Iron Ink Legacies: Inked Chasers Trilogy (Chasers spinoff), #1

By Tanya Sands and Zana King

You've read the Iron Fist and Inked Chasers trilogies. Now, come join Zana King and Tanya Sands as they reveal what happens after--immediately and how their lives have changed and grown--in the truly co-written follow-up story the authors have dubbed Iron Ink Legacies. Iron Ink Legacies sets the stage for a new trilogy penned by Ms. King and Ms. Sands.

This book contains LOTS of spoilers to any of the books in the Iron Ink trilogy and the Wicked Ink trilogy. Both authors advise reading the trilogies before reading this Iron Ink Legacies.

*This book has explicit orgy scenes where sexuality lines are crossed, challenged, and blown away. It is strongly advised readers be 18+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tanya Sands
• Release date: Aug 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224983285

Tanya Sands

Tanya Sands is the pseudonym of a stay-at-home mom who, having written but not published short stories for years, finally took the leap and published her passion. When she’s not writing she’s raising her 2 young boys and 3 furbabies while her husband supports them all by driving all over the country as a long haul truck driver. She is the youngest of 6 and a proud vet of the US Air Force.

Book preview

Chapter One

One month after the wedding

Congratulations, Teagan, the doctor told her with a bright smile as she walked into the small room, like this was the best news. All the while, Teagan’s heart was pounding out of her chest.

Are you sure? Is there any chance the test is wrong?

Doctor Hetching laughed softly and patted Teagan’s knee. No, I’m afraid it has over a ninety-nine percent accuracy rate. Plus, you’ve had quite a few of the symptoms and positive urine test. I’m quite sure you’re having a baby.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.

She fanned her overly warm face with her hand, her blood pumping through her veins at lightning speed. How in the world could she be preg...preg...? Shit, she couldn’t even say it in her own head. She’d taken precautions. She’d started on the pill several days before she had sex with anyone without a condom. But you told me I only had to wait seven days. I did that, so how can this be possible? I took the pill every day at the same time without fail. This can’t be right.

She couldn’t be having a baby. She just couldn’t. Not now. She hadn’t even started her new job yet. The one where she would be replacing another pregnant woman. That wouldn’t look good at all. Besides, she wasn’t ready for a baby. Asher? Sure. He came with Kaden, but he wasn’t a baby. He could walk and talk and go to school. He could even cook some simple things. A baby though?

Teagan had an up close and personal seat as she watched the new parents struggle with a new baby. The lack of sleep, the spit up, the leaky diapers. She wasn’t ready for that yet. She’d just finished school, wanted to get her career started.

But the worst part of it all was she didn’t know who the baby belonged to. She prayed to whoever would listen it was Kaden’s baby, but also knew it was a real possibility it could be any of the men within the group. She’d slept with every single one of them that night in Fiji.

Groaning, she buried her face in her hands. How would she tell Kaden? How would she tell the rest? Because she had to. She wouldn’t dare just pretend it was Kaden’s when she had no idea.

I’m sorry, Teagan. Although birth control is highly effective, there are the rare occasions it’s not.

Teagan looked up at her OBGYN with most likely a look of fear on her face. Doctor Hetching’s smile turned into a slight frown. How about I get you some literature on your different options? You can take it home and think things over. Schedule another appointment and let me know what you’d like to do then.

It dawned on her what the doctor was talking about. Oh. I think you have the wrong idea, Dr. Hetching. I don’t need to think about my options, because there are none in my mind. I wasn’t expecting this. It’s not the right time, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give this baby up.

The smile was back. If only Teagan could return it.

Another pat on her knee. I’m happy to hear that. I would say we’d listen for the heartbeat, but I don’t think you’re quite far enough along yet. We’ll check that in the next couple of weeks. We’ll also be able to get a better read on how far along you are then.

Teagan walked through the front door of the house in a daze. She didn’t even remember the drive home.

Hey Panda, Kaden greeted as he rose from the couch. How did your appointment go? She hadn’t been all that honest about her appointment, unfortunately, but she hadn’t wanted to say anything until she found out for sure. In fact, she’d been in absolute denial, but knew after taking the home test, she needed to get a professional opinion. Hey, are you okay? he asked as he approached her.

Seeing others in the room, she asked, Uh, can we go up to our room?

Concern etched his features as he lightly grabbed onto her arms. Of course, he said as he led her toward the stairs.

Teagan looked back over her shoulder at the others. They too all looked at her with worry. She wanted to reassure them, but she didn’t have it in her right then.

What’s going on? Kaden asked as soon as he shut their bedroom door.

Teagan sat on the bed and patted the mattress next to her. You might want to sit down for this.

She could tell his mind was spinning with all kinds of ideas as he took a seat by her. What’s wrong?

Her toes were dancing in her shoes, and she reached over and snatched a peach ring off the nightstand. Shoving the entire gummy in her mouth, she looked down at her fingers as they twisted around each other. She couldn’t look at him. I’m pregnant, she whispered.

Kaden dropped down to his knees in front of her and ducked his head to catch her attention. And that’s a bad thing? he asked.

The tears started then. The first one made it to her jawline before she could answer him. Kaden, the doctor said I had to be at least four weeks along, going off my menstrual cycle. She waited for that information to click in his head. When he sat back against his heels, she knew he figured it out.

So, I may not be the father...

A sob escaped her at his defeated tone. It could be any of you, she said so quietly, she wasn’t sure if he even heard her.

Several seconds ticked by while he processed the news she’d had about an hour to dwell on. The tears and fidgeting continued while she waited him out. She had no idea what was going through his head or how he was going to react.

Finally, he blew out a deep breath and got off the floor. He climbed onto the bed, settling against the headboard before he pulled her against him. She kicked off her shoes and willingly curled up against his side. She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed that until she was in his arms.

Angel, we’ll figure this out. I promise. But I need to know if you’re all right.

I don’t know what I am. I’m terrified you’re going to be angry with me. I’m angry myself the birth control failed. I’m worried you won’t believe I took it as prescribed. I’m trying to figure out how I’ll be able to keep the job I haven’t even started. I’m petrified this baby may not be yours and how that will affect our relationship, let alone how the others will take this news. I’m scared because I don’t know how to be a mom, she rambled out. But a small part of me is also happy about it. I want a baby with you, but I thought it would be later, you know? I mean, we’ve had sex a lot more than I have with the others. That’s got to up our chances it’s yours, right?

Kaden ran his fingers through her hair, pushing it back out of her face. You need to slow down and breathe, angel. You said so much, I’m not sure I digested all of it.

Taking a deep breath, she wiped the drying tears from her face, then sat up so she could see him. Please talk to me. I need to know you don’t hate me for this.

Grabbing her hand, he brought it up to his lips. Panda, how could you ever think I could hate you? This may not be the ideal time for us since we just got married, but I’ll love that baby with all my heart, even if he or she belongs to one of my brothers. You’ve been around long enough to see how close we all are.

Really? she asked, not quite believing him. Sure, he may think it was the truth now, but would he change his mind if it turned out the baby was Mateo’s or Jay’s or one of the others?

Really, he stated with such confidence it made her feel a little better. He leaned in to kiss her. She let him, but only a quick peck. She had too much on her mind.

What about the others though? she asked, picking at a thread in the comforter. I can’t imagine they’ll be as accepting.

Honestly? I don’t know how they’ll react. But I know for a fact none of them will hate you. He sat up and grabbed both of her hands. Panda, this wasn’t your fault. I know you wouldn’t have done this on purpose. If the birth control failed, it failed. How are you responsible for that?

Closing her eyes, she let her head fall back, upset with the whole situation. After a moment, she brought her head back up to look at her husband of a month. It’s my body that rejected it or whatever. However that works. It’s still my fault no matter how you look at it.

Stop that, he admonished lightly. You had no idea. Things happen, Teag. What happened to your belief in fate?

How could this be fate if I’m pregnant with another man’s baby?

Kaden shrugged. I guess we’ll find out. Remember, it could be mine too.

Her shoulders dropped in defeat. What do we do? How do we tell them? I can’t in good conscience keep this from them, but I don’t have the slightest idea how to go about it either.

Tell you what. I’ll call a family meeting. You talk to the girls and I’ll talk to the guys. You okay with that?

What choice did she have? She couldn’t hide in her room and let Kaden deal with this on his own.

Several hours later, the house was full of all their friends, and Teagan’s guts were churning. Ash and PJ immediately ran up the stairs to Asher’s room to play, while the adults all wandered into the rec room.

Who did what this time? Cooper asked jokingly, but it only served to curdle Teagan’s stomach further. I’m going to assume it was you, Kaden, since you called the meeting and you’ve never done that before.

Don’t bother asking, Jay told him. I’ve already tried grilling him over the last couple of hours and he’s not budging.

A round of greetings ensued before Kaden spoke up. Guys, why don’t you join me out by the pool. Ladies, why don’t you hang here with Teag?

Bodhi rubbed his chin like he was deep in thought. Hmm, he’s splitting us up. I wonder what it could be.

Yeah, why are you splitting us up? Lexi asked.

Right? That’s kind of weird, X agreed.

Kaden, now standing at the back door, looked around at everyone, irritation marring his features. For fuck’s sake. Get your asses out here and you’ll find out. He flashed a small, reassuring smile in Teagan’s direction, then stepped out onto the patio, the rest of the guys trailing after him.

Once the door was shut, Mara asked softly from the couch, What’s going on, Teag? Is this about your doctor appointment? Did you get some bad news?

The other women turned their attention on her. Sighing, she sat down in one of the thickly padded recliners, her spine straight, shoulders back, portraying a look of confidence she didn’t feel whatsoever. Nothing is wrong per se, she answered, and Mara visibly relaxed.

That’s a relief. I thought you were going to tell us you had cervical cancer or something. So, what is it then? But as soon as she asked, Teagan could see the lightbulb go off above her head. A knowing smile twitched at her lips, but the others weren’t catching on.

I’m pregnant, she told them with no emotion. She was too terrified of how they would react to the part where any of their husbands could be the baby’s daddy.

Oh my god, that’s incredible. Congratulations, Lexi squealed, rushing toward her and wrapping her up in a hug. The rest of the ladies were all gushing too, but when Teagan didn’t respond to the embrace, Lexi pulled back looking a little confused. Are you not happy about it?

The woman looked at her with sympathy she didn’t want because she knew that would be changing right quick.

Lexi slowly backed to her seat on the couch and gingerly sat down, like any sudden move would startle Teagan.

Teagan’s bravado was slipping. This was too big of a deal, and she was too scared of their reactions. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, not able to look at any of them. It’s not that I’m not happy. Honestly, this is too new for me. I haven’t sorted through all my feelings yet.

I don’t get why you’re even telling us now then, Cyn said. Nayla didn’t tell us until she was a couple of months along.

I wanted to tell you guys sooner, Nayla responded, rubbing her barely showing belly, but I knew the weddings were coming up and I didn’t want to take any attention from that. Besides, you know it would’ve freaked the guys out. They probably wouldn’t have touched me if they’d known.

Yeah, you’re probably right, X agreed. Guys can be weird that way.

Teagan cleared her throat, just wanting to get this over with, even if it blew up in her face.

Sorry, Nayla said sheepishly.

Sending her a small smile to let her know she wasn’t upset, Teagan drew in a fortifying breath. She wanted to beg them not to be mad at her, but she knew it wouldn’t do any good. These are your friends. You can do this, she told herself. I can’t process this pregnancy without you all knowing the truth. I’m afraid the timing points to the wedding night.

Are you saying you don’t know who the father is? Lexi asked carefully.

Teagan nodded, a big lump in her throat preventing her from speaking.

So, any one of our husbands could be the father? X asked, looking like she was hoping that wasn’t the case.

Swallowing hard, Teagan whispered, Yes, I’m afraid so. As different emotions passed over all their faces, she rushed on, It was a total accident, I swear. I took my pill at the same time every day. My doctor says it’s not common, but it happens.

The room was dead silent as they all processed her words.

Well shit, Cyn said. We never even considered this as a possibility.

Lexi got to her feet and paced around the room. I’m sorry, Teag, but I don’t think I’m okay with you having my husband’s kid. We’ve barely been married and we don’t even have a kid together. I’m not liking the chances.

You? X chimed in. My chances are doubled with two husbands. I don’t like the idea either.

Teagan shrank back into her seat as the women continued to get more riled. She wanted to cry, wanted to beg at their feet, but she wouldn’t do either.

That would seriously be fucked up. How would we explain that to the kid, let alone anyone else? Oh my god, the press, Cyn gasped, then turned to the window, like she was waiting for Jaylen to explode. Teagan couldn’t bring herself to look out there. Instead, she shrunk back a little more. She could only imagine how it was going with Kaden and the other men.

The women continued to rant to each other, Nayla and Mara the only two who were sitting quietly.

Finally, Mara stood up. Guys, you need to chill out. Sit back down so we can talk this out.

Grateful they all listened to her, Teagan straightened back up as much as her defeated body would let her.

Good. Now, I need each and every one of you to listen, and listen carefully. This could’ve happened to any of us. None of us are uneducated. We all know no birth control is one hundred percent. Mara directed her gaze at Cyn. We may not have considered this a possibility, but in the back of our minds, we all knew it was. This is not Teagan’s fault. She said she took her pills religiously and I believe her. In fact, none of you know this, but I’m a pill baby. My mom had been taking it for years, yet somehow here I am, she said, spreading her arms wide. I’m sure Teagan isn’t happy about this either. Don’t you think she’d rather have her husband’s baby? C’mon, ladies. Think this through.

I’d be okay with it if it was Mateo’s, Nayla said quietly, resting her hand over Teagan’s and giving it a squeeze. I know you’ll be a great mom, Teag. I also know you’d let him be a part of the baby’s life, which would be important to him.

Thank you, Teagan whispered back, then she addressed the room. I’m really sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Even if it’s Kaden’s, I’m still not ready for this.

Mara got up and gave Teagan a hug. It’ll be all right. We’re all here for you.

Teagan lost control of the tears burning the back of her eyes with the acceptance of the two women, even if Mara exaggerated a bit. A tear tracked down her cheek and she quickly swiped it away, but it didn’t matter because more followed. All the fear and anxiety she’d been holding in came out through her tears.

Nayla passed her a tissue a little sheepishly. She shrugged when Teagan looked at her questioningly. These stupid pregnancy hormones make you cry a lot, so I’ve been carrying them around with me.

A watery laugh escaped Teagan as she tried to clean up her face.

Lexi took one look at her pathetic appearance and her anger seemed to melt a little. Her shoulders slumped. I’m sorry, Teag. I’m not upset with you. Just the situation.

Yeah, sorry, Teagan, X added. This is a lot to take in. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.

Mara nudged Cyn with her foot. The tiny package of dynamite had been staring at the floor in a complete daze. She snapped her head up and looked around. Right, she said a moment later, when it clicked what Mara wanted. Sorry. I just can’t get over the fact we won’t know who the father is until the baby is born. That’s a long time to wait.

Tell me about it, Teagan said sardonically. Can you imagine what the doctor and nurses are going to say when I usher in eight men to have their DNA tested? She wasn’t joking, but the room erupted in laughter.

Oh, girl, now that’s embarrassing, X said.

"Not just embarrassing.