Beast (A Righteous Outlaws Novel #4) (The Righteous Outlaws) (20 page)

I
didn’t want
to leave the comforts of Beast’s bed, especially after he told me what happened, but there was a press conference being held at the station, and I needed to be there. The town needed to be briefed on what exactly transpired yesterday during the street fair, and how it related to one of the biggest gang takedowns this county had ever seen.

The FBI made their move, and the arrests of one hundred and two men, most of whom weren’t even legal citizens in this country, happened soon after the bomb fiasco. The people would think the entire thing would be thanks to the authorities, but I knew the real story.

The Righteous Outlaws were the masterminds behind it all. When Beast looked at his brothers yesterday, and said now, he was telling them that it was time to follow through with a plan they’d been developing for weeks.

Cash had made a deal with an up-and-coming FBI agent who wanted to prove himself in his position. By doing so, he let the Outlaws make the calls while he and his men waited in the wings for the signal.

The explosion set by Hudson wasn’t meant to kill many, just to get the Army’s attention. The Outlaws had staked out the place long enough to know men were always on watch, protecting whatever was going on inside that warehouse. The explosion would send them scrambling to cover up their tracks, and to lure more of the Army to assist. Once there, evaluating the damage, the FBI would move in while the Outlaws took off, watching everything from a safe distance.

Unfortunately, not everything went to plan, and Beast nearly got himself killed, but thanks to Hudson, who was quick on his feet, and managed to get a shot in, saving Beast’s life. I owed him so much for that. He helped bring Beast home to me, and I would forever be in his debt.

Dad stood at the microphone, and a hushed silence went over the crowd. I stood with Reed, and a few FBI agents, including the one who was in cahoots with Cash the entire time, while Dad went into details about the relation between Willie’s car bomb and the one that was set on my car yesterday. The Outlaws stood in the crowd and Dad raised his hand, pointing to Beast.

“If it wasn’t for this gentleman right here, we might be having a different conversation. He saved the lives of many by being alert, acting quickly, and disarming a dangerous device.”

The cameramen turned their cameras to Beast, and he let out a growl, as he stared daggers at Dad. I couldn’t help the laugh that surfaced, as the crowd erupted into applause. He hated the attention, but that didn’t mean he didn’t deserve it, because he did. Whether he wanted to believe it or not, he was a hero… even if he did flirt with the wrong side of the law.

The Outlaws were no longer seen as a threat to Black Hills. They were looked at as saviors in leather, who would do what was necessary to protect their town.

Dad continued to talk as the cameras turned back to him. He introduced the FBI agent who stepped to the front in his three-piece tailored suit. His hand ran down his tie, as he began to explain what happened at the warehouse, and what they discovered.

“The FBI has been keeping a close eye on a specific group of people who call themselves the Army. Yesterday, we were finally able to put an end to their dealings. A small explosion alerted us to the location and, on arrival, we discovered a warehouse filled with hundreds of marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia, an arsenal of military-style weapons, and a commune for illegal immigrants. They used the port as a way to ship people into the country illegally and, to our knowledge, those people had to pledge their allegiance to the Army once they arrived. Their leader, Matias Falcón, and his second in command, Pedro Fuentes, are being held without bail.

“We then received warrants to search five more locations and recovered cocaine, Oxycodone, heroin, and marijuana, plus drug paraphernalia and semi-automatic weapons. At one of these locations, we discovered many men from another local gang, the Montamos. Angelo DeSoto, the president of the Montamos, was among those arrested. He had several outstanding warrants, and is being charged for possession, manufacturing and trafficking illegal controlled substances, as well as attempted murder for shooting with the intent to kill an officer, who is currently in the hospital in stable but serious condition.”

Reporters started yelling out questions, and we spent the next ten minutes answering as many as we could. Though most of the answers consisted of us repeating how we can’t discuss that at this time.

Before we dismissed everyone, Dad stepped back up to the microphone. “I’m sure many of you have heard the rumors that I am planning my retirement. And, yes, these rumors have been going on for quite some time. I was never ready to set a date because I wasn’t ready to step away just yet. But, now with my daughter ready to take the reins and with a hundred and two less criminals living on the outskirts of our town, I feel I have done everything I needed to do and it’s time. Over the next month, Ryan will be transitioning into her new role as sheriff and, at the end of the month, I will be officially retiring. I want to thank everyone including my officers, my staff, the town for thirty great years, and I retire knowing my daughter will continue to keep Black Hills safe for all of you.”

Dad turned, catching my eyes, and I gave him a thumbs up. My entire life, that uniform he wore now that was a little more snug in the stomach and loose in the arms, defined who he was. In a month, he would hang that uniform up for good. The moment was bittersweet, as it was the end of an era, but it was also the beginning of a new life for him and my mother.

Finally, when all questions were answered to the best of our ability, we ended the press conference. People slowly started to file out, and I made my way through the crowd. I didn’t get very far before my mother stepped into my path.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, looking down at her in her lavender button down shirt and black pants.

“You looked good up there,” she said, taking me by surprise. I looked down at my dowdy tan uniform, and then back at her, waiting for the backhanded compliment, but it never came.

“Thanks, Ma.”

“I still don’t like that you don’t have a nice office job, but I can see that this makes you happy, so I am happy.”

“Whoa,” I said, grabbing my chest. “I need to see if someone got that on camera.”

“Don’t be smart. Let me finish. I couldn’t imagine a better replacement for your father than you.”

My eyes burned as I looked at the woman who raised me, loved me, but always gave me shit about everything. My entire life, I just wanted to know that she was proud of me despite her opinions of my job choice. It took a long time, but she finally gave me what I always wanted.

I pulled her into me, and Dad came up behind us, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “Ready to start the transition?” he asked.

“I had no idea you were announcing your retirement today.”

“That’s because I didn’t know until this morning.” He looked at Mom, and I could tell she already knew by the joy in her eyes. She’d been patiently waiting for his retirement for years.

“We’re celebrating tonight with dinner. Your sister will be there with the kids. You should invite that man of yours,” Mom said, nodding her head toward Beast.

“You’d be okay with that?” I asked Mom, but looked at Dad. He was the one who knew Beast’s real story. Knew who he really was. Their history went back too far for me to think Dad would just accept Beast.

Dad nodded. “He saved you and your mother. He’ll always have a place in my home.”

I tossed my arms around Dad. “Thank you,” I said.

“As long as you’re happy, munchkin. That’s all your mother and I ever wanted.” Dad pulled back, holding onto my arms. “But, if he hurts you, I will kill him.”

I laughed at his threat, even though I knew he wasn’t joking. No matter how big and scary Beast was, I had no doubt my aging father would stay true to his word.

I said goodbye to my parents and confirmed with my mother at least two times that, yes, we would see them tonight for dinner. I walked away, shaking my head. Beast came up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, and it felt good to be out in daylight surrounded by people, and not afraid that being with Beast would ruin my career.

“What was that about?” Beast asked, looking over to my parents who were heading toward their car.

“You’re invited to dinner tonight and, no, you can’t get out of it.”

He smiled, and I loved how easily it came now. “I wasn’t going to try.”

“Good,” I said, bringing my arms around his neck. He pressed his lips to mine, and pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. “Do we have time for a quickie?” he asked.

“I think we have time for more than one.”

He scooped me up off the ground, and I let out a yelp. “What are you, crazy?”

“Nope, just horny.”

“You’re a pig.”

“And you love me.”

“God knows why,” I said with a laugh.

“I’ll remember that.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” I said, as he placed me back onto the ground.

“What’s that?”

“My dad said, if you break my heart, he’ll kill you.”

He laughed, and it instantly brought a smile to my lips. He snaked his hand around me, pulling me close. His fingers reached up, smoothing my hair back into its bun. “Tell you what, darlin’. If that happens, I’ll beat him to it.”

A
fter months
of wedding talk torture, Cash was finally getting hitched. We all gathered outside, in an open field filled with rows of chairs and flowers. Lots and lots of flowers. I was man enough to admit that it was fucking beautiful. Aubree did an amazing job, not that any of us would have expected any less from her.

I stood at the front of the crowd, along with the other groomsman. Dice stood beside me, and it was fucking good to see him. The music began, and Aubree walked down the aisle, arm and arm with her brother in a gown fit for a goddamned princess. It was totally fitting. Cash was awestruck, as he stared at her with so much fucking love in his eyes.

A year ago, I would have thought he was a damn fool, but now looking out to the crowd and locking eyes with Ryan, I understood it. When you found the one who gave you purpose in life, who made you smile and made you look forward to the future, you held on. And that was exactly what I planned to do tonight.

I smiled, thinking about the ring in my pocket. She had no idea, and I couldn’t wait to see the surprise on her face when I was the one asking a question. I bought the ring from Kent in an attempt to bury the hatchet. I’m not sure if it worked, but he was happy as shit to take my money.

Ryan gave me a sexy wink. Her dark hair fell in long waves on her shoulders, and she was wearing a tight black dress that showed off all her gorgeous curves. I was tempted to ditch the wedding, scoop her up, and carry her home, so we could start our future. But Cash was my brother, and Aubree had become like a little sister, so I couldn’t leave them on their day.

Ryan and I had plenty of days ahead of us, but right now it was all about Cash and Aubree. It was a long time coming, and we were all happy to see Cash finally make an honest woman out of his sunshine.

DC ran down the aisle, and didn’t stop. Kade ran after him, scooping him up, and carrying him to stand with the men.

Aubree cried when they exchanged vows, and I could see a few of the guys wiping at their eyes like they had gotten something in it. I looked to the front row at the three empty seats, each filled with a framed picture. Aubree found a way to make sure Nick, Miles and Cash’s dad were there.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Cash grabbed Aubree and dipped her back, sealing the deal. The crowd erupted into hoots and applause.

We filed out to the reception, and my eyes instantly found Ryan across the room, chatting with Sienna and Allison, who were wearing their matching bridesmaid’s dresses. I came up behind her, handing her a glass of wine over her shoulder.

“Thanks,” she said, taking it from my hand, as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

“Do you girls want anything?” I asked.

Sienna and Allison both went quiet, and then looked each other.

“You too!” they both screamed, and I was fucking lost.

“’You too’, what?” I asked, looking at them like they just lost their goddamned minds.

Dice and Kade came up beside their girls, and Cash and Aubree joined us.

“What are we talking about?” Dice asked, draping his arm over Allison.

Allison and Sienna looked at each other again, and gave each other a suspicious nod, before blurting out at the same time, “I’m pregnant!”

“Both of you?!” Aubree screeched so loud I had to rub my ear.

They nodded again, and then the girls were offering hugs and congratulations.

I stepped back, as arms flung from one person to the next. Dice, Kade, and Cash, knowing what was good for them, joined me. “I guess a congratulations is in order all around,” I said, holding up my beer bottle.

The guys all held up theirs, and we clinked them together.

We all took a sip of our beers while the girls discussed baby genders, nurseries and God knows what else. Ryan fit in perfectly, as if she had been friends with them for years.

“A couple years ago, did you ever think we’d be here?” Cash asked.

“No fucking way,” Kade answered first.

“I’m going to be a dad,” Dice said, a permanent smile on his face. “Holy fuck.”

“Might not have thought it,” I said. “But I’m sure as hell happy where we wound up.”

“Me too,” Kade said.

“Actually,” Dice said, turning to us. “Allison and I have been thinking a lot since she found out, and we decided we want our kid to grow up with family, since neither of us really had that. So, we’re moving back.”

A collective look of shock swept across our faces.

Dice shrugged. “My family is here always has been. Plus, I miss the life. I thought I’d be okay working just a nine to five, but I’m fucking bored.”

Cash put his hand out. “Pay up.”

Kade and I groaned, as we reached into our pockets and pulled out our wallets. We each slapped a fifty in Cash’s hand.

“Thank you very much.” Cash shoved the money into his pocket.

Dice motioned to Cash’s hand. “What the fuck is this?”

“We made bets to see how long it would take you to get bored. I won.”

“You fucking bastards,” Dice said with a shake of his head. “Maybe I’ll rethink it now.”

“Fat chance,” Kade said with a laugh. “You missed us. Admit it.”

“Fine, I did. I missed my sister, too. I liked arguing with her stubborn ass.”

Kade let out a loud rush of air. “Fuck, you can argue with her stubborn ass all you want. Maybe she’ll cut me some slack.”

“For some reason, I highly doubt that,” Cash said with a laugh. “Not that you don’t deserve it.”

“Can’t argue that,” Kade said with a smirk.

The rest of the guys joined us, and Kade filled them in on all the good news. We all raised our glasses to celebrate the return of Dice, the new family members we would soon meet, and the ones we lost along the way, who we knew without a doubt were there with us.

Ryan came over to me, tucking herself under my arm, and I loved how perfectly she fit there.

“Lots to celebrate,” she said.

“Definitely.” I bent down and pressed my lips to hers, feeling the weight of the ring in my pocket.

I was going to wait until tonight since I didn’t want to take attention away from Aubree’s day, but with everyone sharing their good news I couldn’t resist a second longer. I took Ryan’s hand in mine, and dropped to my knee.

“What the fuck are you doing?” she asked, looking down at me with widened eyes. And, God, did I love that for once she looked absolutely speechless.

I heard Aubree gasp, then shush the crowd.

I smiled up at the woman who I didn’t want to go another day without being completely mine.

“Ryan, you infuriate me, you ask too many damn questions, and never know when to stop. But you also put up with my shit, push me to do better, and believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. You once said to me that you were a little broken, and that I was too, but our broken pieces fit together to make us whole again. I didn’t realize how lost I was until you came into my life. You were right. Your broken pieces fix my broken parts. Please marry me, and make me the happiest fucking guy on the planet.”

I reached into my pocket, and pulled out the ring, holding it up to her. She gasped when she saw it, and then threw her arms around my neck.

“Is that a yes?” I asked against her ear, the scent of apples surrounding me.

“Yes!” she said, and Aubree squealed, as the rest of the crowd cheered us on.

I pulled back, sliding the ring onto her finger, and then taking her into my arms. My past was dark and grim, but now with Ryan on my side, my future was bright and nothing would take that from me.