Knight wished he could just focus on the discovery, but the world of the Kings of Hell didn’t get put on hold just because it turned out there were hidden rooms in the cellar, so there was only so much time they could spend down there without arousing suspicion. For now, Knight decided not to tell anyone, since he was certain the other guys would just carelessly storm through the precious evidence, unaware of how much damage they could be inflicting.
He would tell Beast in due time. For now, it wasn’t necessary, because no one but him and Elliot ever went into the cellar. It wasn’t like the findings were in any way related to club business.
As he approached the clubhouse from the magnificent front that had been long stripped of its original decoration, movement caught his attention and directed it to one of the windows of his own apartment. He slowed down, at first unnerved that someone had broken into his place, only to recognize Elliot’s long limbs and dark hair.
He smiled and waved back just as Elliot lifted the bottom sash and looked out. “Hey! I’ll be right down,” he yelled.
At the same time, Beast slowly strolled out the main door and leaned against the brick wall. Dressed in a winter jacket, a hat, and even gloves, he looked like he was about to leave the property.
Knight chewed on his lip, somewhat cooled down by his friend’s untimely appearance. He called back, “Nah, have a few things to discuss with the guys. Just stay where you are.”
Elliot nodded and closed the window so loudly Beast looked up, and his expression got a bit sterner.
“What took so long, Knight? You sick of the Christmas atmosphere Nao’s been forcing on us? It’ll be over soon.”
Knight stretched and dismounted his bike, eager to stand on solid ground for a change. “Nah. Can’t really speed in this weather. What about you? Are you planning to ban next year’s Christmas?” he teased.
Beast rubbed his forehead and came closer, but waved at Knight to come with him, away from the windows where they could be overheard. Worry made Knight somber, and he followed his prez in silence, leaving behind the bike for now. They walked along the old walls, with snow creaking under their boots in the overall silence until Beast finally spoke.
“What’s the point of celebrating Christmas at the devil’s home? Sounds like a pretty dumb idea to me. But Laurent loves all the sparkly shit, so I doubt I can ban it.”
Knight frowned, slowing down for a moment before catching up with Beast in a few long strides. “He’s not the actual devil, you know.”
Beast raised his eyebrows, or at least the skin where his eyebrows would have been if they hadn’t been scorched in a fire years ago. “Do we actually know that? We’re going in circles in the research.”
“He said so himself.”
Beast took a deep breath that exuded a cloud of steam into the air when he exhaled. “That’s true. What is he then? And if he’s not the devil, are there more creatures like him? I hate not knowing what I’m dealing with.”
Knight crossed his arms on his chest and licked his lips, instantly regretting it when the moisture cooled on his skin. “I guess Laurent will eventually find some answers. He speaks what, three languages?”
Beast stopped and looked around the snow-covered area once more. “He’s very persistent when he wants something,” he mumbled and started taking off his glove.
Knight grinned and pulled his scarf tighter around his neck. “Well, he did manage to melt your resolve to never use your dick again, so I guess you’re right.”
Beast shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “He gave me this.” Beast lifted his hand to show Knight a new addition to the collection of heavy signets.
The moment Knight saw it, he realized exactly what Beast was trying to tell him in this convoluted way, but also had to bite his tongue since officially he knew nothing about Laurent’s intention of putting a ring on Beast.
The signet was a thick dark platinum with the ruby set into what looked like a series of cracks or veins going through the metal.
Knight fought so hard to pretend he had no clue about this whole thing, but it still amused him to no end that sweet, short, long-haired Laurent who sometimes spoke like a poet in his French accent was the one to propose to big, bold Beast. “Wow. A ruby? Wonder how he got money for this piece. Jordan wanted one too. Early Christmas gift?”
Beast cleared his throat. “It’s an engagement ring. He claims he’s saved up, but I know how much money he has. He couldn’t have borrowed from a bank. And… what I mean is… I wanted you to know.” The hint of a smile on Beast’s lips became as clear as the snow around them.