Tarek

by Nikki Landis

  “I can’t believe you intervened like that. Do you have any idea how much that tore me up? How badly that broke my heart?” I stood up, slamming my palms on the table. “You didn’t have the right. I was eighteen. You ruined everything,” I accused and slid from the table, running upstairs to one of the vacant rooms. I was lucky when a couple weren’t in use and the keys were still in the locks.

  Shoving into one and then slamming it shut, I turned the lock and then fell down on the bed, releasing the tears that had been building since the moment I returned to Flagstaff.

  Chapter 12 – Synna

  Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)

  “Synna? We need to talk.”

  I’d spent the most awful, restless, lonely night of my existence. Every second that Tarek was gone I felt a terrible ache in my heart. It was silly to feel so strongly but I reminded myself that I didn’t just fall in love with him in the last few days. My heart was his four years ago. Time only prolonged the inevitable.

  I missed Tarek so much that I hardly slept and all I could think about was the couple of days of total bliss we shared in bed. That night in the rain would live in my memory a long time. All I wanted was to feel his touch, become lost in his kisses and embrace. The man had completely ruined me for anyone else.

  “Synna?” Ronin repeated, knocking on the door louder. “Please. It’s important.”

  I rose to my feet and unlocked the door, sinking back onto the mattress as he walked inside. “Well?”

  He began to pace, cracking his neck and then his fingers. Ronin was clearly agitated about something and I had a feeling it wasn’t what we discussed last night.

  “There was a note this morning.”

  A note? “What kind of note?”

  “A threat.” He cleared his throat and finally met my gaze, his expression a mixture of concern, regret, and fear.

  I wasn’t used to seeing my brother afraid. Nothing ever scared him. “Ronin?”

  “The note was cryptic, but it named you specifically.”

  Frowning, I glanced down at his hand and noticed the blood on his knuckles. “What did you do to your hand?”

  He blinked, somewhat dazed. “Smashed it I think.”

  “Oh, Ronin.” I stood up as he opened his arms and I wrapped my arms around his thick waist. “Why did you hurt yourself?”

  “Couldn’t handle the thought of this killer finding and hurting you. I’m fuckin’ livid and I’m pissed, and I’ve never been so goddamn frightened in my life.”

  “Hey,” I chided as I lifted my head. “Nothing is going to happen to me. I have you, Hyde, Buzz, and the whole club watching my back. Attempting to smile, I failed. “And I have my Tarek.”

  “Your Tarek?” he asked softly.

  “Yes. I love him, Ronin. I did four years ago, and I do now.”

  He hung his head slightly. “I’m sorry I forced the two of you apart.”

  “I know.” I stepped out of his arms and led him into the bathroom. “Sit on the toilet, dummy. I need to clean and bandage your hand.”

  Ronin stayed silent until I was done. “Hyde is on his way to pick up Tarek. I assume he’ll want to see you right away.”

  “Did you speak to him?”

  “No, but I will. I promise.”

  “Good. You owe him an apology.” Tarek was never unfaithful, he didn’t cheat on me, and he wasn’t a liar. The only secrets he kept were the ones he was obligated by the MC never to speak. As a member of the Lords of Wrath he swore an oath to his brothers. Tarek was loyal and always had been.

  In the back of my mind was the thought that it didn’t make sense. Why was I being targeted? Why would a random group of texts from Heather Downs show up on Tarek’s phone the exact moment I walked back into his life?

  “There’s something else you should know. Tell Hyde right away, okay?”

  He stiffened, standing up immediately. “What is it?”

  “The day I arrived in Flagstaff I stopped at the Bond office.”

  “Yeah, you told me.”

  “I forgot to mention that after I left there was a note on my windshield.”

  “What did it say?”

  “Leave town or else.”

  Ronin sucked in a breath, a growl in his throat. “What did Tarek say?”

  “I forgot to mention it,” I admitted with a wince.

  “Holy fuck, Syn. This is bad.”

  “I know,” I agreed with a sigh. “I know.”

  “He’s gonna be even more pissed than I am.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  Tarek

  THE JAIL CELL WAS EMPTY as I entered, parking my ass on a metal bench as I tried not to worry about Synna. She should have arrived at the Rock by now. It had taken over an hour and a half to be processed and then placed in custody. I knew the routine. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my first arrest.

  I went down the wrong path for a bit after Synna left. I was completely lost without her, pissed off at the separation, and certain I would never get another chance to make things right. My coyote became almost feral. As a result, I was reckless. I drank too much, started fights. Hell, I was taken aside and warned more times than I could count by Buzz and Hyde.

  When I didn’t listen, Ronin and Hyde intervened and kicked my ass when they pulled me from the Rock, and I got wasted to the point that I hit one of my brothers. Lost, I sped down the highway every chance I got and awaited fate to intervene. Nothing happened and I knew it was my mother and the spirits that protected and kept me safe.

  Sheriff Porter got sick of seeing my face. I had a record by then and served a little time. I hated that asshole, but he helped set me straight and I had to agree that I needed it. Those first two years Synna was gone were the longest. Over the next two I learned to deal with the separation, but I didn’t realize how much I still wanted her until the day she came home, and I kissed her in that hidden alcove behind the bar.

  Now, I craved her touch. Dreamed of her soft voice and silken hair, her sexy smile, and the seductive swing of her hips. Every part of Synna was tattooed on my heart like the tribal marks on my skin. She was permanently etched and wasn’t going anywhere.

  “You’ve got a phone call.”

  Sheriff Porter was standing in front of the cell as I stood.

  “Thanks.”

  He grunted in response.

  Ronin was on the other line when I answered. “Hyde is on his way to bail you out, but we’ve got a big problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “There was a note left outside the compound this morning. It was bloody and crumpled and attached to a dead lobo. Head was cut clean off with a sharp blade.”

  “What the fuck?”

  “Yeah, that’s not the worst part.”

  Shit. “Tell me.”

  “The note was a threat on Synna’s life.”

  “What!?” I exploded, ignoring the dirty look Sheriff Porter shot my way at the outburst. “You better be right by her side.”

  “She’s in the shower. You should know it’s not the first note.”

  “She’s had another?”

  “The day she arrived. Syn said she forgot all about it, but it was on her windshield after she left the Bond agency. Told her to leave town or else.”

  Dammit Synna! She should have told me. “What else did the new note say?” There was more. Had to be. He sounded pissed but also apprehensive.

  “Hyde thinks its personal.”

  “Against Synna?”

  “No. You,” he emphasized. “The note read An Eye for An Eye. You killed mine. I will yours.”

  “No,” I whispered. “Billy Forsythe?”

  “That’s Hyde’s opinion.”

  “What about you?”

  “Nothing else really makes sense, Tarek.”

  “I agree.” I had to do everything I could to take out the Forsythe brothers. “I won’t lose Synna.”

  “Then we both understand what’s at stake.”

  “Yeah, we do.�
�

  Ronin hung up and although it wouldn’t be obvious to many when Ronin said those words, he meant that he would do everything and anything to keep Synna safe. Her life over mine if necessary. I couldn’t fault him for saying so.

  Billy Forsythe was Daniel Forsythe’s brother. We’d had a bond for him over five years ago. It was supposed to be a routine pick up, just snatch the guy, and bring him in like usual. It didn’t go down that way. Daniel opened fire as we stepped onto his lot and hit Hyde in the leg. Ronin was shot in the shoulder. I was the only one who could defend us that day and I shot back. The bullet hit Daniel in the chest, and he bled out before the ambulance arrived.

  He was pronounced DOA.

  Billy never forgave us for killing his brother, specifically me. He tried to have us all arrested, but it was self defense and he lost the case against our agency. Left bad blood between the numerous Forsythe brothers and cousins. We lost half the bounty because Daniel wasn’t brought in alive and it hit the Bail Bond business hard for a few months. Sheriff Porter never believed I wasn’t somewhat responsible. He thought I could have taken Daniel down without gunfire. He just didn’t get it.

  The notes made sense now.

  The Forsythe brothers were well known in Flagstaff. Two had gone to school with Synna. They knew I was dating her before she left for college. I wasn’t sure how they knew she was coming home. That part was still a little sketchy, but I had no doubt Billy wanted revenge.

  Unless someone in the club found out.

  This was the second time I had a feeling of betrayal. I kept it to myself until now since I didn’t have enough information to take it to Hyde, but I wasn’t staying silent anymore. Someone in the club was a narc. If it wasn’t to the police, then they were feeding Intel to Billy Forsythe.

  If I was right, that brother was going down hard.

  Chapter 13 – Tarek

  Waking the Demon (Bullet for My Valentine)

  “You’re sure?” Hyde asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “I have to take this seriously and I don’t like it, Tarek.”

  “That makes two of us.” No one liked to think we had a rat or narc in the club, but all the evidence pointed to the fact that someone had access to sensitive information.

  “Ronin said he keeps a tracker on Synna’s cell. She doesn’t know about it, but he put it there before she left for the university. Didn’t want to take any chances. He was right to do it. We’ve got plenty of enemies.”

  True enough. “She’d be pissed if she knew.”

  “Oh yeah,” he agreed.

  “Tell me you’re looking into this.”

  “I am. I already asked Ronin to be discrete. If someone has turned on the club he’ll find out.”

  I didn’t doubt it.

  We walked outside of the precinct after Hyde posted my bail. “You owe me now. Don’t fuckin’ blow off your court date.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” I didn’t care about that right now. I just needed to return to Synna.

  “You don’t need to worry. Synna is safe at the compound.”

  I pulled out my phone and called her number. No answer. “She’s not picking up.”

  “Ronin said she was taking a shower and grabbing a bite to eat. It’s a bit crowded at the Rock. Bandit and Ripper made it in a couple of days ago and Azrael and Wraith came in yesterday afternoon. Don’t worry. There’s lots of protection.”

  “Right. I’m sure she’ll call back soon.”

  Hyde and I made a quick stop for cigarettes and then drove to the compound. The entire way I felt off like something just wasn’t right. I couldn’t shake the feeling and tried calling Synna again, but it went straight to voice mail. Taking a deep breath, I tried not to panic.

  When Hyde stopped on the lot, I was out of the door before he shut off the engine. We usually liked to ride but he opted for the cage since I didn’t have my bike. I heard his chuckle and ignored it as I ran inside the Rock.

  There were a few stragglers this early in the morning but not many of my brothers were awake yet. I scanned the vicinity for Ronin and heard his booming voice coming from the common room. I had to wait to catch his attention since he was talking to Buzz.

  “Bones wanted his ashes spread out across the ocean. Never liked the idea of being buried in the ground. Said his soul was meant to wander.”

  Ronin smiled sadly. “That was Bones for sure.”

  “I’m gonna ride through Nevada and check in with Crusher. Might even hit up the Royal Bastards and have a beer with Grim.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Might be fun for you to join me. I’d like some company when I toss Bones in.”

  Ronin laughed lightly. “I’m sure you’ll have several brothers interested in coming with you.”

  “True. I’m looking forward to it. Gonna take off as soon as this mess is all settled. It’s not right to keep Bones waiting.”

  “I agree.”

  Impatient, I left the room and decided to find her myself. After checking every room and waking up a few of my brothers who grumbled loudly at the intrusion, I didn’t locate Synna. That feeling of uneasiness in my stomach intensified.

  I walked into the common room, my fists clenching as I nearly ran into a couple of my brothers from Nevada. Bandit and Ripper were playing pool against Azrael and Wraith. Never seen a crazier lookin’ bunch of bikers.

  They were a welcome sight.

  “I can’t find Synna,” I blurted, like that explained my nearly psychotic behavior.

  Azrael and Wraith had only met her once or twice, but Bandit and Ripper had partied with the Arizona Lords quite a bit. They knew Ronin’s sibling well. She was like a little sister to nearly every member including the Nevada chapter.

  “What did Ronin say?”

  “He was talking to Buzz. I didn’t want to butt in.”

  Azrael snickered as Wraith shook his head. “If it’s important, better not wait long.”

  I ran a hand through my hair with mild agitation and stalked from the room, nearly bumping into Ronin.

  “Have you seen Synna yet?” He looked as anxious as I felt.

  “Nope,” I answered. “Can’t find her.”

  Ronin snarled and ran toward the stairs, bounding up two at a time to the second level. I heard his bellow of rage and knew my instincts were correct. Something was terribly wrong.

  “Synna is missing.”

  I knew he was going to say the words before he did, but it still felt like a sucker punch to the gut. My palm landed against the nearest wall and I fought the urge to shift into my coyote right there.

  “Fight it,” Hyde ordered as he walked in front of me, and I managed to gain control. “We can track her phone. Ronin, calm the fuck down.”

  Ronin hit the app on his phone so he could trace her cell and I swear I didn’t breathe until he answered. “She’s not here.”

  I growled, unable to hold back my response. “Where?”

  “On the road. My guess is the rez. She’s headed that way.”

  “How far did she get?”

  “She’s got a forty-five-minute head start.”

  I ran from the Rock, dropped onto the seat of my bike, and hauled ass from the parking lot. I could hear the sound of multiple Harleys joining my own, but I wasn’t waiting for everyone to catch up. There was only one main road that she could have taken, and I planned to catch up to her fast.

  My mate was in danger. The coyote inside was unhinged.

  This enemy had awakened the demon within, the hunger to rip apart flesh as I destroyed the threat against my woman.

  Billy Forsythe tried to take what was mine.

  He was gonna be sorry he ever knew her name.

  Chapter 14 – Synna

  Wolf Totem (The Hu)

  Tarek We need to talk.

  After missing him all night it was strange that he didn’t call. I expected to hear his voice as soon as he was out on bail but all he sent was that text.

  Me You ok? Missing you.

&n
bsp; Tarek No. You should have told me about the note.

  My heart sank. He was right but I forgot all about it.

  Me I’m sorry.

  I didn’t get a return text for several minutes and decided to try calling instead of texting. He didn’t pick up. Was he that angry?

  Tarek Meet me at the hogan.

  Tarek I’m almost there.

  That was strange. With the shooter still on the loose, it seemed risky.

  Me You sure it’s safe?

  Tarek Picked up the shooter. All good.

  Relieved, I didn’t question him about it further.

  Me I’ll leave right now.

  Tarek Good. Drive safe.

  I still had Tarek’s keys in my purse. I was about to tell Ronin where I was going when he sat down with Buzz. I didn’t want to bother him and decided if Tarek said everything was safe then it didn’t matter if I left without telling anyone.

  The air was dusty and dry already this morning and I picked up a bandana, tying it around my throat since I knew I would be back on the rez. I was looking forward to staying in the hogan again. Funny, it didn’t seem as primitive as when I first saw it. I started to think of it as home. As long as Tarek was with me, I’d be happy.

  I had to pull over about halfway through the long trip when a haboob kicked up. Dust storms were common in Arizona with the dry desert landscape. If it wasn’t the dense dust of a storm, then wildfires were usually causing a problem. Summer was so dry it was inevitable.

  Once it was safe, I was back on the road again.

  I made excellent time despite the brief stop and parked Tarek’s truck in the usual spot. There was no sign of a storm here and I shut the door before I walked inside the hogan and looked for Tarek. I would have thought he would be there waiting but there was no sign of him.

  “Tarek?” I called out, shielding my eyes against the glare of the sun as I walked back outside.

  No answer.

  “Tarek!” Walking around the hogan and his property, there was no sign that he had been here at all. Swallowing hard, I walked back toward the truck. Was this a trick? Why would he do that?

  A deep and disturbing growl from behind caused my entire body to stiffen. I turned around and lifted my hands, gasping at the large predator that stood in front of my eyes. The animal wasn’t a wolf or mountain lion but appeared to be something that crossed over between the two. It was odd and disconcerting.