Epilogue – Knot Your Boring Christmas Ending
BUDDY
I trot through the Broken Kings clubhouse like I own the place—which I kind of do.
I mean, my dad is the President here, and although Animal is disrespectful, no one would dare touch me.
A lot of things have changed this past year, and every bit of it has been good—for all of us—but I’ll get to that in a bit, because my mom has a big surprise planned.
Today, I’m wearing my club cut proudly. Thank God Dad finally got me out of those damn clothes Mom used to put on me.
Sweaters. Pajamas. Little festive pieces of bullshit that I hated—especially at Halloween.
I mean, who wants to go around looking like a fucking pumpkin?
Not me, that’s for damn sure. I will admit, however, that I kind of miss the silk pajama top she used to have me wear at night.
That thing was smooth as hell. Still, I’d never tell my crew that. Ever.
That’s another thing that’s changed. I have a crew now.
After Dad showed everyone how well the two of us work together, the guys decided they needed support too.
It started with Pie. He adopted a dog from the local pound named Biff.
Biff is what humans call a “mixed-breed dog,” which means he’s a little bit of everything and somehow came out perfect.
He has a black and white coat and a snaggletooth that hangs over his lip like a fang when he snarls.
Biff is tough as nails. He spent two years in the big house—which is what we call the pound—so yeah, he’s earned his edge.
We bonded right away. He became my second in command.
He has only one problem. Gas. My man has a definite problem with gas.
I don’t know what he eats, but it must turn rancid the minute it hits his system. It’s that bad.
We call him Dead Eye. Pie says it’s because he’s missing an eye and wears a badass black patch.
My crew knows the truth. If Dead Eye gets pissed, he backs that stubby tail of his right up and lets one rip so foul it burns your soul.
The stink gets into your clothes, your hair, stains your skin with its stink, burns your lungs, and somehow you can taste that foulness on your tongue.
Grown men cry from it. You might think I’m lying—I’m not.
I’ve seen it. You see, Dad saw Dead Eye’s potential immediately.
So now when a prospect screws up—or some asshole disrespects the club—Dad ties them up and lets Dead Eye climb up and launch one right into their face. More men cry than don’t. That’s become our dose of justice and retribution—a Broken Kings MC’s fuck you.
Knife thankfully got shed of Rebbie—an easy task considering she’s living life in prison with Dee and Mark.
He decided to claim Mouth and Pixie as his old ladies.
That was both good and bad. They’re stand-up women, so he’s happier than he’s ever been.
It’s bad for me, though. I rarely get to motorboat Mouth’s chest anymore because Knife is always right there.
I didn’t mind before I understood what that sticky stuff was all over her tits, but I’m not licking up his jizz.
Well, at least not now that I see the asshole every day. It just feels wrong.
Eventually, Animal decided he needed a dog too.
He got a massive Great Pyrenees. He’s so big, it’s like a walking snow-covered mountain moving through the club when he’s here.
Animal never shuts up about how dogs should be “big and powerful.” It pisses me off.
He thought he would prove it by getting his mutt, but the joke’s on him.
His dog—that he named Wolf, but our crew calls him Fluffy—is gentle as hell.
He’s sweet, meek, and mostly useless. We are, however, training him to hike his leg and pee on command. I’m thinking that could come in handy.
Now, I’m not entirely proud of it, but because Animal gives me so much shit, I’ve made his giant dog my little bitch.
I did it with purpose, and I’m not sorry.
I ride around on Fluffy’s back, gnaw on his ear, and get him to lick my balls when they itch.
I do it right in front of Animal. If I had a real tail instead of this fluffy stub, I’d stick it straight in the air every single time Animal came around me.
There are two more in my crew. Bo—Storm’s Australian Shepherd. Protective as hell. He’s my Enforcer and a damn good one.
Then, there’s Maude. Maude is older. Street-tough. Stringy silver hair. Unknown mix of everything dangerous and unkillable. She’s spent years on the streets—which is worse than the big house. Rocky saved her from a kill shelter. I don’t think he ever named her. He just calls her Girl.
She allows only Rocky and one other to touch her—me.
I make it to my and Dad’s office and bark. Dad grins down at me. “Ready to watch Caleb open his presents?” I bark my agreement, and he scoops me up. I ride on his shoulder like a king as we head into the main room.
“Hey, Horse, what time’s dinner tomorrow?” Pie calls out to Dad.
“Around two,” Dad replies. “Gwen says her sister and brother-in-law will be there. She told me to warn you if you start any freaky shit, she’s kicking all three of you out.”
“No worries,” Pie says. “I’m bringing a date. So my cock can’t tame Cora tomorrow, sorry. Maybe for New Year's,” he brags.
Dad laughs. I snort. Pie’s Cora and Chips’ very unofficial, self-appointed marriage counselor.
By that I mean, he fucks the bitch out of Cora while Chip watches them.
Then, he walks out and lets them work through their issues together.
I don’t know if it works, but I will say Cora is nicer these days and has stopped getting so many fucking procedures done—although she kept her ass implants and her double-D tits.
I seriously think Chip is an asshole, but I have to say the man knows how to make tits and ass that will make you stand up, pay attention, and salivate to lick them.
The ride home is quiet. I lay my head on Dad’s leg in silent support. Mom’s been keeping secrets. Dad doesn’t know what yet—but I do. He’s worried she’s sick, and he’s given her time to confess, but since she hasn’t, I know he’s planning to confront her tonight.
Adults complicate everything.
Once we get home. Caleb and Mom are in the kitchen, giggling.
I head in that direction as Dad kicks off his boots.
The whole crew is here—Mal and Storm—who have been together for almost eight months, Knife, Rocky, and Animal.
Mouth and Pixie flank Knife, and he’s grinning like he always does these days.
My crew are gathered in the corner. I greet Maude first, pressing my nose to her shoulder in respect. She allows it. Pie and Dead Eye come in through the back door. They must’ve followed us as soon as we pulled out of the parking lot.
Dad’s eyes lock on Mom and Caleb. I settle against Maude’s hip, warming the ache in her joints. She whimpers softly. I lick her fur in response and settle in for the show.
“What’s going on?” Dad asks.
Mom grins as Caleb holds two boxes, and they walk over to Dad.
“We have a surprise, Dad!” Caleb says, totally excited.
Dad opens the first. It’s a small rectangular device. I watch him push a button. Then, a steady thumping fills the room.
“What’s this?” Dad asks, clearly confused.
Caleb shoves the second box at him. “Here, open the next one!”
Dad shuts off the device and lays it back down. Then, opens the second box. It’s a shirt, and he holds it up. His body blocks it, so I can’t really see, but I already know exactly what it looks like.
“You’re pregnant,” Dad says quietly, looking from the shirt to Mom and back again.
Mom nods, crying and smiling. “The tap is the baby’s heartbeat.”
Dad’s hands shake. “I thought something was wrong. I got a call from the hospital confirming your appointment, but they wouldn’t tell me anything. I was so worried.”
Caleb holds up his shirt. “Look, Dad, it tells everyone I’m going to be a big brother.”
Dad puts his down, but I already know it says he’s going to be a future girl dad. “It sure does, son,” he says, hugging Caleb. He puts a hand on each side of Mom’s face and whispers, “I was so worried.”
Mom shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were worried. I just wanted to surprise you for Christmas.”
“I fucking love you so much, Gwen.”
“I love you, too,” she says and then, boy does Dad lay one on her.
The room erupts. Cheers. Laughter. My crew howls.
I glance at Maude, licking and nibbling on her fur. Happiness shines in her eyes. That’s exactly what I want for her. Dad always says a good woman deserves respect, care, and devotion. I take that seriously—with Maude.
Rocky and the crew stand up and start opening pizza boxes. My crew and I saunter over, wanting our fair share. I bark at Rocky, snarling until he tosses me a piece. I catch it mid-air and immediately drop it for Maude, licking her snout.
“You’re growing on me, Buddy,” Rocky mutters.
I ignore him. Instead, I get behind Maude and start licking around her tail. She may have some miles on her, but I know what Maude likes, and I’m going to give it to her after I make sure she eats.
My baby girl continues eating her pizza but looks back at me with a glint in her eyes.
I let out my bark and continue licking her.
Dad’s going to have a kid. Maude feels she’s too old, but she tastes sweeter when I lick her.
I have a feeling her heat is just around the corner.
There’s also no way that I can let my dad outdo me.
The thought of Maude having my pups turns me on, so once she finishes her pizza, I pull on her ear and insist she follows me to my doggie bed in the living room by the tree.
The tree lights should be romantic enough.
Girls like that shit. Then, I get down to business.
Eventually, the crew from the kitchen make their way out into the living room.
Rocky arrives first, which I find hilarious.
He stands at the door and stares at me. I give him a toothy grin, because I’m knotted inside my Maude and she’s being a good little girl, keeping her head down and giving her daddy—me—exactly what I’m demanding.
“Motherfucker,” Rocky hisses. “Horse, get your ass out here and get your dog under control.”
I howl my dominance and happiness. Rocky will just have to suck it up. Maude’s mine. If he’s good, I’ll allow him to come here to visit her from now on. After all, my girl loves the asshole. You have to make allowances for annoying family. I’ve seen how Dad does that with Cora, Chip, and Robin.
Dad comes out, takes one look at me and Maude, then slaps Rocky on the shoulder. “Looks like you’re going to be a grandpa, Rocky. That a’ boy, Buddy. Give it to her good,” he praises me, as I bite down on Maude’s back making her shudder in pleasure.
Rocky curses again and stomps out. Eventually my knot eases, and I start licking on my woman, soothing her.
We lay together in silence, watching our family together.
In the distance, the clock strikes midnight, signaling it’s officially Christmas.
Maude begins to beg for more, and I climb back on her, giving her what she wants.
To the humans, it may sound like I’m just barking, but Maude hears what I’m really saying.
“Don’t worry, baby. Daddy’s got you. I’ll always give you what you want.” I’m a dog so I don’t purr, but as I move so she doesn’t have pressure on her hip, I feel like I could.
Maude whimpers back. “Love you, Buddy. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” I croon.
I’ve lived a damn good life, but ever since my dad and mom got together, it’s been better for everyone.
Dad says Mom was his Christmas miracle last year.
I think he’s wrong, and he was probably ours instead.
In the end, it doesn’t matter. The truth is a miracle happened last Christmas and more is happening this year, for my parents and Caleb, and for me and Maude.
I really can’t wait to see what happens next year.