Devils Cut

Chapter 28

Corvus King

1 Year later

The smell of fresh paint still lingered in the air as I walked through our new home, my boots echoing on the polished hardwood floor. Tempest trailed behind me, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride.

”Damn, babe, this place is fucking beautiful,” I said, running a hand along the smooth wall. The colours were dark and rich, just like we”d wanted. ”You did all this?”

”Of course,” she replied with a grin. ”I wanted it to be perfect for us.”

We”d sold both of our houses and had been living at the clubhouse for the past three months while Tempest worked her magic on this place. She knew how much I valued my privacy and my space, so she made sure every inch of this house reflected both our tastes and desires.

”Check out the kitchen,” she said, leading me into the next room. Stainless steel appliances gleamed against sleek black countertops, and I could already imagine cooking for Tempest, sharing meals here.

”Damn, princess, you really went all out, huh?” I couldn”t help but smile at her enthusiasm. It was infectious.

”Only the best,” she replied, pulling me closer for a quick kiss. ”And wait until you see the bedroom.”

I followed her down the hall, taking in the attention to detail in each room. Everything from the light fixtures to the crown moulding was carefully chosen, making this house truly feel like our sanctuary.

”Here it is,” Tempest announced, pushing open the door to our master suite. A massive bed dominated the room, adorned with luxurious linens that begged to be slept in.

”Fuck, Tempest, you”ve really outdone yourself.” My voice was thick with emotion, and I pulled her tight against me, feeling her warmth seep into my skin. This place was more than I could have ever dreamed of, and it was all thanks to her.

”Home sweet home,” she whispered into my chest, and for the first time in a long while, I knew we”d found our haven.

”Out of all the places you could”ve chosen, princess, this is perfect.” We had the city on one side and the open road on the other - the best of both worlds.

”Close to the bar, too,” she smirked, glancing in the direction of the Dirty Devil just ten minutes away. ”And only twenty minutes from the clubhouse.”

”Fuckin” ideal,” I agreed. It was important to be close to the club, especially with so much going on lately. My old man getting out in six weeks on good behaviour meant he”d need our support more than ever. And then there was the wedding, just three months away.

I couldn”t wait to make Tempest my wife. She had become my rock, and I wanted everyone to know it. But we had to hold off on the ceremony. ”You sure you”re okay with waiting for my dad?” I asked her, needing to hear her say it again.

”Of course, Corvus. He”s family, and I want him to be a part of our special day.” Her fingers intertwined with mine, and I felt a surge of gratitude for this woman who had come into my life and made everything brighter.

”Speaking of family” – I paused, remembering how inseparable she had become with my mother – ”have you and my mom been conspiring behind my back?”

”Guilty as charged,” Tempest admitted, her eyes sparkling mischievously. ”Your mom”s been helping me with all the wedding planning. She”s like the mother I wish I had.”

”Good,” I said, genuinely pleased. ”She adores you, and I”m glad you have each other.”

”I have one more thing to show you.” Tempest squeaked and started to walk off out of the room, keeping my hand in hers.

I trailed behind Tempest, my eyes taking in every detail of our new home. The deep forest green walls and dark floorboards created a comforting atmosphere, one that made it hard to believe we were only minutes away from the gritty underworld of the bar and clubhouse. As we entered another room, I couldn”t help but notice the dark timber crib standing proudly in the centre.

”Um, what is this?” I frowned, my heart racing with uncertainty.

”Surprise?” Tempest”s smile was infectious as she watched my reaction. I turned to look at her, my mind reeling as I closed the distance between us.

”Are you... You”re not... Are we...” My hands found their way to her belly, searching for confirmation.

”Yes,” she laughed, her eyes shining with joy. ”I”m 10 weeks pregnant. I”ve known for three, but I wanted to surprise you.”

My chest tightened, a mix of overwhelming happiness and fear coursing through me. This was our future, the family we”d been building together. But could I protect them all from the darkness that lurked just beyond our doorstep? I shook those thoughts away, focusing on the woman before me.

A grin split my face, warmth flooding through me like a shot of whiskey. ”Princess,” I said, my voice thick with love and awe. ”I fuckin” love you.”

I sank to my knees before her, the dark floorboards cold against my legs. Without hesitation, I pressed my ear to her belly, feeling her warmth seep into my skin.

”Hi there,” I whispered, speaking to the life growing inside her. ”I”m your daddy.”

Tempest”s hand rested on my head, her fingers weaving through my hair. ”You”re going to be an amazing father, Corvus.”

”Damn right,” I agreed, my heart pounding in my chest. ”Promise me something,” My eyes flicked up to meet hers. A fierce determination burned within me, fuelling my need to keep them safe.

”Anything,” she replied, her voice steady and sure.

”Promise me we”ll raise this kid in a world where they don”t have to fear what”s waiting for them outside these walls,” I demanded, my grip on her hip tightening. ”We”ll teach them loyalty, strength, but also love and compassion. We”ll show them there”s more to life than violence and power.”

Her smile never wavered as she looked down at me, her eyes filled with unwavering trust. ”I promise, Corvus,” she swore. ”Together, we”ll give our child the best life possible.”

”Good,” I growled, satisfied with her answer. As long as I drew breath, I”d fight for our family, ensuring the darkness that had consumed her past would never touch our child”s future.

The End