Making the King: A dark forced marriage romance (The Cruz Kings MC), page 1
Making the King © 2024 B. Lybaek and Sarah JD
Cover Designer: Cady @ Cruel Ink Design
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
ASIN: B0D33PT2DG
Contents
Also by B. Lybaek
Follow B. Lybaek
Also by Sarah JD
Follow Sarah JD
Acknowledgments
Trigger warning
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue 1
Epilogue 2
Epilogue 3
Epilogue 4
Tempted by a King
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Keep reading
MC oath
The Metamorphosis Duet
Emotionally dark MF friends-to-lovers
Just Leave #1
Just Stay #2
Dancing with Desire
Dark stripper & stalker reverse harem
Tempting Distractions #1
Untold Secrets #2
Beautiful Chances #3
Dancing with Desire Omnibus
The Drákon Legacy
Protégé #1
Heir #2
Leader #3
Ruler #4
Drákon Omnibus
The Cruz Kings MC
Making the King #0.5
Tempted by a King #1
Wanted by a King #2
Claimed by a King #3
Standalones
The Worst Pucking Deal
A MF dark hockey & mafia romance
Pucking Double Trouble
A MFM dark hockey & accidental pregnancy romance
WEBSITE
Heavy Hearts
Heavy #1
Deep #2
Buried #3
The Insatiable Series
Insatiable Kitten #1
Tainted Kitten #2
Vicious Kitten #3
Breaking the Silence
Silent Hush #1
Savage Scream #2
The Cruz Kings MC
Making the King #0.5
Tempted by a King #1
Wanted by a King #2
Claimed by a King #3
Standalone
Subbing for Santa
WEBSITE
Bibi
Sometimes you come across characters that worm their way into your heart. They stubbornly burrow into your brain, refusing to let go. That’s exactly what happened with Cara and Rochus, AKA. Mama C and Rocco. So when Sarah suggested we write our anthology piece on them, it was a clear yes from me. (She has the best ideas, though she never remember me telling her that ;-) )
Sarah
It’s been an adventure learning how to co-write with another author, and I think what works for Bibi & I is that we really like to mess with our characters.
When writing the Cruz Kings MC series, we each added side characters not really knowing how much we would fall in love with them, so when trying to come up with the story for the anthology, I was drawn to Cara and Rocco’s story, and where the Kings all began.
How did Rocco become so ruthless, and Cara so strong? We know that only comes from going through some dark shit, so here it is. Their dark and twisted story 🙂
Thank you to
Our amazing alpha readers.
You ladies continue to rock our socks, and help us make the story the best it can be.
But remember, making mistakes is a part of life, and it doesn’t mean you’re “too stupid to live.”
Our kick-ass beta ladies.
You guys are the absolute best.
Cady — Thank you for working tirelessly on our covers.
Mr. Duncan and Mr. Lybaek… for the endless supply of snacks and support. And for putting up with our plotting calls at weird hours. (Making it work between UK and AU time zones is no joke!)
Please note this is a Prequel in the Cruz Kings world. This is the only book featuring Cara & Rocco as the main characters. We promise there’s no evil cliffhanger, so the characters get their HEA at the end.
The book contains a troubled, alphahole MMC who won’t let anyone—not even h—stop him from being with her.
Death
Dub-con
Forced marriage
Forced proximity
Graphic sexual content
Graphic violence
Grooming (mentioned!)
Kidnapping
Morally gray MMC
Non-con (mentioned!)
PTSD
Rape (not h and H!!)
Torture
Unaliving
Underage trafficking
Underage SA & rape (mentioned!)
“There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.”
—William Frederick Halsey Jr.
Cara
“Do you, Cara Rodríguez, take Rochus King as your lawfully wedded husband?”
Blinking, I look up from the floor and stare into the scared eyes of the spineless priest. Being here, wearing this dress, is making a mockery of my childhood.
The strapless dress is a complete replica of a dress I once saw on TV, and promptly told my bitch of a mother I wanted to get married in. Everything matches from the sweetheart neckline to the floor-length skirt. The bust is so tight my tits are threatening to spill out, not that it matters.
I’m not even sure why I’m dressed, and a part of me almost wishes I wasn’t. Better naked than tainting one of the few good memories I had of my childhood.
“Cara,” my dad prompts, digging the gun harder into my back. “Answer the priest.”
I want to laugh at the fact he’s threatening me with a gun. It just shows how little he really understands me if he thinks the gun is the bigger evil when I’m being married off to a stranger at sixteen.
For now, I have to play along and not give away that I’m not scared of him. But how can I be when he’s lorded this very day over me for so long? I don’t know when I stopped being scared, only that rage and a burning need to punish my parents for taking something from me is all I feel now. My childhood. My freewill. And at times, even my will to fucking live.
I run my hands down the skirt of the dress, smoothing an inconsequential wrinkle. The bottom of the skirt is covered in blood, but sadly, it’s not the blood of my enemies. It’s the blood of the couple who accidentally walked into the church half an hour ago. Needless to say, they won’t be telling anyone what they stumbled upon.
Tossing my waist-long, dark hair with purple streaks—that I only got to piss him off—over my bare shoulder, I sneer, “If I must,” answering the rhetorical question.
“Y-you have to say ‘I do’,” the priest says, his hands shaking so badly I absentmindedly wonder if he has arthritis or some shit.
“Why?” I challenge, my voice ringing out loud. “There’s a gun fucking pointed at my back, and another at yours,” I nod my head toward my twin brother, Mateo, who’s standing behind the priest. “So tell me, Mr. Priest man, why the hell does the wording matter?”
I quickly look away from my twin. I can’t fucking stand looking at the traitor I shared a womb with for eight months.
Next to me, my groom, Rochus King, coughs, and it sounds like he’s trying to cover up a laugh. “Can we just get on with it?” he asks, trying to take my hand. “I want to move on so we can get to the part where I can finally consummate this holy matrimony, or whatever the fuck you call it.”
I turn my head and look at him. If I force down my disgust, I can admit he’s somewhat lucky in the looks department. Not that it matters. I might be a child bride, but I’ll also make sure one of us is a widow before the night is over.
While my dad has a fucking boner for this marriage, it fills me with nothing but hatred. I knew it was coming, I’ve known that since I was twelve. That’s how old I was when my mom sat me down and explained my purpose in life.
That was the day my childhood ended. With a few choice words, she changed my carefree existence into one where I had to… let’s just say, knowing you’ll be sold to the highest bidder when you’re sixteen doesn’t exactly make it easy to continue yo
Not long after that talk, my parents dragged me to my sister Julietta’s wedding because daddy dearest wanted me to know what was in store for me. It wasn’t a joyous day, and I hated seeing my beautiful sister marrying the forty-something year-old guy. He reeked of sweat and alcohol, and I can still recall the offensive stench.
I’ve been told that Rochus King is nineteen, which I guess I should be happy about. Then again, if I don’t take matters into my own hands, he might have a long life in front of him.
A snigger tries to burst free as I remember the vial inside me. The small see-through glass was brought to me by my sister, when she pretended to help me to the bathroom. According to her, it’s a very strong sedative that she uses on her husband at least once a week.
Seeing as I have no pockets or anything to hide the vial, I saw no other option than to shove it inside me. I suppose it’s almost poetic that the way to end my husband’s life is in my vagina, a place he’ll never touch. That’s what I told my sister during our rushed time together, and it felt good to see her tentative smile before her horrid husband dragged her away.
As soon as I was in place, next to Rocco, they left. But not before Julietta’s husband made sure to announce he’d only allowed my sister to come as a reward for her good behavior. Personally, I think he just wanted her to see me miserable.
I startle, realizing I’ve been lost in my head when Rochus whoops, “Fuck yeah I do.” He nudges me with his shoulder. “I mean, would you look at her? She’s worth every fucking cent.”
Swallowing down the disgust I feel at his words, I shoot him a smile I know is laced with innocence and not portraying my thoughts of how I want to make him scream in pain for buying me.
“D-do you have any vows?” the priest asks.
“No,” my dad says, sternly.
At the same time, I say, “Yes.”
“Cara,” my mom scolds, speaking up for the first time.
I don’t need to look at her to know she’s scared, and I can’t say I blame her. If I step out of line, my dad will make her pay for my transgressions. Maybe I should feel bad about that, but I don’t. It’s not my fault she married the devil, allowing him to sell her daughters. That’s all on her, and as far as I’m concerned, she’s as bad as he is.
Rochus smirks at me and nods. “Let’s hear your vows.”
Squaring my shoulders, I recite the practiced words. “I promise to give you everything you deserve. From today, and until our last day together.”
There. It’s vague, yet completely true. I’ll fucking give Rochus what he deserves, and one way or another, it’ll be tonight. When he wants to consummate the marriage, as he so eloquently put it.
Fucking pig.
As fucked up as it is, I’m glad my dad kept me a virgin. I guess he learned his lesson with Julietta. My fucked up parents didn’t even try to mask their disappointment when my sister was sold for less than they expected, all because they started whoring her out at twelve. So, they went to great lengths to keep me a virgin, always making sure I knew it was so they could sell me for more at their creepy black market auction.
“Get on with it,” my dad demands.
“Y-yes, of course,” the priest stammers. “Do you umm… do you have rings?”
I look expectantly at the guy who bought me. I fully expect him to say I’m not worth it and move on, but to my surprise he fishes a black velvet box from his pocket. When he opens it, my eyes widen as the two gold bands come into view.
“Of course I fucking do,” he says, smiling widely.
Taking my hand, he slides the gleaming ring onto my ring finger and winks at me. Then he hands me the other one, and I roll my eyes as I shove it onto his digit.
The priest clears his throat. “Rochus King, you may now kiss your bride.”
Fuck. Me.
I don’t want this man’s lips on me. Though I’ve never been kissed, I’ve been forced to watch the men with Julietta enough times to know it’s nothing like in the movies. The slobbering, foul smelling pigs she’s had to…
“Do you mind?” Rochus asks, and I look up in confusion.
Surely he wasn’t talking to me, was he? Because I mind a fucking lot. No, of course, he isn’t asking me. If you’re fucked up enough to buy a child bride, you don’t ask permission.
“Mind what?” my dad barks, sounding as though he’s being inconvenienced by the question.
Rochus sighs. “I don’t want to kiss my wife at gunpoint. So, I ask again. Do you fucking mind?”
No one talks to my dad with so much disrespect, so I’m fully expecting him to punch Rochus. But he doesn’t. To my astonishment, I feel the gun being removed from my back. Without meaning to, I straighten my spine, like I’m testing that the pressure is really gone.
Before I can contemplate doing anything, Rochus places his hands on my hips and turns me toward him. My gray eyes fly to his. They’re the color of chocolate, and there’s something hidden in the depths. Something that makes me feel…
“Relax,” he breathes.
I don’t get the chance to retort. Rochus’ lips on mine silence me.
It’s not the disgusting and brutal kisses I’ve seen my sister be subjected to. In fact, it’s soft and slow. He isn’t using his tongue, only pressing his lips to mine.
Rochus’ hands move from my hips, slowly trailing up to my head. He winds his fingers through my locks, and I take his lead, moving mine to his shoulders. Before I know it, I instinctively open my mouth, but to my surprise, he doesn’t deepen the kiss.
This is nothing like I was expecting it to be, and I’m completely caught off guard. Forceful and disgusting, that’s what I’d prepared myself for. After seeing what my sister’s husband did to her, I wouldn’t even have been surprised if Rochus bent me over a pew and fucked me right here. But this…
“That’s enough for now,” Rochus murmurs. Just as I’m about to rethink my opinion of him, he lets go of my hair and slaps my ass. “The rest will come once we’re out of here. Don’t wanna desecrate this holy place, do we?”
I almost throw up in my mouth as he turns around and winks conspiratorially at my dad, who laughs boisterously.
“When the last payment goes through, you can fuck her bloody for all I care.”
The lack of care for my well being no longer shocks me. All it does is cement the fact that one day I want to dance on this fucker’s grave.
As soon as the words leave my dad’s mouth, the door slams open and a dark-haired guy struts through. When he reaches the couple lying in a pool of their own blood, he jumps over them and does a fucking twirl.
What the actual fuck?
“Did someone ask for money?” he asks, nodding first at Rochus and then my dad. Walking straight up to me, he takes my hand and kisses the back of it. “Congratulations, Mrs. King.”
My lips part and I want to hurl insults at him, yet no words come to mind. I can only stand there, gaping, as he pulls out his phone and shows the screen to my dad.
“There you go, Carlos. Cara no longer belongs to you.”
For some reason, those words hit me, making me feel lighter. I no longer belong to the man who’s put me and my sister through hell while doting on our brother. Where I resemble our bitch mom, Mateo’s the spitting image of our dad—and just as vile and cruel as him.
But now… I’m free. From my dad, at least. And soon, if everything goes according to plan, from my husband as well.
“So we’re all good?” Rochus asks, arching an eyebrow.
Dad takes his phone out of his pocket and taps on the screen. “Yep,” he confirms with a nod. “The bitch is yours. Pleasure doing business with you, Rochus and Cain.”
Rochus pulls me to his side and throws his arm around my shoulder. “Do you want to say goodbye to your family?” he asks.
“Yes,” I snap, sarcastically. “There’s nothing I want more than a tear-filled goodbye with the people who just fucking sold me. Estúpido.” I didn’t mean to voice the Spanish insult, but I don’t regret it.
“I want to say goodbye to my daughter,” my mom cries out.
