A Monster's Beauty (In the Arms of Monsters #3) - Sam Crescent Page 0,72

it, but after a while, I was too afraid to tell you the truth, so I kept it from you. That was wrong of me, and I am sorry. So sorry. I wish I could change what I did, and now, I don’t think I can ever put it right. I hope you and Robin not only have a healthy baby, but I also hope you’re happy. I won’t do anything to hurt you or Robin ever again.”

Bishop nodded his head. “Right, I’ve said what I needed to say. I hope you can believe me.”

“I do believe you,” Preacher said. “The club isn’t going to punish you. You’ll never be allowed to become a member, and you’ll be an outsider. You won’t be privy to ever becoming a prospect or joining. The women are not allowed to sleep with you. You can stay in town, or leave, it’s up to you. You’re a free man without a mark on your head.”

“Wait? What?”

“You’re a free man.”

“No, that’s not possible, not after everything I’ve done.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong. You are free to go.” Preacher stared at his son. “I think it’s safe to say you were never meant for this life, Bishop. You’ve got your own life to lead, your own path to follow, and it doesn’t include me.”

“I’d … I would like to stay. I want to be able to make it up to you and to Robin.”

“You will stay away from Robin unless she wills it. You are not to go near her, do you understand?”

“Yes.”

Preacher nodded. “So long as we’re in agreement, then it doesn’t matter. I’ll leave you, and Merry Christmas.” He walked toward the door.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I know nothing I say can make up for what I did.”

Preacher spun back to look at his son. “I want to make one thing clear right now. The club has voted for you to be free. I agree with their decision but between me and you, I will never forgive you. Robin told me she has forgiven you, but I don’t have that kind of strength. I see you, Bishop, and what I see, I really don’t like.”

Preacher looked at his boy. “I fucked up with you, I know that, but that was between me and you. Instead of you taking your anger and hatred out on me, you didn’t, you took it out on the woman I love. She cared about you at some point as well. She can forgive you, but I never will. I won’t seek you out. I won’t harm you, but this is my final warning to you, son. If you ever intend to hurt the woman I love, my family, or my club, I will end you.”

“I won’t.” Bishop held his hands up. “You’ve given me more than my fair chance. I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.”

Preacher wanted to say more, but instead, he left the apartment. There was nothing more that could be said. All the words that needed to be spoken had been. They were done now. Whatever debt or guilt he owed to Bishop was done. His men were more than willing to allow him to live, especially after he had helped them. It was all they were willing to do. Bishop would have a complete ban from all of the club activities and from ever being part of it.

His son was dead to him as far as the club went. Preacher knew on a personal level, he had a great hatred for his son. The two years Robin was taken from him, he was never ever going to get them back. He could hold a grudge for as long as he needed to, no questions asked. When it came to Bishop, he had no lost feelings, no upset, just an understanding that his son meant nothing to him.

After leaving his apartment, he made his way toward the town’s library. Robin was determined to work and study there. It was the perfect place for her to keep an eye on Bethany as well. When he entered, several kids were leaving and they all gave him a wide berth.

All the rumors of what a monster he was still circulated, and he had no interest in changing anyone’s mind.

He found Anne working at the counter. She held Bethany on her hip and the moment his girl saw him, she started to wave her hands excitedly. It was moments like this that he couldn’t do anything wrong to this child. She was a