Wreaking Havyk (The Hounds of Zeus MC Book 4)

by Faith Gibson

  “Does Gloria know what you are?”

  “No. Neither does Dominic or anyone else in the Club who isn’t like us. Now, enough about that. Considering we both have a stake in this, how about you go do your job, and me and the Club will worry about finding Gloria and Dominic?”

  “As soon as I have Alvarez, I’ll ask him if he had a hand in their disappearance. If he did, I’ll call you.”

  “And if he didn’t?”

  “We’ll work together until we find them and bring them back home.” Hayden prayed the two were still alive. If they weren’t? He had a feeling he would see Kodiak’s inner beast let loose, and Hayden doubted that was a good thing.

  “Once this shitstorm is over, Sadie needs to be with her family. Dominic gave up hope she was alive, but Gloria never did. Seeing her daughter will go a long way in helping her heal.”

  “Sadie’s alive? What the fuck?” Saber took a step toward Hayden, but Kodiak moved between the two of them.

  “Stand the fuck down. I’ll explain later, but yes, she’s alive.” Kodiak gripped Saber on the shoulder. “Our Sadie’s alive.”

  Saber’s eyes shined, but he quickly blinked the wetness away. Hayden was missing something, but he didn’t get the chance to ask what. Kodiak ushered him to the door. “Go take care of Alvarez and keep me posted. If I hear from Dom or Gloria, I’ll call you.”

  Hayden inclined his head and left without saying anything else. He didn’t know what to say. His head was spinning. He knew other shifters existed because of the Gargoyles. Kodiak didn’t give off that vibe, though. And his comment about “our Sadie” left Hayden more perplexed than before. Sadie had mentioned her brother being in an MC, but she never said anything about the rest of the Club. There was something off about the whole scenario, but Hayden didn’t have time to figure out what. He had to get back to Devon’s, check on Sadie and Mateo, then he and Spyder would fly to California and meet with Judge.

  The one thing that stood out the most was the fact that Kodiak hadn’t completely flipped his shit when he found out his mate was missing. As he drove back to Devon’s, Hayden tried to imagine any of his family being so calm in the same situation, and he couldn’t. Like Kodiak said, they would tear the world apart looking. Sadie wasn’t his, but Hayden knew already if it were her and he couldn’t find her? Not even Zeus himself would get in Hayden’s way.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sadie

  Hayden was acting weird when he returned from wherever he went earlier. Sadie didn’t know the man well enough to pry. She had learned early on when Juan was in a mood to leave him alone or else she would feel the brunt of his ire. She didn’t think Hayden was the same way, but she couldn’t be sure. When he walked in the door, his eyes searched the room until they landed on her. He relaxed briefly, then he excused himself, and he and the other men had locked themselves away in Devon’s office. Nora didn’t seem to mind or be worried. Instead, she sat with Sadie and Mateo in the living room watching movies Mateo hadn’t seen. Sadie felt a little rebellious in letting her son stay up late, watching one show after the other. When Nora offered to make popcorn, Sadie readily agreed. Hell, she had missed the salty snack, and it was another thing from her past she could share with Mateo.

  Sadie had just gotten Mateo settled in bed and was singing to him when she realized they weren’t alone. She looked over to find Hayden peeking around the door. If Sadie didn’t know she had a decent voice, she would have been embarrassed.

  “Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Do you need anything?”

  “No, we’re good. Nora’s been the perfect hostess.”

  “How’s your…?” Hayden pointed at the back of his own head. Sadie had shown Mateo her staples when he almost hit them on accident.

  “It’s better. The medicine is doing its job.”

  “Mamá got an owie,” Mateo said, already snuggled underneath the covers. The heat outside was still sweltering, but inside the house was nice and cool from the air conditioner.

  “She did.” Hayden’s eyes softened while he was talking to Mateo. “How about you, Buddy? Did you have a good night watching cartoons?”

  “Si.” Mateo yawned, rubbing his eyes.

  Hayden hesitated, but he didn’t say anything else. He stared at Sadie a moment, then left the two of them alone. Once she got Mateo to sleep, Sadie padded out of the room and went in search of the man. When she walked into the living room, Nora looked over the back of the sofa and pointed toward the kitchen. Sadie frowned, and Nora cocked an eyebrow, grinning, before snuggling back against Devon. Sadie wondered if Nora could read her mind. Probably. The woman had been amazing in giving Sadie and Mateo everything they needed, most of the time without asking. When Sadie didn’t find Hayden in the kitchen, she glanced out the back door. He was leaning against the railing of the deck, looking up at the stars. He turned her way when she opened the door.

  “Everything okay?”

  Sadie nodded and walked over to stand close to him, turning her gaze upward, feeling it was safer to stare at the inky sky instead of the man beside her. “I had forgotten how amazing the stars can be.”

  “Is where you lived not secluded?”

  “Oh, it is, but I wasn’t allowed outside at night unless we were going to a club. When I left the house, I was always ushered straight to the car.” Hayden angled his body towards hers, giving her his full attention. “Other than that, the only time I got to go outside was when Mateo wanted to swim, and that was only a few hours during the day. Juan tried to teach me to play tennis early on, but I sucked at it. When Mateo was with the others, I had to stay in my suite. I had my music, but that was it. I only ate in the dining room when Juan was home and in a good mood.” Sadie turned her head from the stars to find Hayden staring. “Do you live close by?”

  “No. I live in Upstate New York. I have a house in a neighborhood, so unless I get on my bike and take a ride, I don’t get to see the stars like this either.” Hayden took a step closer and brushed a knuckle down her cheek. She leaned into his touch, but he shook his head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Do you have a girlfriend? A wife?”

  “No. I—”

  Sadie pressed her fingers to his lips. “Then don’t apologize.” She ran her thumb across his bottom lip, wondering how it would feel pressed against hers. She’d never had a real kiss from someone other than Juan. Sadie didn’t consider the few pecks from her one boyfriend in high school to be real kisses. The rare times Juan kissed her was usually a hard crush of mouths during sex.

  “Sadie, we can’t.” Hayden’s voice was strained.

  “Sorry. I thought…” She thought he was interested, but what the hell did she know about men? With Juan her only source of comparison, Sadie knew nothing.

  Hayden sighed deeply. “Sadie, look at me.” He tipped her chin up using the side of his finger. “You are an exquisite creature. I’m deeply drawn to you, but I won’t take advantage.”

  “Advantage? Because I’m married? Damaged? Used goods?”

  “What? You’re not damaged nor used goods. I just said you’re exquisite, and I meant it. Normally, I wouldn’t ever consider looking at a married woman, but knowing who your husband is and what he’s put you through, I can overlook that. But you’ve been hurt, and your son was kidnapped.” Hayden pressed his palm to her cheek, his eyes searching hers. Sadie leaned into his palm and closed her eyes. For just one moment, she wanted to feel his touch. Wanted to know what it was like to be with someone who wasn’t Juan. When his other hand cupped her neck, Sadie opened her eyes.

  “Please,” she begged on a whisper.

  Hayden hesitated, and just when she thought he was going to step away, he leaned down and pressed their lips together. It was a ghost of a touch, and she wanted more. Sadie wrapped her arms around his waist, bunching his T-shirt in her fists. Hayden kissed her again, and Sadie opened for him. He angled her head and pressed in, his tongue seeking hers. It was the softest
kiss she’d ever had, while at the same time, the most electric. Juan’s kisses were bruising. Demanding. Hayden’s was searching. Learning. Tentative yet thrilling. This man was a biker. A mercenary. The hands cradling her gently had killed. That should be alarming, but it wasn’t. It was exhilarating. That should have been a big red flag. It wasn’t. Sadie stepped closer, pressing her soft chest to his hard one. His chest wasn’t the only thing hard. His erection was evident against her hip. If they had been anywhere else, somewhere alone, she might have found the courage to touch him.

  “Havyk, are you ready? Oh, shit. Sorry.” Spyder had snuck up on them from the darkness.

  Hayden released her mouth and pressed his forehead to hers, sighing.

  “I’ll just… Yeah. Let me know when you’re ready to ride,” Spyder said as he turned and walked away.

  “You’re leaving?” Sadie ran her hand through Hayden’s hair, scratching his scalp with her nails.

  “Not if you keep that up. Damn, that feels nice.” Hayden practically purred as Sadie continued gently clawing his head. He grabbed hold of her wrist and brought her knuckles to his lips. “Yes, I’m leaving. We’re going after Juan. It shouldn’t take more than a couple days, and then I’ll be back. You and Mateo will be safe here with Devon and Nora.”

  “I’m not worried about us. Promise you’ll be safe.”

  “I will. I have both Spyder and Judge with me.” Hayden pressed another quick kiss to her lips, then pulled away. “I’ll be back before you know it.” He bopped her on the nose, then took off down the steps, following Spyder into the darkness. Sadie leaned against the railing, looking up at the stars once again.

  “Please bring him back to me,” she whispered, sending her prayer to the heavens. Sadie stayed outside a little while longer, enjoying the peacefulness. She was used to being alone for long stretches, but being outside alone was freeing. At least she didn’t think anyone else was outside, but one of Hayden’s family members could be strolling around in the dark without her knowing. If they were, it was to keep her and Mateo safe, not confined. Rescuing people was what his family did, along with killing others. That was hard for her to wrap her brain around.

  Hayden had been the white knight she had always dreamed of. Well, after her brother. Sadie had thought it would be Dominic who came for her and saved her from her life of imprisonment. She couldn’t wait to see her big brother again. And her mother. She often wondered if they’d moved on with their lives, thinking Sadie was dead. Once this was all over, Sadie could get her life back. She wanted to introduce Mateo to her family. Figure out who she was as a person and not Juan’s prisoner.

  Hayden lived in New York, so he would go back to his life, leaving her in Texas. But he had family here, so maybe he would come visit her. Sadie shouldn’t let herself become attached to the mercenary. He had rescued her and Mateo, but that didn’t mean he was interested. And she really shouldn’t be thinking about him romantically. He had been torn over kissing her. And what a kiss it had been. Sadie wanted more of his lips on hers. His hands on her face. His hands everywhere. Would he be a gentle lover? Or would he be rough and demanding like Juan? Hayden was a dangerous man, but he was kind to her. Gentle with her.

  She realized she was probably reading too much into her feelings toward Hayden since he’d rescued her, but she felt something for him. He wasn’t the only one in on the rescue. Spyder and Jericho had been there. Devon too, but Sadie didn’t feel drawn to the shorter biker with his long hair. Yes, he was hot. As were Devon and Jericho, and yes, that was a little weird considering they were father and son. Sadie hadn’t seen Judge, but she had a feeling he’d be just as stunning as everyone else in Hayden’s orbit.

  Laughter from the kitchen brought Sadie out of her musings. She turned to find Nora and Devon standing at the island. Nora had her chin propped on her fist, smiling at her husband while he said something to her. Sadie watched the couple, an ache forming in her chest. She wasn’t used to seeing that type of connection. Her parents had never laughed with one another. She had certainly never laughed with Juan. Yes, she had smiled whenever he joked with Mateo, but it was always because of her son’s happiness, not from being charmed by Juan. Sadie wanted that. Wanted to have a man who made her smile. Looked at her like she hung the moon. The way Hayden had looked at her briefly. Maybe that had been wishful thinking on her part, but his kiss said otherwise.

  “Sadie, you okay?” Nora asked from the open door. She had been so caught up in thoughts of Hayden she hadn’t seen the woman move from the island.

  “Yes. Just enjoying the stars.” Sadie entered the kitchen, and Nora closed the door behind her.

  “Nothing like a big Texas sky.” Devon leaned against the counter and held out his arm. Nora didn’t hesitate to stand next to her husband, leaning into his embrace.

  “It’s one of the things I’ve missed most about home. That and my mom.”

  “And I’m sure she’s missed you as much,” Nora said.

  “I can’t wait to see her. I wish Hayden would let me at least call her, but I get why he wants me to wait.”

  Nora’s smile faltered. “What else have you missed?” Devon pressed a kiss to his wife’s temple. Something was off about the gesture.

  “Freedom to walk outside whenever I want. To stand around the kitchen like this, talking. To be able to choose my own clothes. To wear shorts and T-shirts and not dresses all the time. To roll out of bed and not worry about my hair sticking up.” Sadie laughed at the thought. “All the little things. Watching TV. Having popcorn and chocolate or soda at all or whenever I feel like it. Going to school. Not that I like sitting in class all that much, but the routine of getting out of the house every day and seeing my friends. I missed out on so much. Dances. Prom. Football games. I used to love going to the games every Friday night. Dominic would drive me to school when he lived at home, then after he moved out, my mom would take me. I miss my big brother. He’s several years older, but he never made me feel like I was in the way.”

  Sadie wiped at the tears she hadn’t realized were falling until her vision blurred. “Dominic was the best. Once he joined the MC, he would come by the house on Sundays if our dad wasn’t home and take me for a ride on his bike. I miss riding with him. That freedom of being on two wheels with the wind whipping my face. There’s nothing like it.”

  Nora beamed at her. “I know exactly what you mean. Riding with Devon is one of my favorite things in the world. You know, Hayden has several bikes. When this is all over, I’m sure he’d love to take you out on his bike.”

  “But he lives in New York. I don’t see him hanging around after this job is over just to take me riding.”

  “He might surprise you. Our family is extensive, so he’d have plenty of reason to hang around a while.”

  “Mamá?” Mateo was standing in the doorway, twisting a knuckle over one of his eyes.

  “I’m here, Mijo.” Sadie crossed the room and knelt before her son, rubbing his arms. “Can’t sleep?”

  “I had a bad dream.” He leaned into her, and Sadie wrapped her arms around him.

  “I’m sorry, Baby. Do you want some milk or juice? That always helped me when I had a nightmare.” Sadie didn’t ask him what the dream was about. She wanted to get his little mind off whatever it was.

  “How about I make some cocoa with marshmallows? Would that be okay?” Nora offered.

  “What’s cocoa?” Mateo asked.

  “It’s a warm chocolate drink, and the marshmallows melt, making it gooey.”

  Mateo’s eyes widened. “Can I, Mamá?”

  Sadie stood and took his small hand, leading him over to the island. “You sure can. As a matter of fact, I think I’d like some too.”

  Nora winked at Sadie before turning to grab the ingredients she needed. Sadie helped Mateo onto one of the tall stools, pulling it closer to hers so she could rub his back. Nora explained everything she was doing, and Sadie appreciated it. The other woman’s chatter helped keep Mateo’s mind off
the dream and Sadie’s off Hayden.

  Hayden

  The late flight into New San Diego was quiet but anything other than boring. The flight attendant in first class spent more time flirting with Spyder than doing her job. Hayden was sitting by the window, and when she first set her sights on him, he politely took his drink, then turned his attention to the window. Of course, Jude soaked up the attention, shamelessly flirting back. By the time the plane landed, he had the woman’s number and promised he’d try to get together with her during her three-day layover. Hayden knew it wouldn’t happen. Not with them on a job.

  Judge met them on the lower level, and they rented two cars as soon as they made their way through the airport. Hayden and Spyder checked into The Rialto, a nice hotel down the strip from where Juan was supposedly holed up. Since Alvarez had seen Hayden and Spyder at the club, Judge checked into the Bonaventure Hotel where he would do the recon. Instead of dressing like the bikers they were, all three wore shorts and T-shirts. They needed to blend in, and wearing their MC gear or mercenary clothes would bring too much attention. The suite Hayden booked had two bedrooms, a common living room, and kitchen/dining combo. At least they’d be comfortable during their stay should it take more than one night. Hayden walked over to the sliding glass door looking out over a large balcony. The room was situated so they had a good view of the casino. With their Eagle vision, they didn’t need binoculars to see the few blocks.

  Henry was on standby back in New Atlanta, monitoring the hotel and waiting for their call. Judge had managed to get a room on the same floor as Alvarez. He checked in with them less than twenty minutes later, stating he’d already found the man’s suite. He had heard two voices coming from the room, one of which belonged to a woman. Judge settled in by his own door, waiting to see if Alvarez or the woman left the room. If there was no movement, Judge was going in. Hayden and Spyder were going to be waiting in the stairwell until he got into Alvarez’s room. Doing the job in the middle of the night was preferable when most guests would be asleep and housekeeping wouldn’t be wandering the hallways.