The Darkest Of Light (The Kings of Retribution MC)

Sam and I take a seat, placing our things on the table.

"You know our names, sweets. What’s yours?" Sam asks in a playful but quiet way, sensing how shy she is. I’m shy too, but she seems to be much more closed up in her shell than I am.

"Sorry, my name is Leah."

"It’s nice to meet you," I smile at her and she smiles back.

The three of us ease into steady conversation talking about what classes we are taking. This is Leah’s freshman year too.

"You’re in my dorm building, just on the opposite side." I beam.

"I can’t stand my roommate," Leah states, "All she talks about is clothes and jocks. I think she’s a cheerleader. She’s always bubbly and chipper. Even this morning. She woke up that way. It must be exhausting. I got tired just listening to her," she jokes.

This girl is going to be a great friend. She loves books, coffee and loathes bubbly morning people. During our lengthy conversation we learn a little more about Sam and the fact that he loves to read, though his favorite genre is paranormal romance and suspense. He likes vampire and shapeshifter stories and his favorite author is Stephen King.

My first full day of college is complete, and I’ve made two new friends. We never do get around to studying. We spend the next two hours getting to know each other before Sam walks Leah and I to our dorm after we stopped and grabbed some food from the cafeteria. We part ways with plans to meet up tomorrow.

Chapter Four

Gabriel

One long, fuckin’ week. That’s how long it’s been since Alba has been gone. Four weeks since I let her walk out of my room with a broken heart and tears on her face. It took all I had in me to not go to her and kiss every one of them away. The night I spent inside Alba became another monumental moment in my life, but not the fourth. No, Alba became number one.

For months it was all I could do to keep my hands off her and fight the pull we had towards each other. The last night she spent in my bed, I couldn’t hold back any longer. No way could I have her soft curves up against my body and not take what I’ve wanted for so long—what was mine. Consequences be damned. I’ll never forget the way she looked while I took her for the first time. When Alba looks at me, she sees me—the real me. Not some tattooed monster.

Since the moment we met, Alba looked at me with wonderment and curiosity, but never fear. And that is what drew me to her the most. As to where most women take one look at my cut, my size, and my tattoos, and cower away. That or they are looking to slum it for one night with the bad boy. In most cases I’d take them up on the offer. Because, let’s be real—I’m a man and pussy is pussy. But Alba, she was never afraid of me. I’m certain she felt the same pull towards me as I to her.

When I close my eyes at night all I see are her beautiful blue ones staring back at me with pain and devastation caused by my harsh words. I did what I had to do to get her to leave. No way was I going to let her miss out on college and not become something great because of me. And Alba would have. She would have stayed in Polson and decline her scholarship for me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I allowed her to do so. It makes my heart swell that someone would sacrifice so much just to be with me, to think that I’m worth that much.

Climbing out of my bed, I make a decision to do something I’ve fought not to do all week. I need to see her face. Maybe I can’t have her, but I can at least watch her from a distance. After grabbing a quick shower, I get dressed, put on my cut, and make my way through the clubhouse. As I head outside, I pass Quinn in the parking lot on the way to my bike. Looking at his watch, he regards me.

"It’s only 6:00am, brother, you got an early appointment?"

"No, shop is closed today. I’ve got something I need to take care of." I clip, not bothering to look at him.

"You be careful on your trip to Bozeman, man."

Catching me off guard with his statement, I snap my head in his direction.

Quinn casually leans against the wall of the clubhouse, smoking a cigarette.

"What the fuck gave you the impression I was going to Bozeman."

Shrugging his shoulders, "I’m just surprised you lasted a week." He replies, completely ignoring my question.

"I don’t know what the hell you’re talkin’ about, brother." I lie.

"You forget how thin these walls are, man."

Of fuckin’ course. Quinn’s room is right next to mine. Just how much did the fucker hear that night?

"I heard some of what you said to Alba that morning, you weren’t exactly quiet. That and seeing with my own eyes her leaving your room crying. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together."

Seeing me stiffen and my eyes flair, Quinn is quick to interject.

"I get why you did it man, really I do. Still, I can tell you now, you made the wrong fuckin’ decision."

Throwing his cigarette down Quinn walks inside, leaving me with the bitter feeling of regret, because I know in my gut he’s right.