jackson Williams, but everyone calls me Ravage.”
She smiled. “You look like your father.”
I frowned as Firestride smirked.
“Kyllian?” someone said from behind me, and the pretty woman walked over to Banshee as he slid from a bar stool.
“We need to talk.” Firestride leaned close.
