by Storm Savage
“Other than some nasty cuts and bruises, you seem to be okay,” Von said to Flame after checking her physical condition. “You’re one hell of a tough woman to take a beating like that and still be conscious. I don’t feel any broken bones. I’m really sorry, babe. I didn’t see this coming.”
He sat on the floor beside her and attempted to comfort her. She glared at him like a wounded animal and backed away. The spark in her eyes captivated him.
“Yeah, you’re such a great guy…takes a real hero to help Aiden take me away from a better life.” The loathing in her voice had been unmistakable. “I finally got away from his family and you guys dragged me back.”
“I never bargained for this,” he began. “Aiden put out feelers in the group for anyone willing to help bring his ex-wife back. He said you were in danger and that Hatch was going to use you in an evil scheme. He knew you wouldn’t believe him or come willingly so he came up with this brilliant plan.” His voice dripped with sarcasm over the latter comment. “Once we get to Tulsa, I’ll help you get away.”
“He is insane with jealousy. Hatch would never harm me,” Flame muttered. “Why are we going to Tulsa?”
“Aiden said he has friends there that will let him hide out…a place Hatch doesn’t know of.”
“You’re a fool if you believe him and I don’t believe you will help me get away.” Her body leaned against his as she surrendered to the need for rest. She drifted off then started talking to something or someone who wasn’t there.
“Who are you talking to?” Von whispered, puzzled by her behavior.
“Please don’t go!” She cried out then hung her head and sobbed.
He realized she was hallucinating and felt it best not to interrupt. He held her gently. Her sobbing ripped at his heart. He had never witnessed such gut wrenching sadness before. Gradually she accepted his offer of solace, relaxed in his arms and ceased weeping.
He rested his face against her hair as they sat on the floor in the dark room—two misplaced people caught in someone else’s game.
Before dawn, Von had decided to take matters into his own hands and forget about what Aiden had in mind. Flame’s condition was unbearable for him to watch. There was no way he’d let Aiden drag her across country on motorcycles to God knows where. The man hadn’t been able to protect her here. Von seriously doubted his ability to protect her from further harm.
Even in her battered state, she’d still smelled sweet, like spring flowers on a light breeze as he’d lifted her into his arms and crept from the house. He’d take her away until she healed.
As he passed the last room in the hall, he overheard Aiden and Cathy conversing softly.
“I don’t think you should be doing this,” Cathy whispered. “Her boyfriend might have a lot of friends. They could rain hell on you.”
“I have to,” Aiden said. “She doesn’t know Hatch like she thinks she does. She’d never have listened to reason. I had to get her away from him and try and talk some sense into her.”
“You’ve gone over the edge. You need to let her go.”
“No…you and Chuck went over the edge. I should’ve never come here. I’m leaving at first light and taking Flame with me. I’m never coming back either. This family sucks.”
“Fine, go your way, but don’t expect any help from us when your plan backfires.”
“Like I’ve ever had help from anyone before,” Aiden growled. “Don’t worry, you won’t hear from me again.”
Von was disappointed over Aiden’s poor decision-making. Though his intentions might have been upright, his method of handling the matter had only made things worse. If Hatch found his woman in this condition, he’d be gunning for whoever did the damage.
Flame had barely managed to hold on as they rode away. He’d held high hopes of taking her into seclusion and getting better acquainted while she healed. But his time alone with the sweet beauty was cut short.
In a startling turn of events, as if someone had tipped him off, Hatch and his friends caught them on the road. A bitter fight ensued, leaving him well outnumbered. To spare her from added injury, Von had relented and fled, inwardly vowing to find her again one day.
He lit a fresh smoke and leaned back on his bike. The only good thing that came out of his involvement with Aiden was meeting Flame. Had he not agreed to go along with the plan he might have never known of her existence. Still, discovering her brought a new set of complications—issues beyond his control at the moment.
Her weasel of an ex-husband had been banned from the Black Pythons just as he’d ordered. Aiden seemed to vanish into thin air following the highway fiasco.
Von still couldn’t figure out how Hatch caught up to him on the highway the morning he tried to get away with Flame. The man had more biker friends than expected from a guy who rarely rode a motorcycle. His aggressive attack had indeed been a surprise, thus denying Von the time alone with Flame he craved. Even worse, he never got a chance to apologize or let her know that he wasn’t the bad guy.
Perhaps now he’d receive the opportunity, with everyone but her boyfriend gone. He glanced up at the moon and wondered where she’d gone and what was taking so long in those deep dark woods.
* * * *
“I will go back one day,” Flame muttered, plucking at blades of grass. “Aiden and everyone there that day is going to pay for what they did.”
She thought back to the tall dark stranger who’d given off mixed signals. The last thing she needed was a third man cluttering her already busy thoughts. Why he’d decided to betray Aiden and get her out of there was a mystery. They’d never exchanged a word that morning as he snuck her out of the Kaminski residence. She felt in her soul that he could’ve put up a tougher fight when Hatch and the others arrived on the scene.
This Von fellow definitely seemed tougher than he let on. Why a fierce biker such as him would hook up with her ex puzzled her. Was Von telling the truth about why Aiden did such a crazy thing? Why would he think I was in danger? And how the hell did he know I am a warrior? What really went down that night? She couldn’t sort it. Her state of mind on that bleak night had been delirious from the beating she’d endured. She vaguely recalled the darkly alluring stranger offering her comfort. His appealing scent still lingered in her mind as if they’d parted only minutes ago.
Strange, she thought. Who was he? He’d held her so gently, then helped her get away. What was in it for him? Questions without answers. She hoped the Supreme Lioness would offer some clarity to her confusion.
Staring directly ahead, she noticed ripples form in the pond a few feet away. A misty glow filled the surrounding area as an apparition clothed in traditional warrior attire appeared. Hair of gold framed an angelic face. Eyes the color of brilliant emeralds stared back at her. Flame gazed in awe at the heavenly vision of her supreme ruler. Dressed in white leather pants, a matching vest, and wearing fringed gold armbands on each arm, she looked powerful and radiant at the same time.
Flame lowered her upper body to the ground and bowed her head. “You come to me dressed in ceremonial attire.” She kept her voice soft and reverent. “Am I headed into battle, my lady?”
“Rise, my brave one,” an enchantingly melodic voice commanded.
She pushed to her feet, pulled her shoulders back and raised her eyes to meet those of the one before her. “I am ashamed that I dropped my daggers and let two men catch me off guard. Have I disgraced the sisterhood?”
“No, Flame. There is no dishonor in losing a battle, only in giving up on yourself. You did not allow the actions of those who attacked to defeat your spirit, though you endured a severe beating.”
“I lost possession of my daggers during a fight, something a warrior is never to do.”
“Today’s warriors face tougher challenges. Do not dwell on one mistake. You have a loyal comrade in the man who found and returned them to you.”
“Raef.” Flame couldn’t withhold a smile. “He exhibited class in not allowing anyone else to han
dle them before giving them back to me.”
“Which was not an easy task, considering the jealous nature of your fiancé.”
“Yes, I know. Hatch has become extremely watchful ever since.”
“Your inner turmoil is not something to fear,” the Supreme Lioness told her.
“But what about the other man? Why do I keep thinking about him when he was on the enemy side?”
“We are not sure which side he is on. The dark stranger is a mystery.”
“How can I have three men in my mind?”
The Lioness grinned. “You will sort them out in time. Perhaps your fiancé does not satisfy the hunger in your soul.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if any man can do such a feat. Aiden and Von thought they were helping me. Raef shows interest yet holds back, and Hatch rarely lets me out of his sight.”
“Remember, Flame, you are a rare breed. Many men will be drawn to you. Be careful with whom you share your heart, and use your talents wisely.”
“Am I in danger?”
“You will be called upon for a daunting mission to face a powerful enemy. Do not be afraid. Follow your instincts and be on guard for the unexpected.”
“Yes, my lady.” Flame paused meditatively. “So it is not wrong for me to feel conflicted over three men when I am engaged?”
The Lioness smiled. “We are a nation of women, built by women, governed by women and free of male tyranny. This sets us apart from others and frees us to utilize men as we wish if our intent is to protect and enhance our breed. You still allow mortal law to oppress your power, child.”
“But I am mortal.”
“For now, yes, but you are not bound by their ways. You were born with the dove at the nape of your neck. You followed your calling and completed your training in the sisterhood. You only need reach into your soul now to use the powers bestowed upon you.”
“I am still adjusting to that fact.” Flame offered a humble smile. “I wish I had known my mother, then perhaps I’d have not made the mistake of marrying Aiden.”
“I know.” The Lioness nodded perceptively. “Your marriage to the weak one hindered your progress. It was only a small setback. Your mother would be very proud of you now.”
“Did you know my father? The only thing I’ve been told about my parents is that they were hard-core bikers.”
“That is all you need to know for now. I do not want to over burden you.” An unsettled expression fell over the Lioness’s pretty face. “The man your mother chose for breeding possessed great leadership skills and was very strong. However, you know that we rarely reveal the sire’s identity in order to protect the offspring.”
Flame relented with a nod, knowing not to question the wisdom of her high ruler. “If the men discovered they had children, they’d pose a threat to our existence. I remember. Sometimes the curiosity is hard.”
The Lioness raised both hands and made a sweeping motion toward the starry sky. “You are free now. The time has come to perfect your gift. Do not make the same mistake twice.”
Again, Flame lowered her eyes. “Yes, my lady, I will not allow another male to hold me back again.”
Their eyes met again.
“I am pleased to hear that. We will speak again soon. Go, brave one, and be strong. Our colony’s survival is at risk.”
The mist rose again, then vanished, taking the Supreme Lioness and all her glory with it. Flame reached behind her neck and gently traced the birthmark beneath her hair. The imprint of a dove could clearly be felt. Not a raised bump as some marks occurred on people, but like a stamp that had been given at birth to shape her destiny.
The Supreme Lioness was right. Her marriage had slowed her from fulfilling her calling. Those days were over. She felt a huge weight lifted and wondered what task lay ahead. Whatever awaited her—she was not afraid.
Chapter Two
After hiking through the woods and uncovering her Softail, she pushed the bike from the thicket onto the highway about a hundred feet down from where she’d first gone in. Maintaining the secrecy of the sisterhood village was top priority in all situations. Just in case anyone had been following, she took special precaution to exit via a different path.
She keyed the ignition, fired the engine and kicked the bike into gear. With a sexy growl, her Harley rumbled down the dark highway toward the hotel where she’d left Hatch. He’d been very respectful of her need for discretion and to her surprise he hadn’t pried for more information on her past.
“Everything all right?” Hatch pulled her into strong arms when she entered the room.
“Yes. Sorry I was gone so long. Sometimes I have to wait.”
He arched puzzled brows but didn’t inquire further. “Do you want to head out while it’s still night or wait until morning?”
“I enjoy riding by night. We can always pull over for some moonlight recreation.” She gave him a playful wink.
“I love the way you think, baby.”
They pulled on their riding clothes, packed the bikes and continued onward toward the west coast where Hatch’s friends were expecting them. They had decided to rendezvous in LA, and with the weather perfect for riding, Flame had asked if they could make a leisurely cross-country trip of it. Hatch reluctantly agreed.
Accustomed to traveling by limousine or tour buses, he hadn’t seemed entirely thrilled over taking the trip, especially on the bikes, from New York to California. But she’d used seductive persuasion to get her way. She’d really needed that visit to Celestial Village, and traveling by motorcycle seemed the best way to obtain it.
Moreover, she’d been experiencing jitters over Hatch pushing for a wedding date. They’d only been engaged a short time and she’d just survived a hellish ordeal. Marriage was the last thing on her mind, even though she’d accepted his proposal. She assumed he’d be satisfied with her commitment and not push for marriage too soon. The road trip was exactly what she needed to get away from the east coast and visit the sisterhood along the way.
Plus she couldn’t deny her desire to see Raef again. His fun, lighthearted demeanor was extremely appealing and he was very easy on the eyes. Tall with long lean legs, well-toned arms, layered blond hair, and beautiful blue eyes—he had no trouble attracting women.
About two hours into their night ride, Flame pointed toward a rest stop ahead. She guided her bike in behind Hatch.
“This looks like a good place to refuel and rest before the next leg of our trip.” She slid off the bike and watched him do the same.
He looked hotter in leathers than in his stage clothes. She liked the rock star look but nothing turned her on more than a gorgeous biker with long hair in black leather with a kickass jacket to boot. He reached her in two steps with his long legs and stared down at her with cool green eyes. Straight, dark blond hair hung a couple inches past his collar.
Reaching up, she tugged the collar of his jacket up around his neck seconds before he covered her mouth with his. They sank into a heavy kiss laden with tongue as his hands dropped to her hips, then slid around to grip her bottom. He released a deep sigh and drew her tight against him, so tight she could feel the hard bulge straining against the leather, pressing into her.
He moved one hand up the center of her back, then into the thick of her hair as they slunk to the dew misted grass.
“Someone might see us,” she muttered when his lips went to her neck.
“No one’s around,” he growled. His teeth nipped at her delicate skin, sending chills through her. Hatch began undressing her as their passion mounted. “I want you now, babe.”
Suddenly a female voice caught her attention. Rolling out from under Hatch, she sat up and pulled on her shirt, then buttoned her jeans. Instinctively she checked the daggers in the holsters at her thighs.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered, sounding a bit frustrated.
She placed one finger to her lips. “Sshh…listen…”
“Leave me alone,” a young girl pleaded, protesting the advanc
es of some unruly men on the far side of the truck stop.
“Aw come on, honey, we’re just having fun,” the men jeered. They pulled at her long black hair.
Before Hatch could stop her, Flame was walking toward the girl. He muttered a few profane words under his breath and followed.
“You okay?” Flame asked the frightened girl, all of about eighteen years old. She looked at Flame with big brown eyes, afraid to answer.
“Private party here, babe,” the tallest man of the three growled at Flame.
“I just invited myself, and you don’t wanna party with me.” Flame warned the miscreants.
They laughed mockingly at her.
She turned her gaze back to the girl. “Where’s your ride?”
“My boyfriend is in there getting some food.” She pointed to the small convenience store not far away.
A brawny man came forward and put his beefy hand on Flame’s shoulder, squeezing it. Anger rose inside at his unwelcome touch. Before anyone made another move, Flame had two Sai daggers in hand, poised to strike. Blades flashed under the parking lot lights as the three men presented bowie knives. They eyed her weapons and began to back away.
The tallest man screamed in pain as the pointed end of her blade plunged into his thigh and sent him sprawling to the pavement. Flame wielded the steel daggers with warrior skill, slicing a gash into another man’s torso. He wailed in agony while clutching his chest, then retreated to his car. The uninjured man helped the first one to his feet. They raced to the same vehicle. Flame grinned as they shot off down the highway.
“You gonna be okay?” she asked the wide-eyed girl. Casually Flame wiped her daggers on the grass to remove the blood.
“Yes…thank you! What’s your name?” the relieved younger woman inquired.
“Flame…just Flame.”
The dark skinned beauty thanked her again before racing into the building to join her boyfriend.
