KING

In a sea of black hair and emerald eyes is a siren calling my name. A lake of beauty and grace that has hidden secrets at every turn. Fear swirls within those emerald eyes. Fear that’s deep rooted and not easily forgotten.

“Let me drive you home, angel.”

I wasn’t sure if she was going to allow it. We’ve been sitting at the hospital with Kallie for ages. Waiting for her to wake up, waiting for something that let us know, she’s still here with us. Dammit, Kallie, wake up.

Fear surged through those green eyes when she looked at me. I can’t say that I blame her. I’m all her nightmares come to life. But she’s the last person I would ever hurt, and I would do anything to protect her. She deserves that at least. I don’t know her past, but I can tell by the look in her eyes she still fears it, still dreams of it. I wish I knew those deep seated secrets.

She must see something within my own eyes. Maybe it’s the weary dread of possibly losing a loved one or the beat down tiredness of being the boss. Either way, she nods, and I lead her out towards my car and into the dark night.

The drive is nothing but silent. Only the reflection in the window lets me know she’s still awake. Her arms uncrossed but her hands tightly hidden under her thighs. My own hand tightly gripping the steering wheel as her smell wafts throughout the car. As soon as I park, she has her door open like the car is on fire.

“I’m good here, King.”

“Nonsense. I will make sure your place is safe before I leave. Give me that at least.”

She snorts a laugh, but opens the door and ushers me in. She then heads towards the bathroom. It doesn’t take much to look around when it’s just a studio apartment. It’s completely open with the much of the furniture from Bishops old apartment in Seattle. There’s a large bed in the middle of the room. Along with a small kitchen and an area for entertaining.

I decided to wait for her to come out when it seems like everything hits me all at once. My breathing is starting to make my chest heavy. I’m tired and it’s not just my body. I feel the weariness all the way to my bones.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, that’s in the middle of this large room, I lean over with my elbows on my knees. I lay my head in my hands and wonder if I’ll ever find a semblance of peace. Just a sliver. It’s not like I’m asking for a lifetime of it, because I know a man like me will never end up happy.

I feel her gentle fingers as they glide over my wrists and up towards my hands, then thread through my hair on the top of my head. My body automatically starts to react to the heat of her standing in front of me. In her sanctuary, it seems her fear of me is gone. Or maybe in my weakened state, I seem safer.

“King? Are you okay?”

My arms unfold and I wrap my them around her waist and lay my forehead on her stomach. She doesn’t stiffen up and she doesn’t push me away. I take a deep breath. She smells like lavender and feels like home. Just for a moment, I can breathe again.

Feeling her fingers running through my dark hair, I close my eyes and let go, let the feelings take over. I feel the light scraping of her nails on my scalp, the chill bumps it inflicts. The smell of this woman, the softness of her against me and forget everything waiting for me in the morning.

There’s no paperwork, no meetings and no phone calls to prepare for. There’s no businesses to check on, men to keep in line and no hard decisions to make. Kallie isn’t trying to leave us, and my brothers are both fine. Just for a moment in time, there’s nothing needing me. My shoulders are free of responsibility.

“Let me take care of you, King.”

I just nod into her abdomen and feel her hands slide down my back grabbing the hem of my shirt and pull up. Forcing me to pull back and look at her. Forcing me to stare at those entrancing eyes, I can’t help but question her.

“Are you sure about this? Because this is all I can give.”

“I’m sure I shouldn’t, but I need to anyway. You’re not the only one who needs relief.”

No words were better spoken. But as soon as I tasted Laken Nash, I knew I was in trouble. There is no more fear in her, for now. Just the comfort of each other’s bodies and the solace of our souls. Only to cause a craving in me deep down that will never be sated.

****

Ever since we got Kallie back, our lives have been dealing with the aftermath of the shit show the Governor and Soren caused. The cleanup that only our dark kind can do. Soren will never be found. Kallie’s father took care of James Ashford.

On top of that, we’re still dealing with the side effects of the head trauma Kallie endured. Headaches that debilitate her and send her to a dark room for hours on end. Luckily, they are few and far between now, but still hit at the most random times. Yet, who are we to complain? I’ll take a headache over a funeral any day.

I just got back from checking on some businesses that seems to be slacking, when my phone keeps ringing. I’ve already sent it to voicemail several times. Never a peaceful moment. Someone always needing something. I’m already in a pissed off mood and pick up my blasted phone without even checking, figuring it’s one of my brothers.

“This is King, make it fucking fast.”

“King, it’s me.”

“Laken, is everything alright?”

“We need to talk. It’s about the night we were together.”

“Laken, as much as I enjoyed that night, I don’t think it’s wise of us to do it again. I don’t do relationships.”

She snorts. Seriously, she snorts like it’s the craziest thing she’s ever heard.

“Me either, King. Even though that night was enjoyable for me too, trust me, that’s not why I’m calling. You left something important behind.”

“I’m pretty sure I didn’t.”

“Oh, I’m positive you did.”

“And you’re just telling me this now? That was months ago.”

“I just found out.”

“Fine. What is it?”

“King, I’m pregnant with your baby.”

“Fuck! You sure I didn’t just leave behind my wallet?”

Bishop once told me fate and free will work together. Life changes depending on your choices. But destiny? She’s an absolute bitch. She’ll hunt your ass down and change everything you had planned. Not to even try and fight her on it. The outcome will still be the same.

My name is King Constantine. I’m the Don of the largest syndicate in the U.S.

And I’m not afraid to tell that bitch, destiny, to fuck off.