Page 71 of Viper

“That’s the last thing we need,” Sniper agrees.

“Alright, keep at it, Cryos,” Bullet instructs. “We can’t afford to miss anything. Stone, as much as I hate to ask, have you had a moment to check with Syn to see if she’d be up to Loki searching the clubhouse again? I doubt if the cops didn’t find anything there isn’t much else, but one more search before they bring in dogs of their own might not be a bad idea.”

Stone pauses and he glances at King, who bites back a grin. “I haven’t had time,” he admits. Then he looks at his father and gives him a wry grin. “Turns out she’s pregnant and that’s kind of been the priority since she told me.” Everyone is silent, and Bullet just stares at his son for a moment, but the pride and emotion in his eyes is all we need to see to know that the news is very much welcome.

Finally, Bullet clears his throat, and asks gruffly,“Have you told your mother yet?”

“Not yet. But we will. I just don’t know if she’s going to be up to the dogs searching with how tired she is. She’s been stressed about what she’s going to do about work, because she can’t work with the dogs the same way as usual, and worries that between the baby and the damage Vlad put on her business it might all fall apart.”

“I volunteer to help out,” Milk offers.

“Me too,” Twigs says. “I’m probably going to snap like a toothpick as soon as they chomp on me, but then she doesn’t have to worry and has someone to help her when she needs it.”

Stone looks at the two of them gratefully. “I’ll let her know. Thanks, brothers.” They both nod and then Stone looks back at his father, who stands and walks toward him. Before Stone can react, Bullet hauls him up and hugs him, and the rest of us grin. We have to be careful how loud we are in case the ladies overhear. We’re not about to spoil the surprise. When Bullet pulls back, Stone teases, “I guess now we can call you Grandpa Bullet for real.” There’s a round of laughter, and Bullet smiles. Stone gets a hug and congratulations from Torque. “King already knows,” Stone explains when he sits down and everyone looks at him expectantly. “Viper too, but I swore them to secrecy. Syn went to the doctor today to confirm everything’s okay.”

“Jesus, can you imagine if both you and Shadow have girls,” Timber snickers. “And they’re like Macy? Well, in your case Stone, more likely they’ll be like Rose with genetics and all.” Shadow and Stone look at each other and I swear I see panic on their faces. I bite back a laugh. Yeah, that idea has them quaking in their boots.

“Alright, let’s get back on track,” Bullet announces. “As exciting as this is, we need to consider another option in case Syn isn’t up to helping. And, Stone, if she isn’t, make sure she knows we understand and won’t ask again. Her and the baby are far more important.” Stone nods gratefully. “If she’s not, we all need to look around our areas to make sure Dagger didn’t sneak anything into it. Don’t tear apart rooms, but make sure you’re looking in any possible spots, no matter how small. In the meantime, everyone keep your eyes open, and watch your backs. Vlad is pulling out all the stops and I’m not about to let him think he’s gotten the best of us.”

There’s a loud round of agreements. Church ends and we head out to the common room. But as soon as we clear the door, a blur rushes past us and hits Stone at full tilt. He barely manages to keep from toppling over, and we all look to see Rose hugging him tight. “My baby is having a baby,” she cries, tears in her voice. I grin at my brothers, who are also sporting huge smiles. “I’m so happy for you,” Rose sniffs, pulling back to reach up and cup his face in her hands. “You’re going to be an amazing father.”

Stone’s face is full of emotion, and we walk away to give them a moment. Well, other than Torque, King, and Bullet, who stay close and are smiling. I look over to see the women all beaming, and Syn looking tired, but also very happy. I wink at her, and she sticks out her tongue at me, making me laugh. Archer heads my way and says, “So this means there are going to be a bunch of babies running around now, right?”

“Looks like it,” I tell him with a smile. “I hope you’re ready to help, because if they’re anything like their mothers, they’re going to keep us on our toes.”

Archer nods seriously. “Does this mean I should start my own fund to keep them out of trouble?” he wonders.

I bark out a laugh, and Shadow chuckles as he comes up behind me, ruffling Archer’s hair. “At least you got some brains, kid,” he teases. “Between the two of us, I’m sure we can come up with a good amount just in case.”

“Wait,” Archer suddenly says, widening his eyes. “What if they’re both girls?”

“Then we’re all screwed, bud,” Torque laughs.

“Shut up, you,” Rose scolds him. “I don’t care what the genders are as long as they’re healthy. And since Quinn and Syn are both due around the same time, it means we’re going to have to baby proof this place well before they can get into trouble.” Then she launches into a list of things that need to be done, and Archer and I share a look that says everything we need it to.

Archer heads to get his stuff, and then we’re leaving, with me giving Syn and Quinn both hugs and one more congratulations for them, and then hugging the rest of the women. “If she thinks I’m next, she’s crazy,” Izzy mutters to me.

I chuckle. “You probably have a year before she really puts any thought into it.” I assure her. “She’ll be busy with these two.”

“Don’t worry, the two of us will stick together on this,” Sage assures her. Then she looks at me. “You’re not planning on getting Eden pregnant any time soon, are you?”

“I think she’d castrate me, so I think we’re good,” I drawl.

“Or stick a heel up your ass,” Sage snickers

“Why would Eden put a heel up your ass?” Archer asks, confused.

“They’re just joking because Eden’s a badass,” I lie with a pointed look at both women.

“Exactly,” Sage says brightly. “You couldn’t ask for your Dad to have a better girlfriend, Archer. She’s like us and that means she’s a lot of fun.”

Archer looks at her like he’s not sure if he believes her or not, but instead just says, “Yeah, she’s definitely cool.” Then he looks at me. “I’m ready to go.”

“Let’s head home then,” I say with a smile. I call out a goodnight to everyone, and nod my thanks when Bowie and Frost fall in step with me. They don’t say a word, just head to their bikes.

“Why are they following us, Dad?” Archer asks when we get in the truck.

“We’re just being careful,” I say vaguely. I haven’t told Archer much about what’s going on with the club since I don’t want to worry him. I’d prefer he sleeps easy at night.

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