In the Arms of the Beast (Kings of Hell MC 5)

Magpie remained still for most of the conversation, his eyes, blue as two sapphires, watched the town buildings pass by as if he were seeing them for the first time. The Hummer had darkened windows, so perhaps that was the case. They were just off the Greek revival-style town hall when Magpie finally spoke.

“I know you’re not comfortable with my involvement most of the time, but perhaps I could go with you to the store, pay for Marcel’s things? I would like to be certain he has the best of everything.”

Beast glanced at Laurent with the question in his eyes clear as day.

“I would hate to inconvenience you—” Laurent started.

Magpie shook his head. “Not at all! Nothing will take my mind off the pain better than this.”

It was settled then. Not a bad compromise. Magpie wanted to be included and Laurent wouldn’t mind him paying, but Beast was quick to cut in.

“Don’t worry about the money. We can afford it, but maybe you could offer some... insight.”

Magpie’s face brightened as if he’d just been told a child of his own was on the way, and he settled in the seat with more comfort. “I do actually. When I was saving Beast’s life, my own flashed before my eyes, and I couldn’t help but think of Marcel. Isn’t having a child strange? It’s not you, but it’s… a part of you, so in some way… it is you.”

Laurent frowned. “Huh? What are you trying to say?”

“Since Marcel was in me, maybe there is a part of me in him after all.”

Laurent glared to the back seat in shock, instantly assessing Magpie’s blue eyes, his darker skin, his symmetric face. Was it possible that Magpie had influenced Marcel somehow? How were they to know?

Beast cleared his throat. “I mean... I don’t know how this works, but aren’t you more like a surrogate than an egg donor?”

Magpie shrugged. “There are no certainties in this matter, but I chose to believe he is mine too, and even if you choose not to include me in his life, I will still deeply care for him.”

Laurent took his time processing that, unwilling to offend Magpie when the demon had in fact been gracious with them, and had proved his bravery today. If Magpie really did crave closeness with others in ways he’d never before suggested, who was Laurent to deny him a substitute family of sorts?

Laurent chose his words carefully. “As long as it’s understood that Marcel is mine and Beast’s, I would not wish to exclude you. I believe you said you cannot sire children yourself?”

“Yes, that doesn’t seem to be a possibility. To be honest, in all the years I’ve lived, I hadn’t wanted to anyway, but I do love the idea of having… another me.”

Laurent frowned, wanting to say that it wasn’t how children worked but once more bit his tongue. “The only thing I worry about is the kind of energy you and Baal operate on affecting the baby.”

Magpie scowled. “Shadow operates on the same energy, and you accept him as your own.”

Beast smirked as he drove down the highway toward the shopping center. “Whatever genes he’s born with, you will be his father, Laurent. I’m sure he’ll be a well-behaved boy with the best grades at school.”

Just thinking about it filled Laurent with pride. “I do wonder what he will be like. But I would hate to force his path. I will intend to gently guide him nevertheless.”

Beast snorted. “ ‘Gently guide’ him? With you it’ll probably be more like a boot camp,” he said, softening the blow with a squeeze to Laurent’s shoulder.

Magpie sighed. “I do wish for him to have all the freedom he can. A child should not be restricted in any way, or he won’t develop his full potential.”

That Laurent could not agree with, but it wasn’t like they needed to discuss those details yet. “You can give him all the freedom when he visits you. Other than that, I find structure necessary. Jasper, may I ask you about your powers? You often say you don’t know how everything works, but you certainly engage in particular activities or encourage them in your vicinity to gather your power, is that right?”

Magpie shrugged. “Of course. Baal and I don’t differ much on that level.”

Beast remained silent, listening, and Laurent felt a surge of need to prove to him his theory about the deadly sins had merit.

“Would you say there are also things that diminish your power or block it? I have an inclination to believe the sources of your energy align with the concept of seven deadly sins, like gluttony, greed, pride. If that is the case, one might venture to deduct the seven virtues might in turn be their opposite. Chastity, kindness, humility, charity, patience, diligence, and temperance. Have you ever felt them affect your powers?”