Chapter 10
Siren – 8 years ago
A foot jamming into my ribs jolts me awake. I roll over on my makeshift bed and groan. The tent I’m staying in flaps in the breeze from the warm summer day. It’s going to be a hot one as I crack an eye open and see Amy sitting at the entrance to the tent. We found each other just a few weeks after I left Jack’s house and have been together ever since. She’s the only person out here I can trust. We have each other’s backs the way siblings should. She ran away from her home back in Chicago and ended up here in Michigan after she hitched a ride with a trucker. We don’t talk about our past or the things that lead us to that day we met.
“C’mon girl, get up. We have to get ready.” Amy slurs.
I sit up and stretch my hands over my head. This pallet I scored last week is a killer on my back, but it’s better than sleeping on the ground. I drop my arms and cast my eyes on Amy. Her short blonde hair is sticking up all over the place and she’s scratching her arms, the needle marks are deep and there’s bruising around her elbows. Her eyes are ping-ponging around our tent.
“Where are we going?” I ask. My gut is telling me it won’t be anywhere good.
“I have to meet some people and settle a debt tonight and I need you to go with me.” In other words, Amy scored some good drugs and needs my muscle to pay the debt. She’s always dragging me into her mess, but she’s had my back when I needed her and I will have hers now.
A few weeks after I ran away from Jack’s house, I ended up on the wrong side of the street at night alone. Three guys approached me, caging me against the concrete building down a dark alley. One yanked my hair with his dirty fingers, bringing tears to my eyes as the other two towered over me. They teased and taunted me, ripping my clothes. I was so scared, I forgot how to defend myself. Thankfully before they could rape me, Amy and a guy she was with came to my rescue when they heard my muffled screams. I walked away with bruises on my face from them punching me, my arms where they held onto me and my legs where they tried to force them apart. The three guys didn’t walk away. It was the first time I watched the life drain from someone’s eyes. No remorse. No pity. And I enjoyed it.
The guy with Amy was nice at first, then he turned into an asshole. He forced me to do things I didn’t want to do for several months, but I felt I was in debt to him, so I did them. Finally, I was tired of being forced to do things to him and I left. If I stayed by myself, I don’t have to worry about someone touching me when I don’t want to be touched. Which he did every time he sent Amy off to find food.
A couple of days later, Amy found me hiding in the shadows away from everyone. She had tears in her eyes and an apology on her lips. She had no idea he was making me do things I didn’t want to do until he snapped at Amy and beat her for not sucking his dick like Siren did. After he beat her, he left her in a dark alley, vulnerable. She crawled her way behind a dumpster and holed up for a few hours until she had the strength to get up and find me. We’ve been together, just the two of us ever since.
My stomach growls with hunger snapping me out of my memories of that dreadful time. It’s something I’ve gotten used to living on the streets as a runaway. Food is scarce and far between. The last time I ate anything nourishing was three days ago. It’s been scraps of food people would throw away since I robbed a tourist and Amy and I ate like queens. Neither of us will go to the soup kitchen or shelter in fear of someone calling the cops and we go back into the system.
“OK, let me wash up and get changed.” I roll off my bed and grab the tattered backpack I used for a pillow.
I exit the tent and the bright sun warms my exposed skin. I slept in my jeans and a tank top last night. Too tired to change my clothes when we got back from wandering the streets, hoping someone dropped money or food. With the bars closing at two a.m. it makes prime picking time but nights in the middle of the week are slow and last night wasn’t any different. Besides the bikers leaving some bar that tried to get Amy and me to leave with them but I knew it was a bad idea. Their cuts and menacing glares made me feel on edge. I left by myself and Amy stayed. If she could score any way possible, she will. That’s one thing I’ve never gotten into. Drugs. Those guys raised my alarms and there was no way I would go anywhere with them. Their leader, Drex, by his name on his cut, kept giving me sneering looks and I did my best to ignore them. When Amy climbed on the back of one of the bikes, I left. I knew she was smart enough to stay out of trouble and get what she needed.
I make my way down to the stream behind my tent to wash up. I let the sun soothe my battered and tired body while I listen to the birds chirping, bringing on a new day. What I wouldn’t give for a hot shower, a soft bed and some breakfast right now. It’s quiet out here in the knoll we found by accident a few months ago. We’re surrounded by sparse trees, a train track on one side of us, a walking path on the other and the creek behind us. The city is only a few blocks away, so the traffic is light and bearable. I’m surprised we haven’t been overtaken by other runaways or the cops yet. My blue tent is an eyesore for those who come back here, but it’s better being away from everyone than in the middle where the cops go or someone looking for trouble.
Shuffling feet snap me out of my musing and Amy plops down on the embankment. We sit for a while, watching the sun light up the sky. Finally, she sighs, “I’m sorry for leaving you last night. I never should have gone with those guys.” There’s something in her voice that makes me whip my head around and really study her. She’s tense and there’s fresh bruising around her neck and upper arms.
“What happened?”
“Things got a little rough. Nothing I can’t handle, but the stuff they had to make it better was unbelievable. Drex, he’s the president of that MC we’ve heard about, asked if we wanted to come to a cookout they’re having Saturday. I told him we’d be there. I hope you don’t mind. I really like these guys.”
“I’ll go with you, but I don’t think I’ll stay too long. That guy gave me the creeps.” I answer, pushing my long dark hair out of my face. I plunge my hands into the cold stream and splash it on my face. The cold water wakes me up, reviving my mind. Amy does the same and a few minutes later we’re washed and heading back to the tent to change our clothes. We might be runaways, but we’re also girls who like to take care of themselves.
I take my dirty clothes I wore yesterday back to the stream and wash them the best I can. I have two pairs of jeans and two t-shirts. Taking care of what little things I have, we pack up our stuff for the day and head out to find food or money. Or possibly both.
**********
It’s Saturday. The day of the cookout. I’ve been dreading this day with each passing sunrise. Amy is excited to get to their clubhouse and we make our way there by foot. I’m wearing a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and a green tank top I swiped from the thrift store yesterday. Amy has on a pair of light blue skinny jeans and a sexy low cut red shirt she swiped. I felt bad for stealing, but Amy wanted a new outfit to wear today. The sweltering heat is making the tank top stick to my body and I wish I would have snagged a pair of shorts instead. But I needed something that I can use all the time, not just once in a while.
Loud music pierces through the air. The beat of the music is something I’ve missed since I ran away. My body sways to the music as we walk up a long gravel driveway. There are several bikes parked out front of a huge two-story house. My nerves are shot, my legs are shaking the closer we get to the house. There are men outside wearing leather cuts, laughing or dancing to the music with women dressed in tight dresses or booty shorts and tight tops. I feel overdressed watching these women. But I suck it up and place one foot in front of another. A man shouts from the porch and Amy giggles with excitement. He meets us halfway down the drive. He’s attractive with his dark hair held back in a ponytail, a strong jawline covered in a light goatee and light brown eyes. His leather cut makes his body look muscular. He picks Amy up and plants a deep kiss on her lips. Once they break apart, Amy’s panting
and he has a menacing smile on his face. He looks me up and down, wraps his arms around each of us and escorts us to the back of the house where there are more bikers.
“Wrecker, this the chick from the other night?” One biker asks us, looking me up and down. I really feel uncomfortable with the glares from the women and the ogling from the men.
“Yup, this is Amy and her friend,” Wrecker answers.
“Siren.” I hold out my hand to shake and the guy ignores me. Well, fuck you very much, asshole.
“Welcome, Amy and Siren,” another man says behind me and I turn around. He has deep hazel eyes and short blonde hair. His smile is kind and gentle. “Name’s, MadDog. Make yourselves at home and get some food. There’s plenty to go around. Oh and ignore the patch whores. They’re going to be catty when it comes to the two of you.” He sends me a wink and walks away. I immediately miss his company.
Amy grabs my hand and we make our way to the buffet style table. There’s so much food here, I think I will go into a food coma just looking at it. I pick up a plate and pile on the food. Once I’m finished, I sit down on the steps to the porch and dig in. My mouth waters as I take a bite of the hamburger. Real food for my starving stomach.
Once I’m finished eating, I look around for Amy. She’s sitting in Wrecker’s lap, laughing and flirting with him. I release a deep sigh and know it’s my time to go. She’s set for the rest of the night and I’m feeling unwelcomed.
I stand to take care of my plate when a voice behind me makes me jump. Jesus, I need to be more aware of my surrounding. “I hate these things.” I spin around and come face to face with a blonde haired beauty. She has light hazel eyes like the biker named MadDog and a lethal body. There’s something in her eyes, I can relate too.
“Why do you hate them?” I ask.
“Because it’s always the same. The patch whores and the Ol’ ladies. The whores are jealous when the Ol’ ladies come by because that means the men they want to fuck are off limits. Then there’s me. The princess who no one talks too.” She makes air quotes around the word princess and rolls her eyes. “Makes me feel more alone than I want or like.” She holds out a hand for me to shake. “Name’s Poison. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to unload all of this on you.”
“Siren.” I shake her hand. Her grip is strong and sure. “It’s OK. I was getting ready to leave. I came with a friend who is now currently busy.”
Poison scans the crowd and smiles when she spots Amy with Wrecker. “Want to hang out for a while? I don’t ever have anyone to talk to or just chill. It’s usually just me and myself.” Something in her voice draws me to her. Something I recognize in myself and I immediately agree.
“Sure, lead the way.” Poison loops her arm through mine and pulls me into the house, up the stairs and into a little bedroom. My body aches to sit on something soft and comfortable. Poison plops onto the queen size bed and bounces.
“So, Siren. Tell me about yourself.” Poison says, staring at me. Her hazel eyes are kind but I can see something darker behind them. I take a seat on the bed and launch into my story. I tell her everything from each home and living on the streets. We talk all night and she even brings me more food. This is where our friendship begins. Poison sees a part of me in her and her in me.
Chapter 11
Blayde
Siren grows quiet when there’s a knock on my door. I release her and stand up, walking across the room in quick strides. I yank the door open and come face to face with Poison. Her eyes are red from crying and she has dark bags underneath them from lack of sleep. I’d crack a joke right now telling her to make Kayne leave her alone to sleep, but that’s not what has her messed up. It’s the beauty sitting on my bed, waiting for her punishment.
“Can I have a moment with Siren, please?” Poison asks in a quiet voice.
I nod my head and open my door wider so she can enter. She sits on the bed next to Siren and pulls her in for a hug, whispering to her. “I’m so sorry, Siren.” Poison’s voice is clogged with emotion making me tear up a little.
“It’s not your fault. I didn’t tell you and now I have to pay the consequences.” Siren chokes out.
“No you don’t. Come downstairs so we all can talk about what happens next before Reaper shows up with your mom.”
Siren stares at Poison, looking for a lie, but there isn’t one. She’s being serious and wants to help her. “What about Kayne? He must hate me right now.”
“No, he doesn’t. He feels just as responsible as I do for this mess. I promise, no one will harm you or make you feel any worse than you already do. We need to get to the bottom of this and take care of Drex before it’s too late.” Poison soothes. “Besides, you’re my girl. My ride or die and no one will harm you or I’ll cut a bitch.”
Siren laughs a little and nods her head. Her green eyes meet mine and I give her a wink. “Poison, can you give us a minute?”
“Sure, don’t take too long. Everyone’s waiting in Church to discuss the next plan of action.” She hugs Siren one more time before releasing her and walks out of the room.
“Siren,” I start, but she cuts me off.
“Blayde, don’t. I don’t want or need any pity. The choices I made in life are my choices. The things I’ve done…” she looks down at her hands like the answers will be there. “I’ve taken lives when needed. That’s the only thing I didn’t tell you. I’m just like my father.”
I cross the room quickly, pulling her into my arms. I can’t and won’t stay away from her any longer. “Siren, I’m not an innocent person either. I enjoy taking lives. I love it when my blade rips the skin from someone’s body. I’m in my prime when blood coats my hands. You’re not alone.”
She looks up at me, blinking a few times while my words bounce around in her head. “We’re fucked up.” She giggles.
“Yeah, we are. But we can be fucked up together.” I press a gentle kiss to the side of her head. “Come on. Let’s go see what we can do about your mom and dad.”
“That sounds weird, you know.” Siren says standing.
I grab her hand and lead her out of our room. “What does?” I ask, locking our door behind me.
“I have a mom and dad. I’ve always wondered growing up if things would be different. If they would’ve showered me with love and attention or if they would have used and abused me like the foster homes I was in. I never had a mother’s love and the closest thing to a father figure was MadDog.”
“He was a great man. I liked him the best.” I answer squeezing her hand as we walk down the stairs. “I grew up in the MC. My old man is the Savage Saints Detroit Sergeant of Arms. He taught me everything I know about inflicting as much pain I can on someone they can handle without killing them. That was my father figure. My mom, she didn’t want me to be a part of the Club, but she knew growing up, if I continued down the path I was on, I would be either dead or locked in a six by nine cage fighting for my life. So, she conceded my path and gave me her blessing.” We reach the bottom of the stairs and head into Church. All eyes fall upon us when we enter and Siren’s hand grips mine tighter.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.” I squeeze her hand in return. Siren exhales a deep breath, straightens her spine and casts a glance around the room. Kayne is at the head of the table, his piercing blue eyes are boring into Siren. My seat to the left of him is open. Then Stryker, Ace, Axel, Texas, Maddox, Talon, Rooster, Poison and Duke are in their respective seats. Knuckles, Tatt, Rebel and Butch aren’t anywhere in sight.
“Siren,” Kayne growls, slamming the gavel on the table. She jumps a little then schools her features. “Share with the rest of our club the information you have.” He’s moody and brooding. He casts his eyes to Poison and she arches her brow. Kayne’s features relax a little and he clears his throat. I take my respective seat next to him and watch Siren. I offer her a slight nod of my head and she clears her throat.
“The night Deadly Sins was hit I wasn’t where I said I was. I found my mother and was keeping
an eye on her. Only thing is I didn’t do a good enough job because Drex had her kidnapped and she’s been held by him ever since.” Her eyes are turning red, trying to hold back her tears. She clears her throat and levels Kayne with an unwavering stare. “Drex texted me and told me he had my mom and if I didn’t want her in pieces, I would do what he said. He wanted me to give him information about the club. Your weaknesses, the ins and outs, everything. Only thing is, I kept giving him false information. I had no choice but to reach out to someone who no one wants to admit they know. The nomad who hides in the shadows and strikes when you least suspect him.”
“Who?” Stryker asks, engulfed in Siren’s story.
Her eyes never wavered from Kayne. “Reaper.”
Shouts of confusion roll across the room and Kayne slams his gavel down, silencing everyone. “Continue, please.”
“Reaper is…” Siren looks down at the floor. Her long black lashes flutter against her cheeks. She opens her eyes again and her emerald gaze flips my stomach upside down. Knowing without a doubt as she stares at me, I will do everything I can to protect her. “He’s my father.”
Stryker stands quickly, his chair sliding across the floor and falling with a heavy thud. His body is trembling with rage, “Kayne, get her the fuck out now.” His deadly blue gaze is pinning Siren to her spot, but she doesn’t back down from his furious look. I clench my fists at my sides, itching to smash my knuckles into his face. Kayne rests his strong grip on my shoulder, holding me down in my seat.
“I will not make Siren leave.” Kayne growls at Stryker. “Now you will sit down and listen or get the fuck out and hang up your patch. I hate to do this to you, but she,” Kayne points to Siren. “Needs our help. Someone we swore to protect. One of our own needs us. Hear her out before you jump off the deep end and condemn her for something beyond her control.” Kayne slams his gavel down again. I swear if he hits it that hard again, the fucking thing will break. “Siren, please continue before you were so rudely interrupted.” Kanye’s voice's calm, but there’s a slight tick in his jaw.
Blaydes Betrayal (Savage Saints MC Book 2) Page 7
