Page 34 of Quadruplets for the Vipers

“As much as we’d love to shoot the shit all night guys, I’m afraid this isn’t just a social visit,” Axel says.

The others nod solemnly. “We heard about Zeus and his old lady, they were good people. They didn’t deserve to go out like that. Our apologies again for your loss, and that we were unable to attend the funeral.”

“We were out of the country, taking the kids to meet their abuela, Rafael’s mom, in Mexico,” Valentina interjects for Leah’s benefit.

No one else but me spots how Knox lightly squeezes Leah’s leg, a silent instruction not to reveal her interest in the children by giving away her pregnancy. The Vagabonds are our friends, but right now we don’t know who we can trust. It’s safer to keep the baby a secret for now.

Axel inclines his head in acknowledgement. “As you are aware, the Hellhounds are responsible for their murders. Lastnight, two of them infiltrated our bar in disguise and then broke into Zeus’ home where Leah and I were sleeping. We want to know what their goal is.”

Mateo shrugs. “Isn’t it obvious? They’re making moves on your club, and want to eliminate any threats. You’re the most obvious candidate to replace Zeus as Prez. Either they want to ensure a Hellhound sympathizer takes over, or they want to destroy you completely.”

“True, but the Hellhounds pale in comparison to the Steel Vipers. A move like this before would be suicide, but something’s changed. Not only have they managed to evade us, it looks like they’ve recruited a bunch of new members overnight.”

Leah looks surprised by this information. We’ve managed to keep the situation hidden from her so far. Even so, I thought she’d have figured it out by now. It’s the only reason the Hellhounds are still standing and not immediately crushed by us following the first attack. It’s another reminder of how Leah doesn’t belong in our world. We’ll do anything to protect her and those babies, but she has no idea about the lifestyle she’s found herself a part of.

“We don’t know of any new alliances with the Hellhounds, and they can’t have this many new prospects without a serious cash injection. The idiots that came for us last night were going rogue, the attack was sloppy and largely unprepared, whereas everything else has been coordinated and professional. What we need to know is who is behind this and why.”

Diego scratches his beard thoughtfully. “I’ve heard rumors of a crime boss who was looking to buy out an MC. Most turned him down, he was into some real nasty shit that goesagainst most of our codes of ethics. We might be one percenters, but we’ve got our morals. I didn’t get to meet the man, but he sent some of his guys to propose a deal some months back now. They were pretty cryptic, but made it clear that in exchange for helping with some serious shit they’d make us more rich and powerful than we could imagine.”

“What kind of shit?”

“The kinda shit we ain’t touching. Human trafficking, even of kids. The real basest shit that only monsters fuck around with,” he spits in disgust.

“Did you get a name?”

Diego shakes his head in disappointment. “Whoever this guy is, he’s a ghost. If the Hellhounds are working for him, they’re no longer an inconsequential rival.”

“Can you do some digging?”

“Of course, brother. If they’re coming for the Vipers, we won’t be far behind. Men like this are never satisfied.”

With the heavy stuff out of the way, I try to lighten the mood, flirting and teasing the girls and generally acting the clown. Sometimes a little light relief is needed when you’re in the midst of a war, and it’s become all too clear that this fight between the Hellhounds and their mysterious partner is only just beginning. Luckily, I’m good at it, and soon everyone is able to push the darkness to the back of their minds and enjoy the rest of the evening as we slip back into easy banter between friends.

“Next up on stage, Mateo,” the announcer calls.

Mateo stands, kissing Valentina on the cheek. “Ah,mi amore, a song for you.”

She kisses him back, smiling indulgently and watching him as he walks to the stage.

“Wait, is this an open mic night?” Leah asks in surprise as she finally realizes.

“It sure is, why, do you want a shot on stage?”

Leah balks like a deer in headlights. “Oh no… I don’t… I couldn’t…”

“Sure, you could! A little birdie told me you’re a musician, I’d love to hear you sing!”

Leah shoots Axel a filthy glare, but after some wheedling peer pressure from Valentina, I can see that the only thing holding her back when she really wants to perform is her nerves.

“I’d offer to get up with you, but I sound like a drowning cat when I sing. I couldn’t be blessed with the voice of an angel as well as the face,” I quip.

“I’ll get up with you to perform with you, if you want.”

Our gazes snap up to Rider in disbelief. Our silent, stoic friend who hides in the shadows and would rather disappear into the furniture is offering to get up to stand and perform on stage. Before the war, Rider was a hell of a musician, but the only time we ever hear him play guitar now is at home, when the haunting, melancholy sounds can be heard late at night when he can’t sleep.

“You play?” she asks, pleasantly surprised.

“He’s incredible,” Knox interjects with excited wonder.

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