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

Magpie looked out of the window with a small frown. “I did once have a PA who went on a diet. It gave me sweats, so I fired her. And I do despise charity events.”

Beast drove into the vast parking lot when having this serious conversation. “Chastity?”

Magpie scowled. “Oh, no. A monk once convinced me it would open up my chakras, but I was ill for days until I decided I needed someone to suck my cock. Worked like a charm.”

Beast met Laurent’s gaze before backing the car into a parking space. “So now we know.”

Laurent’s heart soared, and he grabbed Beast’s hand, wary of the tiny burns. “You do agree I am onto something?”

“Maybe that’s what we should try next. We just need to come up with a way to do it, because I can’t stop having parties at the clubhouse,” Beast said, leaning back in the seat with a deep frown marring his forehead.

“I’ve been thinking about this already,” Laurent said excitedly. “To check the effects, we could throw a charity event around one of the trees. Maybe a fete that promotes some of the virtues. I know you still need to keep to your side of the bargain on the club premises, but we can plan a counterstrike elsewhere.”

Magpie rolled his eyes as he stepped out of the car first. “Forgive me, but I’m not going to attend.”

“Fine. Attend an orgy instead. I can make sure there are plenty of men and women around on the day,” Beast said, entwining his fingers with Laurent’s on the way to the store.

Laurent looked up at Beast with so much tenderness he feared his heart wouldn’t be able to hold it. “Beast… I love you. Thank you for this vote of confidence. I won’t let you down. I was afraid you wouldn’t care for this idea.”

Beast walked past the automatic doors Laurent still considered a wonder akin to magic. “Our idea didn’t work out. Sorry I didn’t want to listen. Maybe it’s just too… woo-woo for me. I found out so many strange things about the world since we met, but my brain is still resistant.”

“There’s far beyond what human eyes can see,” Magpie said with pride, walking on Laurent’s other flank. He was too close for comfort, penetrating Laurent’s personal space with ease, but it would have been unkind to point it out, so Laurent said nothing.

The aisles full of products for babies opened up to them, and Laurent confidently strode over to the selection of high chairs. The multitude of options was making his head spin. And that device that allowed parents to eavesdrop on their children? Madness and yet so useful.

Magpie glared at the models presented on a low stage between two aisles and nudged one with his index finger. “Are you absolutely certain this is where you want to shop? I could contact a craftsman who’d make one exactly to our specifications.”

Beast’s hand squeezed around Laurent’s, but he was smiling. “I don’t think babies care much about the design side of things. They just need to be comfortable.”

“And stable,” Laurent added, gently shaking one of the chairs. “We’ve also decided that with the size of the egg, and not knowing what stage of development the child will be at, we will get two chair sizes and return one once everything is clear.”

Magpie pouted like a baby, not a three-hundred year old being. “I just… I wish he could have only the best money can offer. I can rarely justify spending on others, but when it comes to Marcel, I wish to extend my wealth to him.”

Beast snorted. “As in spoil him?”

Magpie raised his chin proudly. “Absolutely not. But a prince deserves princely things. It is only proper that way. Who knows what the future holds for him?”

Beast frowned. “There’s no point in dwelling on that. Let’s just deal with the issue at hand, organize the charity event and keep our eyes open to find out who betrayed us.”

Magpie picked up a tiny copy of a leather chair and looked at it with a scowl of distaste. “If we know it must be a hangaround, why don’t we get rid of them all? I could make sure it is officially declared an accident if I put forth enough money.”

Laurent stared at Magpie in disbelief, squeezing Beast’s hand. “Are you suggesting to kill everyone associated with the club?” he whispered.

Magpie sighed. “Sometimes, sacrifices must be made. I am not a violent man, but when I think about this despicable… person endangering the part of me that lives in Marcel, it makes me yearn for bloodshed,” he said, spitting in anger in a very ungentlemanly way.

Laurent was choking on air. “That is categorically out of the question. Beast, please tell him.”

Beast petted Laurent’s head as he met Magpie’s gaze. “I’m sure he’s only joking,” he said in a stern tone that had Magpie averting his eyes.