He shakes his head no.
“Beaten anyone? Threatened anyone?”
“Of course I’ve done those things, I’m not innocent, but I’ve never taken a life,” he says.
“Yet,” I add.
He tightens his lips at that and says nothing. What is there to say?
“Are they going to let you see me again?” Talon asks, pushing his plate away.
“They don’t have a choice, and of course I want to see you again,” I say. “Maybe we could see each other once a month or something.”
He smiles widely, running a hand through his white-blond hair. “I’d like that.”
“Good,” I reply. “But I need you to understand that I love Arrow and I won’t ever leave him.”
“Anna,” he adds, jaw suddenly tight, “I won’t ever approve of you being with Arrow.”
“I wasn’t asking for your approval,” I say firmly. “You don’t have to like Arrow, but around me you won’t disrespect him.”
His lip twitches. “Noted.”
“So, tell me about you. Everything I’ve missed out on,” I say, lightening the mood.
“Well,” he starts. “I remember sliding down a tunnel, and then there was a light—”
He laughs when I pinch him.
He tells me a little about his childhood, but I feel like he’s leaving things out on purpose.
“I’m not very close with my mother,” he says. “I was close with my—with our dad though.”
I nod my head and smile sadly. “Hey, at least he was there for you.”
He frowns. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to . . .”
“It’s fine, Talon,” I say. “I’ve made my peace with anything to do with my dad. I honestly feel like he was your dad, not mine. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why did you keep contacting me?”
He sighs. “Honestly, Anna, I feel like you’re family. I want you in my life. It’s not guilt, although I do wish that Dad had been there for you. Okay, maybe there is a little guilt. I kind of feel like I took something that wasn’t meant for me. But that isn’t why I want to be in your life from now on.”
I nod, accepting his answer. “I think I understand. Maybe you could tell me some cool stories about him sometime.”
“I’d like that,” he says, looking hopeful.
A comfortable silence appears between us.
“Are you going to be president of the Wild Men one day?” I ask.
He nods, eyeing me closely. “I am. Is that going to be an issue?”
“Not if we don’t let it.”
“I don’t want to come between you and Rake. I know he’s been there for you your entire life while I’m only just entering your life.”
“Rake and I will be fine, we always are. You know, you both share something in common. He didn’t want me to be with Arrow either,” I admit to him.
“Really? Why?” Talon asks, frowning. “One of his own brothers? That should be a good thing, keeping you close.”
“He said he wanted better for me,” I tell him. “Maybe a man in a suit. A professional. Someone who comes home at six every night and doesn’t live dangerously.”
“But you didn’t want that?” he asks.
I lift my shoulders in a shrug. “I just want Arrow. I didn’t go looking for a biker. I didn’t go looking for anyone, really. I just saw him and I wanted him.”
“And so you took him,” he replies, lip twitching. “Trust me, Anna, you suit this lifestyle. You’re strong and tough but with a sweetness inside that no one will be able to destroy. Arrow should be on his fuckin’ knees, grateful that he has someone like you.”
My mind flashes to Arrow on his knees, telling me how sorry he was.
“He’s not perfect, but he’s mine,” I reply. “He’s good to me.”
“He better be,” he grates, tone menacing.
“So, do you have a woman in your life?” I ask him, changing the subject. “Anyone I need to threaten?”
He chuckles. “No one special.”
I roll my eyes. “Is that code for just club whores?”
His expression turns innocent. “Where did you learn such a word Anna? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not sure how the Wind Dragons run their club, but—”
I smirk at him. “Save it, Talon.”
“I think we should get some dessert; how about you, sis?” he says, flashing me a boyish grin.
“I think you read my mind.”
We both share a smile.
* * *
When I get back to the clubhouse later that day, Arrow is waiting for me.
“Will you come to the cemetery with me?” he asks. “Everyone is going.”
“Of course I will,” I tell him. “Should we pick up some flowers on the way?”
He nods, a grateful expression on his face. “You know, Anna, when I think of Mary, all I feel is guilt. A good woman I didn’t do right by, a woman who died paying the price of this lifestyle. A woman I couldn’t even commit to.”
He sighs and takes my hand in his. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, Anna. Never. I just want you to know that.”
I lift his hand to my lips and kiss his fingers. “I get you, Arrow, I know.”
I know that he doesn’t want me to worry about him being upset on the anniversary of Mary’s death. The truth is, I’m not. He has loved before me, and that’s okay, because I have him now and that’s all that matters to me.
“How was your lunch with Talon?” he asks.
“It was good; I told him we could try and do it every month,” I tell him, reaching up to do a missed button on his shirt. I ignore his frown and smile up at him. “Come on, let’s go.”
In the living room, Faye is waiting for us, along with the rest of the MC. She runs to Arrow, who hugs her tightly. I watch them embrace and feel lucky that Arrow has her in his life, and that she’s now in my life. Faye is a great friend, and I feel like an idiot over how I first felt when I met her. I know the two of them were closest to Mary, and I let them have their moment.
I’m more than surprised when Sin wraps his arm around me. “You’re a good woman, Anna, and you make a hell of an old lady.”
I smirk. “Thank you, Sin. I never knew you liked me.”
He grins. “I didn’t like that Rake and Arrow were fighting over you, but I can see you’re a worthy woman. Arrow did well for himself.”
“I’m glad you approve,” I mutter, but then turn to him with a smile. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He laughs then, and, damn, he really is a good-looking man.
Vinnie wraps an arm around me from behind. “Everyone ready to go?”
“Yes.”
Irish opens the car door for me, and I slide in. “Thanks, Irish.”
“Welcome, Anna,” he replies in his sexy accent.
Arrow and Faye come out of the clubhouse last, Arrow’s eyes immediately searching for me.
“She’s in the car, calm down,” Sin says to him, shaking his head.
Arrow opens the door. “I want to ride.”
He lifts me out of the car and carries me to his bike, placing me on it. He puts a helmet on me but doesn’t bother with one for himself. “Hold on tight, darlin’.”
I smile. “I always do.”
And I always will.
When we get there, we all stand at her gravestone, everyone a few steps back except for Faye and Arrow. Tears spill from my eyes as I feel the pain radiating off them.
Faye places flowers at her headstone and speaks quietly.
Arrow says a few words, then stands.
We all touch the gravestone and then leave.
ARROW
“I hope you’re happy, Mary, wherever you are,” I say to the gravestone. “I know you gave me everything you had, and I didn’t appreciate you enough, and I’m sorry. I know if you met Anna, you would love her. Just as much as I love her. I will never take her for granted, Mary. I’m sorry you
lost your life, and I will carry that burden with me forever.”
I take a deep breath. “I killed her father. I fuckin’ killed her father, and if I could go back and change it I would. I wouldn’t have killed him in revenge for your death. It nearly made me lose Anna.”
There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Anna. To think that I almost lost her . . .
Fuck.
“I hope you’re happy, Mary, wherever you are,” I whisper, then turn away.
I step away from the stone and look at her.
My Anna.
The love of my life. If I believed in all that shit, I’d say she was my soul mate.
Here she stands with tears in her eyes, crying for a woman from my past.
There’s no jealousy in her eyes, no hurt.
Only understanding.
How the fuck did I get so lucky?
Me, a fuckin’ sinner.
A tainted man.
A guilty man.
How was I given such an angel?
A beauty, a fuckin’ scientist.
The sweetest woman who ever lived.
I take her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.
I guess God really does believe in forgiveness.
Acknowledgments
THIS book was written during a hard time in my life, and I think it’s turned out to be one of my favorites. I hope it will be for you, too.
First of all, I’d like to thank my agent, Kimberly Brower, for being amazing and going above and beyond. I’m so thankful to have you!
Abby Zidle and Gallery Books, you have been so wonderful to work with, thank you for everything!
My sister, Tenielle, as always, for helping me with anything I need. Words can’t express how much I love you. You keep me grounded, you keep me sane.
My beta readers for always making time for me, and for the encouragement they give! I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know.
Thank you to Rose, Nina, Lisa, and all the other bloggers who support me on a daily basis. Love you lots!
The biggest thank-you goes to my readers. I’ve received so many messages and comments from people who adore this series, and I really hope you love Arrow as much as I do.
When you want something, you have to take it. You have to fight for it. And Tracker is more than worth the fight.
Will Lana be able to get through Tracker’s tough exterior to the good man she knows is inside? Find out in the third book in this sexy series from bestselling author Chantal Fernando!
TRACKER’S END
Coming summer 2015 from Gallery Books
LANA
ANNA, who is this?” a blond god calls out.
I step closer to my best friend. When Anna moved back into town, I’d never have guessed I’d be thrust into a world of motorcycle clubs and insanely hot, yet dangerous bikers. Nothing was going to be boring around here from now on—that was for sure. The man who approaches us is probably the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’m not even exaggerating. Playful green eyes, angular features with a strong jaw covered in stubble, I can see tattoos peeking out from his white T-shirt. I can also see a muscled arm that I imagine wrapped around me.
Yeah, maybe I will start hanging around here more often.
Like, every day.
“Tracker, this is Lana.” Anna introduces us, explaining, “This is one of Rake’s friends.”
I’m still getting used to calling Anna’s brother, Adam, by his MC name. I’ve known Adam—I mean, Rake—since I was a young girl. He wasn’t in an MC while he was in high school, but he still caused trouble wherever he went. At heart, though, he’s a good guy and cares about his younger sister.
“Nice to meet you, Tracker,” I say quietly, glancing shyly at him.
He smiles slowly. “Pleasure is all mine.”
I have to remind myself to breathe.
“So you’re Anna’s partner in crime?” he asks, moving closer.
I glance at Anna, then back at him. “No. I’m usually the one trying to keep her out of trouble.”
He laughs, rubbing his chest absently. My eyes follow the movement, unable to stop staring at the way his shirt clings to him. “I can see that. Only known her for a while, but I can already see how she starts trouble.”
Anna gives him the finger.
Tracker gives me a look that clearly says See what I mean?
A small smile forms on my lips. “It’s usually her mouth that gets her in trouble.”
“Traitor,” Anna fires back good-naturedly.
“Or because she thinks I need protecting.”
Tracker studies me. “You are kind of small and cute. It’s hot.”
I duck my head shyly.
“Don’t embarrass her,” Anna chastises, then pauses. “And don’t flirt with her. You have a woman, remember?”
I’m surprised by my disappointment at hearing he’s taken, but I brush it aside. This is not the kind of guy I can trust, clearly. His flirty, friendly demeanor is definitely a well-practiced act—it’s probably worked on countless women in the past. It won’t work on me, though. Nope.
I try to keep my expression impassive as Tracker studies me for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. As if coming to a conclusion, he nods and moves his gaze away from me. “Just being friendly.”
“Well, don’t,” Anna replies. “Come on, Lana. I’ll introduce you to everyone else.”
“Okay,” I murmur, following behind her.
I can’t help myself. I turn around to look back at him.
But he’s not looking at me.
He’s staring at the ground, lost in thought. He almost looks confused, his eyebrows drawn together, as though he doesn’t understand whatever is on his mind.
I wonder what he’s thinking about. I wonder if he’s thinking about me. Not that it matters. He isn’t available.
And I’m probably not his type anyway.
My thought is proven correct when a beautiful woman walks up to him.
His beautiful woman, I realize as she puts her hand against his chest with a seductive look on her face.
She’s everything I’m not. Tall, slim, and dressed in tight leather pants, a black top showing off her toned flesh, and shiny red high heels. She’s the epitome of a biker chick.
I look down at my worn jeans, graphic T-shirt, and flip-flops, and I keep walking. I may not be oozing sex appeal like that woman, but that’s just not me. Sometimes you have to know who you are and who you’re not.
ONE YEAR LATER
TRACKER
I SEE her.
As usual, she’s standing a little behind Anna, almost hiding. Fuck, she’s shy. It’s cute as hell. Women are usually forward with me, the same way I am with them. But Lana? Her gaze avoids mine as much as it can. I know she wants me. I know lust when I see it; but with her, there’s something more there. She wants more than a fuck. She deserves more. For the last year I’ve tried to stay away from her. I didn’t think I was good for her—oh, and I wasn’t really single, either.
I’m still not good for her.
But wanting her—that has stayed constant since the moment I met her.
She’s dressed in a blue top that hugs her petite frame and jeans that cup her juicy ass. That ass could bring a man to his knees. Feeling myself harden, I shift uncomfortably and force myself to remove my gaze from her. I scan the room, my gaze landing on Allie.
Fuck.
The situation between me and Allie is a huge clusterfuck. A whole fuckin’ mess that I went along with because it was easy. She was here; she wanted me. She knew the lifestyle. Easy.
Allie is the daughter of a fallen member of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club. Because of this, we let her stay in our clubhouse, and we look after her. She’s hooked up with a few of the other members, I know, but when her claws landed on me, the bitch dug deep. She wanted to be my old lady, and I let her play the part for a while without giving her the official title. Looking back, I know I didn’t treat her
how I would treat my old lady, how I would treat Lana if she was mine. The feelings just weren’t there—and they still aren’t. I was looking for something in Allie that I didn’t find, but I held on anyway. I led her on more than I meant to. Staying with her was me being a selfish fuck, because I should have let her go when our relationship first started going south. Which was right after it fuckin’ began. I have the feeling she knows it won’t work, but is hopeful anyway. Whatever it is, it’s a fucked up situation that needs to be over with.
Allie is jealous, mouthy and has a vindictive streak in her that people shouldn’t underestimate. She hates Lana with a passion and is jealous as hell of her. I mean, she’d been a bitch towards Faye and Anna as well, with her snide comments and general cattiness, but with Lana it’s different. Faye and Anna can put Allie in her place, but Lana is more quiet and unaware. I’ve seen the scheming looks Allie gives Lana, almost like she’s planning something. Maybe she sensed the connection I feel with Lana. I always tried to protect Lana from her, because I know Allie can be vicious. Whenever Lana was around, I gave Allie a little more attention, just to curb her jealousy. But by trying to save Lana from Allie, it pushed Lana away from me a little bit more each time. It had to be done, but now I want Allie and me to be completely done, and I want to close that distance with Lana.
Allie does have a sweet side, a vulnerable side, which she always tries to hide. It just wasn’t enough for me to overlook the bad. Overall she was a hard bitch who was born to be on the back of a bike, just not mine.
But Lana . . .
I wanted her while I was with Allie, even though I pretended that I didn’t. I tried to make sure she thought I only wanted her as a friend, but I’m not sure what message I really sent. Mixed fuckin’ signals for sure.
My head turns, my attention on her once more.
She’s beautiful. Sweet. Not a mean bone in her little body . . . and yet . . . she belongs on the back of my bike. The loyalty I’ve seen her show Anna when she and Arrow got together made me realize just how strong she is. She’s so much tougher than I’d initially thought.
This one is mine. I wanted her then. And I want her now.
There is no more fighting it: Pretending I don’t want her. Trying to ignore her. Giving her the impression we don’t have a chance in hell. All the games are coming to an end.
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