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

“All I’m saying is that I’d be ready for drastic measures. Just say the word.”

Beast shook his head. “I won’t, but if you care for Marcel this much, how about you do something that’ll really matter to him?”

“You could help us prepare the charity event. Even if you cannot attend, I’m sure you have experience in planning such things,” Laurent said. “If we don’t stop those trees from growing, Marcel will have no future.”

Magpie stared at the little chair, and while Laurent found it hard to judge Magpie’s emotions sometimes, the man looked… saddened.

Beast patted Magpie’s shoulder. “How would you like to become Marcel’s godfather?”

Magpie’s face brightened up with such an honest smile Laurent ventured to consider they’d never seen him smile before this moment.

“I will the best godfather who has ever walked this earth.”

Laurent smiled back and stroked Beast’s hand, once more unable to contain the love he felt for his husband. Beast remembered Laurent requesting that. They truly were moving forward in terms of communication and compromise.

Chapter 23 - Beast

“Can’t believe that out of all things we’d forgotten the children’s games,” Beast complained, on the way to pick up a large box of playthings they intended to use for activities and contests at the charity event. They’d also put an additional package of fireworks into the back of their car already, in case the ones waiting at the party site weren’t enough. The turnout surprised everyone, so perhaps the club members weren’t the only ones experiencing the effects of Baal’s negative energy and in need of something more wholesome.

The police chief had made clear his belief that their local biker club’s reason for organizing a big charity event was money laundering. But that was the kind of transgression he could turn a blind eye on once an anonymous donor had deposited a large sum of money to the college fund of the chief’s daughter. At the end of the day, what could possibly go wrong at an event that promoted family fun and healthy eating habits?

A lot. A lot could go wrong when it was meant to hurt a malignant otherworldly entity, but the cops didn’t need to know that.

“We’ll be back in no time,” Laurent said with a smile. He looked especially immaculate today, with his smooth, brown waves down and a violet tie that went so well with his skin color. Beast didn’t have the heart to tell him there was no need for business attire. But despite insisting on wearing a carefully ironed white shirt, Laurent wouldn’t give up on pairing it with the property vest he got from Beast. “If anything, it’s nice to get a small break from the crowds.”

Beast hummed in agreement. “This whole thing doesn’t really go with our brand,” he said, snorting when he thought back to the healthy eating class he’d observed early in the morning. Laurent had suggested it as a part of promoting the virtue of temperance. At the clubhouse, it was all junk food and sandwiches, but perhaps Beast needed to think about the food they ate more carefully once Marcel hatched.

Laurent snorted and poked Beast’s side with his elbow. “And what is the Kings of Hell ‘brand’? Sins of the flesh and lobster rolls?”

Beast chuckled. “Pretty much. I don’t remember you being opposed to any of the two.”

Seeing a flush spread over Laurent’s porcelain cheeks never got old. “There is no sin in marriage,” he said with a little smirk, even though they’d fucked long before the idea of marriage could have crossed Laurent’s mind.

“No? You sure? Everything goes now that you got a ring on me?”

“There are still things I would refuse you, but they are few and far between.” Laurent grinned at him, and in the face of such beauty, nothing could spoil Beast’s mood. Not the danger constantly lurking beneath their feet, not even the soot still covering the walls after a fire the club hadn’t yet picked itself up from. Laurent’s glinting eyes were like a beacon telling Beast that whatever happens, all would be fine in the end.

“And what things are those?” Beast asked, longing to penetrate his husband’s mind by looking at his painfully handsome face.

Laurent lowered his gaze to Beast’s zipper in an unusually lewd manner. “I wouldn’t participate in orgies even if I found someone attractive, because I believe once you’re married that side of you belongs to your husband.”

Heat erupted down Beast’s chest when their eyes met again. “Is that what you think? That I belong to you now?”

Laurent glowed with confidence. “I don’t even need to put a vest on you to know it is so.”

How could anyone resist Laurent? Beast had no idea, because he was charmed to the core, and the invisible pull in his chest made him drop the box and back Laurent into the wall. “Is that so?” he whispered, pressing his forehead to Laurent’s as his hands made their way under the vest.