I decided to give Everest his space. I didn't push him, didn't ask him a million times why he was being so distant, so secretive.

I thought he deserved that. At least this time, he was texting me, checking in on how I was feeling. He'd come home every morning, make me breakfast, kiss my forehead, and then leave, always saying, "See ya tomorrow."

But this morning was different. There was no breakfast. No kiss. No text.

It's been a week, and today was Friday.

I tried to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest. Was he pulling away again? Had he lost interest in me? We had just slept together and it felt like we were in pure bliss, but then, out of nowhere, he went cold. He just left without a word. Was he only staying with me because I was pregnant?

So many questions were running through my mind, but I didn't know what to do with them, or where to even start looking for answers.

Then, suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my side, causing me to gasp. This wasn't a normal kick. It was a stabbing, sharp pain—so intense that I collapsed to my knees. My breath caught in my throat, and I frantically grabbed my phone.

"Come on, come on," I muttered, dialing my Aunt Teagan's number.

"Hey, girly!" Her cheerful voice rang through, but I couldn't respond with anything positive.

"Aunt Teagan, something's wrong. I don't know what it is but it hurts—so much." I barely managed to get the words out as the pain intensified.

"Oh my god, Avery, is everything okay?!" she screeched over the phone. Her voice was full of panic, but I tried to keep myself steady.

"I—I don't know." My heart was pounding in my chest as I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. It felt like my body was betraying me.

"Avery, calm down, okay? Just breathe," Teagan said, her voice softening with concern.

I closed my eyes, trying to steady my racing pulse. I focused on my breathing, drawing in deep breaths and slowly releasing them.

"Okay—okay, I'll be over," she said, sounding more composed, and I hung up before I could say anything more.

I grabbed my purse and car keys, my hands trembling, and headed out the door. I glanced at my phone again, still no response from Everest. I couldn't help but feel a little more alone than usual. I tossed my phone onto the passenger seat of the car, put the car in reverse, and headed down the driveway, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me.

When I arrived at Teagan's, she quickly ushered me into her office and got me on the exam table. I lay back, trying to calm myself down, but the pain was still lingering.

Teagan placed the gel on my stomach, her fingers moving with practiced ease as she turned on the ultrasound machine. The coolness of the gel sent a shiver through me, but I didn't mind. It wasn't the cold that had me on edge—it was the fear that something was really wrong.

"I'm sure it's nothing unusual, Avery. Snap pains can happen this far along," Teagan explained, trying to ease my worries as she moved the wand across my stomach.

I nodded, but I knew my body better than anyone. I could tell when something was off. "I know when something's wrong, Teagan," I said, my voice shaky. "This isn't normal." She paused, glancing at the screen. I could see the way her expression shifted, the concern in her eyes growing.

"Oh god, Avery..." she said, disbelief in her voice. "What?" Panic flooded through me, and I sat up slightly, trying to see the screen. Teagan turned the screen toward me, her face pale. My eyes widened when I saw the image. There were two little forms on the screen, not one.

"What... what is that?" I whispered. Teagan looked at me in shock. "Avery, you're having twins." My heart skipped a beat. "Twins?" I echoed, my mind spinning. "How did we miss this? How did I miss this?"

Teagan stared at the screen for a long moment, still processing. "The babies are in two separate sacks... that means most likely two different genders."

I wasn't sure I wanted to know the genders. I hadn't asked, hadn't planned on finding out. My breath caught in my throat. I wasn't prepared for this, wasn't prepared for any of it.

I turned my head to the side, checking my phone again. Still nothing from Everest. I let out a sad sigh, my heart sinking even lower.

"Aunt Teagan," I whispered, my voice barely a breath. "Has Ghost said anything about what's going on? About Everest? Anything?"

Teagan looked at me, a confused expression crossing her face. "What do you mean? I haven't heard anything from Ghost. Why?"

I bit my lip, fighting the wave of frustration and sadness that was threatening to overwhelm me. Was I really just being left in the dark? Did Everest not care enough to even check in?

I shook my head, trying to push the thought away. Now wasn't the time to think about him. Not when I was dealing with this huge change.

But the doubt gnawed at me. How much of this was really about us...

I fought back the tears as I drove, my knuckles white as I gripped the steering wheel. My mind was spinning—twins. A boy and a girl. Everything had changed in an instant, and Everest still hadn't bothered to check in.

I couldn't do this anymore.

I wasn't about to sit around and let him keep me in the dark. I needed answers, and I was going to get them.

My car sped down the familiar roads, straight toward the clubhouse. I barely registered the passing scenery, my thoughts racing too fast for me to focus. The ache in my chest was growing, but I shoved it down. I was done feeling like I didn't matter.

By the time I pulled up to the clubhouse, my jaw was clenched so tight it hurt. I killed the engine and stepped out, slamming the door behind me as I marched toward the building.

I didn't care who saw me. I didn't care if I was causing a scene. Everest had made me feel like I was losing my mind. He was about to see that I wasn't the one to mess with.

I stormed through the front doors, the heavy thud echoing as they swung open behind me. My boots echoed against the floor as I stomped up the stairs toward the main lounge.

That's when I saw them.

Bonnie and Tequila.

They were standing near the pool table, both of them looking like they'd been caught doing something they shouldn't. Their eyes darted to me as soon as I walked in, and I didn't miss the way Tequila shifted nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.

Their nervous energy hit me like a slap in the face. "Hey, Avery," Bonnie called out softly from behind the bar, her voice cautious, as if she already knew something was off.

I barely acknowledged her, my eyes fixed on Bonnie and Tequila. "Where's Everest?" My voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that I couldn't hide.

Bonnie and Tequila exchanged a look. That damn look.

I took a step forward, my heart pounding in my ears. "Do you know where Everest is or not?" I demanded, my tone sharper now.

Tequila shifted uncomfortably, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Come on," I pressed, my voice shaking with frustration. "I know something's going on. I'm not stupid."

Bonnie finally sighed, setting the rag down on the bar. Her expression was tight, guarded. "Avery..." she started, but the way she said my name made my stomach drop. "Where is he?" I asked again, my voice harder now.

Bonnie's eyes flickered with something—regret? Pity? I couldn't tell. A heavy silence hung between us, and the longer it stretched, the more uneasy I felt. Then Tequila finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"There's been... a lot going on, Avery," she murmured, her tone laced with hesitation. "More than you know." I blinked, my heart pounding harder in my chest.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice shaky, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Tequila's eyes darted to Bonnie for a second, almost as if she was silently asking if she should say more. Bonnie gave the smallest shake of her head, but it was too late.

"Tequila," I pressed, taking a step closer. "What aren't you telling me?" Tequila shifted uncomfortably, her arms crossing over her chest again. "It's just... it's not safe right now. Not for you to be around here."

My stomach twisted. "Not safe?" I echoed, my throat tightening. "Why? What the hell is going on?"

Bonnie's face was unreadable, but her eyes couldn't hide the concern swirling behind them.

"Did Everest not say anything to you?" Bonnie finally asked, her voice cautious, but the weight behind her words was enough to make my stomach drop.

I froze.

My mind raced, replaying every conversation Everest and I had over the past week. The quick kisses. The forced smiles. The way he left before I could ask too many questions.

No.

He didn't.

"He... he hasn't told me anything," I whispered, my voice barely audible as the realization hit me. Tequila's jaw clenched, and she looked away, her silence saying more than words ever could.

Bonnie sighed, her expression softening. "Avery..."

My throat tightened as I swallowed hard, trying to keep the panic from swallowing me whole.

"Just tell me," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Please."

Tequila's eyes met mine again, but this time, there was no hiding the truth.

"Everest's been... dealing with something," she finally admitted. "Something dangerous. And it's only getting worse."

"Dangerous?" My voice cracked, my mind spinning.

Tequila shifted on her feet, her lips pressing into a thin line before she spoke again.

"Look, Avery... maybe you should just talk to Everest about all of this," she murmured gently, but it only made my blood boil.

Talk to Everest?

A bitter laugh bubbled up in my throat, and I couldn't stop it.

"Talk to Everest?" I muttered, my voice dripping with frustration as I shook my head. "That's what I've been trying to do, Tequila."

I clenched my jaw, barely holding it together.

"But all I get are half-assed answers and empty promises. He's been shutting me out for weeks. And now..." I swallowed hard, my voice lowering as anger laced every word. "Now I'm supposed to just... wait around while he plays hero?"

Neither of them said anything.

I didn't wait for a response.

"Forget it." I spun on my heel, my pulse pounding in my ears as I stormed toward the back hallway.

I knew exactly where I was going.

Ghost's office.

He had answers.

And I was done waiting for someone to hand them to me.

I barely registered Bonnie's voice calling after me, but I didn't stop. My pace quickened, my footsteps echoing off the hardwood as I made my way down the hall.

By the time I reached Ghost's office, my heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode.

Without thinking, I shoved the door open with a loud bang, the force rattling the hinges as it slammed against the wall.

"Ghost, I need—"

But the words died in my throat.

The air in the room shifted, heavy and suffocating.

Ghost was sitting behind his desk, his usual composed demeanor intact, but his expression was unreadable.

And then there was the other man.

He was sitting across from Ghost, his back to the door, but when my outburst echoed through the room, he turned.

My breath caught in my throat.

The man looked... wrong.

Rugged and rough, his face was hardened with lines of experience—lines carved from a life of violence. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto mine, and a chill ran down my spine.

Eyes like a predator.

Eyes that screamed danger.

A shiver crawled up my neck, and for the first time since I'd stormed into the clubhouse, my confidence wavered.

The atmosphere in the room was suffocating now, like the air had been sucked out of it.

That's when I noticed the Devils blood jacket.. ..

The man's eyes narrowed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Who the hell is this?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly, sending a chill down my spine.

Ghost's expression darkened instantly, and I saw the flicker of warning in his eyes.

"You shouldn't be here." he said, his tone calm but firm.

"Uh-um, sorry... I was looking for, uh... Sin?" I squeaked out, a nervous laugh slipping past my lips as I took a slow, hesitant step back.

My heart was pounding in my ears, and every instinct screamed at me to leave.

The stranger's eyes dragged over me, his gaze making my skin crawl.

"Sin?" His lips curled into a smirk, his eyes narrowing. "Didn't know he had a woman."

My stomach twisted, and before I could say anything, Ghost was already moving.

He stood up, his movements slow and deliberate, and within seconds, he was right beside me.

"He don't." His voice was low and gruff, but the edge in his tone was sharp enough to cut glass. "She's one of mine."

Before I could process what was happening, his hand smacked my ass—hard.

I let out a startled yelp, stumbling forward a step, my eyes wide as heat flooded my cheeks.

What the fuck was that?

"You like 'em a lil' big, huh?" The stranger snorted, his eyes shamelessly raking over me again.

I froze, my mind catching up with his words.

Big?

I blinked, my eyes drifting down to my body.

I was wearing an oversized hoodie and a pair of shorts—comfortable and loose, something I'd thrown on without thinking before I stormed over here.

And because of how baggy the hoodie was...

I didn't look pregnant.

I looked... chunky.

My stomach flipped, a knot forming in my throat.

My face burned, and I wanted to disappear.

Ghost's chuckle echoed behind me, but I didn't find anything funny.

I swallowed hard, my jaw clenching as I forced myself to keep my expression neutral.

"Real classy," I muttered under my breath, straightening my spine as I glared at the stranger.

But I couldn't ignore the heat creeping up my neck.

"Relax, sweetheart." Ghost's hand brushed lightly against my lower back as if that was supposed to make me feel better.

It didn't.

"Why don't you head back out front?" Ghost's tone was gentler now, but I caught the warning in his eyes.

A warning I didn't want to listen to.

Not after everything.

"Ghost—" I started, but his jaw tightened, and that dangerous glint in his eyes stopped me in my tracks.

"Now." he murmured, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My throat tightened, and I swallowed down the frustration bubbling in my chest.

Fine.

I turned, my jaw clenched, and stormed out of the office, feeling the weight of both their eyes on me as I left.

But as I pushed through the door and back into the main room, my mind was racing.

What the hell was going on?

What the hell were the Devil's Blood doing here?

After everything that had happened, they shouldn't be anywhere near this place. And the way everyone was walking on eggshells? Acting like I was some fragile piece of glass that couldn't handle the truth?

I knew this had to be connected to why Everest had been so damn secretive lately.

I rubbed my ass, still sore from Ghost's unnecessary slap, and readjusted my shorts as I marched up the stairs, my jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack.

I was done being left in the dark.

When I reached the door to me and Everest's old room, I hesitated for a second, my hand hovering over the handle.

Don't overthink it, Avery.

I gave the door a soft knock, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Ev?"

My hand rested protectively over my belly, my mind racing. I hadn't even told him about the twins yet. I was waiting for the right moment—

But now?

It felt like that moment was slipping further away.

Before I could knock again, the door swung open.

And I froze.

Standing in front of me was a giggling girl, her barely-covered body on full display. She had on tight leather pants and a hot pink bra that left absolutely nothing to the imagination.

What. The. Fuck.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her tone dripping with fake sweetness, but the way she looked me up and down made my blood boil.

"And you are?" She asked, disgust lacing every word.

Her smirk grew, and she placed a hand on her hip, looking me up and down like I was nothing.

"Who am I?" I stepped forward, my blood pounding in my ears as I unzipped my jacket. My hoodie fell open, and her eyes immediately dropped to my stomach.

"I'm the one carrying his kids, bitch." Her smirk disappeared, her mouth dropping open in shock.

I didn't wait for a response. I pushed past her, slamming the door open—and what I saw made my stomach drop.

Everest.

Passed out on the bed. Shirtless.

His jeans unbuckled.

"Wake the fuck up!" I shouted, smacking his face hard enough to jolt him awake. He groaned, his hand flying to his cheek as he sat up, blinking in confusion.

"What the fuck—" His voice trailed off as his bleary eyes finally focused on me.

"Avery?" His brows furrowed like he was trying to figure out if I was real or if this was some kind of nightmare.

Not shocked.

Not guilty.

Just... confused.

"You really doing this?" My voice was barely above a whisper, but the hurt behind it was deafening.

"Avery..." He blinked again, his eyes bloodshot. And that's when I smelled it.

Whiskey.

Great.

"I told you to stay home," he mumbled, slurring his words slightly as he tried to get his bearings.

"Actually, Everest, you haven't told me shit!" I snapped, my voice cracking as the weight of everything hit me at once. I could feel my whole body trembling, my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.

"Everyone's been so fucking secretive—Ghost, Teagan, you—and for what? To protect me from this?" I threw my hands up, the words pouring out before I could stop them.

My throat tightened as I paced back and forth, trying to keep myself from completely falling apart.

"You know, Everest..." I ran a hand through my hair, my voice dropping as the weight of it all crashed down on me.

"I'm starting to think you're only doing this because of the baby." My voice cracked. "Maybe..." I swallowed hard, my eyes burning as I forced the words out. "Maybe you don't love me anymore."

Silence.

I looked up, blinking back tears as I stared at the ceiling, trying so hard to hold it together. Avery..." His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.

"I'd fucking die for you." I felt him move closer, his hand gently pressing against my belly. "For you and our kid." I glanced down, my heart twisting painfully at the sight of his hand on my stomach. But all I could smell was the alcohol on his breath.

"But you don't love me." I whispered the words so softly I wasn't sure he even heard me. His hand dropped instantly, and before I could blink, his fingers were around my throat, pulling me close until I was inches from his face.

"I'll fucking love you until the day I die, Avery King." His words were slurred, but the intensity in his eyes was suffocating. And that's when I knew.

He was drunk.

So damn drunk.

"So you cheat on me?" My voice trembled as I forced the words out, my lips quivering.

"With that?" I refused to look away, but I could see the way his eyes flickered—toward the door where she was still standing. Arms crossed. Smirking.

Smirking.

My stomach turned.

"How long did you think our perfect little life was going to last, Avery?" His voice was softer now, but there was a bitter edge to it that sliced through me.

"This is who I am. A deranged biker who kills, drinks, and fucks. You really thought you could make me a family man?"

I felt like the air had been knocked out of me.

"No, Everest," I whispered, my voice barely holding on as my heart shattered piece by piece.

"I didn't expect you to change."

I met his eyes, my voice steady even though my whole world was falling apart.

"But I did expect you to be honest with me. I expected you to be loyal."

Silence filled the room. I didn't wait for him to say anything. I turned, walking out the door without looking at him. I didn't even look at her as I passed. But I could feel her smirk.

And I knew—

I was done.

I didn't stop walking.

My feet carried me down the hallway, my mind numb, my vision blurred by the tears I was fighting to hold back.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't think.

The air felt thick, suffocating me as I stumbled down the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. My heart was pounding so loud, I thought it might burst.

I needed to get out of here.

Away from him.

Away from all of this.

"Fuck," I whispered, wiping my face as I rounded the corner toward the exit.

And that's when I ran straight into a brick wall.

Or at least, it felt like one.

"Whoa—"

Strong hands grabbed my arms, steadying me as I nearly tripped backward.

"Avery?"

I blinked up, my heart dropping when I saw who it was.

Austin.

"Shit," I muttered, looking away, but he didn't let go. His grip was firm but not harsh.

"Slow down, Ave," he said, his voice softer than I expected. But there was an edge to it—something... serious.

"Let me go, Austin," I murmured, trying to pull away, but his grip tightened just enough to keep me in place.

"Why are you even here?" His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he looked me up and down. "You shouldn't be coming around here."

I froze.

His tone wasn't just concerned.

It was... warning me.

"What?" I frowned, blinking up at him. "Why the hell not?"

Austin's expression hardened, his grip loosening slightly, but he didn't let go.

"Because if you knew what was good for you, Avery..." He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping low.

"You'd stay away." My stomach twisted.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why do you think Brooke ran away?" He raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place—pity? Sadness?

"Because y'all aren't meant for this life."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "What the hell are you saying, Austin?"

"I'm saying," he took a step back, his jaw clenching, "that if you're smart, you'll walk away now."

His words hung heavy in the air, suffocating me.

"This life?" He shook his head, his eyes filled with something... haunted. "It'll fucking ruin you, Avery."

My heart pounded in my ears, and I felt my knees go weak. "Everest—" I whispered, my voice breaking.

Austin's jaw tightened, and he looked away for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "Especially Everest." I felt like the ground was slipping out from under me.

"What... what aren't you telling me?" My voice cracked, and I hated how weak I sounded.

Austin didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked around, his eyes scanning the hallway as if someone might be listening.

"It's not just the club, Ave," he finally murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Then what is it?" I demanded, my heart pounding in my chest. He sighed, his eyes meeting mine again, and for the first time...

I saw fear.

"Devil's Blood."

The name sent a chill down my spine. "What?" I whispered, my breath hitching. "They're back." His jaw clenched, his face hardening.

"And if they're back..."

He didn't have to finish.

I already knew.

This was bad.

And now... I knew without a doubt—

This was exactly why Everest had been acting so damn suspicious. Maybe I was trying to be protected but still no excuse for Everest treating me this way. No excuse for anyone to be treating me like this at all.

My heart pounded as I stepped back, my mind racing.

Everything was starting to make sense.

But before I could ask anything else, Austin grabbed my arm again, his grip tighter this time.

"Avery." I looked up, and the seriousness in his eyes sent a wave of dread through me.

"Get the fuck out of here."

And that's exactly what I did.