Page 16 of Puma's Pride

I elaborate on the gallant escapades of the Biker Prince and Princess until I see two sets of eyes droop and feel two tiny bodies relax into me. I sit this way for a few minutes, just reveling in the feeling of peace they bring me. This day has been one of the longest I’ve ever known, but I would gladly live through it again only for this moment. To have my son in my arms. I know we have to make up for lost time. We need to get to know each other. But for now, I’m just happy he’s in my life.

I juggle the kids as I stand, careful to keep from waking them. Once I deposit Elina into her bed, taking a few minutes to rub her back until she settles again, I take Mal to his room. After I tuck him in, I glance around the room. It’s a regular club room, similar to a hotel room, but with even less personality. I need to fix that. Mal needs to have a room that he can claim as his own. Not for the first time, I consider following Dante’s lead. He and his crew are building homes behind their clubhouse for their members. Hell, they’re building their own subdivision. I realize I want that, a real home for my family.

Throughout my career, I’ve owned many houses, but I’ve never had one that I called home. Not until coming to the Demon Dawgs and moving into the clubhouse. And while the Demons are my family, I want something more.

I turn to leave and see Corinne standing just inside the door, watching me.

“You’re a natural.” She says, smiling at me.

“I’ve had some practice with Elina.” I see a sadness cross her face and I want to kick myself for being insensitive. But I shake it off. I can’t change the past. If I’d known about Mal, I would have been there for him and his mother.

“She’s a firecracker.” Corinne says, chuckling. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a five-year-old with that much confidence.”

I smirk because she’s not wrong. “She’s surrounded by love. I can’t really get into her and Alisa’s story, but she’s always had the support of tough men.”

“Alisa told me some of what she went through. That the man today is obsessed with her.”

I nod, glad Corinne knows the story. I’d never betray Alisa by telling her story. But I was worried about potential problems if Corinne discovered the whole truth about her attacker later on. “I’m glad she told you. She’s a good person and doesn’t deserve the problems he’s caused her.”

“You love her?” Corinne asks.

I grin. “I have since we first met.”

“She’s lucky.” Corinne says, turning sad eyes to her sleeping son.

“I am sorry I wasn’t there for you. That you had to do it all on your own.” I tell her, brushing her arm. “But know this: you don’t have to worry about being alone any longer. I’ll be there for you. Hell, the entire club will be there.”

“You aren’t mad?” Corinne whispers, tears making her eyes brighter.

I pull her into my arms and stroke her back. “I’m not mad. Am I upset that I missed out on the first five years of his life? Of course. But I’m not mad at you. I know you tried to reach out to me and I know why you couldn’t reach me. I can’t even be mad at Brock for keeping us apart. My life was different back then, and he did what he had to do to protect me. But all that is in the past. I’m hoping we can start again. As friends. Because I want both of you in my life now.”

Corinne backs away and gives me a smile. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

I leave her to tuck in her son and go looking for my woman. When I don’t find her in either my room or hers, I wander through the clubhouse. With each room I check, I feel a sense of dread take hold. Especially since no one seems to have seen her. My last stop is Spark’s domain.

“Have you seen Alisa?” I ask him, knowing he has eyes all over the compound.

“She went outside a few minutes ago.” He tells me. “Back door.”

I make my way back through the clubhouse to the door leading to our picnic area. Why would she be out here? I don’t realize how dark the area is until I glance around and can’t see past the picnic benches. When I turn to go back inside, I see her. She’s sitting at the furthest table. Alone.

“Alisa.” She jerks and turns toward me. I realize I’ve startled her. Even though I want to be mad at her for not paying attention to her surroundings, I see the sorrow on her face and immediately change tactics. I take a seat next to her and pull her hand into mine. “What are you doing out here, babe?”

“Thinking.” She says, handing an unopened beer bottle to me. I crack it open and take a long pull before pressing her for more details.

“About what?” I prod.

“Corinne is a beautiful woman.” She says. “She’s a wonderful mom.”

I nod in agreement because both statements are true. “She is. Is that a problem?”

“You two look good together.”

Realization dawns on me. Alisa must have seen me with Corinne. I can’t help but feel a small level of satisfaction that she’s jealous, but mostly I just want to laugh. Hugging Corinne felt like I was hugging Reaper’s mom. My sister. Alisa is the only one who gets my blood revving. The feel of her skin against my arm and her scent has me rock hard and ready to go.

“Jealous, baby?” I ask. When she shrugs, I shift off the table to stand in front of her. “You have no reason to be jealous. I promise. I haven’t thought of Corinne since the night she conceived Mal. She was just one of many. A diversion. Before joining the Demons, I was pretty selfish and very self-centered. I didn’t care about anything or anybody.”

“You trying to convince me that you aren’t worth my time?” She asks with a smirk.

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