Chapter Eleven
King
WATCHING MY KITTEN sleep, I try to push the rage consuming me down to nothing. The last thing she needs right now is to know how fucking pissed off I am. My entire body is trembling as much as hers from the rage coursing through my veins. I don’t want to scare her, but this shit is gonna end and I don’t give a fuck what I have to do to make that happen. Including going to her family to talk to them about the shit she’s been suffering through on her own. She’s been sleeping for almost six hours now and I’ve done nothing but watch her. Hope hasn’t entered my room to bring us food or anything. I sent her a message telling her Brynn was sleeping and not to allow anyone in my room because if she got woken up, I’d be pissed. She assured me no one would enter until I let her know Brynn was awake and ready to eat something. That’s the next thing I need to do because I’ll take care of every need this woman has.
Picking up my phone from where it sits on the nightstand next to my bed, I pull up Jinx’ contact and send him a message.
Me: Gonna need a ride. Not sure we’ll be back today. Gotta make a phone call and let Brynn know where I’m going.
Setting my phone next to me on the bed, I wait for my best friend to message me back. Yes, I have a phone call to make, but I have to talk to Brynn before that call is made. Plus, I have to talk to Vault and let him know what’s going on. He’ll need to be okay with me going into another club’s territory.
“Kitten, I need you to wake up,”
I practically whisper, hating the fact that I have to wake her up.
“Mhm,”
she mumbles, sinking down further into the blankets while pushing closer to my body.
I can’t stop the erection from growing in my sweatpants with Brynn’s luscious ass pressed up against me. The last thing she needs to do is feel any kind of pressure from me when sex is the last thing she needs to be thinking about. Right now, we need to figure out who’s after her and make sure they don’t get close to her at all. They’ve obviously gotten closer to her than she’s comfortable with considering they have pictures of her naked. That’s not something anyone else is gonna see from her again. Not unless it’s me and she’s writhing under my touch.
“Brynn, we need to talk,”
I tell her again as her eyes pop open and a slow smile spreads across her face, lighting up her sleep-filled eyes while she turns to face me.
“What’s going on, Kingston?”
she asks me, her voice softer than normal as she yawns and tries to cover it with her hand.
“I need to call your grandpa and have a talk with your family about this. If you have no clue who is after you, they might be able to give me an idea of someone you interacted with back home. The only reason I’m tellin’ you now is because I won’t keep any secrets from you,”
I inform her as she instantly becomes alert and sits up in my bed.
“Are you sure it needs to go to them, Kingston? They’re gonna lose their minds and want to know why I haven’t said anything to them. See, I kind of lost my shit when I was there and went off on every person in the club. I told them everything but about this asshole coming for me. I don’t want them to lose their shit and go off the rails. You don’t know my dad, uncle, and grandpa,”
she says, fear filling her voice as I pull her into my arms and hold her tight.
“I’m sure it needs to go to them, Kitten. They have the right to know and I’m gonna go talk to them so you don’t have to. It will give you time before they start bombardin’ you with calls and messages. I’m gonna go alone with Jinx while you stay here. I know you can work from home so there’s nothin’ stoppin’ you from workin’ right here in my room. I’d prefer it if you didn’t go to the bookstore or anywhere else while I’m gone. Are you okay with that?”
I ask her, needing her to understand how serious I am about this because her safety is on the line and I won’t risk that for any reason.
“Okay, Kingston. Let me get my grandpa’s number for you,”
she says, pushing the blankets down off her body and getting out of bed.
It doesn’t take Brynn long to find her phone on the floor of my room with her car keys.
She must have dropped them when she got here yesterday and neither one of us thought about it after the fact.
Since no one’s been in here, it’s not like she’d have to worry about someone taking them.
Not that anyone here would take her keys and phone.
Especially not while they’re in my room.
I don’t go for that shit and none of my brothers or ol’ ladies do either.
Brynn tells me the number and I put it in my phone.
Saving it under Blood’s name, I press the call button and put the phone on speaker.
If I’m doing this, Brynn can hear everything being said between the two of us.
At least for this part.
When I go there, I won’t give her many details of what’s said between her family and me.
If I know anything about them, it’s that they’re about to lose their shit when they learn Brynn has a stalker.
My family members would lose it immediately and I don’t see Blood, Scathe, or Ace being any different.
I don’t know them personally, but I do know Scathe and Ace are Blood’s sons and the three of them are extremely close. Closer than a lot of other families.
“’Lo?”
Blood answers his phone, his voice unsure of who’s on the other line.
“Blood, this is King from the Phantom Bastards MC,”
I respond, my voice strong and steady.
“King, what do I owe the pleasure of hearin’ from you?”
he asks, muffled noise in the background going silent and I know he’s not alone.
“Sir, I’m callin’ because I need to come see you. I’ve got Brynn here with me and she’s brought somethin’ to my attention. It’s important that I talk to you, her dad, uncle, and anyone else you might think is important to sit in on the meetin’,”
I inform Blood and wait for him to start questioning me.
“Brynn? Is she okay? What’s wrong with her? Do we need to come to Pine View? Can she hear me?”
Blood shoots rapid fire questions at me and I can hear the fear in his voice.
“I’m here, Papa. I’m okay. There’s something going on and Kingston is handling it for me. Please sit down and talk with him,”
she says, her voice barely audible as she sinks onto my bed and buries her face in my chest.
“Okay, baby girl. Kingston, we’ll be waitin’ for you to show up. Are you bringin’ the entire club?”
he asks, an urgent undertone to his voice.
“No, sir. I’m bringin’ Jinx and him alone. My President, Vault, will know what’s goin’ on, but he won’t make the trip with us,”
I state, knowing he won’t give a fuck about the entire club showing up at his clubhouse if this concerns his granddaughter. “I want as many men here to watch over Brynn while I’m on my way to see you. She’ll be stayin’ on the compound and I’ve already asked her not to leave for any reason.”
“It’s that bad?”
he questions me, as I hear muted conversation from his end of the line.
“It is. After I talk to you, I plan on bringin’ my dad in on this to help me gather as much information as quickly as possible. If none of you and Brynn have a problem with that,”
I tell him, not wanting to give any details over the phone.
“Fox is a good man. If you’re anythin’ like him, I know my granddaughter is in good hands. We’ll see you soon, Kingston,”
Blood says before hanging up the phone.
“I’m gonna have Jinx help me get dressed. Hope will keep you company and introduce you to the other ol’ ladies here in the clubhouse. She’ll show you where everything is and that’s about it. You grew up in a club and know the rules. I’m not worried about you at all,”
I tell her, as my phone vibrates and I see Jinx has finally responded.
Jinx: On my way up. Need me to bring Vault with me?
Me: Yeah. Gonna need you to help me get dressed while I talk to him. Gonna have Hope spend time with Brynn while we’re gone.
Jinx: Be there in a minute.
“I’m sorry, Kingston. I’m bringing this shit to your door and if I’d told you no to the date, this wouldn’t be happening,”
Brynn says, pulling back from me as I look at her.
“Don’t, Kitten. You sayin’ yes to our date was the best day of my life so far. Wasn’t gonna give you a chance to say no to me. I woulda kept showin’ up until I wore you down. You aren’t bringin’ anythin’ to my door that I’m not fully prepared to handle,”
I assure her as a knock sounds on my door and Jinx enters followed by Vault.
I fill the guys in on what’s going on as Jinx helps me dress.
The last place I want to go right now is another club, but this shit with Brynn is too important to put it off until the pain finally leaves my body.
Vault assures me they’ll watch over Brynn and make sure she’s taken care of.
He gives me full permission to go to Blood on my own with Jinx and that he’s only a call away if I need help.
Jinx and Vault leave my room so I can tell Brynn goodbye.
Pulling her into my arms, I hold her close and press my lips to hers.
It’s been too fucking long since I tasted her or felt her soft, full lips against mine.
Brynn opens her mouth for me to slide my tongue in to tangle with hers.
The kiss is deep and full of everything we’re feeling in this moment but aren’t ready to say to one another.
When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathing heavy as I lean my forehead against Brynn’s.
After a minute, Jinx and Hope enter my room and I press my lips against Brynn’s once more in a chaste kiss before letting my best friend help me out of bed and making sure I have my cane as we leave the bedroom.
P ulling up to the clubhouse of King’s Vengeance MC, we’re stopped at the gate by a Prospect.
After letting him know my name and that we’re here for a meeting with Blood, he lets us in and tells us where to park.
Jinx stays close to my side as I get out of his truck but he knows how important it is for me to do this on my own.
We’re not home or at our family’s clubhouse.
This is a different MC and one neither one of us has personally interacted with.
My pain level is almost non-existent today, but it’s still there.
The only reason I’m using my cane is because my leg feels weak and I don’t want to fall because it collapses under my weight.
We make our way to the main door and enter the clubhouse. The common room is full of people as I look around with Jinx at my back.
“Kingston fuckin’ Stevens,”
a man says, his voice echoing around the room. “I’m Scathe, Brynn’s dad. It’s a fuckin’ honor to meet you.”
Scathe makes his way over to me and holds out his hand for me to shake. Gripping his hand, I shake it and offer him a smile. I can tell Brynn was holding back from telling me her dad was a fan of mine. Two more men stand up and make their way over to me. Scathe introduces me to Ace and Blood. These are the men I’m here to meet and talk to about Brynn and what’s going on with her.
“Let’s go to my office. Jinx, are you sittin’ in on this meetin’?”
Blood asks after a few minutes.
“I’m goin’ with Kingston. I’ve got somethin’ he brought with us that he feels you need to see to understand what’s goin’ on,”
Jinx answers as we all start moving toward Blood’s office.
Thankfully no one says a fucking word about me using a cane and limping because the muscles in my leg don’t want to work right now. Getting in the office, Blood takes his seat behind his desk while his sons stand behind him. Jinx and I take the two chairs across from Blood and I get comfortable before talking to them about what’s going on.
“First of all, I want to thank you for meetin’ with me and for your club participatin’ in the ride when I had my crash,”
I say, looking at Blood, Scathe, and Ace. “Jinx is holdin’ a tote filled with things someone has been leavin’ on Brynn’s porch. She told me it started shortly after she moved in and has been gettin’ progressively worse. The last shit she got is the worst of all. This tote is filled with photos of her and notes that have been left behind. I have removed a few of the photos just because you don’t need to see her like that. Brynn knows I’ve removed those from the tote and they have been locked in the safe at our clubhouse.”
“We’re big fans of yours and have been since you started racin’. Heard about the ride and made sure we were there for it,”
Blood states. “Besides, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Slim and some of the other guys. We would’ve been there regardless of if it was for you or someone else. We didn’t use to do charity rides, but we’ve gotten into them more over the last several years. Your ride was among the first we did.”
Jinx stands up and hands over the tote. Blood sets it on his desk and looks at his sons before removing the lid and standing from his seat while being crowded on either side by Scathe and Ace. They start sifting through the notes and pictures. Jinx and I remain in our seats, watching them as they look through everything she’s saved.
“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?”
Scathe explodes when they’ve finally looked through it all. “My baby girl has been gettin’ this shit since she moved and we’re just now hearin’ about it?”
“I’m sorry, Scathe. Brynn has her reasons and she’ll tell you them herself. I didn’t ask her because that’s a conversation you need to have with her. I won’t betray her in that way,”
I state, looking between Brynn’s family members.
All three men are trying their hardest to hold back the rage they feel. I can see it in their eyes and by the veins pulsing in their necks that are sticking out more than a few minutes ago. Blood drops in his seat and stares at the tote filled with everything.
“Have we hurt her so much over the years that our girl doesn’t feel like she can talk to us about this shit?”
he asks no one in particular as his rage turns to pain and heartache.
“No, Dad. This is my daughter tryin’ to protect us and make sure we don’t overtake her life. She wanted to ignore the situation and the only reason it’s comin’ out now is because Kingston has been involved. You saw the note and those pictures of him. I’m guessin’ you’re the man she was talkin’ about when she mentioned somethin’ about a bet?”
Scathe states, turning his glare on me and waiting for me to defend myself.
“Yes, sir. I did go to the bookstore she frequents because I lost a bet. However, all thoughts of the bet flew out of my mind the second I saw her sittin’ on the second floor of the store. She was lost in her book but still knew if someone was near her. Brynn completely captured my attention in that second and the only thought I had was gettin’ to know her. It wasn’t even a thought—it was a desperate need and I couldn’t fight it even if I wanted to. I’ve explained this to Brynn and apologized for not tellin’ her about the bet. We’ve been out on one date and I was plannin’ on tellin’ her but didn’t want to push her away before she had a chance to see who I truly am,”
I answer, never looking away from Scathe so he can see and understand the truth of my words in regards to his daughter.
“I’m not speakin’ for my best friend here, but I will tell you when he saw Brynn again, we were on our way to the clubhouse after a physical therapy session. Kingston can’t stand on his own after one of those sessions, but he demanded I pull into the parkin’ lot of the bookstore. Walked inside and upstairs to talk to Brynn and give her his truth. He was covered in sweat and couldn’t walk on his own by the time I got him out of there. That’s how important Brynn is to him,”
Jinx speaks up on my behalf as Scathe, Blood, and Ace look at me.
“How are things goin’ after your crash?”
Ace questions me, putting off the talk about Brynn’s situation for a minute.
“I have my good and bad days. This time I was in more pain from therapy, but that was yesterday and today I’m up and movin’ around. I have to think that means I’m gettin’ stronger. Hate appearin’ so vulnerable and weak in front of you,”
I admit as I let my eyes drop to the floor at my feet.
“You’re standin’ on your own two feet after a horrific crash you almost didn’t survive, King. I’d say you’re showin’ us how fuckin’ strong and determined you are,”
Blood says, a small smile on his face. “Exactly what my grandbaby needs in her life. Gonna say this once and only once. You hurt Brynn and I’ll bring the entire club to your fuckin’ door. We will rip your entire world apart. I’m sayin’ it because I’ll be nicer than my son. He’s worse than anythin’ you’ve ever heard about me when it comes to his girls.”
“Not gonna hurt her. Ever. Things go my way, I plan on makin’ her my ol’ lady and marryin’ Brynn as soon as she’ll let me. She’s my future and there is no one else for me,”
I state, nodding back to the tote between us. “Need to know if anyone here has any idea of who would be after Brynn and doin’ this shit to her. We’re too new for me to have any solid ideas.”
“There’s only one person I can think of. Name is Jerome Battle. He was a Prospect for the club when Brynn was younger. I think she was maybe ten years old. Battle had an unhealthy obsession with my girl and I caught him followin’ her around the compound. It wasn’t until he tried to follow her into the bathroom that I lost my shit on him. Ace was on a run, but after I beat the hell outta him, Blood took his turn. We voted him out the second Ace and the guys with him got back. While he was waitin’, Jerome was locked in a cell. He begged and pleaded to get out, sayin’ Brynn was his ol’ lady and she loved him as he loved her. Made me fuckin’ sick and I was outvoted to put a bullet in his brain. If this is him, my girl is in more danger than you know,”
Scathe says as Blood and Ace think about his words and I can see the moment they both realize who Scathe is talking about.
“That slimy motherfucker!”
Ace yells, punching a hole in the wall of his dad’s office. “You find him, King, we want him. Don’t give a fuck what condition he arrives here in as long as he’s still fuckin’ breathin’.”
“Not gonna take that shit from any of you. I just need to know names and anythin’ you can think of so I can get to work and find this fucker before anythin’ more happens. Brynn is scared. She was shakin’ and it took her a while to fall asleep when she showed up at the clubhouse to tell me. She had followed us back there yesterday and spent the rest of the day with me. Left when I woke up to go home and get some sleep. Brynn didn’t sleep when she was home. I guarantee she sat there, alone, and jumped at every noise she heard. She’s got bags under her eyes even after sleepin’ next to me. I promised her I’d figure it out and I plan on keepin’ that promise,”
I inform them, telling them more of what they need to know so I get all the help they can give me.
“Jerome Battle is my guess as to who’s behind this shit. If we think of anyone else, we’ll give you a call, King. I’m gonna call church and let the guys know what’s goin’ on. Maybe one of them have seen somethin’ over the years one of us missed. Not gonna tell the women. If Brynn comes clean to them, that’s on her. She’ll keep this to herself as long as possible if I know anythin’ about her,”
Blood informs me as I stand from my seat with Jinx and we make our way out of his office. “You two be safe headin’ home. Tell Brynn we’ll call to check on her tomorrow. We’re trustin’ her to you, King. Don’t let us down.”
“I won’t. Brynn will be kept as safe as if she were here with you,”
I assure them as Jinx follows me from the room and we make our way back through the common room and out to my best friend’s truck.
The trip home is almost silent.
I’m thinking about going home and getting to work on digging up everything I can find on this Jerome Battle.
I’m not gonna call my dad in on this just yet.
He’d help me in a heartbeat, but this is on me.
I need to be the one to protect my future ol’ lady and make sure Jerome pays for his sins.
This stupid fuck has no clue about the hell he’s unleashed by coming for Brynn. He doesn’t just have King’s Vengeance on his ass, he’s got every chapter of the Phantom Bastards coming for him as well.