The screeching of tires had him charging outside. The instant Cara stepped to the ground, he knew something was wrong. Gently gripping her shoulders, he scanned her face, seeing the broken skin of her mouth.
“What the hell happened?”
Tears built in her eyes, bottom lip trembling. Drawing her into his arms, he stroked her hair.
“Can we go inside?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” Glancing around, he saw nothing to indicate a threat. “Give me your keys.” Grabbing her purse, he locked the truck before slipping an arm around her. “Come on.”
Inside, he settled her on the sofa, getting a warm rag to clean her face. He made her a cup of tea, sitting down next to her.
“Tell me what happened.”
Over the course of the next few minutes, Cara explained, stopping several times. She made sure he knew the police knew nothing about what the men wanted. It bothered her she hadn’t been honest with them, but her senses warned her to keep quiet. When finished, her brows scrunched in confusion.
“Who were those men?”
Standing, Wrath paced away, deciding how best to describe what he thought. “Our club and another are having some conflicts. I don’t know the reasons, but they came after us a few days ago. That’s the main reason I couldn’t see you the last two days.”
“Do you think they’re the same men who attacked me?”
Rubbing his face with both hands, he shook his head. “I honestly don’t know, but it makes sense.”
The sound of motorcycles had him rushing to the window to look outside. Three bikes slowed as they passed her house. He couldn’t see clearly, but knew in his gut they were the same men who’d gone after Cara, and probably the same ones who attacked the clubhouse.
“What is it?” She stood next to him at the window.
He looked at her, not answering the question. “Pack enough clothes for a few days. You’re coming with me.”
Her eyes widened, voice raising. “I can’t leave.”
“You’re not leaving Liberty Lake. We’re going to my house where you’ll be safe. They already know this is where you live. You can’t stay here.”
She knew he was right, but staying at his place didn’t seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, Cara had nowhere else to go.
“I’ll need a few minutes.”
Leaning down, he kissed her. “Do whatever you have to. We’ll stop for food on the way.”
Waiting until she left the room, he pulled out his phone. “We’ve got another problem.”
“You didn’t ride your bike?” Cara climbed into his truck.
“Mine was one of the bikes destroyed during the attack.” Wrath hadn’t thought he’d be glad of that until tonight. He doubted the Devils could identify his truck, but they would’ve spotted his bike in her driveway. “Ghost and Gunner are on their way to get your truck. I’ve left the keys so they can find them.”
Reaching across the seat, she placed a hand on his arm. She would need the transportation tomorrow. “Thank you.”
“For a while, I’ll be following you to work and meeting you in the lobby when you’re ready to leave. And don’t consider arguing. Until we’ve figured this out, you’re under the club’s protection.” He made several turns, backtracking a couple times, making certain no one followed.
Pulling into a drive-through sandwich shop, they placed their orders, then got back on the road. Again, he made several turns, heading to his house when certain they were clear.
Pulling up the drive, both were vigilant, seeing nothing to indicate anyone watched. Securing the truck inside the garage, they carried her bags and the food inside, Wrath leading the way. He didn’t believe the Devils knew of his location, not when they’d threatened Cara for the address. Still, being cautious never hurt.
“I’ll put your bags in my room while you take out the sandwiches.”
Reaching his bedroom, Wrath pulled out his phone, notifying Ghost they’d made it to his place, then called Ethan. What he wanted was the footage from the cameras in the parking lot where Cara had been attacked, and his brother could get them.
“All set.” Cara pulled bottles of water from the refrigerator. “Should we eat inside?”
“Definitely. If you’re up for it, there are some things I need to discuss with you.”
A warning bell tripped her insides. “Sure.”
They ate in silence for a couple minutes before Wrath set down his sandwich. “Besides the fact your husband was cheating, you’ve never told me much about Greg.”
Stomach clenching, she placed her sandwich back on the plate. “What would you like to know?”
Picking up his water, he took a long swallow. “You said he traveled a lot for business.”
“Yes, he did.” Her chest squeezed, instincts warning her something was coming. She just didn’t know what.
“And you said he died during one of these business trips.”
“Yes.”
“And he worked out of Coronado?”
She let out a shaky breath. “Yes.”
Wrath nodded. “How did he die, Cara? Was it a plane crash?”
Moistening her lips, she reminded herself these were normal questions. “No, it wasn’t a plane crash.”
Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small, embroidered insignia. “Do you recognize this?” He slid it across the table.
Biting her lip, she picked it up, staring at the gold-toned insignia of an eagle, anchor, and trident. “I believe it’s the Budweiser worn by Navy SEALs.” Cara slid it to the middle of the table. “Why are you showing this to me?”
He leaned forward, features softening. “It seems a couple of my men knew your husband.” Wrath didn’t mention his brother, Wrangler, had gone through BUD/S training with Greg and was the one to connect Cara to her late husband. Wrath also wouldn’t tell her Greg had been considered for a slot when the Brethren was founded, being passed over when his marital status came up.
Lifting her chin, she shrugged. “Greg died on a mission overseas. But I’m guessing you already know that.” She reached out, tapping the insignia. “Is this yours?”
The question surprised him at first, but Cara was a smart woman, had begun to make the connections. “Yes.”
Her jaw tightened. “Did you check my background?”
When he didn’t respond, she shoved her plate away, crossing her arms. So many questions had materialized the last few weeks. Things he’d said. Things he hadn’t. She’d already guessed at least two of his men had been in the Navy, if not the SEALs. Wrath showing her the Budweiser confirmed some of her suspicions, but she needed to know more.
“By your silence, I’m assuming the answer is yes.” Leaning forward, her questioning eyes met his. “There’s something I have to ask. What is a group of former SEALs doing in Arizona as part of an outlaw motorcycle gang?”
When he continued his silence, not offering any denials, her irritation flared. Thrusting the exasperation aside, she stood before saying something she couldn’t take back.
“If you’re finished, I’ll put this stuff away.”
When she tried to move past him, he grabbed her wrist. “Sit down, Cara. Please.”
Lowering herself into the chair, she folded her hands, back rigid. Studying his unyielding features, something clicked. “I’ll bet you also know my brothers are ex-military and own a security firm in Montana. They do a lot of specialized security jobs for the government.” Her jaw tightened. “Let me know if this is old news.”
When Cara opened her mouth to say more, Wrath reached across the table, settling a hand over hers. “You’re right. There’s not much you can tell me I don’t already know.”
Already on edge, tired and hurting from the encounter with the Devils, she stood back up. “I need to get some sleep. You know, big day tomorrow and all that.”
Skirting past him, she headed for the bedroom, grabbed her bags, and continued down the hall to one of the guest bedrooms. Swinging them onto the bed, she
rubbed her eyes as strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
“You aren’t sleeping in here, Cara.”
She shook her head. “It would be best.”
“No, it would be your worst idea since we met.” Leaning down, he kissed her neck. “You belong in my bed, not alone in here.” Pulling her tight against him, he rested his chin on her head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. There are so many things I’d like to tell you, but I can’t.”
“But it’s all right for you to dig into my past.” Her voice rose as frustration took control. “Why do you even care?”
Turning her to face him, he cupped her face in his hands, placing a soft kiss on her lips. Taking her hand, he sat down on the bed, pulling her next to him.
“You’re a smart woman. Too smart in many ways. I’m pretty sure you’ll figure out what is going on with the Brethren and why I can’t tell you anything. Because of what I do, those who depend on me, I ordered a background check on you. It’s standard for anyone who becomes important to one of the men.”
His words jolted her for a moment before she forced herself to ignore what they might mean. “Are all the men, um…are they all former SEALs?”
“You know I can’t say.”
She nodded. “So I’m back in the same spot as in San Diego. Secrets and lies.”
“No.” Sliding his arms under her, he shifted Cara onto his lap. “It’s the same drill but with a different man. As long as we’re together, I’ll never lie to you and I’ll never cheat. When this is over, you’ll be the first to know, not the last.”
His words felt like a punch in the stomach instead of the comfort he’d intended. A deep sadness washed through her. Wrath had already decided what they had wouldn’t last. It would run its course, then be over. Weeks or months, it didn’t matter. Whatever they had meant little to him, not enough to give it much of a chance, as she’d planned to do.
“Cara, did you hear me?”
Clearing the lump in her throat, she nodded. “Yes. When it’s over, it’s over, and you won’t cheat.”
Wrath studied her, not liking the flat tone of resignation in her voice.
“I’m sorry, but now probably isn’t a good time to talk about all this. I’d really like to get to bed and put today behind me.”
“All right.” He lifted her from his lap before grabbing her bags.
She followed him back to his room, not wanting to fight. Wrath had been nice enough to give her a safe place to stay and she appreciated it. He’d also been honest with her about his expectations for the future. She’d remain here a few days and decide what to do next.
Cara had never been a fatalist, but perhaps the events with Greg had changed her more than she realized. Or maybe she’d developed an acute need to protect her heart. It didn’t matter. Now that she knew the prospects for anything more with Wrath weren’t high, she could figure out a plan to enjoy their time together and prepare for the ultimate end.
Wrath spooned behind her, his arms drawing her close. He hadn’t pushed her to make love, but he needed to hold her, convince himself she was safe.
He’d made a mistake bringing up Greg. It should’ve been enough he knew about her late husband and his service in the Navy. Instead, he had to confront her with it, knowing she’d get nothing from him in return. As she’d said, his life was built on secrets. Not a good situation for any type of long-term relationship.
Still, he wanted to try. After a few short weeks, he couldn’t see a future without Cara in his life. She offered sunshine and laughter, two qualities he’d left behind somewhere in his past. He couldn’t recall a time he’d looked forward to coming home or ending up at her place after a long day. The last two days of not seeing her had been harder than he imagined. He didn’t want to lose her, but already felt her slipping from his grasp.
Brushing away her hair, he kissed her shoulder, letting his lips trail up to kiss the sensitive spot below her ear. Normally, this would be enough to wake her, have her turn in his arms for another round of lovemaking. Not tonight.
He had a lot of alligators circling him in his job, but he also needed to focus on Cara. After years of service to his country, he needed more. A woman he could love, maybe a family. And he wanted that woman to be Cara.
Closing his eyes, he vowed to figure out how to make her see a life with him, even one with secrets, was worth the risk.
Cara shook the hand of her new clients, glad for something to keep her mind occupied. This kind of case happened to be one of her favorites. A couple in their thirties had tried everything, but couldn’t conceive. They’d decided on adoption, hearing about Cara from Tessa. They were the second client the doctor had referred to her.
After watching them drive away, she pulled her phone out of a pocket and called Tessa.
“Thanks so much for the referral.”
“My pleasure, Cara. Besides, I know how much you love working on adoptions. There may not be much call for it in Liberty Lake, but when someone I know asks, I’m happy to give them your name.”
She chuckled at Tessa’s confidence in her. “I want to repay you. How about I take you to lunch?”
“I have one more patient before noon. I’ll call you as soon as I’m done and we’ll meet someplace.”
Returning to her office, Cara made a few notes in the couple’s file before setting it aside. Looking at her ringing phone, she saw Wrath’s name, making a quick decision to let it go to voicemail. He’d been quiet this morning, not pressing her on anything other than reminding her to wait for him before driving home. She didn’t like it, but understood his reasons. The next call was Tessa.
“All set. Where would you like to meet?” Tessa’s voice sounded so much better than when Cara first met her.
“You get to decide since I’m paying.”
“How about the new place downtown? I’ve heard it’s got great salads.”
Cara laughed, wanting something a little more substantial, but went along with Tessa’s suggestion. “Sounds perfect.”
“My next patient arrives at two, so I don’t have a lot of time. See you in a few minutes.”
Cara drove to the restaurant, her mind drifting to the night before. She had no intention of mentioning the encounter in the parking lot to Tessa. Other than those who already knew what happened, she didn’t plan to tell anyone else about the attack. Especially her family.
Meeting outside the restaurant, they gave each other quick hugs before heading inside.
“My nurse came here last week when they opened and has been raving about it. Most of the ingredients are purchased from local farmers and ranchers.”
True to her word, Tessa ordered a salad while Cara decided on the turkey club with maple honey bacon. Taking a table near the back door, they sat across from each other, continuing their conversation.
Their food had just been delivered when Cara heard a rough voice she recognized. Without looking, she already knew who’d entered the small eatery. Pulling her phone from her purse, Cara froze. She wasn’t sure who to call. The officer who’d taken her statement or Wrath.
“How’s your sandwich, Cara?”
She cringed when Tessa said her name, her voice louder than necessary. Turning her back to the entry door, she waited, praying the bikers hadn’t heard her. The prayer wasn’t answered.
“Ah, Miss Cara Mortensen.”
The hair on the back of her neck bristled, her body tensing at the voice. Looking at Tessa, she saw her friend’s back go rigid.
Glancing up, she gave the biker a bland look. “I’m sorry. Have we met?”
The grizzled biker threw his head back, laughing as if her question had been the funniest thing he’d ever heard.
“You can try to ignore us, but it won’t protect you for long. Neither will moving from your home.” The thug knew she’d left her apartment. She cringed when he placed a beefy hand on her shoulder. “Enjoy your lunch. We’ll be in touch.”
Chapter Thirteen
Wrath’s grip on his pho
ne tightened. “Where are you?” He stood, rushing down the hall to hail Rock and Wrangler.
“The new eatery downtown. They’re still here, watching us.”
He hated the way Cara’s voice shook. “Who else is with you?”
“Tessa Clarke. She’s a client, and a friend. What should we do?”
“Stay where you are.” He put his phone on speaker so his men could hear. “Do not go outside until we arrive. Did you call the police?”
“No. Should I?”
Wrath thought of Ethan. “No. I’ll call my brother.”
“The sheriff?”
The three Brethren were already outside, walking to their new bikes—thanks to the attack by the Devils.
“Yes. Do not do anything until we arrive.”
Her heard her deep exhale of breath. “All right.”
“We’re on our way, baby.”
He ended the call, then punched Ethan’s number. A minute later, he slid the phone inside a pocket, looking at his men.
“We heard. Are you certain it’s the Devils?” Wrangler asked, unable to miss the barely controlled anger on Wrath’s face.
“Yes, the same fucking assholes from last night. They must’ve followed Cara when she left for lunch. There’s another woman with her.” He swung a leg over his bike. “The Devils made themselves known and are still in the restaurant.”
Firing up their bikes, the three roared out of the compound. Wrath led the way, breaking the speed limit, ignoring the shocked expressions on drivers’ faces when they swept around them. He’d heard of the new place downtown, had planned to take Cara there. Now he had another reason to visit.
Wrath saw his brother’s SUV approach from the opposite direction. Pulling in just ahead of Wrath, Rock, and Wrangler, Ethan got out, holding up a hand for them to stay back. When Wrath dismounted and tried to go around him, his brother shoved at his chest.
“I’ll handle this. You’re staying out here. In fact, it would be best if you three drove around the block and cooled off.” Ethan sent a warning glance at them.
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