Undaunted (The Kings of Retribution MC)

I close my eyes, trying to control my shaking hands. I had no idea she did any of that. I remember asking about my father a few times, but my mom would always change the subject.

“The letters were postmarked to our estate here in Montana. The housekeeper must have forwarded them to my father’s home in Russia. He knew the whole time and kept it from me. My father knew I was in love with Rose. Had I known of the pregnancy, I would have given everything up for her, and for you, Logan.”

“Why do I get the feeling that that’s not all of it?” I question him. I have a gut feeling, that I’m not going to like where the rest of this story is going.

“Your mother’s car accident was no accident at all. My father saw Rose as a threat. He did what he felt he had to do to eliminate that threat. Alexander Volkov was a heartless man, and would never let anything stand in the way of his business. I found your mother’s death certificate in the files as well. I knew right then what evil my father had done. When I didn’t find any record of your death I immediately began my search for you. I was relieved to discover you were alive and well and living in Montana. I’m truly sorry, Logan. If my father were still alive, I would kill him myself,” Demetri declares with anger and sadness in his voice.

I need to get the fuck out of here. I refuse to break down in front of him.

I feel like I can’t breathe.

I need to go somewhere. Away from all this.

Standing on shaky legs, I don’t utter a word as I leave the office. There is nothing left to say. When my mom died I was devastated, but now finding out that she was killed simply for falling in love with the wrong man?

I don’t even know how to process that information.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Bella

Myshka? I’m wondering what that means as I walk back into the kitchen. “What else can I help with, Lisa?”

“Honey, everything is cooking, so bring yourself over to the table with me and Alba awhile.”

I walk over to the kitchen table and pull out a chair, sitting down and pour myself a glass of tea. “Lisa, how long have you been with Bennett?”

“Oh, honey, I’ve been with that man since my high school days.”

I’m a little curious to how she has handled this life all these years, it doesn’t seem to be a very easy way to live. It’s not like my life has been a walk in the park. They’re a big family here, and everyone seems to be happy. I guess I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Everyone, including me, needs reassurance sometimes. “Have you been with him as part of the club just as long?”

Getting up to grab the food out of the oven, she places it on the counter before walking over to sit back down at the table before answering my question.

“Bennett chose this life, the club, not long after he was discharged from the Army. The club gave him a sense of purpose and brotherhood that he was struggling to find once he came home trying to adjust to civilian life. Naturally, I followed him.”

When I look at Lisa as she’s talking about Bennett you can see how very much in love she still is with him.

“Was it hard, you know, adapting to this lifestyle? The MC life that is?”

Smiling, she places her hand on top of mine. “Not gonna lie. It can be tough. Takes a strong woman to love one of these men. It takes someone strong to make it through life period, Bella. Whether it’s with the MC or not. Tell me, do you love Logan?”

I feel completely safe when I’m with him. He makes me smile so much my face hurts. When he walks into a room, my stomach flutters, and I get the most overwhelming feeling of warmth and peace. He was made for me.

I don’t hesitate already knowing the answer. “I love him.”

“Then there is absolutely nothing you can’t handle. Love will help you weather any storm, Bella.” Pointing towards the direction of the main room, she continues. “That man out there loves you, and you love him. Nothing else matters.”

Lisa gives my hand a squeeze before standing up. “Alright girls, let’s get all this food laid out on the table in the common room before they start a riot. Alba, if you would grab the two pitchers of tea out of the fridge and Bella, go grab the potato salad and coleslaw.”

We collectively grab everything and head out to the other room. The men are all scattered, either drinking or over at the pool tables, as we carry the food to the tables and begin setting everything down. Nobody moves to serve themselves until Lisa speaks, “Okay boys, come get ya some lunch.”

Alba walks up to me with a small plate of her own. “Bella, I’m going to head upstairs and eat in my room. It’s just a bit too loud and busy out here for me.”

“Okay. I’ll be up shortly. I’m going to see if I can find Logan.”

Alba turns around and makes her way upstairs. I peer around the room but I don’t see any sign of Logan, so I decided to step outside for a moment to get some fresh air and get away from all the noise.

I’ve just made it out the front door when he comes charging out. He’s breathing is rapid, and his fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white, but it’s the look on his face that has my att