My Lover is a beast

Gordon

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear King. Happy birthday to you."
I stood back as the family gathered around the table, congratulating my youngest son on turning eighteen. King wanted to be in New York for his birthday, so we made the trip. After the celebration, he would be heading out with his cousins as well as his brother Dem and Calvin. I trust them to keep him safe and well-behaved. Fuck, who am I kidding? I already heard Dem whisper to him about how fucked up he was going to get him.
King, my youngest son, the one who made me see how hard it was to parent. Dema was my easy one, ready to train, fight, kill. Miri was and still is Pape's girl. The only issue I had with her was boy's but King... King is one of a kind. He never was interested in the training, the learning. He did complete it and was damn good, but his heart wasn't there. He would rather have been out with friends, chasing girls and having fun. His interest was in medicine, and he plans on attending college here in New York to become a doctor. I know he'll make an excellent king when the time comes. I just hope he grows out of his playful ways and takes it seriously. I've stressed to him how important and dangerous his role is, which only leads to an argument. I blame his lack of interest on growing up away from the family. Sylvia tells me to let him be, that he'll come around. He plans to stay with Dem during college, so I'm hoping he can get him on the right path, the family path.
I watched As King grin as his brother teased him unmercifully. Turning my attention away, I saw my grandson, Calvin Jr., or who we call CJ, off by himself. I love all my grandchildren, but I feel a certain bond with him. I guess because he was my first, and I kept him a lot during Miri and Calvin's hard times. Walking over, I took a seat beside him. "Hey, pop pop". He said, calling me by the name he gave me as a child.
I squeezed his now broad shoulder. "Something bothering you?" I asked, concerned.
He shrugged. "Let's see, Pape's crazy, Mom's mom, and Kerina, well, her name explains it all. Other than that, I'm good".
I gave a soft chuckle. "It will work itself out. It always does. So you found that special lady yet?" I asked to take his mind off his woes.
CJ snorted. "Yeah, right. You know the deal".
He was quiet for a moment, then spoke. "There is this one girl, though".
"Oh really? Who?" I asked
" I don't know her name. In fact, I don't even know her. She works at a coffee shop and serves me coffee. I've never spoken to her". He said.
I laughed. "You, not talk? Last I heard, you had a new girlfriend every week".
Rolling his eye's he said sarcastically. "Let me guess, Uncle Defucko told you that? It's just hard with this girl. I mean, she seems so nice and innocent. How does a guy like me approach someone like that? It's not like I can tell her exactly who and what I am. This life isn't fair at times".
I glanced at my babydoll across the room, who was caught up in a tug of war with King and Dem. I knew how CJ was feeling. I'd been there myself. "Here's some advice. Ask the girl out. Get to know her and when the time is right, tell her. Yes, she will freak at first, but if she's the one, she'll see past it. Trust me, it takes a special woman to love us. And if she never returns, well, she isn't the one, and you're better off".
CJ nodded. "Thanks, pop pop".
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the pocketwatch that my Pape gave me right before I met Sylvia. "Take this. It belonged to your great-grandfather. Brought me the luck of the world".
"Pop pop, I can't".
"Sure you can. It's a gift".
CJ finally took it from me and admired it. "Thanks".
I stood and kissed his head. "Go get that girl".
He smiled as I joined the others. As I approached the group, Demari, better known as Demy, Demas' daughter, stomped past me in a rage. "Hey, Hey there," I said, slowing her down.
She turned and looked at me with tears in her eyes. Instantly, my protective nature submerged. Pulling her aside, I led her to a quiet corner. "What's wrong, sunshine?"
Demy sniffled. "It's Pape again. There's this formal dance coming up at school, and he refuses to let me go with the boy I like. Nor will he purchase the dress I like. He claims I'm too young, and he doesn't like the boy. My life is miserable because of him. I have no friends or social life".
I looked at her earnestly but was smiling on the inside. I clearly remember going through this stage with Miri, and now my son was getting his dose. It was obvious that Demy was growing into a beautiful young lady, but she was only sixteen. I placed my arm around her and pulled her close. "Show me the dress, sunshine".
Demy pulled her phone out and showed me a picture. Yes, there could have been more material to it, but it was lovely. Pulling my phone out, I asked her sizes and placed the order as her face lit up. "Tell your pape that I have given you permission to go, and you will wear the dress I bought. If he has an issue, he can take it up with me".
Demy slung her arms around my neck. "You're the best pop pop. I love you".
" I love you too, my sunshine. Now, go dry those eyes. Oh, and tell this boy he doesn't want me on his bad side, so tread carefully ".
Demy grinned. "Oh, pop pop, I will, I remember that trick you taught me. You know the one to crush his nuts".
I laughed as the wild, spirited woman child skipped off. Once again, I made my way toward the crowd but was caught short by Ari. "Hello brother".
"How's it going , brat? "
She shrugged. "I'm worried about Vivian".
Vivian was the daughter of the long-ago Ivy. Ari raised her as her own, and recently, Vivian had learned the truth of her birth mother. Learned of the harm her true mother caused the family and that my impulsive wife took her out. Ari continued. "Since she learned the truth, she has become withdrawn and wants to open up. I fear the worst. What if she turns out like Ivy?"
"Nonsense. You've done a great job mothering her. You've raised her the Sally and Boznic way. She'll be fine. She's a good girl". I said, which was all true.
Ari smiled. "Thanks. I sure hope so".
I smiled and nudged her shoulder in a brotherly manner as I passed on. Then I felt her shove me back, and I laughed. As I joined the rest, I stood beside Kerina. Kerina was as gorgeous as her mother Miri had been at twenty-two. Poor dear had to live with Calvin's conditions but managed it well. However, to be so beautiful, she was always gloomy. "How's my little rain cloud doing?" I asked.
She offered a weak smile and laid her head against my shoulder. "Is it odd that I'd rather be in the training room than at this party?"
That was her, always ready for battle and one of the deadliest among the ninth. "Did you receive the knife I had delivered to you?"
" Indeed". She said, pointing to her upper arm where it was concealed.
I nodded. "It was my favorite when I first began as well. I felt it suited you".
She flickered a quick smile. "It is my favorite as well now, pop. Thanks. You know me too well".
I smiled back at her lonely face. "You can thank me by giving me that terrific smile of yours."
Kerina groaned. "Come on, pop".
I tilted her chin up so she would look at me, and I spoke with all seriousness. "I promise you, one day you will meet someone that you'll want to wear that special smile for".
She shrugged. "If I don't kill them first".
I grinned. "That is a possibility".
Finally, her smile erupted along with a giggle. "Oh, I love you, pop. You know how to make me smile every time".
"And I love you more, my little rain cloud," I said, kissing her forehead.

Turning my attention back to the party happenings, I watched my wife still in a battle with King and Dema. Sam walked over, handing me a glass of wine. "Tell me again how two grown men can constantly battle over their mother's attention?"
" They both need their ass whooped," I said as Sam agreed.
"I'm glad you all decided to come here to celebrate King's birthday. It feels good having us all together," Sam said.
I nodded. "Does feel good to be back. I must say that you have done the family proud, Samantha. You've made an excellent queen to my son".
"Thanks, but I learned from the best". She said, nodding toward Sylvia.
I smiled. "Yes, you did. You know, babydoll, thanks the world to you. Don't tell Dem, but she may love you more than him".
Sam chuckled. "Impossible. But I do love her as well as you".
"You, too, cupcake". I said with laughter.
Sam smiled and then rolled her eyes as she witnessed Dem placing King in a headlock. Swinging back the remainder of her wine, she exhaled. "Well, duty calls".
Smiling, I watched as she went to berate her husband, my son. Walking over for some cake, I bumped into Sire. He was such a good kid. Smart, everything. "Hey, pop pop."
"Hello, Sire. How's school going?"
"Could be better. Going through some tough exams right now".
"I'm sure you'll come out on top. You always do". I said.
"I hope so, pop pop. Oh, thanks for sending me that new laptop. It's been a lifesaver". Sire said.
"I'm glad you could use it, son. Where's your twin?"
He shrugged. "Here somewhere. You know him. He's never serious, while I have to take up his slack and cover his ass often. Impulsive bastard".
I laughed. "And he loves you for it. Trust me, he will eventually settle down and take on his responsibility. In the meantime, I want to see you have a bit of fun. Cut loose a bit. You deserve it".
Sire gave a crooked grin. "I'll try, pop pop. It's easier said than done."
I gave him a manly hug. "Love you, son, and I just want to say I am proud of you".
"Thanks, pop. I love you, too".
We were interrupted by a deep, booming voice. "The fuck going on here? The fuck I miss. Where's my hug?".
Turning, I saw Heir shoveling cake in his mouth. This was definitely my son's child. Sire grunted, patted my shoulder, and walked off. "You been giving your brother a hard time?"
" Fuck no. He's just an uptight punk pop pop".
"Maybe it's time you started taking things more seriously, Heir".
He grinned. "I am. I'm taking this cake seriously. I've smashed like four pieces already. Some good shit here, pop pop. You going to eat yours?" He said, reaching in for my plate.
Quickly, I grasped his wrist and gave it a sharp twist. "Ahhhh.... Pop pop. That shit hurt."
"Next time, maybe you'll think before acting". I laughed.
"Just checking to see if an old man still had it". He said, trying to save face.
"Trust me, I still got it, Heir".
"I know. Thanks for sending me the ice cream. I'm going to cut out of here early, got some girls to check out if ya know what I mean". He said finishing off more cake.
"You're welcome, and be careful with the females. They'll get you in trouble ".
He grinned a devilish grin. "I know, but I do love trouble. Love ya, pop". He said giving me a hug.
"Love you, Top Heir. Take into consideration what I said".
"Yes, pop, I always do. You're my man". He said, then rushed off.
Needing a bathroom break, I stepped away. On my way back, my eye caught Vivian Sitting alone in the hall. Plopping down beside her, I patted her knee. "What's bugging you, chic?".
She shrugged and swiped her eyes. "I don't feel like I belong here anymore, Uncle Gordon".
"Why ever not?"
" I found out about my true mother and the pain she caused. I feel like everyone sees me as a reminder of her. Even mom worries I may turn out like her". She sobbed.
"Nonsense," I said, pulling her to me.
"Let me tell you a secret others may not have told you. Yes, your mother did some bad thing's but she wasn't necessarily a bad person. She didn't know any other way. Her family was unloving, brutal, and cruel. She was raised to be the same. She had no love and didn't know how to love in return. Nothing she did reflects on you. Your parents love you, and you were raised as one of us. You'll do great thing's Vivian. We all love you".
She smiled and swiped her eyes. "Thanks, uncle. I love you as well. Thanks for the charm bracelet you sent for my birthday. I gave her a squeeze. "You're welcome, chic".
"Uncle Gordon, even though I don't know her and I know what she did, is it wrong for me to still feel love for her? " she asked
"Not at all chic. I do believe she felt love for you as well. It's normal for you to feel that way. Now go freshen up and join the family fun". I said.
Vivian gave me another hug and scampered off to the bathroom. Working my way back, I saw Carla looking tired. "Tired, my little bug?"
Yawning, she answered. "Yes, pape made me attend training at five this morning".
I nodded. Carla was a bit of a tomboy and showed no interest in all the girly things. She was very athletic yet was a beauty in the making, even though I hated to admit she favored her father, Calvin. "I hear good things about your training bug?"
"It's okay, I guess. Right now my shoulder feels horrible, though". She said.
"Watch this trick". I said, taking her shoulder and doing a certain movement.
A loud pop exploded, and Carla grunted but then smiled. "It's gone. It doesn't hurt anymore. How did you do that, pop pop?"
" Magic". I said, laughing.
"Thank you for my book. How did you ever find the first copy written?" She asked.
Smiling, I said, "Magic again ".
Hugging my neck, she whispered. "I will always cherish it".
"And I'll always cherish you, bug. I love you to the moon".
She grinned. "And I love you, Father".
I chuckled. "Impossible. Now run on to bed".
Carla headed off, and I made my way to my wife. Now was the time. Once by her side, I demanded King's attention. Once I had it, I handed him a small wrapped box. He opened it with wonder and pulled out a set of keys. "A Porsche, you got me a Porsche, Pape?"
" Yep, just like my son ".
Jumping up, he launched himself on me, squeezing me tight. "You're my man.. I love you, Pape".
" I love you too, King. I only did it so you'd stop asking to borrow mine". I joked.
Naturally, Dema ragged him about it, and we were all having a good time when the door opened. Turning out attention to the newcomers, my blood froze. There stood my long-lost friend, my right-hand man, Wilson, along with Ela, Zoe, and Chance. We haven't seen or spoken to each other since that night my betrayal of him was revealed several years ago. I just prayed this would be a friendly, forgiving return.

Wilson and Ela didn't move from the doorway as all eyes were locked on them, wondering what to expect. Their children, now grown, stood by them just as awkward. No one knew them due to their parents having moved away. Well, Calvin, Miri, and their children knew them because they visited occasionally.
Calvin was the first to step up and speak. "Pape, Mom, this is a surprise. Is everything well?"
Ela spoke back as Wilson stood stiff, clearly uncomfortable. "We stopped in for a visit. We had no idea we would be interrupting".
Sylvia stepped up. "Nonsense. You're not interrupting a thing".
Sylvia leaned in to give her old friend a tight squeeze as I kept my hand near my gun in case Wilson tried any funny business. Sylvia stepped back. "Hello Wilson. It's good to see you all".
Wilson gave a curt nod as Sylvia eyed the children. "Oh my goodness. Look at them all grown. They were just babies last I saw them.".
Sylvia tugged their arm. "Come get some cake. We have plenty".
They passed through, but the tension could be felt in the air. Soon, all the young ones had gathered together, chatting. At least the kids didn't feel so out of place now. I spied Sylvia in a corner catching up with Ela as Wilson sat alone with a sour look on his face. "Well?" I heard a voice from behind me.
Turning, I saw Miri. "Well, what?" I asked as she sat beside me and leaned up against me.
"Aren't you going to speak to him, try and make amends? " she asked.
Cutting my eyes at her, I said. "I don't see him trying to talk to me, so why should I make the first move?"
Miri laughed. "You both are acting like toddlers. The king I once knew would make the first move".
I knew she was right. "You're an ass baby girl".
Laughing, she replied. "True, but you love me".
"More than you'll ever know". I said, placing my arm around her.
We sat in silence for a moment before she spoke. "You know, sometimes I miss being a child and crawling on your lap. You always knew how to make me feel better and how to fix it".
"And I still will. Is everything okay, Miri? I asked, concerned.
"Yes, actually very good. I've just missed you, Pape".
"And I've missed you, doll baby ".
" Pape, do you remember the time you threatened to send me away over that boy?" she asked.
I groaned. "Like it was yesterday. You ripped my heart out. However, I would have never gone through with it. I only wanted to protect you, and I still do. You're my little girl, my princess".
Miri snuggled closer to me. "Even back then, I wanted to find a man just like you, but no one could live up to my Pape. Then I fell for Calvin. Pape, he's like you in so many ways, and he's good to me and the kids. I'm lucky to have both of you".
I glanced over at Calvin, who was laughing with Dem. "I know I haven't always agreed with Calvin, but I am proud of him. He's good for you".
"Thanks, Pape. " Miri said, kissing my cheek.
I rummaged through my coat pocket and pulled out a small box. "I picked this up for you the other day".
She eagerly opened it and saw a necklace with a charm. The charm represented my love for her. "I love it, Pape. Thank you". She said, hugging me tight.
Just then, her mother motioned her over. "Before you return to Alabama, promise me you'll take me to my favorite I've cream place, just the two of us".
"Cross my heart, baby girl". I said.
She hugged me again. "I love you, Pape".
"And I love you more ". I said.
Miri scampered away to join her mother as I glanced at Wilson. I started to rise, but Dema bumped me. "Sup Pape?"
"Just taking it all in. It's good seeing us together".
"Yes, it is. So, how you been?" He asked.
I laughed. "What's up, son?"
" Nothing. Can't I chat with my old man?
I laughed. "I can still take you".
"No doubt. Think we could hit the shooting range before you return? "
"I'm sure we can. Oh, and your ice cream should be here soon"". I added.
"Thank you, Pape. I can always count on you".
" Listen, about King. Don't let him get into any trouble tonight, son ". I said.
" I've got it covered, Pape. I'm bringing extra men along, and I'm not going to drink. I'll watch over the shit". He grinned.
"I know you do, son. I'm proud of all of your accomplishments. You served the name well.". I said.
Dema smiled. "I learned from the best. I miss you here, peeking over my shoulder though. You always gave me that extra assurance".
I laughed. "Sure, you do, son. Really, though, you've made a great king. I'm proud that you're mine".
Something very unexpected happened then. Dema grabbed me up in a bear hug. "Man, you don't know how I've missed you. I know it seemed I was a mommy's boy, but it was you I looked up to. You, I wanted to be like. It means a lot to hear you say that you're proud of me."
I pulled his head closer and placed a kiss on it. "You've always been special, son. You've done great thing's and King will do great things, as will all my grandchildren. You're a great man, husband, and father. You, Miri, and King have brought me much joy. One day it will be your turn to keep the family together. Promise me, son, that you will do that when the time comes."
" Damn, Pape, don't talk like that. You and Mom have many years ahead". Dema said.
"Maybe so, but promise me this, Dem".
Dema nodded. "Of course, I will, Pape. Family is always first. You taught me that."
" Thank you, son. Now go join the others ".
Dem have me another firm hug. "I love you, Pape".
I squeezed him. "And I love you more than life".
We parted manly like, and I grinned. "By the way, I ordered the dress for Demy. I gave her permission".
Dema opened his mouth to argue, then grinned. "Only this time, Pape. Only this time".
He laughed as he walked off. I focused back on Wilson and made my way to him. He didn't acknowledge, not even when I spoke. "It's been a long time, friend".
He snuffed his cigar out. "Friend is such a loose term, don't you think?"
"And I apologize once again. I was wrong. I'm hoping we can move past it now. It's been year's and I miss my right-hand man".
Wilson continued to look away. "You're a real son of a bitch, you know that, Sally?"
" I've been told a time or two". I chuckled.
Wilson rose. "Much as it pains me to admit, I've missed your sorry, ugly ass".
We both laughed and grasped each other in a hug. Everyone stopped to smile and applaud our reunion. Once again, it was like old times as we spent a few hours catching up. Eventually, the younger ones were ready to get their party on, so we wrapped things up. We made plans to have dinner with Wilson and Ela the following night, then bid them goodbye. Calvin approached me. "I'm glad you two repaired things".
"Me too". I agreed.
He turned to go, but I caught him. "Your father is a great man. You remind me so much of him. Thank you for loving my daughter and being a great father. I'm proud of you."
" Thanks. I appreciate it. You were always like a second dad to me". Calvin said.
"And you are like my son Calvin. I'll always have your back. You've made a great King". I told him.
Calvin nodded. "Means a lot coming from the best king I know".
I gave him a quick hug before sending him off. I watched as the grandchildren swamped Sylvia with hugs as we prepared to leave. Next, Miri hugged her and exchanged a few words. Then King and Dema both bombarded her, fighting for her attention. Sylvia pulled both in and kissed their cheeks. "My two baby boys. You both make my heart swell, and I love you both to the max".
King let go first and joined the others as Dema held on. "I love you, mommy."
"And I love you. You're still my favorite boy". She whispered.
Dema beamed at hearing this, but I snickered. For I knew she always told both that secretly. Finally, Dema let go, but both shared a secret look that always confirmed their special bond. Finally, we made it out the door. Sylvia was surprised when I led her to the elevator instead of our apartment we still had. "What are you up to, Sally?" She teased.
"Well, we are in the city and I want to take my beautiful wife dancing".
Sylvia grinned. "Sounds good to me.
Within twenty minutes, we were at a mature club and I had my babydoll on the floor in my arms. "Have I told you how much I love you, babydoll?"
Sylvia smiled up at me. "Only every day, but I'll never tire of hearing it."
"And I'll never tire of saying it. You have made my life so much more. Meeting you was the best mistake I ever made". I whispered in her ear.
"Staying that night, I find out, was the best decision I ever made. You have made me so happy. Heart, body, and soul forever". She whispered.
"Heart, body and soul". I whispered back.
The night wore on and we made our way out. Once in my car, Sylvia smiled. "Let's move back, Gordon".
I laughed. "Seriously?"
" Yes, not to work though, but our grandkids are growing up, and I want to be here. Plus, King is moving here in a month. I miss them all. I miss the city, and I miss my viewing window and chase. Let's do it, Gordon". She said excitedly.
I grinned. "Okay, if it's truly what you want, babydoll".
"It is Gordon". She said happily.
I went to reply back but terror filled my face. "Sylvia down". I yelled as I shoved her to the floor of the car.
No sooner than I did, a Hummer plowed into her side of the car. I went to shield her but felt my side of the car get pummeled by another Hummer. Before I could react, another plowed into the rear of us. I reached for my gun. An ambush.
A fucking ambush.