Raiden's Choice (A Ravens MC Novel Book 1)

by J. L. Leslie

  My father protects his club members as best as he can, prospects included, while Cal believes prospects should take the fall for members and is known for recruiting certain members simply for this reason alone. To him, everyone is expendable. At one time, that meant me.

  He has a reputation for human trafficking, child pornography, and rape and he’s only twenty-eight years old. My dad has tried to find proof of the human trafficking, but has had no luck.

  “Raiden, we both know your father will do it if you ask him to.” he smiles and tucks my hair behind my ear.

  For a moment, I’m reminded of how he used to do this to me when I was fifteen. He’d tuck my hair behind my ear right before he’d kiss me. He was so different then. That was before I found out he was only with me to try and make a truce between the clubs. He was just following his father’s orders. Fuck the daughter, make her fall for you, then we’ll make the truce.

  Only he promised me that he did fall for me. Part of me wanted to believe that. A very small part of me.

  “I don’t associate with my father when it comes to club business. You’ll have to ask him yourself.” I tell him.

  His eyes flash with anger as he jerks me to him. “Fred was one of my best men. I know your dad was behind it and I’m trying to make peace. My men are on edge and looking for war. Ravens probably don’t want that.”

  “I have nothing to do with the Ravens.” I hiss.

  He loosens his grip, but I don’t take my eyes off him. He gives me his signature charming smile before walking away. I wait until I hear the rumble of his bike before I leave the boutique.

  I drive a little while before I pull out my burner phone. I don’t want to take any chances that Cal is following me. My dad answers on the third ring.

  “I just got a visit from Cal Harrison.”

  “Shit, Raiden, did he hurt you? Where are you?” he curses.

  “No, I’m fine. I was shopping before my shift starts. He said he wants to meet with you. Claims he wants to make peace. We both know that’s bullshit, but I do think you should be careful. I don’t think he’s after the Ravens necessarily. Maybe it’s something personal.”

  “He’s up to something.” he agrees. “Little fucker is always up to something.”

  “What do we do?” I ask.

  “I think it’s time to take out Bart.” he answers. “Tonight.”

  “I don’t know his whereabouts. He’s been laying low, like he knows he’s being targeted.”

  “A little birdie told me he’ll be at a rooftop party at Sam Brixton’s tonight.” Dad informs me. “He’s been fucking Sam’s sister.”

  “Ellie? Wow, I always thought she was such a sweet girl.”

  “I’ll send you the address so you can case it.”

  “You want it done at the party?” I question.

  Typically when I have a job, it’s private. My dad doesn’t normally like to leave anything to chance or make a show out of his dealings. Killing Bart out in the open will leave me vulnerable & will leave evidence, like my bullet, should the Rykers decide to the get the police involved. Of course, it’s a slim chance they’ll do that. We didn’t when they left Tim and Phil with their throats slit on the clubhouse doorstep.

  “I want to send Cal a message he’ll understand.” he clips. “No truce.”

  I hang up without confirming that I’ll do the job. My dad already knows that I will. I head home and pull the address up on Google Maps so I can check out the surrounding areas. I need a clear shot somehow, but I need to be far enough away that I won’t be seen or caught. My best chance is a building rooftop about six hundred yards away.

  Once I have my plan in mind, I shower and get dressed for work. I’m working from two to ten today so I will have plenty of time to get to my unit and then to the building when I get done.

  I stay relaxed at the hospital. I joke around with my co-workers and patients, making the time go by quickly until my shift is over. I call Griffin on my way home and let him know I’ll see him at lunch tomorrow. I wish him luck on the trial he has first thing in the morning. We hang up as I’m pulling up to my storage unit.

  I go through my normal routine of changing clothes and getting my gloves on before I pull my sniper rifle out of the case. My dad secured me a vehicle already, this time a sleek black Nissan Altima. I’m sure he wanted something quiet since I’ll be in town. This time, I leave my car at the unit and head to the building I’ve chosen.

  When I get there, the building is quiet, but not empty. It’s an apartment building, but not one that I’m worried people will be on alert for trespassers in. I take the stairwell in the alleyway, climbing it all the way up to the roof.

  Verdana is full of rundown buildings like this. It’s not a bad town to live in, but there are certain areas, like this one, that should honestly just be burned to the ground.

  I stay low and take my time to get set. I know it’ll take me a while to find Bart. I watch the party patrons through my scope. Cal is leaning against the wall with a blonde curled against him. Warren Mathis, Cal’s VP, stands to the right of him and is holding a baggie of weed.

  I recognize several more Rykers before I finally spot Bart. I know my dad is targeting him because he’s the computer technician for the Rykers. He’s a whiz on a computer and can hack well, including into the police department. He wants someone that will be hard for them to replace.

  I keep him in my sights, needing to ensure I have a clear shot. He stops and begins talking to Cal. He’s at the perfect angle for me. Plus, I know when I take the shot, his blood will splatter all over Cal. After the stunt he pulled today, he deserves to have his shirt ruined.

  I take the shot.

  ~Luka~

  I cringe at the sound of pounding on my door and untangle myself from the brunette who is curled against me. When I sit up on the edge of the bed, my head spins a little. I look down at the floor and an empty tequila bottle lies by the bed.

  I glance over my shoulder and the woman stirs, but only to curl up on her side and go back to sleep. What’s her name again? Doesn’t matter. She served her purpose. For a little while.

  “Luka!”

  I stand up and pull a pair of jeans on as I walk to the door. I snatch it open and Moses stands in the frame.

  “Dax is calling a club meeting. Get your ass out here.” he informs me.

  I nod and step back in my room long enough to grab a t-shirt. I’ve stayed at the clubhouse most nights the past couple of weeks. There’s more liquor here than at my apartment. I have found that I’ve needed it.

  Lincoln still refuses to see me and Raiden is as scarce as ever since the rally. I don’t know what I thought would happen with her. Maybe that she’d see what her life could be like if she stopped hiding, but then again, I don’t have anything to offer her. I’m sure life with the ADA is pretty damn good.

  I slump down into an empty chair and wait for Dax. Griffin Knowles’ words keep running through my mind. I want Dax Daughtry.

  I’m still playing the perfect snitch. I feed him the info Dax wants me to and I’ve even slipped him a little extra info in the hopes that it’ll be enough to set my brother free. Two members were arrested just last week because of the info I provided. Of course, they were released on bail within hours and I knew that would happen. Still, nothing is sufficient for Knowles. Raiden was right. Nothing I give him will ever be enough…not until he takes us all down.

  “The Rykers’ president requested a meeting with me.” Dax announces. “Said he wanted to call a truce.”

  A slew of curses and complaints are yelled from several members, but I sit back and keep my mouth shut. Their yelling is only causing my head to pound even more.

  “We answered that offer with a bullet to the head of Bart Mixon.” Dax responds and the members cheer. “There will be no truce with the Rykers. Now that Bart is dead, the Rykers will most likely be out for blood. I need double the security on our buildings. I’m confident our storage locations are unknown, but
refuse to take chances with our shipments. Those of you making the next delivery will be driving new trucks and taking a new route. Eddie will upload the new schedules and info to your phones.”

  Eddie grins and gives Dax a thumbs-up. Not a single member complains about the changes or extra work. It wouldn’t do a damn bit of good.

  “When you patrol, you will also ride with three members instead of just two. Watch your backs. Dismissed.”

  I rise from the chair, but stop when I hear Dax call my name. He motions me to his office. When I follow him in, I don’t sit down. Typically, our meetings don’t take long. This one might be even shorter if he’s figured out I ratted out our guys.

  “I want you to do security on Raiden’s house instead of patrolling.” he states and I cock an eyebrow.

  “Is there a reason to think she’s in danger?” I question.

  “Cal Harrison asked her to set up the meeting.” he replies. “I prefer to be proactive. I’ll send you her address and you set up surveillance security on the nights you’re scheduled for patrol. I’ll take care of the other nights.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  ~Raiden~

  I get out of my car and hesitate a moment before unlocking my front door. Something feels off, but I can’t quite place it. I look down at my mat, but it’s not crooked. My bushes don’t seem out of place and I don’t see any vehicles that I don’t recognize.

  I push the door open and lock it behind me. I slip my Crocs off and then go put my purse on the table. It’s almost midnight. My shift ran a little long. Some nights the ER department might see twenty to thirty people, but tonight, like most nights, we saw over one hundred patients.

  Nights like these, it’s hard to get my mind off the patients. The burn victim from one of the Rykers’ rental trailers. The auto accident victim who lost his leg.

  I step into my bathroom and close the door. I strip my scrubs off while I run my water. I let the clawfoot tub fill nearly to the rim with steaming water. The strawberry scented bathwash I put in the water has caused a nice set of bubbles to form on the top. I twist my hair into a messy bun and then slide down into the hot water, letting it wash my thoughts away.

  I rest my head against the curve of the bathtub and close my eyes. I’m submerged up to my neck and the hot water is soothing. Just what I need.

  I feel myself dozing, but a light bumping noise has me on high alert. I ease my hands out of the water, quickly dry them off, and reach beneath the tub to get the Beretta that’s strapped to the bottom. I cock it and turn the safety off. I know the clip is fully loaded. I aim it at the door and wait.

  I keep my breathing controlled as I watch the doorknob turn just seconds after I’ve aimed at it. Part of me wants to blow the fingers off the hand that has curled around my door frame, but my dad always said not to shoot until I know what the threat is.

  Luka’s head appears and I slowly breathe out. He looks down at my gun and smirks.

  “This is the second time you’ve pulled a gun on me.” he informs me. “I’m here to protect you.”

  “Aww, how sweet. You think I need protecting.” I deadpan, sitting the gun on the floor. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  His gaze travels down my body, but I know he can’t see anything. Still, my nipples harden and a soft throb begins in my pussy. I thought staying away was better. It was easier, but seeing him now, I know I still want him. Hell, I missed him.

  “I was assigned surveillance security for you. Problems with the Rykers.” he explains.

  “You do realize that surveillance security means you’re supposed to be watching me, not this.”

  “I am watching you.”

  I clench my thighs together and fight the urge to rub my clit. The look on Luka’s face tells me he knows exactly what I’m battling. Fine. Two can play that game.

  I stand up, letting the water cascade down my naked body, and see the heat flood Luka’s dark eyes.

  “Can you hand me that towel?” I ask, pretending that I don’t know the effect I have on him.

  Luka slowly approaches me, an almost scowl on his face. He doesn’t grab my towel hanging from the closet door. I huff and step out of the tub, past him, to grab the towel. The moment I have it off the hook, Luka turns me and pushes me against the counter.

  His lips find mine and I fear they’re going to bruise me, his kiss is so demanding. I grip his t-shirt and pull him closer, letting the water left on my body soak into the cotton fabric. I slide my hands under the hem and then grip it, pulling the damp shirt over his head.

  “Did you really think it would be one weekend?” he whispers against my lips.

  He wraps an arm around my waist and hoists me onto the counter. He trails his fingers down my chest, letting his thumb and forefinger roll my nipple between them.

  “Were you avoiding me?” he questions and my eyes fly up to his. He continues to caress me, but gives me a hard stare.

  “Yes.” I answer, honestly. “Luka…”

  His hand inches down until his fingers part the folds of my sex. He teases my clit and then eases a finger inside my wet passage.

  “We shouldn’t do this.” I manage.

  “I know.” he agrees. “You’re with Griffin.”

  He pulls his hand away and pulls a condom from his back pocket. He unbuckles his jeans and pushes them down to his knees. His cock is glistening with pre-cum and I fight the urge to spread it over his head.

  I should put a stop to this. He’s angry and jealous. I can hear it in his tone and it’s not a good combination.

  I should definitely put a stop to this. I’m with Griffin. Sort of. Yet, I’m silent as I watch him sheathe himself.

  He pulls me to the edge of counter and holds me underneath my thighs. His gaze softens for a moment when I cup his face and force him to look at me. He fills me in one swift thrust and I gasp at the fullness I feel. I brace myself on the counter as he drives into me, his eyes now focused on where our bodies are joined.

  The same heat, same electric feeling is there just as it was a few weeks ago. I knew it would be.

  “Tell me to stop, Raiden.” Luka grits out, pulling me to him while he thrusts deep inside me. I should.

  “I…I can’t…please, Luka…” I plead.

  He surprises me by picking me up and asking me where my room is. I tell him and giggle at him when he struggles to kick his boots and jeans off. He walks down the hall to my room and then drops me down onto my bed.

  His movements are a little slower now, but he still drives deep, as though with each thrust he’s trying to bury himself as deep inside my pussy as possible. I rise up to meet him, wanting and needing him to be as deep as possible. Like before, I can’t get enough of him and cling to his body. My nails dig into his back and his fingertips dig into my hips. Our mouths taste and devour each other until I groan out his name.

  No matter how much I’ve tried to lose myself in Griffin, it hasn’t worked. Luka is who I crave. The lifestyle I want. The man I want.

  ~Luka~

  I hold Raiden against me, not quite ready to leave just yet. I know I can’t stay much longer though. The sun will be up soon.

  “Stay a few more minutes, please.” Raiden whispers, as if reading my mind.

  “You were right about Griffin. He’s not helping my brother.” I confide. “I keep giving him info, but it’s never enough.”

  I don’t tell her that Lincoln won’t see me. There’s no reason for her to know that. I’ll just keep going until he gives in. I know him and I know eventually he will. We’re brothers. Nothing can change that.

  She turns around to face me and brings my lips down to hers for a soft kiss. She doesn’t let it deepen, both of us knowing I need to leave.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” she says. “I know this is hard on you, Luka. My dad assures me he’s under the Ravens’ protection in there. I know that isn’t much consolation.”

  “It’s not.” I tell her. “Especially
knowing that the Ravens and Rykers are now in some big war.”

  “They’re always in some big war.” she informs me. “They’re never at peace with each other. It’s always been like this.”

  “I just…I never wanted to be part of this world.” I admit. “Now I’m doing shit that I never thought I’d be doing and the fucked up thing is, that I’m okay with it. I’m starting to see justification in it. We have to burn down their warehouse because it holds their drugs and they sell to minors. We have to patrol Scenic Boulevard or they’ll put prostitutes out to work and the tourists won’t bring their money there. Tourists spend money at properties the Ravens own and we need it. We have to kill their members or they will kill ours. Simple.”

  “Like I said, it’s always been this way.”

  “And now my brother is caught in the middle.” I say, bitterly.

  “And we will figure out a way to get him out.” she promises. “He’ll be okay.”

  I kiss her once more and then ease away from her, reluctantly getting out of the bed. I steal a peek back at her and she’s watching me move across the room.

  “Do all of your tattoos have meanings?” she asks. “I mean, I’ve wanted one before, but it wouldn’t be suitable for me.”

  “Nurses have tattoos.” I reply and she just shrugs. “Well, you know about the two angels and who they represent. I have tribal art and this is one is Italian, Venni Vetti Vecci, and it means I Came, I Saw, I Conquered.”

  “I like that.”

  I have it on my skin, but I’m not exactly living up to it. Right now, I feel like a failure. I failed Haley and now I’m failing Lincoln.

  “We’ll get him out, Luka.” Raiden assures me, as if reading my mind.

  I give her a brief nod and slip out of her room. I dress in her bathroom and as I lock her back door behind me, the sun is coming up. I walk back to my surveillance area and wait for my relief to show up.