Chapter Eighteen
Wrath drove down the almost deserted country road, cursing under his breath at the news from Raider. Cara had left the motel mid-afternoon, traveled to her apartment, then took off, circling around town before riding straight toward the lake. She’d been there ever since.
For most of the afternoon, Wrath had been in a meeting with Rock, Ghost, and Wrangler, planning the newest assignment from Grayson and discussing their next move against the Devils.
Tomorrow, Ghost would be meeting with Drago’s VP, Pacho, finalizing details for the next run of illegal merchandise between Arizona and Nevada. This time the FBI would be involved, prepared to arrest those who met the Brethren at the border between the two states.
The Blood had several illegal activities, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars to the club every month. Shutting this distribution channel down would put a serious crimp in their operations but wouldn’t be a fatal blow to the Arizona chapter.
The arrests would put a strain on the already tenuous association between the Blood and Brethren, but Wrath felt certain they’d be able to convince Drago the leak came from inside the buyer’s organization in Nevada or a possible traitor within the Blood. Drago already suspected the latter, which provided the Brethren a small amount of leverage. Even so, the Bloods were unpredictable. They were as likely to blame the Brethren, coming after them the same as the Devils.
Existing between two nests of vipers had become a way of life for Wrath’s men. They had to keep reminding themselves every mission brought the Brethren closer to winning the war. Some days it was harder to convince themselves.
When the meeting broke up at seven in the evening, Raider presented Wrath with Cara’s actions. Ten minutes later, refusing offers from Rock and Wrangler to accompany him, he’d ridden away from the clubhouse, ready to throttle Cara for being so careless.
Turning into the entry, he slowed to a crawl, taking the narrow, winding path to the parking lot. A quick look around assured him Cara hadn’t left. She’d parked her bike near one of three playgrounds scattered about the park. A nearby path ended at the lake.
Taking a slow turn around, he confirmed theirs were the only vehicles remaining. Waiting a few more minutes, listening for the telltale sound of approaching motorcycles, he relaxed. He hadn’t been followed.
Wrath had brought Cara here the weekend they’d ridden to Jeconah. The weekend it had all begun. It didn’t surprise him she’d come to the lake. It’s where he came to clear his head, forget about the bad times and remember the good moments of his life.
Walking down the path, Wrath’s pace slowed at the sight of Cara sitting at a picnic table, staring at the water. His throat tightened, chest constricting the closer he got. He knew what he planned could cost him his leadership role in the Brethren, perhaps his entire career. The knowledge didn’t stop his progression.
Coming to within a few feet of her, he saw the instant she realized someone stood behind her. Whipping around, her eyes widened in shock, then clouded.
“Cara.” He took a couple steps closer.
She didn’t respond, choosing to turn back to stare at the lake. Picking up half her sandwich, Cara took a bite, chewing slowly.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
A slight lifting of one shoulder was her only response. Sitting on the other end of the table, he rested his arms on the edge, following her lead by focusing on the water.
Without a word, she shoved the other half of her sandwich toward him. He wasn’t hungry, but Wrath knew the gesture meant more than a simple offer of food. It was Cara’s way of trying to come to terms with the pain he’d caused.
“Thank you.” Jaw clenching, he lifted the sandwich to his mouth.
Taking a bite, a slight grin tipped up the corners of his mouth. She’d chosen his favorite with beef, ham, turkey, cheese, avocado, and peppers, instead of the basic turkey sandwich she preferred.
They ate in silence. Minutes later, she wadded up the wrapping, stood, and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Returning to her place at the table, she lifted a bottle of water, swallowing a small amount before handing it to him. Such a simple gesture twisted something inside him. Taking a few sips, he scooted closer to her, handing it back.
After she set it aside, he reached over, resting his hand over hers. He let out a relieved breath when she didn’t pull away. A few more minutes passed before he decided he could no longer wait to explain.
“Glory is not my fiancée, Cara.”
Her eyes met his. “Is she the same woman you wanted to marry?”
Wrath recalled the night he’d spoken of the only other woman he’d cared about. He’d been spooning Cara after a second round of lovemaking. She’d talked of meeting and marrying Greg, he’d revealed his past feelings for Glory. It was a cleansing of sorts for both of them.
“Yes.”
She turned away, pulling her hand from his. “And now she’s back in your life.”
He drew in a breath, letting it out in a slow stream. “Yes, but not in the way you think. She’s been assigned to the Brethren for a particular job.”
Cara shifted on the bench to look at him, her brows scrunched in confusion. “Assigned to the Brethren? I don’t understand.”
Lifting one leg, he straddled the bench. “I’d like to tell you a story. One you can’t share with anyone else. Not ever, Cara. Would you like to hear it?”
Licking her lips, she nodded. “Yes.”
“One day, a group of people fantasized about the need for a deep cover organization that could infiltrate certain criminal gangs.”
She lifted a brow. “Fantasized?”
He gave a solemn nod. “For simplicity, we’ll call this group the heroes.”
Cara shook her head, chuckling. “Heroes, huh? Okay, go on.”
Lips twitching, he nodded again. “After a time, they invited people with specialized skills to join the group. As part of the fantasy, they decided this group, or heroes, should ride motorcycles, be located in a small town in Arizona. Unbeknownst to the local citizens, their beautiful hamlet lay smack in the middle of several criminal gangs. The same as the heroes in our story, some rode motorcycles, some didn’t. No matter the transportation, each of these gangs was made up of people without conscience, greedy men who didn’t regret any misery they caused others. The heroes were tasked with disrupting their illegal activities, and if possible, shutting them down. To do this, the heroes had to be seen by the townsfolk as being as notorious a group as those they fought.”
He paused a moment, studying her somber face. She nodded for him to continue.
“One day, the leader of our heroes met a woman with bright blue eyes, silky blonde hair, and a laugh which brought sunshine to his life.” He noticed her jerk, but continued. “The leader refused to give her up, even as threats to her life grew. To keep her safe, it was decided a new member of the group would be added, a woman who could pretend to be the leader’s fiancée. The leader didn’t like it, fought against it, but knew it needed to be done to keep his sunshine safe.”
Her throat worked, lips parting. “Is that where the story ends?”
He shook his head. “No. Over time, those who threatened her shifted their attention to the woman they believed to be the leader’s fiancée. They now had a different target.”
Cara looked away, mind spinning from Wrath’s tale. “How long must the woman pretend to be the leader’s fiancée?”
Leaning forward, he cupped her face with his hands. “Until the leader believes the woman he truly wants, needs in his life is safe.” Bending his head, Wrath brushed a kiss across her lips. Pulling back, he dropped his hands. “In our story, this could take days, weeks, or longer.”
Swallowing, she met his gaze. “Is there a way for the leader and the woman to still see each other, or must they stay apart?”
His eyes lit at her understanding of his story. “If they are very careful, the leader does believe there may be ways they can still be toge
ther. The question is, does the woman want to live that way, or would she rather find another man, someone from the hamlet who doesn’t present the same threat to her life?”
Closing her eyes, she let his question sink in before meeting his expectant gaze. “I’m thinking the woman in the story doesn’t want any other man besides the leader. This woman would do everything in her power to give your tale a happy ending.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled Cara against his chest, burying his face in her hair. “I think the leader would agree that is a very good ending to our tale. But there is one more part to this story.”
Pulling away, she fixed worried eyes on him. “What?”
“She must go with him to a special place, a very secret location, where they can be together. Do you think this woman would be willing to go with him?”
Eyes glistening, a smile broke across her face. “Yes, I believe the woman would be willing to see this special place.”
Kissing her, Wrath stood, reaching out his hand. “Let’s see if we can find it.”
Wrath stared out the window at the encroaching dawn, not ready to let Cara go. The safe house, a nondescript cabin hidden down a long dirt road a few miles from the lake, provided their first night together in almost a week.
They’d made love several times, then laughed over their private tale, sobering when discussing the very real threat to Cara’s life. She’d already experienced what the Devils were capable of. Wrath never wanted her to go through such terror again.
Feeling her stir against him, he pulled Cara closer, tightening his hold. Knowing he had to leave, Wrath leaned down, kissing her forehead. He smiled at her moan.
“I need to go, sweetheart.”
Lifting her arms, Cara stretched, her breasts brushing against his solid chest. “Already?” She yawned.
“I’m afraid so.” He kissed her again before tossing off the sheet. Standing, he grabbed his jeans, slipping into them. “You should stay for at least half an hour after I leave.”
Cara sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Watching him dress, she couldn’t help feeling a stab of unease.
Seeing her worried expression, Wrath sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her to him. Covering her mouth with his, he kissed her, sliding his tongue across her lips, urging her to open. Deepening the kiss, he let his hands roam over her naked back, resting on the smooth curve of her hips.
Raising his mouth from hers, he sucked in a ragged breath. “Last night wasn’t a fantasy, Cara. Give me time. We’ll make this work.” Searching her eyes, he kissed her again and stood.
Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a small package, handing it to her. “It’s a burner phone. Use it to call me. I’ve already entered my information. Don’t give your number to anyone, including Tessa.” He tapped a finger to her nose when her brows furrowed. “That’s important, Cara. This is a private line between you and me. All right?”
She turned the phone around in her hand, nodding. “Yes.”
“You can call me anytime. I mean that. If you just need to hear my voice, call me.”
Cara’s gaze met his, surprised at his comment, as if he’d read her thoughts. “I don’t want to bother you.” Standing, she picked up her crumpled shirt, slipping it over her head.
He grasped her chin between his fingers. “You are never a bother.” Smiling, he kissed her again. “If I can’t take the call, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” Pulling out his keys, he stepped to her. “One more thing. If you see Glory and I together, like you did yesterday, know it’s an act and nothing more. We’re trying to draw the attention of the Devils and the Bloods. They need to believe Glory, not you, is with me.” Seeing her eyes shutter, he grasped her shoulders. “I know how hard this is for you, baby. After Greg, I don’t blame you for having a difficult time trusting me. Still, I’m asking you to.”
Encircling his neck, she pulled him down for another kiss. After a long moment, she released him, taking a step away. “I do trust you, Caiden.”
Stroking a hand down her hair, he walked to the door. “Remember to wait at least thirty minutes before you leave.” Seeing her nod, he left.
Rushing to the window, she watched as he mounted his bike and rode off.
“The judge called, Cara. He’s asked me to meet him in his office this afternoon. I know it’s a lot to ask, but would you have time to go with me?”
Grabbing her calendar, Cara checked her schedule. “I can make time, Tessa. Do you know when?”
“Three o’clock. I’m happy to pay for your time.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m going as a friend, not as your attorney. Is he at the courthouse?”
“He is. I’ll meet you in the lobby. Thanks, Cara.”
“I’m glad I can be there, Tessa. See you in a few hours.” Hanging up, she entered the time in her computer.
She’d worked nonstop since arriving at the office close to nine. It was her last week of classes before finals and the summer term began. As much as she loved teaching, Cara looked forward to a couple months of concentrating on building her law practice instead of preparing assignments for her students.
Thumbing through her files, she pulled out the one from her client who planned to adopt. Tessa had given Cara the names of three obstetricians known to connect birth parents with adopting couples by providing the names of qualified attorneys.
Dialing the first number, she had a brief conversation with the receptionist, scheduling an appointment. She did the same with the second. Hanging up, she lifted her head at the sound of the door opening, then froze in shock. Standing in the doorway were two bikers.
Standing, she forced herself to stay calm. “May I help you?”
The bigger of the two stepped forward. “Are you Cara Mortensen?”
She lifted her chin. “I am.”
“You’re the attorney who worked with a motorcycle club in San Diego, right?”
Narrowing her gaze, she straightened. “How did you hear about that?” Her gaze wandered to his cut, breath catching when she read the name Drago and President.
“It doesn’t matter. Just know you came highly recommended. I’m Drago, president of the Arizona chapter of Demons Blood. This is Pacho, our vice president. We want to hire you.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Drago insists the run happens tonight, Wrath. Rock and I tried to talk him and Pacho out of it, saying there wasn’t enough time to plan.” Ghost shrugged, shaking his head. “All we got were threats if we didn’t agree.”
Sitting at his desk, Wrath steepled his hands under his chin. “Gunner and Moses aren’t available.”
Ghost rubbed a hand across his forehead. “I know. There’s a chance they’ll finish Grayson’s latest assignment in time to be a part of this, but we shouldn’t count on them.”
The two had left the night before to provide reconnaissance on a suspected human trafficking ring in northern Arizona. Grayson and his associates had found it to be much more productive to investigate illegal activities as outlaw bikers rather than undercover agents. Hence, the Eternal Brethren were tasked with these types of missions more often. Important work, but it drained their resources.
Rubbing his chin, Wrath leaned forward. “The same as the last run, you’ll take one group and Rock will lead the other. I’ll get in touch with our agency contacts. They aren’t going to like it.”
“Those suits don’t know how to switch gears on a dime, Wrath. They’ll make it or they won’t. Either way, we’ll get video of the handoff.”
“What time do they plan to rendezvous with us?”
“Same as before. Ten o’clock. The Nevada transfer is set for one in the morning. And they’ve changed the location.” Ghost stood, walking to a map on the wall. He pointed to a spot a few miles into Nevada. “Back in the canyons. It’s a rough, well-hidden area.” Ghost turned back to Wrath. “I don’t like it. Something isn’t right about the tight timing and change in the drop location.”
Wrath agreed. “C
ould be an ambush. But why, and who is their target?”
Sitting back down, Ghost leaned back in his chair. “My guess is Drago is trying to flush out the traitor. It wouldn’t surprise me if Pacho gives us a different location when we meet at ten. He’s jumpy, the same as Snake.”
“They’re always jumpy.”
Ghost shook his head. “Not like this, Wrath. I swear, they were about to come right out of their skin. I suggest you take Fuse and a few others.”
“Agreed. That will leave Rock with Fargo, Tracker, and three others.” Pushing away from the desk, Wrath stood. Pacing a few feet away, he turned toward Ghost. “Raider will go with you. Glory will need to provide eyes from the dungeon.”
“Are you certain she’s as good as Raider? We can’t afford any fuck ups.”
“Grayson believes she is. We’ll have to go with that.” Wrath crossed his arms, leaning a hip against the edge of his desk. “The last attack on the clubhouse came right after we returned from a run.”
Ghost leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “I think you should stay behind on this one.”
“Not happening.”
“Here me out.” He sat up, scrubbing a hand over his face. “By my count, we’ll have eight men left behind to guard the clubhouse. All are good, but none have been with us more than a few months. Glory will be here, but she’s still an unknown.”
Wrath narrowed his gaze at him, knowing there was more. “And?”
Ghost stared right back. “If Drago plans an ambush, you shouldn’t be with us, Caid. You’re needed here.”
Wrath’s jaw tightened. Ghost and Rock had been saying the same for months. Recently, Wrangler joined them and Grayson concurred, the admiral stopping short of ordering him to stay behind.
Massaging the back of his neck, he gave a reluctant nod. “All right. I’ll need Wrangler to stay here.” He blew out a slow breath. “Except for Glory and Doc, I’ll send all non-combatants home.”
Ghost stood, clasping him on the back. “I know you don’t like it, but it’s time, man. What did Poison say? ‘Take off the head of the snake, and the rest of your men will fall with ease.’ He chuckled. “You do have an ugly mug, but it’s sure better than the alternative.”
STEADFAST Page 16
