Page 71 of Tempest

Tempest

I stood at the center of the clubhouse, my fingers entwined with Kasen’s. The air was thick with tension, a hundred eyes boring into us. And it wasn’t just because it was my first time back here since getting shot. I’d been laid up for weeks and still felt a twinge of pain now and then. But for the most part, I was fine.

My throat tightened as I cleared it.

“Listen up.” My voice carried over the low murmur of conversation.

The room fell silent. I could feel Kasen trembling beside me, her palm sweaty against mine. My heart thundered in my chest, threatening to burst through my ribcage. We’d decided this was the best time to share our news. But we were both nervous as fuck about it.

“Kasen and I have an announcement,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. “We’re expecting a baby.”

The words hung in the air for a heartbeat. Two. Then the room exploded.

Cheers erupted from every corner. Bodies surged forward. Hands clapped my back, voices shouting congratulations.

“Way to go, Tempest!” Viking yelled.

“About damn time!” Wire shouted.

I blinked, overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught. Kasen’s grip on my hand tightened, anchoring me.

“You okay?” I murmured, leaning close to her ear.

She nodded, her eyes shining. “Perfect.”

Relief flooded through me. We’d done it. Told everyone. No more secrets.

Bull’s booming laugh cut through the chaos. “Looks like our Sergeant-at-Arms is gonna be changing diapers!”

A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd. Kasen’s thumb traced soothing circles on my wrist. This was a celebration. Our celebration.

Suddenly, a blur of motion caught my eye. Akira, her own baby bump visible beneath her flowing top, pushed through the crowd. She made a beeline for Kasen, her face alight with joy.

“Oh my God, Kasen!” Akira squealed, throwing her arms around my girl. “I can’t believe it! We’re going to be moms together!”

Kasen laughed, returning the embrace. “I know! It’s crazy, right?”

I took a step back, giving them space. My chest tightened at the sight of Kasen’s radiant smile. She deserved this moment.

Akira pulled away, her hands flying as she spoke. “We have to start planning your baby shower right away! Oh, the themes we could do…”

“Motorcycle onesies?” Kasen suggested, grinning.

“Yes! And tiny leather jackets!” Akira gasped. “Maybe a ‘Born to Ride’ cake?”

Before I could blink, Kasen’s sisters materialized, surrounding the pair. Their voices overlapped in a cacophony of excitement.

“Did someone say baby shower?” Harlow asked.

“We call dibs on decorations!” Westlyn grinned from ear to ear, clearly thrilled over the idea of being an aunt.

“Forget that, I’m in charge of games. No boring stuff allowed.” Akira nudged her good-naturedly.

I watched as Kasen was enveloped in a whirlwind of sisterly affection, their chatter rising above the general din of the clubhouse. My throat tightened. This was family. Our family. And soon, we’d be adding to it.

A hand clapped my shoulder, startling me from my thoughts.

I turned to find Viking’s towering form beside me, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “Congrats, brother. Hope you’re ready for sleepless nights and diaper duty.”

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