The Darkest Of Light (The Kings of Retribution MC)

I debated for a minute whether or not to bring Sam or Leah with me on my weekend trip home. In the end I chose to go it alone. Frankly, I needed the time to myself and the drive is allowing me to have just that. At least the guys are away on club business. Hiding things from my sister is my other concern. She always knows when something’s not right with me. Good thing is, if she senses it, she won’t push the issue. Bella has always been good at letting me have my space and waits for me to share with her when I’m ready.

Problem is, when will I be ready? A swollen, pregnant belly is not something I will be able to hide forever. Nevertheless, this is something I’m determined to do on my own. The last thing I need is a broody Cuban finding out I’m having his baby. Not yet anyway. I need a little more time.

Feeling my stomach rumble, I stop at the next available gas station. I’ve got another hour before I reach home and I feel like I haven’t eaten in days. Walking into the store I head for the candy aisle and grab some Peanut Butter Cups before grabbing a large bottle of water from the cooler at the back of the store. I head to the front to pay for my things when I get the feeling I’m being watched. I scan my surroundings and find nothing and no one except for the older cashier upfront. I guess I’m paranoid from yesterday. Shrugging my shoulders, I step up to the counter and place my items down.

I pay for my things and head back outside to my truck when it starts to rain. Climbing in, I get myself situated by taking the time to unwrap some candies and place them in a small plastic cup that’s sitting in my cup holder, so I can munch without having to try and unravel wrappers as I drive.

Ten minutes later I’m back on the road with the radio turned up as Adele’s Hiding My Heart Away blares through the speaker in the cab of my pickup truck as I cruise down the road with the wipers flicking away the drops of rain from the windshield, and I wipe an escaping tear from my eye.

Polson city limits. Another twenty-five minutes and I’ll be home. On my way through downtown-main street, I pass the tattoo shop and notice the bikes sitting outside and recognize one of them as Gabriel’s. What the hell?

Bella said that the guys were gone—out of town. Maybe they haven’t left yet. That’s it. I know Bella wouldn’t lie to me. She knows I’m avoiding Gabriel even though I haven’t said so or told her why. She made it a point that I knew they would be gone.

Calm down. No one will find out anything.

I don’t even make it all the way up the driveway of Logan and Bella’s home when she comes bursting out the front door barefoot. A smile lights up my face. I’m genuinely happy to see my sister. My truck door is opened as soon as I park and turn the truck off. Bella is climbing in for a hug before I can even get my seatbelt off.

"Oh my god! I have missed you so much!" she sing-songs.

"I missed you too," I say as she releases me. I unbuckle, reach into the back seat, and grab my overnight bag before climbing out. Once we make it inside and Bella closes the door Sofia comes walking down the stairs.

"Alba! It’s good to see you. When did you get here? I didn’t hear you come in, I was on the phone with my counselor."

"Everything okay?" I ask as I place my bag on the floor and my purse and keys on the small table by the stairs.

"Oh, yeah, everything is good. She wanted to know if I felt like volunteering this weekend at the community outreach center. I’m going to stay over at my friend’s house tonight and ride with her since she’s volunteering too." Sofia says, stopping in front of me and giving me a hug. "I just wanted to come down and say hi before Jessica comes to pick me up." The honking of a horn has Sofia rushing back up the stairs. "That’s my ride. I’m going to grab my bag then get out of here and let you guys catch up."

Walking into the kitchen I sit down on a stool at the large island counter as my

sister grabs us both something to drink from the refrigerator.

"I thought the guys were going to be out of town this weekend. I saw their bikes in town on the way here," I question her.

Sitting a soda in front of me, Bella stands on the opposite side of the kitchen with a look on her face telling me she sees right through me.

"I’m sorry, that’s what Logan told me the other day. Then plans changed I guess. All I know is they won’t be leaving after all."

"Why didn’t you call and tell me?" Shit. That came out kind of bitchy. It’s not her fault.

Before I can apologize she narrows her eyes and then tells me, "I didn’t call you back and tell you because you might have decided not to come home this weekend. I know you have your reasons for avoiding a certain biker and hopefully someday you’ll share that with me, but I wanted to see my sister."

I frown and slouch in my seat. All I have to do for the next twenty-four hours is stay away from the clubhouse.

"I’m sorry. I’m just really tired. And I’m happy to be here too." Needing to change the subject. "I’m starving. What’s for dinner?"

Smiling, she takes the hint, going along with the change of subject. On queue my stomach growls, loudly. Besides the blueberry muffin breakfast, I ate this morning, and the candy on the ride here, I haven’t had much more to eat today. I need to make it a point to eat better.

"Logan is working late. We can order in tonight. How does pizza sound?" My sister asks me. Pizza sounds amazing right now.

"I want extra cheese on mine." I respond as I stand and walk over placing my glass into the sink.

"Why don’t you go get settled in your room while I call the order in. We can watch a movie when you come back down, maybe talk about how those classes are going. I want to hear all about your new friends too." She speaks wearing a smile.

I walk to the stairs, pick up my bags along the way and proceed to make my way up to my room right next to Sofia’s. As soon as I step inside my phone pings with a new message. Setting my things down on the bed, I pull my phone from my purse, swiping the screen.

Sam: You make it?

Me: Yeah, got here forty minutes ago.