Wreaking Havyk (The Hounds of Zeus MC Book 4)

by Faith Gibson

  As soon as they walked in the door, Major and Marshall had latched onto Mateo and taken him under their proverbial wings, and her son was enthralled. Sadie was as well, but it was the mates who held her interest. Kerrigan, Natalia, and Rhiannon couldn’t have been more different from one another, but Sadie found herself admiring each woman. The three of them took Sadie aside while Hayden met with his brothers to recap what happened on his latest job. She had no doubt they would be discussing her, but she didn’t mind because she was dishing on him to her new sisters. And that’s what these three women were. There was an instant bond when they sat around telling how they each came to be part of the Lazlo brood. Each story was different. Each one rife with its own tragedy, but the one thing that rang true between the four of them was how they were saved by their Gryphon mate.

  As much as Sadie appreciated Nora for her help and kindness, being with these three women filled a void Sadie had long felt. She knew in her heart she now had friends who would remain by her side as long as she lived. Hayden had given Sadie so much more than himself. He’d reunited her with her mother and brother, but he’d also given her this extended family. Sadie never wanted to leave.

  Sadie laughed when, as one, the four of them turned their heads to the doorway of the living room. Their respective mates entered the room and moved to stand beside the women. War held out his hand, and Kerrigan stood so he could wrap his arms around her from behind. Maveryck sat on the sofa and pulled Natalia onto his lap, where she settled against his chest as though that’s where she sat often. Ryker, who Hayden had described as broody, smiled at Rhi as he settled next to her on the other end of the sofa, sliding his arm over her shoulder. Kyllian, who Sadie thought was the broody one, stood off to the side, observing his brothers and their mates. Hayden sat in one of the oversized chairs and pulled Sadie down on his lap, encircling her waist and burying his face in her hair.

  Ryker’s daughter, Mac, and her boyfriend, Elijah, opted out of the meet and greet, promising to see them soon. Their own story was just as tragic, and Sadie understood their need to ease into meeting two more members of the family.

  The younger twins with Mateo in tow ran into the room and stopped in front of Natalia.

  “Tolly, Lolly, Lollipop,” the three of them sang out together. The twins were already corrupting her son, and Sadie couldn’t be happier.

  “Yes, my little heathens?” Natalia, with her lilac hair, grinned at the boys, who all giggled, Mateo included. It was the best sound in the world next to Hayden’s muttered affections in the dark. The last week had been the best of Sadie’s life. She and Hayden sat Mateo down and explained how they were a family. Being so young, Mateo had taken it in stride that Hayden was taking the place of Juan. Hayden’s patience and love had won the boy over as easily as it had for Sadie.

  “Who’s hungry?” Rory asked from the doorway leading into the kitchen.

  The twins yelled, “Me,” in unison. Mateo was a little slower to respond, still getting used to not having to behave like a small adult at all times. After a loud lunch of pizza, yet again, Hayden and Sadie said their goodbyes to her new family. Hayden got Mateo buckled in his booster seat, then they headed toward her and her son’s new home.

  “Is this your car?” Sadie asked.

  “Eh, it’s more like a family vehicle. We have several SUVs we share whenever we don’t want to ride our bikes. Speaking of which, did you ever ride with Dominic?”

  “Yes, and just so you know, I loved it. I can’t wait to ride with you.”

  Hayden grabbed her hand and laced their fingers. “That’s good to know. I have already ordered a sidecar for Mateo. I’ll just need to jazz it up a bit.”

  “Jazz it up?”

  “Yes. It’s his ride, and it needs to reflect that. For the twins’ sidecar, I entitled it ‘Double the Mayhem.’ I have a pretty good idea of how to paint Mateo’s, but I want it to be a surprise.”

  Sadie knew however Hayden painted it, it would be special. She’d seen the tribute bike he had done for Dominic, and Sadie had been awed at the realistic portrait of herself. He’d won awards for his artwork, and seeing his talent had shown her he deserved the title of being one of the best bike designers. Sadie was excited at the prospect of riding behind Hayden. Having their son along with them as they rode the wind. She was even more excited as they pulled in the driveway of a two-story home in a quiet neighborhood.

  “Welcome home,” Hayden said after shutting off the ignition.

  “This is where you live?” Mateo asked, having unbuckled his harness and leaning between the seats to see the house.

  “Yes. It’s now where you and your mama live too. I know it’s not as big as what you’re used to, and it doesn’t have a pool…” Hayden’s voice faded as he looked out the windshield. Sadie hadn’t thought to reassure Hayden she and Mateo didn’t need a sprawling estate, but the insecurity was there.

  “We’d turn into popsicles if we swam in this weather. Now, are we going to sit out here all day, or are you going to show us our new home?”

  Hayden let out the breath he’d been holding and turned to look at Sadie. His eyes were filled with gratitude, and he leaned over and pressed their foreheads together. “Thank you,” he whispered.

  Once inside, Hayden showed them around. There were three bedrooms other than the master suite, one already appointed for little boys. Hayden explained he’d fixed it up for the twins, but if Mateo wanted that one for himself, he would set up a different one for them. Mateo chose the one next to the twins’ room and asked when they could have a sleepover. Hayden promised they could get together that weekend.

  Upon seeing the fenced-in backyard, Mateo turned to Hayden. “Can we get a puppy?”

  Hayden ruffled Mateo’s hair. “We sure can, but it will have to be a special one.” Hayden had already explained to Sadie about smaller animals’ aversion to Gryphons and how Lucy’s mate was something of a dog whisperer. “What else would you like? I think we could put a play fort right over here. The twins have one at home, and I think you’d like one too. It has swings, a slide, and a climbing wall. Would you like that?”

  “I don’t know what that is,” Mateo admitted. Hayden pulled out his phone, typed something into the browser, then held it out for Mateo to see. “Wow. Can I, Mama? Can I have a fort?”

  Sadie’s heart broke for her son. He had been refused all the things a child should have access to, and she vowed to give him everything he wanted from that moment forward. “You sure can, Mijo. It’ll be fun.”

  “Thank you, Mama. Thank you…” Mateo’s happiness waned when he turned to Hayden.

  “What’s wrong, Buddy?” Hayden went to his knee so he was closer to eye level with Mateo.

  “Are you my papa now?” Mateo whispered.

  Hayden glanced at Sadie, and she couldn’t hide the tears. She held her breath to see how Hayden responded.

  “I love your mama, and I love you, Buddy. We’re a family. I would be honored to be your Dad.”

  Mateo threw his little arms around Hayden and whispered, “Thank you, Daddy.” Sadie wasn’t the only one crying after that. Her larger-than-life Gryphon had tears streaming down his face. Hayden stood, lifting Mateo in his arms and holding out his free hand for Sadie. Together, they went back inside. As the three of them snuggled on the sofa watching cartoons that night, Sadie’s heart was fully mended. Her life hadn’t been as bad as what the other mates endured, and she had Mateo as a result of being taken. Sitting between her two men, Sadie knew she’d endure it all over again if it meant she ended up where she was.

  Home.

  Hayden

  It didn’t take long for Sadie and Mateo to settle into their new environment. Hayden had been a little worried about not having a large enough house, but Sadie eased his mind, reminding him they wanted love not things. When he suggested getting a different place to live, she’d pulled a Rory and backhanded him. Then she’d kissed away the sting. Then she kissed something else. His mate sure did love gi
ving blowjobs.

  Hayden took them shopping and loaded Sadie and Mateo up with clothes more suited to the colder weather of New Troy. He encouraged Sadie to purchase anything she wanted to make the house theirs instead of his. Sadie didn’t hesitate to pick out a few things which caught her eye, like picture frames. Photos of him with Sadie, Sadie with Mateo, and the three of them as a family soon hung on the walls as well as filled empty spaces around the house. Mateo had fallen in love with The Avengers, but Hulk was his favorite. His new bedroom was an array of bright colors, action figures, coloring books, and other toys depicting the large green comic book hero. That was all the prompting Hayden needed to know how to paint Mateo’s side car.

  Mateo had play dates with the twins, while Sadie spent time with the other mates. Sometimes the females gathered at Ryker’s so they could include Mac, and other occasions were spent one-on-one. Sadie was flourishing with her newfound friendships. She also spent time with Rory, who was teaching her to cook. While his mate and son were off visiting their family, Hayden took the opportunity to work on the side car as well as painting one of his Harleys. When he stepped back and took in the finished product, he couldn’t help but be proud.

  As Hayden set about cleaning up the garage, Kyllian walked in.

  “Hey, Dickhead.”

  “Dickhead? What warranted that?” Hayden looked over his shoulder at his brother. Kyllian had been moodier lately. “Not getting enough whip time with the kittens?”

  Kyllian’s usual smartass response was missing. Instead, he leaned against one of the tall toolboxes and crossed his arms. “The kittens are fine.”

  “Yeah? How’s the new ink?” Hayden couldn’t help but grin. Kyllian had made good on their bet and gotten the tattoo Hayden chose. He had drawn the picture himself.

  Kyllian rolled his eyes and huffed before pushing off the tool chest, turning around, and raising his shirt. The black and white cartoon kitten had a small body, an overly large head, wide eyes with long lashes, and bright-pink lipstick. One outstretched paw held a whip in action, and the other held a flogger with the tails dragging the ground. The artwork was good, if Hayden did say so himself, but it was the placement he chuckled over. The ink was on Kyllian’s lower back, the ink disappearing into his jeans. Hayden knew what it looked like since he’d gone with his brother to get it. Not that he didn’t trust him, but he didn’t trust him not to have it put somewhere other than a “tramp stamp.”

  “It’s healing nicely,” Hayden said with a straight face.

  “What the fuck ever.”

  “Why are you so pissy? I know it’s not because of that.” Hayden pointed at Kyllian’s back.

  “I’m not fucking pissy.” Kyllian scrubbed a hand down his face and sighed. “Okay, maybe a little, but I don’t want to talk about it. I just came to see the bike.” Hayden knew his brother wouldn’t talk no matter how much Hay prodded, so he let it go. Kyllian had been absent more than he was present lately at family gatherings, so whatever was on his brother’s mind might have something to do with that.

  “I just finished. Go take a look.” Hayden gestured to the other side of the garage. Kyllian strolled over and studied the bike.

  “Damn, Havyk. I shouldn’t be surprised, but fuck. That’s beyond amazing.” Sadie’s gorgeous face adorned the sides of the gas tank. When Kyllian saw what was painted on the side car, he burst out laughing. “Oh, Zeus! That’s fucking brilliant.”

  “Right? I can’t wait for Mateo to see it. Speaking of which…” Hayden cocked his head to the side. “I think they’re here.”

  The sound of car doors slamming had Hayden’s heart beating a little faster as it always did when his little family came to the garage. Mateo was intrigued with the tools, but Hayden had given Sadie a couple different reasons to enjoy coming to visit. When she asked to see his Gryphon, he’d cleared room in the middle of the building, closed and locked the doors, and stripped down. Her eyes were hooded, and she bit her lip. Sadie’s sexiness almost stopped Hayden from shifting. “None of that sexiness.” He wiggled his finger at her, and she rolled her eyes. Hayden shifted first to his Lion, then his Eagle, before letting the Gryphon come forth. It stood around ten feet tall, and Sadie had scrambled backwards, her back hitting the metal garage door. Hayden returned to his human form quickly, prepared to apologize for scaring her. He didn’t get the chance because his mate rushed him, grabbing him around the neck, and pulling him down for a heated kiss. “That was so hot,” she murmured between kisses. Hayden might have taken her to the break room and showed her what hot was atop the table.

  Sadie and Mateo had been visiting with Natalia and the twins while Hayden put the finishing touches on the bike. One of the things on his to-do list was teach Sadie how to drive and buy her a car. For the time being, she was relying on the mates’ generosity in playing taxi. Today, it was Natalia’s turn. She and Sadie walked into the garage side-by-side, while Mateo and the twins entered at a much faster pace.

  “Hey, Hay.” Major reached out for a knuckle bump. Marshall just grinned and held out his fist.

  Mateo waited his turn and wrapped his little arm around Hayden’s legs. Looking up, he smiled. “Hola, Daddy.”

  “Hola, mi precioso hijo. Did you have fun today?”

  “Si. Mama and Lolly took us ice skating.” Sadie had been finding all kinds of new experiences for Mateo. Hayden knew she was doing her best to make up for the first five years of Mateo’s life being spent in seclusion. The way their boy lit up at the end of each day meant she was succeeding.

  “That’s great. Did your mama skate too?”

  “Uh huh. She fell down more than me.”

  Hayden arched an eyebrow at his mate. “Do I need to check you for booboos?”

  “Later.” Sadie rubbed her backside, and Hayden growled. He would definitely check out her fine ass later.

  “Look! It’s a side cart!” Major yelled. “Mateo, Marsh, come look!”

  Hayden let the boys discover the cartoon he’d painted on the sidecar while he went to get a kiss from Sadie. “Hello, Gorgeous.”

  “Hello, Mate.” That greeting never got old. But he figured hearing her call him husband wouldn’t either. Hayden had already phoned Gloria and Dominic about his plan for a surprise Christmas wedding. He had thought about getting married in Texas, but Sadie loved New York. Loved the cold and the snow, so he asked her family to come to them.

  “Mama! It’s me!” Mateo was jumping up and down, clapping. “I’m the Hulk!”

  Sadie narrowed her eyes at Hayden before she and Natalia walked over to the bike. Sadie burst out laughing and clapped right along with their son. “You sure are.” Hayden had combined Mateo’s face with the Hulk’s body, turning his son into his favorite superhero. Sadie’s laughter changed into a warm smile aimed right at Hayden. Like always, her gaze warmed his heart. Well, sometimes, it warmed other parts of him, but she always got his heart pumping. Hayden had gone to Texas to deliver a tribute bike of a missing teen, and in the end, he’d found his Sadie. He had found his happiness. His forever.

  The End

  A Note from The Author

  Thank you for reading Havyk’s story. If you have a moment, a review would be much appreciated. It doesn’t have to be long, just heartfelt. This book was so much fun for me. I love Latin dancing. I even took lessons once upon a time. When Sadie came to me, I knew she was going to be so good for Hayden. He needed someone who loved him just the way he is, and Sadie fit that to a T. Thank you to Milgia Santiago for the Spanish translations. I wouldn’t trust them to anyone else. Milgia, you’re a star.

  After writing the story, I contracted Covid and the flu. My body ached and my brain was on overload. If it weren’t for those I surround myself with, I wouldn’t have been able to get this book out. As always, Candy, Jen, Kerstin, and Nikki were there to hold me up. Even though they have to deal with their own lives, they never fail to offer the support I need each time to make my books shine, and this time was no different. Especially this t
ime, when I needed so much hand holding. I’m truly blessed to have such wonderful women in my life.

  Below is a “cast of characters.” I haven’t given names to all the Hounds yet. As their stories evolve, they will find their names.

  Next up in the Hounds universe is Spyder. Someone from his past waltzes into his life, bringing back some painful memories. Preorder link is below.

  Coming Soon

  Spectrum - Stone Society Book 14

  The Spyder's Web

  Cast of Characters

  Sutton Lazlo – Patriarch, former cop, former Pres of the Hounds Mc

  Aurora Rose “Rory” Lazlo – Matriarch

  Ryker “Ryot” Lazlo – MC Pres, Leader of Mercs

  Rhiannon Spencer – Witch

  McKenzie “Mac” Colins – Ryker’s daughter

  Elijah McLean – Mac’s boyfriend

  Warryck “War” Lazlo – former Professor, current Merc

  Kerrigan O’Shea – Bartender

  Lucy Ball – War’s daughter, Computer Hacker

  Tamian St. Claire – Lucy’s mate, Gargoyle

  Maveryck “Mayhem” Lazlo – MC Vice Pres, Merc

  Tatiana Volkova/Natalia Jones – Russian Mafia Princess

  Major Lazlo – Mav’s son

  Marshall Lazlo – Mav’s son

  Kyllian “Kayos” Lazlo – Merc

  Hayden “Havyk” Lazlo – Bike Designer, Merc