CHAPTER SEVEN

Maverick

The further we drive from the clubhouse, the more I relax. Getting away from the club was the best idea South has had in a long damn time. I don't know what it is exactly about Sadie that gets my back up, but that woman drives me crazy.

Suddenly, Ingrid groans, her hand shooting to her back as she shifts like she's extremely uncomfortable. The motion is enough to pull me completely from my rambling thoughts. South and I both snap our heads to Ingrid before she quickly raises her hand, letting out a long breath. "It's fine. Just another Braxton Hicks."

South continues to drive but rolls his shoulder like he is also very uncomfortable. "Angel, I don't want to question you, but are you sure? That seemed pretty intense."

Ingrid snaps her eyes to him, a forceful look in her expression. "South, we need to check on Bella. We haven't been for a few days. Let's make sure she's okay, and then once we have done that, if you really need to make yourself feel better, we can go to the hospital, where they will tell you this is perfectly normal."

South smiles and nods.

I smirk internally because there's no doubt who wears the pants in their relationship. But they work so well as a couple—even with the age gap—that they are perfect for each other. Honestly, it would be great to have a love like that.

One you would do absolutely anything for, and they would do the same in return.

That kind of love is hard to come by.

Eventually, we make it to Bella's home. The driveway is long and steep, with her house being in the hills. It's no wonder she lives where she does. All the money she has made as a booking agent has made her a wealthy woman. And honestly, it shows as we pull up to her opulent home.

But I guess that saying about money doesn't buy you happiness and health is true because even all the money in the world can't save Bella from Motor Neuron Disease.

South pulls up the van, and we jump out, going to the front door.

Shaking my head, I lean in next to South. "Dude, her front door is bigger than my fucking bedroom back at the clubhouse."

South chuckles. "Yeah, don't I know it."

He opens the door with his key, and we head in. My eyes widen, taking in the sheer luxury of this place. I have never seen anything like it in my life. I've never come from wealth. I have never known anyone who's had much money. So, this is a complete shock to the system.

Ingrid leans in against my ear with a slight chuckle. "Close your mouth, Mav."

I do as she says, not even realizing I was gawking. South leads us into the living room, some band playing in the background over the surround sound system. I've heard a lot about Bella from when South and I lived together in New Orleans. When South said he had to leave because Bella was diagnosed with MND and he had to come to LA to take care of her, it was a no-brainer for him and Ingrid to transfer back to LA Defiance.

On the other hand, I transferred to LA from NOLA to keep an eye on Ingrid at the request of our NOLA President, Hurricane. I still check in with him every month. But honestly, Ingrid and South have settled into LA perfectly. And it's great to finally be meeting Bella.

As we all move into the living room, South glances around. "Bells, where the hell are you?" he calls out.

Then, as if on cue, she appears through the doorway, but the sight of her quite literally shocks me. I'm not sure what I was expecting. I knew her condition was deteriorating. I just didn't know it had developed so fast. She walks slowly, almost dragging her feet. Her arms hang loosely by her sides, almost doll-like in appearance, as if she would barely even be able to use her arms at all. She's skin and bones as she makes her way into the room.

What really gets to me is how her face doesn't show any pain, fatigue, or fear. She shows the brightest smile when she spots her brother. "Rome… you're… here," she says, her speech slow and breathy.

South walks over, his body instantly relaxing when he hugs her tightly. "What's this shit you're listening to?"

She laughs as he eases Bella onto the sofa. "It's this… new band… I signed. 153 Days… supposed to be… the next… big thing."

I let out a snort, rolling my eyes. Of course, it's the same band the girls were going on about before.

South huffs like he's unimpressed. "What the fuck are you doing, Bells? Are you still working?"

"I have a business… I need to run."

"Bella, I know you love your work, but there comes a point when you're going to have to do something about your company. You won't be able to keep working, especially not at the pace you used to."

Somehow, she pulls her hand up just enough to weakly flip him the bird. I can't hold in my laugh as South slumps his shoulders.

She fights back. "I will keep working… until I can't, Romeo… Then, and only then… you can do whatever… you want with the business... because you have Power of Attorney over it now… You just gotta sign these documents… and then, it's all yours… Sell it, run it… rebrand it into an illegal… money laundering scheme for the club… I don't care… I'll be dead."

"Jesus, Bells—"

"All I am saying is… the company is worth millions… You have your first child on the way… I always wanted to be an aunty… Let me give this gift to my nephew."

A tear slides down Ingrid's face before she steps forward, embracing Bella. "Thank you, Bells," she whispers while South continues to sit on the sofa beside his sister in complete silence, the realization hitting him hard.

Bella turns her attention to me, her eyes looking me up and down, a cheeky grin appearing on her gaunt but beautiful face. "Who do we have here… Do they breed all bikers sexy like you?"

Well, damn!

Wasn't expecting that.

I'm not often lost for words, but I have no clue what to say back to that.

Bella bursts out laughing. "You should… see your face… I'm kidding… kinda. You're hot as fuck… But I know starting up… an intense sexual relationship with me… is probably too intimidating… for you right now… I am just far too beautiful for you... I get it, so you're off the hook… I honestly don't think you could keep up with me… anyway, gorgeous."

Ingrid chuckles.

South rolls his eyes. "Bella, do you have to be so…"

"What? I was always like this… Why change just 'cause I'm gonna die."

Ingrid lets out a little moan before she hunches over, one hand on her stomach, one on her back as she breathes a little heavier.

South stands, rushing to her. "Angel, I don't like this. I think we need to—"

Suddenly, she lets out a loud wail, gripping South's hand tight and beginning to pant. "It's too late for that. I thought I could hold out. I wanted to see Bella so we could sign the paperwork because I knew this was important to her."

My eyes widen as I rush to Ingrid's side, moving her with South to the sofa.

But it's Bella who's the first to talk. "Oh God, Ingrid… the paperwork can wait… You need to go… to the hospital."

South nods. "Yeah, Angel, if your water hasn't broken, we still have time."

Ingrid weakly smiles. "My water broke two hours ago."

"You've been in labor this whole damn time?" South growls.

Ingrid nods, gritting her teeth through another contraction.

Bella moves toward the kitchen while I move toward the end of the sofa.

South squats at her head, gripping her hand tightly.

"This baby's coming now?" I ask.

Ingrid lets out an ear-piercing scream in response.

South turns to me, fear etched in his eyes, while I nod. "It's okay, brother. You stay with her. I got this. When I did my first-aid course when I learned about Clover's diagnosis, I did a brief lesson in childbirth. I think I remember the basics."

"You think you remember? Fuck, no. I need to deliver my baby. You get your ass up here—"

"Romeo North, you sonofabitch, if you leave my side through this, I swear to God I will beat your head in with a hammer after I deliver this baby. Let Maverick do this, and you stay up here, hold my motherfucking hand, and help me breathe like the birth plan told us to do."

I smirk as South cranes his neck.

He hesitates momentarily, then walks back to Ingrid, grabbing her hand, and she tightly squeezes. "I fucking love you," South whispers against her ear.

"I love you, too, but don't leave me again. I need you by my side for this."

He swipes some hair from her sweaty face and leans in, gently kissing her, then pulls back, looking at me. "Bring my boy into this world, Mav."

I let out one hell of a breath as I spin around. Bella is moving toward me the best she can while trying to carry towels in her non-functioning arms. When she hands them to me, I place one beside me for the baby and then the others on the sofa. "Ingrid, I'm gonna need you to lift your legs for me." Luckily, she's wearing a dress, so she does as I ask and parts them, and I slide a towel in underneath her.

She moans.

My anxiety clenches at my chest, knowing this is Hurricane's stepmother, and if anything happens to her, he will one hundred percent, without any hesitation, definitely kill me. Then, he will kill South.

So, this next move I have to make will be even harder than I thought. But I can't get this baby out without doing it. Glancing over her bent knees, I peer down at Ingrid while she pants and tilt my head. "Ingrid, I am so fucking sorry, but I have put my hands up your dress and remove your panties. Is it okay if I do that?"

She glares at me, her eyes wide like she wants to kill me right now. "The fucking baby isn't going to come out if I have my damn panties on, Maverick! Stop being a fucking pussy. You're about to see my vagina rip itself to shreds. My damn panties are the least of your worries right now."

South grimaces as I duck back down, the idea of what I'm about to go through firmly searing into my brain.

Fuck it! I just do it and pull Ingrid's panties from her, tossing them to the floor.

A gentle tap on my shoulder has me spinning to Bella, who's sliding a bottle of vodka my way. I raise my brow, and she shrugs. "Thought it might be handy… for sterilization or something?"

I let out a chuckle. "Or something," I reply, picking up the bottle and taking a long, hard gulp while Ingrid lets out another deep, harrowing scream.

"It's okay, Angel, I'm right here."

"Why the fuck did I let you do this to me again? I'm too fucking old for this shit," Ingrid yells.

South and I both chuckle, but it's South who answers, "Baby, you're the strongest woman I know. You got this. You ready to push?"

Ingrid doesn't reply, her face turning bright red before she bares down, gritting her teeth. Letting out a long breath, I give myself a pep talk, then duck down, lifting her dress completely out of the way so I can see every-damn-thing.

My stomach churns at the sight before me when Ingrid screams again.

South holds her hand tight.

And what I assume is the head of their baby begins to crown.

"Jesus Christ," I mumble under my breath as I watch Ingrid being torn apart. This is nothing like the tutorial videos in my training.

It's like the worst massacre I've ever seen.

Bile rises in my throat, my head spinning, but I keep my shit together because my brother and his Old Lady need me. "Okay, I see the head," I call out.

Ingrid opens wider, and their little boy's head protrudes further.

Blood, some kind of mucus, and God knows what else is coming out of every-fucking-where, all over my arms, shirt, and cut while I lean in as close as I can so this baby does not drop on the floor when he arrives.

Bella slides down to the end of the sofa next to me. "You're doing great," she whispers. The confidence boost I didn't know I needed helps. My entire body shakes at the sight, knowing how much this must be hurting Ingrid and the fact I have a small life literally about to be in my hands.

"Okay, Ingrid, his head is almost out. I have a feeling you need to push," I tell her.

Her eyes meet South, and he smiles at her, gently stroking her hair. "You got this, Angel."

Ingrid's eyes begin to water, her body slumps, and she shakes her head. "I'm so tired. I'm too old for this shit. I should have gone to the hospital. I'm so sorry. I should have listened to you. I don't know what the hell I was thinkin—"

"Stop! You're Ingrid-fucking-Ladet. You're the toughest woman I know. Do you know any other woman who can control Hurricane the way you can? That man is as arrogant as they come and yet he would do any-fucking-thing for you. You're a powerhouse, woman. You have done this twice already, and I know you, of all people, believe that age is just a number. You're strong, Ingrid. We're going to meet our son at any moment now. You just have to give a little more. Can you do that, baby? Can you give just a little more so we can meet our boy?" South asks.

Ingrid sniffs before shaking her head. "You're an asshole."

"It's why you love me." He chuckles, then leans in to kiss her briefly.

Ingrid turns to me but doesn't have time to say anything as another contraction hits. She grips South's hand, letting out another moan. She moves to sit up a little to help herself push.

The head is almost out, and suddenly, as the baby begins to crown, the horror of this situation begins to fade, and the joy and wonder takes over. My heart races frantically, my head spinning as his little face pops out of her, and I cradle him in my hands. "Holy shit!" I whisper.

Bella leans in, taking a look, tears streaming down her face as Ingrid pushes again.

I glance up, smiling at South. "Okay, push really hard, Ingrid. He's almost here!"

She grits her teeth, letting out one final groan, his shoulders sliding out, and the rest of him following soon after. I grab a firm hold. He's a little slippery in my hands, but Bella passes me a towel, and the emotion takes over as I try hard but unsuccessfully to stop a tear from popping out of my eye when I wrap the little guy in the towel.

He's covered in goo and instantly starts belting out his own chorus. As I cradle him to my chest, Ingrid bursts into tears, finally letting out her emotions, her body sagging with the relief I also feel.

"Congratulations, he has ten fingers and ten toes," I tell them as I hand their baby to Ingrid, careful of the umbilical cord still attached.

She reaches out for him, cradling the little bundle to her chest. South leans in, his bottom lip quivering as he takes in his firstborn. South's finger gently caresses his cheek while Ingrid places her finger inside the baby's mouth, and his crying instantly stops when he begins to suck.

She's done this before. She knows what comfort a baby needs.

Moving back to give them some space, Bella slides in beside her brother as the three of them take in the new addition to their family. I shift to the middle of the room, my heart rate still frantically beating as I drop to the floor, just sitting, taking all this in. My knees are to my chest while I watch the happy family bond.

I can't help but wonder if I will ever have this one day. If I will have someone I love so much I will start a family of my own. For some reason, my mind shifts to Sadie and what she is doing with Clover right now.

Clover is my family.

Haven, too, of course.

But seeing how South is with Bella reminds me of how I am with Clover. That unconditional love. I don't know why I'm thinking about Sadie right now. When I think of her, she ignites every irate emotion I contain. But all I want to feel right now is joy and happiness.

So, to stop any of Sadie's venom from seeping into this momentous occasion, I stand while the other three are still all loved up and head to the bathroom to try and clean myself as best I can.

This house is huge. I have no clue where I am going as I wander the halls, but eventually, I find a bathroom. Walking in, I turn on the faucet and begin to scrub this shit off me.

My mind is all over the place.

Thinking about having a future with someone is so important. It will need to be with someone Clover gets along with, Haven too, but Clover most importantly.

While checking the mirror, I note my face is pale white, and my eyes have big black circles under them as I stare at myself before shaking my head. What the fuck am I thinking? Planning a future for myself that is nowhere near ready to come to fruition.

You're way ahead of yourself, Maverick.

They say babies fuck with women's brains—I had no idea that shit fucked with men's too.

Grabbing a clean towel, I dry myself off. There's nothing I can do about the state of my clothing, but at least my skin is clean. I can't say anything about the smell, though. But I can clean myself up properly when I return to the clubhouse.

Right now, I need to get back into that living room.

After making my way out, I find they're all still in the same positions, cuddling the little baby in a happy daze.

"You guys, we need to call Hurricane." I smile as I step over to them.

South glances up at me like the realization should have occurred to him first. But he needs to cut himself some slack. His son was just born. He's allowed to take that in for a moment. "Yeah, we really do."

Ingrid chuckles. "He sees me looking like this. He's going to think I'm on my death bed."

South scowls, leaning in to kiss her. "You look beautiful. You always look beautiful."

"You have to say that," she says, followed by a smirk.

"No, I don't. But I do mean it. And no matter what you look like, if we don't call Hurricane and let him know, he will be angry as an alligator waiting for that piece of meat dangling on a stick."

Ingrid sighs. "That man is too protective, I swear. Even in a different state."

South shrugs. "He loves you. We all do."

Ingrid holds her newborn and nods. "Call him."

Pulling out my cell, I video call Hurricane's number. I never video call him, so automatically, he will know something's up. He quickly answers the call, his grumpy face coming into view as he glares at me. "What the fuck are you video callin' me for?"

"You wanna meet your baby stepbrother?"

Hurricane's eyes widen, his mouth dropping open. "Are you fuckin' kiddin' me? He's not due for another two weeks?"

"He was just born, Pres."

He starts racing around wherever he is in the clubhouse. "We were gonna come over for the birth. Fuck! Is everyone okay?"

"You tell me?" I reply, then turn the camera to face Ingrid, South, and the baby.

They smile at the camera, and Hurricane's face floods with… is that tears? He scrubs at his beard, trying to keep his emotions in check. "That's my little brother?" he asks.

"It sure is." Ingrid angles him so Hurricane can have a clearer view.

Hurricane clears his throat. "He's gorgeous, Mom… South, you did so fuckin' good."

South dips his chin. "Thanks, Pres. He's fucking perfect."

"Bayou, Novah, and I are gonna get on the first plane over there to see our brother and make sure you guys are all doin' good. What d'ya need? Tell me. Anythin'… I'll bring whatever y'all need."

Ingrid smiles wide, placing a tender kiss on the baby's head. "When y'all get here, then I will have everything I need. But don't rush, Hurricane. We're not going anywhere."

"All right. I can't wait to see ya. I'm gonna go tell everyone, then I'm gonna call Alpha and let him know we're comin' in early."

Ingrid nods, and I turn the phone back to face me. "I just want you to know, Pres, so there's nothing left unsaid. I delivered the baby. So, yeah, I have seen… things."

Hurricane bursts out laughing. "Maverick, brother, if any other time you told me you'd seen Ingrid's pussy I would be sendin' you to see La Fin. I mean, South was fuckin' lucky that Ingrid saved the asshole from me sendin' him to meet our gator when I found out about them. But, in this instance, brother, you seein' all that is justified. We're good, Mav. You go above and beyond for me. You delivered my baby brother. I think we can call it square." He continues to chuckle.

Letting out a heavy exhale, I nod. "You're welcome. I'd say it was my pleasure, but honestly, that shit was terrifying."

Everyone chuckles as Hurricane lifts his chin. "Oh, hey, one more thing before I go. Mom, you and South come up with a name for him?"

I turn the camera back around, and Ingrid glances at South, and he nods. Ingrid looks down at her baby and smiles, caressing his tiny little cheek. "We thought about calling him Louis. As in short for Louisiana. A homage to home."

Hurricane snorts out a laugh. "That's fuckin' stupid… but I also fuckin' love it." Hurricane inhales. "Surname?" he asks, a serious tone in his voice. I raise my brow because the Ladets have been a part of NOLA Defiance for years, but that's Ingrid's surname, not South's. It will be interesting to see how they play this one.

South answers this time, "His full name will be Louis North-Ladet. If he is going to be Defiance material, he needs a true Defiance name."

Hurricane chuckles down the line. "Fuckin' perfect. I'll see you guys soon. I can't wait to meet my brother. You rest up, Mom. South, you take her to the damn hospital. Don't let her talk you out of it."

Ingrid groans as South smiles. "Oh, don't you worry. That was already the next thing on my list to do."

"All right, I'm gonna head off so we can start packin'. I'm gonna see y'all real soon. Mav, if there's any issues, you fuckin' call me," Hurricane demands.

"You got it, Pres," I reply.

"And Mav?"

I look down the camera at him. "Yeah?"

"Thank you. I mean it. Thank you."

Smiling, I glance over at little Louis, a warmth flooding my chest, and I let out a small laugh. "Any one of the brothers would have done what I did, Hurricane."

"Yeah, but they didn't. You did. So take the damn gratitude."

"You're welcome. Actually, it was an honor."

He grins, pure pride beaming from him. "I'll see y'all as soon as we can get there. Get my mother to the hospital," he reiterates, making South and I chuckle.

"You got it. See you soon."

He goes to end the call, but before he presses end, we can hear him calling out in excitement to the rest of the club, but we can't make out what he's saying before the line clicks off.

Ingrid lets out a small giggle. "Seeing him excited is nice, but I'm not going to the hospital in an ambulance. How embarrassing."

South and I reply in unison, "Too fucking bad."

Ingrid groans while South pulls out his cell. "I'm going to call for one right now. It's not just for you, Angel. We have to get Louis checked over too."

Ingrid softens and relents. "Okay… for Louis."

South makes the call, and I step back with my cell to make another call that needs to be made. Dialing the number for Alpha, he answers soon after.

"Yeah?"

"Pres, we got ourselves a little situation over here at Bella's house."

Alpha groans like he is waiting for the bad news. "All right, hit me with it."

"Ingrid went into labor, and I had to deliver the bab—"

"What? Is everyone all right?"

"Yeah, we're all good. Shaken, but the baby seems to be doing well. Ingrid is alert and holding the little boy. They named him Louis. We've informed Hurricane. He's going to be calling you soon. He wants to come over sooner than planned, but I just thought I'd give you the heads-up that we have an ambulance on the way to pick up Ingrid and the baby just to ensure everything is okay. The umbilical cord is still attached, and I'm sure there's something about a placenta that has to happen, so they can do all that shit at the hospital. I am officially tapping out for the day."

Alpha lets out a long exhale. "That's a lot of information. First of all, great job on getting the baby out safely. The club owes you a debt. I'll gather everyone, and we will meet you at the hospital. You headed there now?"

"As soon as the ambulance gets here."

"All right, we'll meet you there. I'll get Hayes to bring your ride for you. Great fucking job, Mav."

"Thanks, Pres."

We end the call, and I turn back to look at South, Ingrid, and Louis. It's amazing how your entire life can change in the blink of an eye.

Just. Like. That.

For South, he's become a father for the first time.

For Ingrid, it's sharing a bond with South that can never be broken.

I left the clubhouse to come with South and Ingrid because I couldn't handle being there. Sadie was irritating me by simply existing. Somehow, going through this makes all that seem pointless and insignificant somehow.

I'm sure Sadie will still get under my skin—actually, there's no doubt—but right now, after the miracle I have just witnessed, everything else seems trivial.