Lethal (The Disciples 1)

Benny!

The adrenaline spikes all the way up to my face. Even my ears are hot and burning.

What the fuck! Is he suicidal? There are at least a hundred Disciples here and God knows about the others. But he stands there, staring at me. He doesn’t move and bikers are walking around him. He’s dressed in black and my eyes dart around at the many blank faces around me. Maybe they think he’s here for another funeral?

Holy shit. What do I do? I should tell Jason, maybe even Axel… definitely not Ryder. Ryder is Blade’s enforcer.

As all this is spinning through my head, I stare back at him. He nods and I take a deep breath. This is where I need to say something. He’s a murderer, or at least that’s what they say. Instead I nod back. He slowly turns and disappears from my sight.

“You’re shaking. Are you okay?” I jump at Jason’s yummy breath at my ear.

“I… Jason.” I swallow and stare at him.

I need you to believe in your brother. I hear my father’s voice loud and clear. I’ll tell Jason tonight. I owe at least this to my father. I mean, how tacky would that be to have Jason’s guys kill my brother while they bury our dad. I shake off my guilt. After all, this isn’t the first time I’ve lied to him. But that stops today. I lean back into Jason’s secure warmth. I did what I had to survive and to get where I need to be. So I’ve told some white lies like the not being able to get pregnant bit. I might have stretched the truth on that one. My appendix did burst at age twelve and it did get infected. But the doctors never actually said I couldn’t get pregnant; they said it might be difficult. See, white lie and I needed this baby. How else was I ever going to make sure I didn’t lose him? He’s everything to me.

“You ready to say goodbye, Angel?”

For a split second I suspect he knows, but that’s me being paranoid. “Do you need me to go with you?” His green eyes search mine.

“Yes… I always need you,” I breathe out.

“Then we’ll say goodbye together.” He walks me to the casket where I lay my hands on the cool metal and I know I made the right decision. I’m in love with the leader of one of the most notorious motorcycle clubs. I close my eyes so I can tell my dad what needs to be said. Today I have to say goodbye to you, Daddy. You will live on, through me, my baby, and even Benny.

I sigh and open my eyes to stare into the greenest, most magnificent eyes. They narrow as if he knows everything I am. Yet he can’t. Some secrets are mine. He holds out his hand for me. I take it and move to his side as everyone else lines up to pay their respects. I look around at the numerous men and smile up at Jason. “I love you.”BLADE/JASONI reach for her chin and gaze at her. She’s glowing. Even the death of her father can’t take that away. Her eyes meet mine as she blinks away her guilt. I gently lower my head and brush her glossed lips to mine. “I love you,” I murmur into them.

Her eyes narrow as she pulls back to look at me. “Jason.” Her voice is soft, almost breathless. In my peripheral vision, I see Axel. I want to smirk at how clean-cut he looks. The guy could pass for a model. When he shaves and puts on a suit, he’s a whole new man.

He nods and the sun catches his mirrored aviators. I move behind Eve and slip my hands around her, bringing her back hard against my chest. As I lean down, my nose goes straight for her neck and I inhale her scent. Her breath catches and her hands tighten around mine and we both feel our baby kick as if he’s happy we’re both touching.

“I know about Benny, Eve.” She stiffens slightly but does not turn to face me and simply stares straight ahead. I have to fight my smile. She’s such a badass. I caress her hair before I say, “I saw him, babe.” Her nails are clawing into my forearm. That’s the only sign that it even bothers her.

“I let him go and thought you should know.”

This time she does turn her head toward me. Her big blue eyes stare up at me. The conflicting emotions she so desperately wants to hide are all over her face. “Thank you.” It’s honest and I almost forget that she chose not to say anything about her junkie, murdering brother to me.

Knowing she needs to hear this, I sigh. “You don’t have to thank me—you’re my life.”