The waves crashed gently along the shore as I walked beside Justin, the cool sand beneath my feet grounding me. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, but my mind was far from the beauty surrounding me.

"Alright," Justin finally said, his voice breaking through the silence. "What's going on? You've been quiet since I got here."

I let out a heavy sigh, my arms wrapping protectively around my bump. "I saw him today," I whispered, my voice barely above the sound of the waves.

Justin's steps faltered for a moment. "Here? In town?"

I nodded, staring straight ahead. "He was talking to MaryAnn. I didn't even know he was here. I... I panicked and left before they saw me."

Justin was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. "And how do you feel about that?"

"How do I feel?" I let out a bitter laugh. "Like my whole world came crashing down. I've been trying so hard to move forward, to keep everything together, but seeing him..."

I trailed off, blinking rapidly as the memory flooded back.

He looked... different.

His beard was thicker than I remembered, the rough edges of it making him look older, more worn down. And his eyes... God, his eyes. They were tired, hollow, like he hadn't slept in days.

And all I wanted to do was run to him.

To throw myself into his arms and feel the safety I'd once felt with him. To hear him tell me that everything was going to be okay, that he'd take care of me—of the babies. But I couldn't.

Because I didn't know if I could ever forgive him.

I blinked back tears, forcing myself to stay in the present. "It hurt, Justin," I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "More than I thought it would."

Justin didn't say anything at first, just kept walking beside me, giving me the space to get it all out.

"I'm scared," I murmured, barely able to look at him. "About everything. About him, about the club... about the babies."

Justin's head snapped toward me. "Babies?" he repeated, his brow furrowing.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I forced the words out. "I'm having twins, Justin," I whispered, my voice trembling. "And no one knows. Not even MaryAnn."

"Twins?" He stopped walking, turning to face me fully. His expression was a mixture of shock and concern. "Avery... why haven't you told anyone?"

My eyes dropped to the sand, unable to meet his gaze. "Because I'm not ready," I whispered. "I'm not even prepared for one baby... let alone two." I shook my head, feeling the familiar sting of tears. "I don't have anything for them. I don't even know where I'm going to be in a month, Justin. I'm terrified."

Justin's expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing lightly against my arm. "Avery," he said gently, his voice steady and calm. "You don't have to do this alone. You've got MaryAnn... and me." His eyes searched mine, full of sincerity. "I'm not going anywhere."

I swallowed hard, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "But why?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you being so nice to me? You don't even know me."

Justin's jaw clenched for a moment, and he looked out at the horizon, as if searching for the right words. "Because I've been where you are," he finally murmured. "Feeling lost, not knowing which way to turn."

I blinked, surprised by his honesty. There was something about Justin that made me feel... safe. Like I didn't have to pretend to be strong all the time. But that scared me, too.

"I don't know if I can trust that," I admitted, my voice barely audible.

"You don't have to," he said softly. "Not yet. But I'll be here when you're ready."

The weight of his words settled over me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt something close to relief. But I couldn't let myself fall into that comfort, not when there was so much uncertainty surrounding my life.

I took a shaky breath, trying to change the subject before I completely broke down. "I just... I haven't even told MaryAnn," I murmured, my voice filled with guilt. "She's been so good to me, and I've kept this huge secret from her."

Justin gave me a small, encouraging smile. "She'll understand. MaryAnn's tough, but she cares about you. She'll want to be there for you."

"I hope so." I sighed, my hand unconsciously brushing over my bump. "I don't know how much longer I can hide it. I'm already huge."

Justin smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "I mean... you're not that big."

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "Careful, Marsh. You're walking a fine line."

He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. No more jokes about the bump."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and for a moment, the weight on my chest felt just a little lighter. But it didn't last long.

The waves continued their gentle rhythm against the shore as I tried to steady my thoughts, but my mind kept circling back to him. No matter how much I wanted to move forward, Everest was always there—lingering in the back of my mind, in my heart.

But then I looked at Justin.

Standing there beside me, so steady, so... put together. He was calm and secure, nothing like the chaos I had lived through with Everest and the club. Justin looked like someone who could offer a normal life. A life where I didn't have to constantly look over my shoulder, where I could raise my babies in peace.

Like MaryAnn's accountant in California. Safe. Stable.

And for a brief moment, I wondered if maybe... that's what I should want.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

EVEREST'S POV:

"You look like you've been dragged through the pits of hell."

My mother's voice cut through the tension in the air, her tone sharp with disapproval as she stood on the porch, a cigarette dangling between her fingers. The look on her face said it all—disgust, concern, and that hint of disappointment she always carried when it came to me.

"I feel like it," I muttered, rubbing my hand over my face. The truth was, I was exhausted. More than that—I was fucking drained, body and soul.

"When's the last time you slept?"

Her voice softened, her expression shifting as she placed a hand on her hip and took a slow drag.

I sighed, my eyes scanning the yard, craving even a glimpse of her. "I haven't," I admitted quietly, avoiding her gaze. "We've been running back and forth to the border non-stop."

I was running on fumes, but I didn't care. I'd take every sleepless night, every ache and pain, as long as Avery was safe. But I needed to see her. Just for a second. I had to know.

"You know your father put a stop to that shit when he became president," she said, shaking her head, her disapproval evident. "Business was too risky."

"I know."

"The cops and the DEA were always sniffing around, especially after you shot that kid."

Her tone was almost casual, but the weight of those words hit me like a freight train. It didn't surprise me that she knew. My mother might've left us, but she had eyes and ears everywhere. Even from a distance, she always knew what was going on.

"Max said they've cooled down," I muttered, my jaw clenching as I tried to push the memory away. "They haven't been around for a while, but we've been moving some heavy ammunition. Our route cuts through Dodge to avoid the main highways. We don't have a choice right now."

Frustration churned in my gut. I was running out of options—out of time.

Maddox Marsh.

A backwoods, no-name piece of shit who'd sell his own mother if it meant keeping his ass out of trouble. He didn't give a damn what happened to the club or anyone in it, and I wasn't about to let him drag us down with him. But most of all, I wasn't going to let him take me away from Avery again.

Not after everything I'd already lost.

"You better figure this shit out soon," my mother said, her voice cutting through my thoughts. "That baby is coming, and she needs you to be there. I'm only doing this for you because that's my grandbaby, and I feel like it's the least I can do after leaving... but I can't stay forever." Her words hit me where it hurt, and I knew she was right.

"You don't think I fuckin' know that?" I snapped, standing up from where I was leaning against the wall, my voice harsher than I intended.

I was doing everything I could to keep Avery safe. I had even sent Austin away—kept him far from all this shit—because I couldn't risk losing my brother. And if something happened to me...

I needed someone I trusted to be here for her.

"She's misses you like crazy, you know?"

Her voice was softer now, almost... sad. "She tries not to show it, but I can see it. The poor girl looks lost, like she doesn't know what's coming next."

The image of Avery flashed in my mind—her soft smile, the way her eyes lit up when she looked at me, even when she was trying to act strong. But I knew better.

"Is she doing okay?" I asked, my voice quieter now. "The baby?"

"Far as I know," she said with a shrug. "They're both good."

Both.

The word echoed in my head, but I brushed it off, assuming she meant Avery and the baby. Just hearing that they were okay eased some of the weight on my chest, but not enough to make it go away.

"Good." But even as I said it, my mind was still spinning.

"You know..." My mother's voice shifted, and this time, I felt it before she even spoke the words. "Max's son has been sniffing around."

My body went rigid.

"What?"

"You didn't know he had a kid?" My mom's tone was so casual, like this was something I should've known already. "He's the reason you got suspended from middle school. He's only a couple of years older than you."

"Justin Marsh."

The name hit me like a punch to the gut. And just like that, it all came rushing back.

But as far as I could remember, that kid had never been patched into the club. Never even sniffed around it. The last memory I had of him was when I knocked him out on the playground for messing with Austin. After that? Nothing.

My jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack.

"He's been taking a liking to her," my mom added, her voice still maddeningly calm, but her eyes were watching me closely now, waiting to see how I'd react.

"I think she's sweet on him too." A slow, burning rage started deep in my gut, spreading through me like wildfire.

No.

Avery wouldn't—

"He's been playing the nice guy," she went on, her tone laced with something close to pity. "Making her feel safe. Like he can offer her a normal life."

The life she deserves.

I swallowed hard, the knot in my chest tightening.

"Maybe that's what she wants," I muttered, the words barely making it past the lump in my throat.

"Maybe." But my mother didn't sound convinced. Before I could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand. "Shit," she murmured, her brows knitting together as she read the message.

"What is it?" Her eyes flicked up, and this time, I saw the concern flash in them.

"It's from Avery."

My heart stopped.

"She said she wasn't feeling well," she murmured, her tone now more serious. "Got a ride home."

Not feeling well?

Panic hit me like a freight train.

"Is she okay?" My voice was sharp, the edge of fear I couldn't hide bleeding through.

"Relax," she said, but I could tell she was trying to convince herself as much as me. "She's probably just tired." I didn't believe that for a second.

"I need you to call me," I said, my voice steady but firm. "The second you get back to the house."

"Everest—"

"I'm not fuckin' around, Ma." My eyes locked with hers, and whatever she saw there must've been enough.

"Alright," she murmured with a nod. "I'll call." But the tightness in my chest didn't ease. Because something wasn't right.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

AVERYS POV:

The walk along the beach had left me more exhausted than I realized. After everything that had happened today—seeing Everest, the emotional weight of keeping my pregnancy a secret—I needed time to clear my head. But instead, I had invited Justin back to the house, thinking maybe a little company would help.

It didn't.

I sat on the couch, my hands resting lightly on my bump as Justin paced near the window, his energy making me uneasy. I should have known something felt off. He had been quieter than usual on the walk back, his mind clearly somewhere else.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, breaking the silence.

Justin turned to face me, his expression unreadable. But then he smiled—only it didn't reach his eyes. "I've just been thinking... about you."

I forced a small smile, but my stomach twisted. Something felt wrong.

"Justin..." I started, but before I could say anything else, he stepped toward me, closing the distance between us.

"Avery," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost coaxing. "I meant what I said earlier. You don't have to go through this alone." His hand reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I could be here for you... for the babies."

My breath caught in my throat as he leaned in, his lips just inches from mine.

"Justin, no..." I whispered, turning my head away, but he didn't immediately back off.

"Come on, Avery," he murmured, his voice low. "I know you're scared... but I could make this easier. I could give you the life you deserve."

I took a step back, creating space between us, but his next words froze me in place.

"Better than some deranged biker named Sin ever could," he muttered, his voice laced with disdain.

My blood went cold.

My heart pounded in my ears as his words echoed in my mind.

Sin.

My stomach clenched as panic washed over me. I never told Justin about Everest. I never mentioned his name... or the club.

I took a shaky step back, my heart pounding so hard it echoed in my ears. "How do you...?" My voice trailed off as dread filled me.

Justin's expression didn't change, but I saw it—the slight flicker in his eyes. A shadow of something darker.

"Justin..." My voice was barely a whisper now, fear gripping my throat.

His expression shifted for a brief second—guilt flashing in his eyes before he masked it with a casual shrug. "Come on, Avery. Small town like this? People talk."

But I wasn't buying it. My instincts screamed at me that something was very wrong.

"I think you should leave," I said, my voice firm as I backed away from him.

"Avery, I didn't mean—"

"Leave."

For a moment, Justin just stood there, his jaw clenched, frustration flashing across his face. But before he could say anything else, a voice cut through the tension.

"You heard the girl."

My stomach dropped as I looked past Justin and saw MaryAnn standing in the hallway, arms crossed over her chest, her expression hard as steel.

"I think it's time for you to go," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"I think it's time for you to go," MaryAnn said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Justin's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he was going to argue. His eyes flickered to me, something unreadable in his expression—anger, frustration... maybe even regret. But then he stepped back, his hands up in mock surrender.

"Fine," he muttered under his breath, but his eyes lingered on me a little too long. "Just... think about what I said, Avery."

I didn't respond. I couldn't. My throat felt tight, and my heart was pounding so hard it echoed in my ears.

Justin turned, heading toward the door, but something in me still felt off. The moment he stepped out, I should have felt relief. But I didn't.

A sudden, sharp pain ripped through my stomach, making me gasp.

"Oh—" My breath caught as the pain intensified, sharp and unforgiving, spreading across my belly like wildfire.

My knees buckled.

"Av!" MaryAnn's voice was sharp with panic as I collapsed, clutching my stomach.

"Shit, Avery!" Justin's voice was suddenly back, closer, and before I could process what was happening, he was kneeling beside me, his hands reaching for me.

"No," I gasped, trying to push him away, but another wave of pain tore through me, making me cry out.

"Don't move," Justin murmured, his voice softer now, full of concern. His hand hovered over my belly, his eyes narrowing in worry. "Avery, what's happening?"

I couldn't speak. The pain was too much.

"Back off!" MaryAnn's voice was cold and lethal, and in an instant, she was between us, her body blocking Justin from getting any closer.

"Get away from her, Justin," she warned, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"I'm just trying to help!" He raised his hands, but MaryAnn wasn't having it.

"She doesn't need your help," she snapped, her voice like steel. "I told you to leave."

Justin's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he looked between me and MaryAnn. But then he took a step back, his expression hardening.

"This isn't over," he muttered under his breath, but MaryAnn didn't even flinch.

"Get. Out," she repeated, her voice so cold it sent a chill down my spine.

I barely registered the sound of the door slamming shut as another wave of pain hit, tearing through me with brutal force.

"MaryAnn..." I whimpered, my vision blurring as tears spilled down my cheeks.

"I'm here, honey," she murmured, her arms steady as she held me up. "I've got you."

But something wasn't right.

A strange warmth spread between my legs, and an icy chill ran down my spine. My breathing hitched as I shifted slightly, a sick feeling swirling in my gut.

Then I felt it.

Wet.

My heart stopped.

I glanced down, my hands trembling as they brushed against the fabric of my sundress. When I pulled my hand away, my stomach dropped.

Red.

Bright, vivid, and smeared across my fingers.

"No..." My voice was barely a whisper, my lips trembling as I stared at my blood-stained hand. "No... no, no, no..."

Panic surged through me, my heart pounding so loudly it echoed in my ears.

"Avery?" MaryAnn's voice was urgent now, but I couldn't look at her. I couldn't move. My eyes dropped, and that's when I saw it—

The blood.

It was staining the hem of my dress, spreading like ink across the pale fabric and pooling beneath me.

"Oh my God," I choked, my throat tightening as the tears spilled down my face.

"I'm... I'm bleeding," I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

MaryAnn's eyes went wide as she followed my gaze, her face paling instantly. "Shit," she breathed, her voice trembling as she knelt beside me, her hands steady despite the fear in her eyes.

"Okay, okay, stay calm," she said, but I could hear the panic she was trying to hide.

"MaryAnn..." My voice cracked, my body shaking as another sharp pain tore through me, making me cry out.

"Breathe, honey," she murmured, her hands moving quickly to support me. "It's gonna be okay. I've got you. We're gonna get you to the hospital."

But I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't think.

All I could see was the blood.

It was everywhere—on my hands, soaking through my dress, and pooling beneath me. My breaths were ragged, coming in short, uneven gasps as panic gripped my chest.

"Stay with me, honey." Her grip on me tightened, her voice trying to be steady, but I could hear the tremor in it. "We're gonna get you help, okay? Just stay with me."

But then—

"AVE—!"

The sound of his voice cut through the chaos like a bolt of lightning.

Through the haze of pain and panic, both MaryAnn and I whipped our heads toward the front door.

And time slowed.

Everest stood in the doorway, his chest rising and falling as if he had run straight here. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, everything around me faded.

His face was a mixture of pure panic and raw devastation, his usually calm demeanor shattered the second he saw me on the floor.

"Jesus Christ..." he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, but I could see the horror in his eyes as they dropped to the blood beneath me.

"Everest..." My voice cracked, barely audible as my body swayed, the pain consuming me.

And then he moved.

Faster than I'd ever seen him move before, he was across the room, dropping to his knees beside me in an instant.

"Avery," his voice was desperate now, his hands cupping my face gently as he tried to get me to look at him. "I'm here, baby. I'm here."

"Ev..." My eyes were heavy, the exhaustion pulling at me, but I fought it. I fought to stay in this moment, to keep my eyes on him.

"I... I'm sorry..." I whimpered, tears streaming down my face as I felt another wave of pain hit me like a freight train.

"Don't do that," Everest murmured, his voice breaking as he brushed his thumb gently over my cheek. "Don't apologize. I've got you, baby. I've got you."

"Everest," MaryAnn's voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing at Justin, who was still standing frozen near the door. "Help me get her in the truck. Now."

Everest's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing dangerously at Justin.

"Get the fuck away from her," Everest growled, his voice low and deadly, his body tensing as if he was ready to pounce.

"Ev..." I murmured weakly, my vision blurring again.

"Focus on me, baby," he whispered, his hand brushing gently against my face, his other arm sliding carefully under me.

"I've got you," he promised.

And this time, I believed him.

Even as darkness began to creep in at the edges of my vision, I held on to his voice, to the steady strength in his touch.

"Hold on, baby," Everest murmured, his voice shaking as he lifted me gently.

"Hold on."