Page 77 of Nova

Without missing a beat, I close the few yards between us. Holding his bloody hand, and with nowhere to run, Velasco's back smacks against the concrete wall. I press the sharp end of my sawed-off shotgun into his flesh and blow a hole in his chest the size of Texas. His eyes widen, and he gurgles as blood bubbles from his mouth. Immediately blood seeps from his chest wound in massive quantities, soaking his crisp white shirt in crimson.

I watch the life drain from his eyes before his legs give way, and his body slides to the floor, where he takes his last strangled breath.

Knowing Velasco is dead, I rush to my woman's side, my eyes roaming her body as my brothers unbind the leather straps pinning her to the cold hard table. My hands exam every inch of her looking for injuries. "What the fuck is in the IV bag?" I notice the needle stuck in the flesh of her arm.

"Simple saline fluid," Riggs skillfully removes the needle. "But there's an empty syringe on the table—a mild sedative."

"Cain, I think he gave me something that knocked me out earlier too. Oh my God, Cain. The baby." Promise throws her arms around my neck as I lift her from the table. Pulling her to my chest, I carry her from the room.

"I've got you, babe." I keep moving as my brother, Kiwi and Everest lead us out of the building. Worry settles in my stomach, knowing whatever Velasco injected her with could harm the baby. "Someone get a hold of Teagan," I order to no one in particular. All that matters is that she's waiting at the clubhouse when we get there. The rain has stopped, and the sun beats down on our faces the instant we rush out the door, into the street, where we find Wick and Fender in wait.

"I think I should go to the hospital, Cain."

"No hospital, babe. You saw what just happened back there. They'll ask questions we can't answer. I promise we'll take care of you. You need to trust me," I tell her.

"I trust you," Promise says, and it's all I needed to hear.

Realizing Promise will need to ride on the back of my bike, I carefully set her on her feet once we get back to where we left them. She seems a little wobbly at first but otherwise okay. "Babe, I'm going to need you to hold on as tight as you can. Think you have enough strength to do that?" I brush the hair from her face.

"I won't let go." Her red-rimmed eyes stare back at me.

With weapons stowed away, and Promise huddled against my back, holding me tight, we roll out, headed for our side of town. Finding it hard not to think about our baby, the ride back to the clubhouse house feels longer than usual. I'm not much of a praying man, but I do believe in a higher power. So, I pray, hoping he hears me.

After arriving at the clubhouse, everything is a blur. London is near frantic as I carry Promise upstairs to my room where Teagan examines her. "She seems to be okay, considering all that she's been through, and Riggs was smart enough to bring the syringe found at the scene. They used a mild sedative," Teagan states as she tosses her stethoscope into her bag. "It would take several strong doses of sedatives to cause any concerns when it comes to the baby. To be sure and ease both your minds, I brought a portable ultrasound machine."

There's a light knock at the door, followed by Piper's concerned voice. "Daddy. Is everything okay?" I open the door to find not only Piper but damn near every set of eyes in the clubhouse huddled in the hallway, staring back at me. Piper glances past me at Promise, who is lying in bed.

"Teagan was just about to check the baby. Would you like to come in?"

"Promise won't mind?" She is hesitant to step into the room.

"I don't mind," Promise states, her voice hinting at how exhausted she is. As Piper crosses the room, I go to close the door. "Wait."

Stopping, I look over my shoulder.

"Leave it open. I want the family to hear it too," Promise adds, and the emotions I've been holding back for so long make themselves known. My eyes become misty as I reopen the door. Everyone squeezes their way into my small room, including her best friend, London.

Piper slides into bed beside Promise, as Teagan rolls the waistband of Promise's jeans down, stopping just shy of her panty line. Teagan warms a small packet of jelly between her hands before peeling it open and squeezing it out onto Promise's abdomen. Promise holds out her hand, and I take it in mine.

I hold my breath, as Teagan moves the doppler around. There's a faint whoosh, and the room falls silent. Reaching over, Teagan turns a small nob, increasing the volume output of the machine.

The room fills with the sound of our baby's heartbeat.

Promise starts to cry, and relief washes over me. Releasing the breath I was holding, I lean down, kissing my woman. "I fuckin' love you so much." Emotions cause my voice to crack. I gather my girls into my arms, thankful for all that I have, and grateful my prayers were answered.

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