Tarek

by Nikki Landis

  My arms slipped around his neck and I couldn’t resist rising up on my tiptoes and whispering in his ear, “I think you need to prove it.”

  When my back hit the mattress and his body covered mine, I knew we weren’t leaving the room for the rest of the afternoon.

  Chapter 10 – Synna

  Every Part of Me (Godsmack)

  Tarek and I had been living in our own little bubble. Caught up in one another, we didn’t think much about the outside world. After five days on the rez and only a few sporadic texts from my brother, I was becoming restless. Tarek had taken up the habit of leaving periodically saying he had chores to do but I noticed that he seemed on edge, almost as if something was wrong.

  “Tarek?”

  “Yeah, sweetheart?”

  “When can we leave the reservation?”

  He was chopping wood from the load we brought back, and I made lemonade. Such a normal thing to do that I nearly forgot we were hiding away from the danger that lurked outside the reservation. He stiffened as I asked, his hand clenching the glass so tightly I thought it might shatter.

  “I can’t make that call, Synna.”

  Sighing, I didn’t expect any other answer. After all, it wasn’t like I didn’t know how the MC worked. Ronin and Hyde had been members for as long as I could remember. Tarek was a prospect when we were young, and he was patched in his senior year of high school. There was a specific way things went down and I wasn’t privy to all, if any, of the decisions that were made.

  “I know you can’t tell me club business, but you have to be thinking about this too. We can’t stay here forever.”

  “I know, Nizhóní.” Tarek placed the empty glass on the tailgate of the truck and picked up my hands. “I don’t want to leave the rez and safety unless its necessary. We still don’t know who attacked the club. Hyde and Ronin are doing everything they can to ensure the culprit is caught. We have plenty of connections. He can’t hide for long.”

  My phone buzzed and I checked the screen, thrilled to see Ronin’s name.

  “It’s about time,” I answered, unable to keep the frustration out of my voice. “I’ve barely seen or talked to you since I returned home.”

  “You’re not exactly at the house or the Rock,” he replied with attitude. “Don’t be pissed at me, Syn. I’m not taking any chances with your safety. Hyde isn’t either. We both know the rez is neutral ground and there’s hardly any crime. I can’t bring you back into town until we find this fucker and take him down.”

  “I understand the danger,” I acknowledged, “but Tarek and I can’t hide away on the rez indefinitely. I have to earn some kind of wage. Mooching isn’t my style.”

  “I don’t mind taking care of you,” Tarek grumbled. His arms crossed over his chest as he narrowed his eyes. “The rez is the safest place in the entire state of Arizona.”

  “I agree with Tarek.” Ronin obviously heard what he said.

  “You two are missing the point,” I complained.

  “You’re staying on the rez.” Ronin’s tone didn’t leave much room for argument.

  I wondered how he would feel if he knew I spent the last few days tangled up in the sheets with Tarek. “Any other orders?”

  “Aw, Syn, don’t bust my balls.”

  “Then don’t be an ass.” Tarek chuckled and I shot a glare in his direction.

  “Would you feel better if I came over tonight?”

  “Yeah,” I admitted, losing the last of my attitude. I missed my brother.

  “Then I’ll be there, Syn. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Hey.”

  “Yeah?” I answered, a sudden lump in my throat.

  “I love you, little sis.”

  “Love you too.”

  He hung up and I turned to Tarek, my relief evident. I’d felt like Ronin was avoiding since this all went down, and I realized he’d just been busy doing his job as V.P. and trying to find the threat against his family. The MC was family as much as I was. The brotherhood between the members was real. I’d seen their close friendships for many years. There was nothing the Lords of Wrath wouldn’t do for one another. It was far more than just a bunch of guys wearing leather cuts and riding Harley’s.

  They took me in when our parents died. A car accident in the middle of the night in the rain that changed our lives forever. I was shocked. Ronin was lost. He was ten years my senior and didn’t know what to do with a little sister that needed constant supervision and care. Whiskey Sue was the one who stepped up and helped raise me with Buzz.

  Ronin spent as much time with me as he could. We grew close and it was no wonder that the Rock felt like a second home for as long as I could remember. That was true for the members in the MC too. I guess it was unavoidable that I would fall in love with a biker.

  Tarek was only a few years older, but he always seemed much wiser. It was his Navajo blood that filled his veins with passion, courage, and strength. When he became a bounty hunter, I knew it was his calling. Tarek was a warrior.

  “What are you thinking about?” His voice brought me out of my musings.

  “You. Me. The club.” I shrugged. “It’s all my family as much as you and Ronin. I missed you all when I was gone. It’s not fair that I’m unable to see everyone because some asshole picked a fight with the club.”

  “I understand.” He smiled as his palm rested against my cheek. “Nídin sélį́į́ shijéí bináká hoodzą́.” Leaning in, his lips brushed mine softly. “Missing you left a hole in my heart.”

  “You never told me that.”

  “What? That I missed you?” His arms slid around my waist as he grinned wide. “I did. My heart broke the day you left.”

  “You told me to leave. You said you were with Heather.” It was the first time I dared to say the words that completely shattered me four years prior.

  “Lies.” He tilted my chin up, crooking a finger underneath. “Don’t you see? I’m older. I knew my path. It’s been clear since I was a boy. But you, my precious Synna were just starting your journey. I had to let you go.”

  Shocked, I shook my head. “No, you didn’t have to do that. It tore me apart, Tarek. I thought you were in love with another girl.” Tears filled my eyes and a few sipped down my flushed cheeks.

  “You would never have left otherwise. We both know that’s true. The connection between us, it was strong then, and even stronger now. I had to sever it four years ago to give you what you needed.”

  Chin wobbling, I nodded. He was right. “And now?”

  “Now my heart is yours. Shijéí T'áá Hazhó'ó Niba' Iiłkił. My heart slowly ticks for you. Only you, my Synna.”

  “Tarek.” His name left my lips with a whisper and he closed the distance between us, his mouth covering mine and dominating my senses. He kissed me with a tenderness that mingled with passion as his tongue swept my mouth and tangled with my own. Raw need erupted between us as he pushed me up against the outside of the hogan.

  “It’s not raining but I’m not opposed to taking you right here and now.” The words tumbled from his lips with a husky timbre and I shivered. “There’s no one around for miles. I need you, Synna.” His lips pressed to my throat and trailed kisses and nibbles all the way down my neck. “I need you every minute of the day.”

  “I need you just as much.”

  He lifted his head, his dark gaze smoldering. “I never stopped thinking of you the entire time you were gone. A part of me was empty without you. I’ll do anything to keep you safe and protected. I know you’re worried, but I’ve got you, Nizhóní. Nothing will ever harm you again.”

  “I believe you,” I promised, wrapping my legs around his waist as he picked me up. My arms slid around his neck as we held one another close. “You’re mine now too, Tarek.”

  He growled lightly in response as his teeth nipped at my ear and neck. “I’m going to devour you every way that I can.”

  “Go for it,” I challenged. “Show me what you got, bad boy.”

&n
bsp; The feral gleam in his eyes shone amber as his lips curled up in a devious grin. “You better tell me to take it slow.”

  “No way,” I teased. “I want you to lose control.”

  He cursed under his breath as I felt his heartrate increase. “Synna –”

  His next words were cut off by the sound of gunfire, wood splintering above my head as a scream of pure terror launched from my throat.

  Chapter 11 – Tarek

  Right Left Wrong (Three Days Grace)

  My worst fear had been realized.

  The attacker was back and this time he nearly killed us both. I had Synna on the ground so fast that I was afraid I hurt her, but she mumbled that she was alright.

  “Don’t move until I say. We’re gonna crouch and then run to my truck. It’s only a few feet away.”

  “Tarek,” she whispered, the fear in her voice causing my coyote to hover near the surface.

  He wanted to eliminate all threats and was ready to burst free. I couldn’t let him take over, not yet, but I would as soon as Synna was safe. Since the attacker was on rez land I could track him easier. His scent wouldn’t be mixed in with the city and other humans, layers built upon layers of grime, sweat, and other odors.

  “Now!” I whispered into her ear and she ran for the far side of the truck, the opposite direction of the shooter. I was right behind her and threw open the door as she slid inside and sank to the floorboards. “Stay down!”

  I scrambled across the seat, happy that I not only emptied the bed of the truck an hour earlier, but I also had the keys in the ignition. My Ford was a ‘90’s Ranger but it hauled ass and was in good condition. We sped away from the hogan as my foot pushed the gas pedal all the way to the floor. With every switch of the gears, I put more distance between us and danger.

  “Call your brother. Tell Ronin we’re leaving the rez and heading to the Rock.”

  I didn’t hear Ronin’s words clearly, but he was yelling as she filled him in, and I knew there’d be hell to pay for putting her life in danger a second time. None of us thought the attacker would be bold enough to come onto rez land. Not only that, but he shouldn’t have known where I took Synna. Not many members of the Lords knew about my mother’s hogan. I stayed in the clubhouse often. They knew I had a place but not the exact location.

  Someone in the club had betrayed us.

  The three-hour drive back to Flagstaff was full of tension. I was pissed and constantly gripped the steering wheel tight as thoughts of Synna hurt kept flashing through my brain. My home was in Chinle and far from civilization. It was considered one of the safest cities in the entire U.S. Not to mention a spot that tourists enjoyed because of the beauty of the Canyons. The Grand Canyon was a four-hour cruise from my hogan.

  The long drive was why I preferred to stay at the clubhouse. The commute was too much to attempt. I usually stopped by the hogan a couple of times a month when life with the MC was slow. Hyde’s Rock had plenty of room for the members and it was easy to stay when I had my own bed to crash in and a door to lock behind me when I needed a little privacy.

  “I’m not hurt, Tarek.”

  I shot a glance at her sideways, huffing under my breath. “Close enough.”

  “Try to calm down. I’m safe now. We’re on our way to my brother. It’s okay.”

  “No,” I insisted, “It’s not.”

  Synna was about to say something else when flashing lights caught my attention in the rearview mirror.

  “Shit,” I cursed. I was speeding. Didn’t occur to me to watch the damn speedometer when I was trying to outrun a shooter who could have easily followed us. I’d planned to drive a little detour and confuse anyone following our trail once we were closer to Flagstaff. Wasn’t a point until we weren’t surrounded by desert. The clubhouse was still over an hour away.

  I pulled over to the side of the road and yanked out my license and registration. The routine was nothing new. I tended to drive fast. These long, quiet roads were often empty especially at night. Point was, I should have been more focused with Synna in the car.

  There was a knock on my window, and I rolled it down, locking eyes with Sheriff Porter. Stifling a groan, I knew this was gonna be trouble.

  “Speeding again, Jones?”

  “It’s an emergency.”

  He looked skeptical, lowering his head so he could see into the car. “You alright, Miss Daniels?”

  Synna shook her head. “I don’t feel well.” She did look pale.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need me to call a squad?”

  Hell no.

  “She’ll be fine as soon as I can get underway again.”

  He stroked his chin for a few seconds and then shook his head. “I need you to step out of the vehicle.”

  “Why?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

  “You’ve got several outstanding tickets. I’m going to have to bring you in.”

  What in the actual fuck?

  There was absolutely no way I was leaving Synna alone right now.

  The sheriff stood his ground. “Do I need to remind you that resisting arrest will violate your parole, Jones?”

  He was right. “Give me a second. I’m coming. I swear.”

  He nodded, watching my every move closely.

  I turned to Synna. “I’m gonna open this door and step out. I want you to slide into the driver’s seat and go straight to Ronin. Don’t stop for any reason. Okay?”

  Synna bit her lip and I could tell she was afraid. “Okay.”

  “Hey,” I called as she lifted her head. “I’m gonna be fine and so are you.” Brushing a quick kiss over her lips, I backed away. “Hyde and Ronin will know what to do.”

  I opened the door and stepped out as Synna slid into the driver’s seat. “I’d like her to drive away now if it’s alright. She’s really not feeling well.”

  It was lucky for us that Sheriff Porter had known us since we were kids. I had no idea why he was this far out on the highway, but luck just wasn’t on my side today. He indicated that she could leave, and I watched her pull away from the curb. I didn’t turn toward the sheriff until her taillights had disappeared.

  “Let’s go, Jones.”

  Synna

  I WAS SCARED TO DEATH when I approached the gates of the compound. Hyde had obviously tightened security and I didn’t like being alone in the truck without Tarek. One of the prospects waltzed up to the door and looked inside, frowning.

  “Where’s Tarek?”

  “Let me inside, dammit!” I screeched and he hopped backward, running to do as I asked.

  I hit the gas pedal and the engine seemed to lurch as I hauled ass inside and parked close to the front entrance. My hands were shaking when I slid from the driver’s seat as Hyde, Buzz, Ronin, and a few others ran toward the truck.

  “Synna!” Ronin reached me first, his arms wrapping around my back.

  “Tarek got arrested,” I blurted. “I’m scared half to death. Someone tried to kill me for the second time. This isn’t what I wanted when I decided to come home early.” Blinking back tears, I lifted my head from my brother’s chest. “You need to get Tarek back for me.”

  “Aw, Syn. I’m so sorry. We will,” he soothed. “I promise.”

  Buzz pulled me away from my brother, checking me over in panic. “You’re not hurt, right?”

  “No, just shaken up,” I admitted.

  He gave me a hug and then Hyde was tugging me into his chest next. “Scared the shit out of me, Shortstack.”

  “For a bunch of tough bikers, you all hug a lot.”

  Hyde snorted as he released me. “Nothing happens to you, Synna. We’re all pissed. This asshole is going down.”

  I knew that and I loved them all for rushing to my side. “I think I could use a drink.”

  Buzz and Hyde chuckled as Ronin’s arm draped around my shoulders and he steered me inside. We walked straight to a booth in the corner and he ordered water, beer, food, and a bottle of whiskey. The latter was for him. I sat bac
k, chewing on my lip as I watched Buzz and Hyde making phone calls.

  “He’s gonna be fine, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know that.”

  “Do you?” Ronin sat back, clearly not believing me as his arms crossed over his chest and he scowled. “Something is different. I thought you hated Tarek.”

  “Then why did you leave me with him?”

  “The rez is remote and safe. At least, it should have been. I thought it was the most logical place to leave you until this mess was sorted. Although now I’m having doubts, especially with that look on your face.”

  “What look?” I asked with attitude.

  “The one that tells me Tarek Jones messed with my sister.”

  I rolled my eyes at his words. “Oh, stop.”

  “He did, didn’t he?” Ronin asked with a growl.

  “Watch it, Ronin. I’m not a child anymore.”

  “You’re still under my protection. I already warned him once, not gonna –”

  “What did you just say?” I wasn’t the least bit sorry for cutting him off.

  “I told him to leave you alone.”

  “When?” I asked, suddenly concerned that Ronin did something awful. My stomach twisted at the thought.

  “Four years ago, if you must know. I made it clear that he wasn’t to touch you.”

  “Why?” I asked, tears filling my eyes. “How could you do that?”

  “You were too young.” He swallowed hard, refusing to meet my gaze as he looked down at the table. “I thought it was best to separate you.”

  Shocked and upset, I couldn’t form any words for a full minute. “And Heather Downs?”

  “He never touched her to my knowledge. She was just the means he used to push you away. I told him to figure it out because he wasn’t messing up my sister’s chance at a future. Heather was at the right place at the right time. Wasn’t hard to convince you of his deceit. I don’t believe they ever hooked up.” Ronin sighed. “I’m sorry. Now that I’m saying all this, it does sound pretty shitty.”