"Had to secure the women first," Beast replies smoothly. "King call you?"
Rage nods, his expression darkening. "Yeah. Said the Eagles hit us and everyone's going after them. I'm supposed to stay hereand help you guard the place." He doesn't sound happy about this arrangement.
"Your timing's good," Beast says, moving to the security panel to reset the alarm system. "I could use another set of eyes."
Rage grunts in acknowledgment, then places a hand on his son's shoulder. "This is Eli."
The boy peers up at Beast and me, his eyes wide but not fearful. He's clearly been around the club before and knows the drill.
"Hi, Eli," I say, crouching down to his level. "I'm Jenny, Tank's sister. Are you hungry? We've got some cookies in the kitchen."
Eli looks up at his father for permission. Rage nods once, and the boy steps forward, still wary but interested in the mention of cookies.
"You good with kids?" Rage asks me.
"I work at the daycare in town," I explain. "Just started this week."
"Huh," Rage says, as if reassessing me. "Eli, go with Jenny. I need to talk to Beast about security."
The boy follows me to the kitchen, and I can feel Beast's eyes on me as I walk away. When I glance back, I catch him staring at my ass, a hungry expression momentarily replacing his professional demeanor.
As I rummage through the cabinets for the cookies I know Luna keeps on hand, I hear Beast and Rage talking in low voices about perimeter checks and weapon placement. The reality of our situation, that we're in the middle of a gang war, that people might die tonight, settles over me like a cold blanket.
Yet underneath that fear is something warm and bright: the knowledge that Beast is mine now, and I'm his. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.
I find the cookies and pour a glass of milk for Eli, trying to ignore the ache between my legs that reminds me of what Beast and I just shared. The evidence of our passion is still leaking from me, and I silently pray no one notices the slight dampness on my dress or the unmistakable smell of sex that clings to my skin.
Tonight has changed everything. I just hope we all live long enough to see morning.
Chapter 9 - Beast
I watch Jenny lead Eli toward the kitchen, my eyes lingering on the sway of her ass in that tight dress. Even after what we just did upstairs, I'm already thinking about when I can have her again. The animal part of my brain wants to follow her, bend her over the kitchen counter, and fuck her until she screams my name loud enough for the whole clubhouse to hear.
"You might want to wipe that look off your face before Tank gets back," Rage says, breaking into my thoughts.
I turn to find him watching me with a knowing smirk. Rage isn't the club's most observant member, but he's not blind either.
"What look?" I ask, moving to the security monitors to check the perimeter cameras.
Rage snorts. "The 'I just fucked someone I shouldn't have' look. Plus, this whole place reeks of sex." He lowers his voice, glancing toward the kitchen. "You do realize that's Tank's little sister, right? The one he'd kill anyone for touching?"
I straighten, turning to face him fully. There's no point denying it. The evidence is written all over both of us, and Rage isn't a man who appreciates bullshit.
"I know exactly who she is," I say evenly.
"And you're okay with Tank wanting to rip your head off when he finds out you fucked her? Because he will find out. Shit like this always comes to light."
I shrug, checking the ammunition in my sidearm. "If Tank has a problem with it, he can take it up with me directly."
"You'd fight Tank over this?" Rage asks, genuine surprise coloring his tone.
"If necessary."
Rage shakes his head, then lets out a low whistle. "You're a fucking madman, Beast. Tank's not just your brother in the club. He's the VP."
"And Jenny's not just some woman I'm fucking. She's—" I stop, realizing I'm about to say more than I intended.
"She's what?" Rage presses, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his massive chest.
