The final beat warrior c.., p.1
The Final Beat (Warrior Creek Book 4), page 1
CONTENTS
Trigger Warning
Acknowledgments
Warrior Creek News
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Epilogue
Warrior Creek Playlist
Nikki’s Links
Other Authors at Hudson Indie Ink
Copyright © Nikki Ashton 2024 All Rights Reserved ©
The Final Beat
Published by Hudson Indie Ink
www.hudsonindieink.com
All Rights Reserved ©
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Cover design – LJ Stock of LJ Designs
Formatted by – LJ Stock of LJ Designs
Image by – Marx Chavez
Model - Ricardo
“Whatever his soul is made of, his and mine are the same.”
-EMILY BRONTË, WUTHERING HEIGHTS.
For anyone who thinks they are too broken for love.
TRIGGER WARNING
Please note that there are subjects mentioned in this book which some people may find upsetting or triggering. It should be noted that any views and actions are those of the characters, for the purpose of the story. They are not necessarily those of the author.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This is it, the final story in the Warrior Creek series and I’m sad to see it all end. The fact it ends on Joey seems quite fitting, seeing as he is the one who probably had the biggest journey. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it and aren’t too sad to be saying goodbye to the boys.
To write this book, in fact this whole series, has been a lot of fun, but just like every book I couldn’t do it alone. There are lots of people I need to thank for their ongoing help and support. I would love to name every single person, but I know I’d forget someone and then I’d feel bad. However, I’m sure you all know who you are, so to my editors, my proof readers, my cover designers, my alpha and beta readers, my arc group, bloggers, and sharers, thank you for everything.
Finally, thank you to you my readers, for loving the boys and wanting to know each of their stories. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support.
Now, less of the chat and more of the story. Hope you enjoy it and please feel free to leave a review.
Love ya millions.
Nikki x
WARRIOR CREEK NEWS
According to sources, Warrior Creek, one of the world’s top-earning music acts, are rumoured to be leaving Concepta Records (Formerly Tenfold Music) after spending their whole career at the label.
If true, Warrior Creek’s departure will be a huge blow to the company who also lost Australian Pop Star, Katie Delaney, last year. She left amid the sex scandal surrounding board member, Richard Gregory. It’s believed that Warrior Creek wished to leave at the same time but were already committed to their recent comeback tour.
It is wondered if the shock departure of the band might start a bidding war between other labels keen to snap them up. They’ll have to move quickly, though, because we know the band are hard at work on new material to release later this year.
There has been no statement from the band, but you must wonder if it is true, is the situation between Jimmy and Amber Fox what has prompted it? Jimmy Fox is the lead singer of Blind Devil, who are also signed to Concepta. His estranged wife is now in a relationship with Warrior Creek’s bassist, Ronnie Dwyer. Amber and Fox split after the recent Warrior Creek tour which Blind Devil supported. In her statement on their break up, Amber Fox said of their relationship, ‘it was toxic and challenging and had been over for a long time,’. It is believed the split was extremely acrimonious and may have led to Fox’s recent brief stint in rehab.
Like many bands, Warrior Creek has made most of its money on the road. This could be why a short tour has been announced. It isn’t going to be as big as the recent European Tour but will, instead, be limited to four weeks in the UK. This will include gigs which were postponed at the end of the last tour, along with some other smaller, more intimate venues.
While this breaking of their contract might seem sudden, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our same source tells us that the band and their legal representatives have been in discussion in preparation for the talks with the label for quite some time. Finishing the original tour, adding dates and a Greatest Hits album are allegedly the label’s bargaining tool for the band’s departure without recompense.
No one was available for comment from the Warrior Creek camp, so all we can do is wait for the official announcement from either them or Concepta Records.
CHAPTER 1
JOEY
Looking down at the tiny, bright pink, pooping machine in the Moses basket, I knew this was not a path I would choose to follow. I loved kids, I just didn’t want any of my own. That was something that I was definite about. It didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate the miracle of them or love my ‘nephews and nieces’.
“She’s gorgeous, El,” I said, looking up and giving him a grin. “And she’s okay being a bit early?”
“Yeah, it was only a couple of weeks, so that’s why she stayed in hospital an extra day or so.”
“Well, god help you when the boys start getting interested.”
Elliot shuddered and peered in at his new daughter. “She’s not ever going out of the house alone.” I watched as his eyes softened. He was in love. “I can’t believe we made her.”
Lily Grace Andrews looked up at her dad with dark blue eyes and let out a huge fart.
“Oh fuck,” he muttered. “That’s a shart. I can tell.”
When I sniffed up it was quite clear he was right. “Fucking hell, that’s horrendous.”
“Language,” he snapped as he bent to pick her up. “You’re right, though. I think I need to take her upstairs.”
I got out of there pretty quickly, joining everyone else at the dining table. As I edged past Belle I stooped down to kiss her cheek.
“You did well there, sweetheart. She’s gorgeous.”
“Ah, thanks, Joey.” She moved around on her chair, wincing.
According to Elliot, she’d struggled a little during the birth and had needed some stitches. Probably why she was sitting on some sort of donut-shaped cushion.
“How’s physio going?” Beau asked, with one cautious eye on his sister.
I shrugged. “Okay, I’m still getting the pain, but he did say it wouldn’t get better overnight. The twinge is there now, but it’s manageable. And finally, I’ve got a good physio.”
“You’re still not taking painkillers?” Sim asked. I shook my head. “God, you’re amazing. I need to pop a paracetamol at the first sign of a headache.”
“I have told him,” Beau added. “You can take a low dosage painkiller.”
“And I’ve told you, I don’t want to.”
Fuck, I really did want to. I just couldn’t. Not without risking every moment of cold turkey that I’d gone through. Every moment I’d wanted to scratch my own skin off. Every bucket of puke. Every vile insult I’d aimed at the people that I loved.
The conversation was edging towards unwanted territory for me, so I changed the subject. “Where are Ronnie and Amber? I thought they’d be here.”
“Baby scan,” Belle replied. “Their first one.”
“Are they going to come over?” Sim asked.
“Yep,” Belle ground out as she winced again. “Should be here soon.”
“Do you want us to go, Belle?” Beau asked. “Let you get some rest.”
“No, honestly, it’s fine.”
“Are you sure?” Simmy put her arm around her. “We don’t mind.”
“Honestly, I’m okay. Once the midwife has been later I’m going to have a sleep.”
“We won’t stay long.” Beau raised a ‘no nonsense’ eyebrow. “Although I think Ronnie and Amber just arrived. I’m sure I saw a car coming up the drive.”
I looked out of the window but all I could see was driving rain. September was turning out to be a shit month weather-wise. I was looking forward to going to LA after Christmas to film a Netflix series, and I fucking hated LA. I shouldn’t have complained seeing as I’d gone from a b it part in season one to a recurring character in season two and then a main character in season three. While I’d loved the acting, I was pretty sure I was done with it. My heart was with the music, in whatever aspect we continued working in it. That was why I wasn’t too bothered that I was being killed off in the last episode.
Beau was proved right about Ronnie’s arrival when a few minutes later, Elliot came in followed by him and Amber, who was even bigger than last time I’d seen her only two weeks before.
“Is Lily okay?” Belle asked Elliot, taking a deep breath, and rubbing at her neck. “Should I go in to her?”
He smiled softly. “She’s fine, Koko. She’s in the lounge in her basket, clean nappy and fast asleep.” He placed the baby monitor on the table. “She took one look at Ronnie when I opened the door and zonked.”
Expecting a retort from Ronnie, I was surprised that he was silent. In fact, he looked shocked, with his mouth slightly open and looking out to nothing.
“What’s got into him?” I asked Amber. When she didn’t respond I realised she looked equally as stunned.
“Is everything okay?” Simmy asked. “Was the scan alright?”
They looked at each other but didn’t speak.
“Ronnie,” I snapped. “What the fuck’s going on?”
Wordlessly he pulled a chair out and ushered Amber to sit it in. She was next to Belle, who took her hand and pulled on it.
“Amber, love, are you okay?”
She nodded. “Yep.”
“Ron. Just tell us,” Beau insisted.
They looked at each other again and then Amber spoke. “We’re having…” She blinked but didn’t say anything else.
“You’re having a baby,” I prompted. “And…?”
She shook her head and Ronnie scrubbed a hand down his face.
“What the hell is wrong? We know you went for a scan. We know you’re having a baby, so…?” I rolled my hand, encouraging them to continue.
Ronnie swallowed. “We, erm, we are having twins.”
I blinked rapidly and Beau seemed to choke on thin air, while everyone else remained silent. Ronnie becoming a dad had been enough of a shock, especially as he and Amber had only been together a few weeks when it happened, but fucking twins!
“You’re not joking, are you?” Elliot asked.
“Oh my god,” Belle cried. “That’s amazing.” Then she burst into tears. “I’m sorry, it’s just the hormones and I’m so happy for you.”
Simmy got up and moved over to Amber, throwing her arms around her. “That’s fantastic news.” She then hugged Ronnie. “Well, done, Ronnie.”
“Oh shit, Sim,” Beau said. “Don’t encourage him.” He did smile, though, and pushed out of his chair and he also hugged them. “Happy for you both.”
Elliot and I also took turns to congratulate them and through it all, neither of them said a word, totally shellshocked.
“I take it you weren’t expecting it?” Elliot asked, smirking because that fucker knew how hard one baby was after only four days of being a dad.
“Nope,” Ronnie replied. “Nope. Definitely not.”
“Neither of us have twins in the family,” Amber added, glancing at Ronnie. “I have no idea how it happened.”
“Well, I—”
“No.” She held her hand up to stop him talking. “Don’t say anything. It was embarrassing enough at the hospital.”
“Oh shit,” Beau groaned. “What did he do?”
Amber took a deep breath. “He asked the doctor if they’d like a sample of his sperm for research.” She closed her eyes like she was gathering strength. “Apparently, the fact he got me pregnant while I was on the pill was, and I quote, ‘fucking awesome’, but the fact that he impregnated me with twins while I was on the pill was, and I quote again, ‘a fucking miracle, doc. You need a sample of my sperm to check why it’s so good. I could change the history of medicine.’.”
We all burst out laughing because all of us could imagine him saying it. Ronnie’s face didn’t crack but even Amber was giggling. Then she must have suddenly remembered that she was having twins and she started to cry.
A couple of hours later and we were all on our way home. I’d stayed longer than I’d planned, but even all the damn love, romance and babies didn’t sour my mood. What it did was take my mind off things like the woman whose house I was approaching. Only a couple of weeks before, she’d helped me, and I hated that she had.
I liked to think that I fucking hated her but that was harsh. Constant irritation was more accurate. She was the only one who’d ever been able to talk me down, though. Even before Cassie died. Beau’s wife had done more than enough for me, I couldn’t keep relying on her and I felt like I was drowning in fear of relapsing. Then one night on a tour, a late night drink of orange juice in a bar while staring at the bottle of JD on the shelf, brought me another Guardian Angel. Unexpected and unwanted, but she sat down and asked me what the fuck I was doing because there would be no going back. She talked sense, even if it was filled with expletives. She made me see sense. She told me that drugs weren’t the answer to my problems, they were the cause of them. I kind of disagreed because genes and shit parenting had a lot to do with it, too.
Pulling onto her drive, I had to question my decision, but when the door was opened and she stared out at my car through the rain, I immediately felt calmer. I didn’t want to. Part of me just wanted to reverse out of there and go home, but if I did it was a certainty that I’d be back.
“What are you doing here?” she asked as I bleeped the lock on my car. “I told you, I’m not your damn crutch.”
“Great to see you, too, Daisy.” I smiled because there were no sunglasses hiding her green eyes.
“Stop calling me fucking Daisy.” She said she hated it, but I could see the hint of something on her lips. Not exactly what I’d call a smile, more the creepy smirk of a serial killer.
“Can I come in?” I towered over her and sighed heavily. I didn’t want to be there any more than she wanted me there. “It’s wet out here.”
She thought about it for a few seconds and then stepped back. “I have no idea why, but if you must. But I mean it, Joey, this can’t keep happening.”
I stepped inside the narrow hallway of the modern house, all painted white with black and white photographs in black frames covering all the walls. Each picture was a memory for her, some were memories for me.
“I’ve just made coffee,” she said walking towards the kitchen. “Do you want one?”
“Got any green tea?”
I was sure I heard her mutter ‘fucking pussy’ as I followed her. There on the table, just as I’d expected, was a vase of daisies, matching the print of the blind at the window—the yellow middles the only colour in the house.
She took a mug from the draining board and reached for a pot with tea bags in it. “It’s decaffeinated, that’ll have to do.”
“That’s fine.” I leaned against the breakfast bar, watching as she flicked the switch on the kettle. “Ronnie and Amber are having twins by the way.”
Turning to me, she frowned. “Fucking hell.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Is that why you’re here? Has that upset you?”
I shook my head, my gaze steady on her. “No, Destiny,” I finally said. “I’m here because I need you.”
And whether I liked it or not, whether she liked it or not, our tour manager was the only person who could help me.
CHAPTER 2
DESTINY
Watching Joey in my kitchen was unsettling. The shithead was too good looking for his own good. Too good looking and too…everything. I’d told him I didn’t want to be his crutch, yet he was there expecting me to talk him down from whatever it was he was going through.
I couldn’t keep doing it, seeing him and being there for him. It was too much. All I wanted was to live a normal life away from fucking rockstars. Yet, like a dickhead I chose to work with them. Why? Because I loved my job more than I hated them. If only being a tour manager didn’t involve them.
“Listen,” I snapped as I handed Joey his cup of tea, “I don’t know what you think I can do, but I can’t.”
