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

For a moment, the piece of brass creaked, and he worried the force broke it off from the wooden frame, but the window budged at last. A couple more synchronized pulls opened it all the way, and cool, fresh air blew into Beast’s face.

Knight jumped off the chair and removed his leather jacket, using it to usher the fumes outside. He dropped it to the chair and opened the door again, revealing Laurent, who stared down at Xavier with a forlorn expression.

“What the actual fuck? Which idiot left the gas on? We could have all gotten blown up!”

Hound barked, as if he wanted to point their attention to the obvious culprit, who wordlessly gravitated toward the stove.

“Laurent?” Beast asked.

Knight had a sip of bottled water and fanned the gas away from Xavier’s basket. “He doesn’t cook.”

Laurent cleared his throat, but his face was reddening already. “I don’t understand. One is supposed to turn the gas on if one is to cook.”

Beast’s lips pressed together, and his chest was already getting heavy from the magnitude of what might have happened. “Was there a flame?”

“Not yet… Hound was distracting me, and then I had to wash my hands—”

“What the fuck?” shouted Knight, rubbing his head through the messy hair, and rocking the basket when Xavier’s squeal got slightly louder. ‘Hungover’ was not his best look. “Beast, maybe you should fucking install a baby gate in the kitchen? I guess it’s gonna be needed soon enough anyway.” He stood up and hovered his hand right above Laurent’s head. “About five-foot-six would do.”

Laurent clenched his fists. “Five-seven.”

Beast swallowed, staring at Laurent in punitive silence before finally opening his mouth. He would not continue the topic of height though, since that was far too touchy. “If you must cook, I’ll get you an electric stove. That way at least you won’t poison yourself or cause an explosion.”

Laurent had nothing to say in his defence, and it gave Beast no pleasure to see him so defeated. He sank to his knees and embraced Hound. “That’s why he made me leave.”

Beast took a deep breath and stroked the top of Laurent’s head. Maybe this little ship wasn’t yet ready to leave the harbor just yet. “I’m glad you’re fine.”

Knight must have gotten over the gas scare, because he was already grinning as he shut the door again, leaving just a small gap to keep an eye on his nephew. “Once again, humiliated by the modern era. Saved by his trusty companion, aged sixty in dog years.”

Laurent pulled Beast into a tight hug, and glared at Knight from the safety of his husband’s arms. “You should be ashamed of yourself for mocking me in such a manner. I would love to see how you fared in my time. You would have been a farm hand at best.”

Knight snorted. “Oh no, I’m so hurt! Good that I’m not the time traveler.”

Beast petted Laurent’s hair, which was still messy after the night in bed, but smelled so beautifully of pine. “I think it’s best if Xavier breathes as little of this as possible.”

Knight rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk. Remove your two kids from here.”

“I am not fond of your attitude today,” Laurent said, entwining his fingers with Beast.

Only then recognition kicked in on Knight’s face. “Oh! Right. Pancakes. Kisses. You two made up. Thank fuck.” He gave a deep sigh of relief. “You quitting your job then?” he teased Laurent.

“No. Never too much additional income.”

Knight winked at Beast. “Got yourself a gold digger.”

Beast chewed on his lip but rubbed Laurent’s back, marveling at the ease with which they slotted back together. “I think we’ll just have Pop Tarts after all.”

Laurent pressed his forehead against Beast’s pec. “I do like them very much. Do you think Marcel will?”

Knight shrugged. “It’s basically kid crack, so I’m guessing he will.”

Beast tried to push down the uneasy feeling he got watching handsome, charismatic Knight with a baby. Would this be him? Was he about to lose his claws in favor of being a daddy? “Babysitting?”

Knight looked at his nephew and shrugged. “Lana had something to do. But she promised she’ll be back by the time I need to leave.”

Good. Knight did the smart thing and didn’t reveal in front of Laurent that the club had grand plans. It was better he didn’t know. If anything, this whole pancake fiasco reminded Beast of how reckless and over-confident Laurent could be.

“Will Elliot drive me?” Laurent asked, pulling away from Beast, but not letting go of his hand. His soft touch was so soothing Beast would savor it as long as he could.

Knight nodded. “He’s already complaining about having to get up early, but he’ll be there.”

Beast smirked and, at an impulse, kissed Laurent’s fingers. He wasn’t much into PDA, but having Laurent back filled him with such joy he didn’t want to keep it confined to their bedroom. “I think you might want to change. I’ll fix us breakfast.”