Devil's Breed: Chapter 1
Warnings: Minors DNI. Mentions of violence.
Work count: 4.1k
::. Sua Sponte
The United States Army Rangers' 75th Ranger Regiment's motto is Sua Sponte, referring to the Rangers' ability to accomplish tasks with little to no prompting and to recognize that a Ranger volunteers three times: for the U.S. Army, Airborne School, and service in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
“We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.”
― Oscar Wilde
Mo·ja·ve
along or beside the water
GAVIN & ZARA
It ain't easy being king.
Gavin 'Mojave' McNamara glanced over at the naked woman in his bed, irritation written all over his handsome features. They'd fucked over an hour ago and she was still here. He knew exactly what she was trying to do. The women who hung around his motorcycle club knew what they signed up for. Sweetbutts were around to party and to fuck. That was it. By hanging around the club, they were under the protection of the Devil's Breed Motorcycle Club, Los Angeles chapter. Sweetbutts never became more than a good fuck and they knew that. Devil's didn't share women they loved. Gavin reached over, slapping her ass, smirking when he saw a handprint immediately beginning to form.
"Get up. Gotta head out."
Ashley stirred, her mess of blonde curls looking like a riot around her pretty face. She glanced over at him with a little pout.
"Don't look at me like that," Gavin muttered, standing and walking naked over to his bathroom. "Gave it to you good. Now I gotta get to work."
He didn't miss the way her eyes hungrily crawled over his body. Any other time, he'd throw her back in bed and get started on round two. But lately, he found himself growing tired of the club sluts. Ever since he'd returned from his last deployment, Gavin found it difficult for him to develop lasting connections with women. He had no problem attracting a variety, but shit never seemed to last beyond that initial fuck.
Church started in an hour and he had to run an errand to check on things at the club's newest investment beforehand. Devil's Breed Motorcycle Club formed back in the 1970's. Both his father and the father of the president of their San Diego chapter had been members of the original nine brothers. Young and fresh from war, their fathers bonded over their pride in service for their country and their love of motorcycles. Being a Devil was a way to live by their own rules. For as long as Gavin could remember, he'd wanted to be just like his dad and he'd started prospecting for the Devil's when he was just seventeen. Like his father, he joined the military and eventually became an Army Ranger. Being a Ranger was an immense source of pride for Gavin. The Rangers taught him discipline. The Devils gave him peace from the things he'd done in service to his country. The club had always been in his life and he'd been a patched member for the last fifteen years. When it came down to what mattered most, it was the brothers he'd served with and the devils at his side. They were his family. They were the ones who'd been with him through his darkest times. And he would have their backs through anything. Once a Devil, always a Devil.
Gavin stepped out of his bathroom fresh from his shower, glad to see that Ashley had made herself scarce. He pulled clothes on before sliding his cut over his shoulders. The top rocker proudly proclaimed him a member of the devils, while his bottom rocker denoted that he was a part of the Los Angeles chapter. On the front of his cut, neatly stitched over his left breast, was a patch that read "PRESIDENT". That patch got him a lot of respect... and pussy. The clubhouse was alive with activity as he headed out of his room, locking the door behind him. Brothers and a few prospects milled around, drinking and shooting pool. Gavin glanced over at one of their newest prospects, Anton Dragomir, as he pounded the shit out of the tired old punching bag that hung in the corner. The big Romanian motherfucker was built like a goddamn tank and he'd been vouched for by Remy, the club treasurer. They'd met on a mission overseas and after Anton relocated to the States permanently a few years ago, he'd reached out to Remy once he'd settled in the Los Angeles area. During one of their last missions, the two men got to talking and Remy told him about the club and the brotherhood that they'd shared. Remy started bringing Anton around the club house, letting him meet the brothers and see what it was like. Anton was a quiet one, but Gavin immediately saw something special in him. After consulting with the other club officers, he'd invited Anton to prospect four months ago.
The main club rules for initiation were: current or former military, owning an American motorcycle and a patched member had to invite you to prospect. The prospecting period could last anywhere from six months to two years. It all depended on how long it took you to earn your patch. If a man proved his loyalty to the club, he'd earned the right to wear the Devil's patch on his back. And once you were in, it was a lifetime commitment. You leave the Devils and they'd take anything with their patch on it. That included your cut, your bike... even your skin if you'd inked yourself.
Downstairs at the bar, he spotted Lukas, his second in command. The big Brit hid an expert killer behind that handsome mug of his, much like many of the brothers. Lukas was former British Special Forces and the two men met at a training exercise in Hawaii eight years ago. He was Gavin's second in command because he was the perfect calm to Gavin's fury. The two respected each other and both wanted the best for the club.
"You headed on a cash run?" Lukas asked, glancing up from his computer.
"Yeah. Gonna bring along Trey and let Anton get a little experience. Should be back before church starts, but if I'm not, start without us."
Lukas nodded, his clear blue eyes looking over Gavin's shoulder.
"You talked to Kali today?"
"Nah. They having trouble with those fuckers again?"
"They've got a fight this weekend and I told them we'd all be there in case they showed their faces."
"Of course. Someone needs to teach those wanna be gangsters to stay out of club business. Make an example out of them, otherwise everyone and their mother will come out of the fuckin' woodworks."
"Guess what else I heard."
Gavin glanced over at Lukas as he motioned for Anton to come over.
"What?"
"Kali's got a girl."
"What?!"
Lukas laughed when he saw the incredulous look on Gavin's face.
"Yep. The pussy killer himself..."
"Damn. She must be amazing."
"Tex says she's hot. She'll probably be at the fight."
"Oh, this is going to be a fun weekend after all," Gavin said with a laugh.
Anton made his way over to the two men, tugging a t-shirt over his muscular torso, his prospect's kutte clutched in his beefy paw. Gavin craned his neck to look up at the giant and the sight had Lukas laughing out loud. Gavin flipped him off.
“Fuck you, asshole. We can’t all be 6’5”.
“What you lack in height, you make up for in personality.”
Anton snickered, watching the two friends banter back and forth.
“I might not be as tall, but I’ve got a big fucking dick and that’s all that matters.”
“Got that right, baby!” Ashley called out from her spot on the sofa.
“And that’s our cue to leave. Let’s go,” Gavin said, motioning for Anton to follow him. They headed over to their bikes, quickly strapping on their helmets. Gavin's everyday motorcycle was a Harley Davidson Super Glide Sport, a gift from his father after he'd returned from his last deployment. The black beast was his pride and joy. Anton likewise rode a Harley, a Panhead he'd customized to fit his big body. The two pulled out of the clubhouse lot, headed down the highway towards the weed dispensary the club owned. Anton flanked his club president, keeping his eyes peeled for danger. The Devils weren't a one percenters club and didn't involve themselves in illegal activities. It went against their core values as men and as soldiers. But that didn't mean that danger wasn't out looking for them. The club’s many businesses, including two dispensaries and a local MMA gym were very lucrative and other clubs wanted to move in on what was theirs. Anton knew that it was his job as a prospect to always have Gavin's back. If something happened to a Devil on his watch, especially their beloved president, not only would he never get his patch, he'd probably be taken out back and shot. And there wouldn’t be a body for his parents to bury. A few miles out from the club house, a red and white Honda Fury pulled out at an intersection, quickly falling into formation along the other two bikes. It was Trey Pierce, a Devil and one of Gavin’s oldest friends. Like Anton, Trey was a quiet one, preferring to observe versus engage in idle conversation. The sniper had been very welcoming to Anton, even before he’d officially started prospecting.
The threesome made their way to the Herbarium, the Devil’s newest business venture. All three bikers parked out front, the chrome on their bikes gleaming in the sunlight. Another prospect was standing out front, acting as security for the weed shop. Everyone knew that the weed business was a cash business. There was always a large amount of cash on hand, so the club employed armed security to protect their investment. Every club member that was involved with the dispensary collected a check every week. The dispensary and the two gyms the club owned were the reasons they could stay clean. They earned a living through legitimate means, unlike some of their biker brethren. It was the same down in San Diego, where their brother charter was located. Kali Kealoha, the San Diego club president owned a garage and built custom bikes. Kali and his younger brother Nico owned an MMA gym down there and employed brothers. Becoming business owners allowed them to employ not just their Devil brothers, but other vets they knew who needed a little help once they were back stateside. It was often a difficult adjustment to go back to civilian life, so if the club could help, they would.
Gavin nodded to the prospect at the front door, a young Marine they called Joker.
“Been busy here today?”
“Yes sir. Non stop since the morning.”
“How many times do I have to tell you? It’s just Gavin,” he said with a smile.
“Old habits die hard.”
It was an unusually hot summer and the cold air-conditioning was a relief from the hot Southern California sun. Gavin and Trey had smiles on their faces as they greeted two of the women who worked the counter at the dispensary. Anton stood near the front door, his eyes scanning the place out of routine. He watched as both Gavin and Trey headed around the corner and disappeared through a locked door. He remembered hearing Lukas, their VP, mention that they’d had a vault installed to keep the cash safe. Every hour on the hour, money was transferred from the registers to the vault and there was just enough loose cash to make change for customers. One of the girls at the counter smiled flirtatiously at him and the corner of his mouth curled up. She was a beauty but totally not his type. Anton didn’t do fake tits or women who’d been fucked by a dozen men he knew. Nothing against those girls, but he wanted his girl to be his alone. He didn’t want his friends to know the way she looked when he made her fall apart. That sight was for his eyes alone.
Like a hawk, his eyes surveyed the area, turning towards the front door when two college aged guys came in. Trey came out of the vault, a duffle slung over his broad shoulder. Gavin followed him out momentarily, a duffle bag in each hand. He passed one off to Anton and the three men started to make their way outside. All three headed back outside, carefully stowing the heavy duffels inside their saddlebags. The three made their way towards the local branch of the bank they did business with and parked out front. As they entered the bank, a pretty young brunette approached them.
“Hi. You must be Gavin,” she said, nodding towards the ‘president’ patch on his chest, smiling when he nodded. “I’m Alexis. I know you guys usually work with Joshua, but he had a family emergency and he asked me to take care of you today.”
“Nice to meet you, Alexis. This is Trey and Anton.”
Alexis shook both their hands with a smile. Anton let his eyes drift over her slim body. She was wearing a skirt that hugged her hips and her sky high heels elongated her legs. Not his usual type, but she was a pretty little thing.
“Come with me.”
The petite brunette led them to a private office, motioning for them to sit down.
“How much are we depositing today?”
“Seventy six thousand and some change. Mostly small bills.”
Alexis nodded and unzipped the first bag that Gavin handed. She took the rubber band off of a stack of bills and began to run everything through the bill counter. Her eyes nervously went towards the largest man in the group, his large frame easily dominating most of the space in the office.
“He’s big, but he’s a nice guy. I promise,” Gavin said, flashing his pearly whites at her. Trey laughed softly, his broad shoulders shaking a bit.
“Sorry,” Alexis replied, a blush tinging her pale skin.
“I’m 6’5”. I’m used to it, sweetheart. It’s fine,” Anton said, smiling to ease her tension.
Alexis turned her attention back to the money, a small smile on her face as she finished up their deposit and handed them a receipt.
“Your grand total is seventy six thousand, one hundred and ninety five dollars.”
Gavin nodded, a big grin on his face.
“Good month.”
Alexis stood, a grin on her face.
“Let me know if you need anything else. Here’s my card.”
“Thanks for your help today, Alexis.”
“No problem. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Same to ya, darlin’,” Gavin said as he stood and headed out of the office, Anton and Trey at his side.
“Remy will be happy with this month’s profits,” Trey said with a grin.
“Shit, it’s twenty grand more than we were expecting. He’ll be fucking ecstatic.”
Gavin threw his leg over his bike and was just about to start it up when he heard his cell phone ringing. Looking at the screen, he saw that it was his father, Wade MacNamara. He too was a Devil and was someone that Gavin looked up to and respected more than anything.
“What’s up, Boss?”
That familiar throaty baritone came through the speaker loud and clear.
“You need to get back to the clubhouse. Now.”
“Something wrong?”
“Zara is here.”
Gavin felt his heart clench in his chest when he heard her name. The last time he’d seen her, it had been on the worst night of his life. Her beautiful face had been tear stained, her dark eyes filled with horror and grief. The last time he saw Zara Cabrera had been the night his twin brother had been viciously murdered.
“I’m on my way.”
Trey watched Gavin as he spoke on the phone, worried when he saw the way the blood drained from his face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Gotta get back to the clubhouse. Tell Lukas that church is cancelled.”
Fifteen minutes later…
The big black Harley skidded to a stop just inside the gates of the Devil’s Breed clubhouse. Gavin yanked his helmet off, carelessly tossing it aside as his wild blue eyes searched for her. As he rushed towards the front door, his father stepped out, both hands up to slow him up.
“Wait a minute before you run in there and scare the shit out of her. When did you see her last?”
“Couple weeks after Jackson was killed.”
“Notice anything about her?”
Gavin frowned, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
“I didn’t see her in person. I rode by her apartment… saw her through the window.”
Wade put his hands on his son’s broad shoulders, looking into his eyes.
“She’s scared, Gavin. I don’t know what’s going on, but I know when someone is scared and that young woman is terrified. She won’t give me any details, but I think someone threatened her. You need to tread VERY carefully. She’s up in your room.”
“I will.”
Wade searched his son’s face before nodding, letting Gavin brush past him and go inside. He knew his son was in for the shock of his life. Gavin headed inside the clubhouse, ignoring the look on Lukas’ face and going straight for his bedroom. Just outside the door, he steeled himself to see her again. Once upon a time, they’d loved one another. What remained was shrouded in grief and blood.
Zara looked up when Gavin walked into the room, her heart beginning to pound in her chest. It had been six months since she’d last seen the man she loved and he was still as handsome as she’d remembered. One of the first things she’d noticed was that Gavin had cut off his long blonde hair and packed on a bit of muscle. The last time she saw his face, his once bright blue eyes had been empty, the other half of his soul having been ripped away from this world. Zara shivered as she fought back memories of that horrible night. It was the one thing she wanted to forget, but never could. All the therapy in the world wouldn’t erase what she’d seen. That night not only scarred her, it ruined her relationship with Gavin. That was the night he’d told her that he never wanted to see her again, that he was no good for her.
“Zara.”
She looked so fragile sitting on his bed, her dark eyes staring up at him. He winced at the thought of her touching the same bed he’d fucked Ashley on not twelve hours prior. His father had been right. Zara looked fucking terrified. Her arms were crossed across her body and even in this moment, Gavin didn’t miss they way the action pushed her breasts up and out.
“I, um, I came by a few months ago, but you weren’t here.”
“Got called back to base. I was out of the country.”
Zara nodded, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. When she’d last come by and been told that Gavin wasn’t there, she’d just assumed he was having the club lie for him because he didn’t want to see her. She’d been so out of it, she hadn’t even thought about his military obligations. Her pride kept her away. But she couldn’t run from this any longer.
“Look I know you said you never wanted to see me again, but -.“
“I didn’t mean that, Zara.”
“It sure sounded like you did.”
“I was trying to keep you safe.”
“Safe from what?”
“You saw what they did to Jay. I couldn’t let something like that happen to you too.”
The pain that flashed across Gavin’s face was enough to bring tears to her eyes. He looked away, his eyes shut tight as he tried to block out the memories as they tried to come flooding back. Zara stood, stepping close to him. Of their own volition, her hands came up to his face, cradling his cheeks in her hands. Gavin stilled, taking a deep breath. Her familiar scent filled his nostrils, bringing him a calm he'd missed. He slowly opened his eyes, looking down at her beautiful face.
"I didn't mean anything I said, baby."
Zara nodded as she stroked his cheek softly. She watched the way his eyes drifted from her face, to her breasts, to the swollen belly she couldn't hide anymore. Blue eyes met brown and shock swirled in the depths of his eyes.
"Zara..."
"That's what I came by to tell you about a few months ago."
A million and one thoughts were flying around in Gavin's head, but there was one thing he knew for sure.
It was his baby in her belly.
Zara slowly let her hands fall away and dropped them to her belly, cradling the small bump. Gavin reached out, one hand hesitantly resting on the side of her stomach, his thumb brushing back and forth over the taunt bump. There was an answering nudge from inside her and he couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Feisty little thing."
"She sure is."
"She?"
Zara nodded, a small smile on her face. Gavin blinked back tears at the idea that the woman he loved more than anything was carrying his daughter inside her. It seemed that something beautiful had flourished despite that dark night that had torn them apart.
"You're much calmer than I was expecting."
Gavin continued to rub her belly, his blue eyes back on her face.
"I was trying to get you pregnant before... before Jay died. I wanted this with you. You know how much I wanted this."
Zara thought back to all the times he'd mentioned having a million babies with her. She'd thought that he'd just been talking shit and hadn't believed him, not wanting to get her hopes up.
"What now?"
"I take care of you two. That's what."
"Are you sure that's what you want? I mean six months ago, you were ready to be done with me. What's changed?"
"You know that's not true. I was trying to keep you safe, Zara."
"And I'm safe now?”
“You will be. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you two safe.”
Her dark eyes searched his before a hesitant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
“I’m sorry that I hurt you, baby. I was trying to keep you safe and I fucked up. I fucked everything up. Can you forgive me? I’ll do whatever you want me to do, Zara.”
“You broke my heart, Gavin.”
“I know I did. I hated hurting you.”
“Are you sure that this is what you want? Because I can raise her on my own. I don’t need you if you don’t wanna be there. I wont have you in and out of her life. She deserves better than that.”
“I want my family. I wanna wake up to this beautiful face every day and hear my baby girl calling for us from the nursery. I want this, Z. I’ve always wanted this. With you. Just with you.”
Zara raised her face to his, sighing softly when he covered her lips with his for the first time in months. As he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her in closer, she felt safe. Loved. Like she was home. Gavin groaned softly as he slid one hand to cradle the back of her head, tangling his fingers in the lush curls he loved so much. He pulled her in close to him, deepening the kiss. The taste of her invaded his mouth and it felt like he couldn’t get enough. Like he would never get enough. Zara moaned, pressing her breasts against his hard chest. Gavin smiled against her lips when he felt her little belly pressing against him. From inside of her, their baby girl kicked out a hello to her daddy. He tightened the arm around her waist, pressing them close as he deepened their kiss. After months of not having her, he couldn’t get enough of the way she tasted. Zara moaned softly as Gavin tugged on her thick curls. He pulled back, gently pressing his lips to her temple.
“I love you so much, Z.”
She smiled up at him and it suddenly felt like his whole world tilted on its axis. Everything felt right for the first time in months.
“I love you too, Gavin.”
Zara smiled when he gently pressed his lips to her forehead, feeling at home in his arms.
“Let’s get you home. We have a lot to talk about.”
“We do….”
Gavin felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up when he heard her tone. Aside from his brother, there was only one other person he knew like the back of his hand. And something was telling him that Zara had more secrets to tell.
“Is everything ok, baby?”
“No. But it will be now that you’re back.”
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