Hostile Saint (Steel Stallions MC Book 1)

by India R. Adams

  What? Wait… They were watching me?

  “Oh yes, we see everything.”

  In the distance, I suddenly heard Stallions yelling warnings to one another.

  Knowing they had each other’s backs like they had mine, I smirked and finally spoke. “You didn’t see them coming.”

  “Ah! He talks!” He nodded. “This is true. Ignorant leathered men did, indeed, sneak under our radar for a bit. And I can only assume you are here with no warning because my mole is now dead.” As gunshots now rang out in the air, he casually stated, “But there are always solutions to every problem.”

  I guess my eyes showing care for why bullets now rang out showed the weakness this man had been speaking of because he dismissively waved a hand in the air. “Oh yes, security has finally arrived. We do prefer privacy when communicating with our Lord. Therefore, you caught us with our pants down,” he gestured to his robe as if he hadn’t just been violating a child, “as they say. That’s an error now being,” he exaggeratedly cupped his ear to listen to more fired bullets, “rectified.” Again, dismissing violence that most likely followed him everywhere, he added, “That’s not what’s important, Tate.”

  I didn’t appreciate him telling me my family wasn’t important. Besides Lacey, those people fighting in the distance were the most significant beings in my life.

  And someone was shooting at them.

  Amazed, he said, “Ah, there it is again. That crazed look in your eyes.” Crossing his arms, he rubbed his chin with his hand. “Your loyalty is most impressive. Again and again, we sent in our subjects to terrorize, but you and Lacey simply refused to crack.”

  I gritted out, “Maybe that’s due to my modifications.”

  Regretfully, he shared, “If only we had that kind of genetic power. No. We enhance abilities to heal, so you will survive what is to come, but, alas, inner determination—hope and all that nonsense—is choice, something we can’t control.” He grinned. “Although, within controlled environments and with exposure to certain cruelties, you could say we do our best to ‘create’ our preferred ‘choices’.”

  In the distance, all guns went quiet, so I said, “I wonder who chose to live through that.”

  Sideways, he leaned forward as he winked again. “Willing to put money on it? I never lose.”

  “Never, huh?”

  “No.” He was far too pleased with himself. “In fact, my men—when done killing yours—will be here to collect my investment.”

  Suspecting where this conversation was headed, I lifted a daring brow. “Investment?”

  “Yes. That would be you. My property.”

  Ready to never see this man again, I licked my teeth. “You should’ve been smart enough to modify yourself.”

  Totally intrigued, he asked, “Oh really? Why is that?”

  “Then you could have heard my dad, behind you.”

  The man didn’t share one more word before his body jolted, due to the knife that had just been shoved into his back.

  From over the man’s shoulder, Lynx growled in his ear, “He’s. My. Boy.”

  As the man’s knees buckled and his body wavered, he spoke in eerie awe. “So, there truly is strength in love, after all.” His eyes glossed over. “Interesting.”

  As he dropped to the ground and slumped to his side, Lynx growled, “When you see that pussy of a Devil, tell him Lynx said, ‘Stay on your knees where you belong, bitch’.”

  Even though we still did not know what SAIL was precisely, or how many more facilities they had, we weren’t going to let them keep this one. With the help of unexpected guests, all dead bodies had been dragged inside and set on fire.

  I couldn’t believe Eagle and a few of his men had driven in once they heard about the Kansas rat. Since they were behind, they skipped right on through Kansas and caught up to us in Missouri, just in time to intercede SAIL’s security. That’s why that gunfight ended so quickly. The herd was as thick as the emblem manes on their leathered backs.

  As we watched the building burn, I asked, “Not one sign of my mother?”

  Lynx solemnly shook his head. “I’m sorry, son.”

  My heart ached. Finding her for my dad would have felt so righteous, so complete. Now, I could only hope she wasn’t suffering somewhere, under the control of whoever else was involved with SAIL.

  I knew one thing would make him proud.

  Far from the burning building, Justice and other Stallions were caring for all the children that were huddled together, blankets tucked over their little shoulders. All waters we had carried in our backpacks, for us, were now in kids’ hands.

  Dagger jogged up to us. “Time to roll out. Oz is about to send the location to the cops. These kids need medical care and food. And,” he pointed to the pillows of smoke floating higher, “that may draw some unwanted attention.”

  Justice was still over by the kids. “Stay put. Help is coming. Stay together. Okay?”

  Little heads tiredly nodded.

  She looked stressed, not wanting to leave the kids for fear they would run and get separated. So, I went to her. “They won’t go anywhere. They’re drugged.”

  Her hands made fists as her huge eyes welled. “Can I kill them all over again?”

  “No.” I pointed to the kids. “But now they can live.”

  Staring at them, she swallowed. “Okay.”

  Lynx eyed me. “You good?”

  Gazing back at the building enveloped in flames, I sighed, trying to let this time in my life go. “Yeah, let’s get back to Pretty Girl.”

  With his arm around my neck, he yanked me in, kissed my hair, then shoved me away. “You have a hell of a wedding gift to give her.”

  Oz and Eagle were ready for us to get a move on.

  Oz was insistent, “We got this. Go. We know other back roads to avoid cops.”

  I couldn’t help it. I quickly hugged the two other Stallion Presidents, who had entered into my life, vowing to never forget what they did for me and Cross, the fallen Kansas Stallion. Texas Stallions and Ryders then took off toward the woods.

  In the cover of the trees, headed to the SUV, I asked, “Lynx, what did you mean by wedding gift?”

  Everyone else started chuckling. They were all covered in blood, so it was quite disturbing, but what Lynx had to say wasn’t. “You need to sign papers for the last time as Tate Young.” He grabbed a backpack, then started jogging again. “Your houses are sold.”

  I almost tripped. “What?”

  He dodged around a tree. “Yep. I couldn’t get you top dollar in forty-eight hours, but, after fees and all, you have two-hundred K to your name.”

  I bounced off a tree. “The fuck?”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Brewing Storms

  At the Kansas chapter, I waited for the house sales to finalize, which was taking forever. Too many days… Since I was a tad impatient, Lynx kept assuring me this ‘closing’ was happening in record time, but then finally said, “Pup, you ask me one more fucking time if the paperwork is ready, I’m puttin’ ya to ground. Capeesh?”

  “Go walk your dog or some shit, Wolf-boy,” added Diesel.

  That caught my attention. Hardcore. “Wolf-boy?”

  He winked. “You proving you ain’t no pup no more, but still got some growing to do.”

  Pride bloomed across my chest.

  But walking around the property gave me too much time to think. I wish I could say that, after the deaths of my fake-brothers, my life suddenly became perfect, but that is not how murder or healing works. That first shower, alone, had been a grim reminder of my actions. Blood clung to the tub until the spraying water finally washed it away. No matter how much soap I used, I could still feel their remains that night. I could still hear their screams…

  I also wish I could say that my nightmares hadn’t returned, but that first morning, I awoke to Dagger sleeping in a chair next to me, Charlie at his feet. I looked to the window but was too far away to have my toes touch the sun. Lynx, stil
l in a deep sleep in his bed, was between me and the window. He was so behind on rest because of me, it was no wonder his VP had taken the shift of watching over me.

  Feeling the bed move, I finally smiled and rolled to put my arm around my dog. I must have scared him, too, as I screamed.

  Lacey…

  Holding Charlie, I stared at my phone, watching her sleep.

  “Soon, you get to hold her, too,” whispered Dagger.

  Feeling bad for his loss of sleep, I winced. “Did I call out for her?”

  Slowly, and while studying me with that blue eye, he nodded.

  “Sorry.”

  “Never apologize for loving that girl so fucking hard.”

  Thinking of the man that Lynx killed, I wondered about him saying she was my companion. Does that mean—

  Still staring at me, Dagger now shook his head no. He tapped his chest. “No scientists can create, fake, or mimic what your heart feels for that girl. I swear it, kid.”

  How he knew that is what I was thinking, I have no clue, other than maybe he knew that is what he would’ve been wondering at my age. His aged wisdom knew better.

  He was right…

  After I signed the paperwork and asked if all my money would fit in the SUV so we could get on the road, there was some surrounding laughter. Justice assured me that she had everything under control. She claimed there was some finagling to do and a paper trail to hide.

  Since that sounded complicated, and all I truly wanted was Lacey, I left Justice to do whatever was needed and begged Lynx to get me back to Colorado.

  If being on SAIL’s property made me crazy with rage, seeing Lacey made me sane.

  That’s it.

  Just the sight of her had my whole body going still. Not so much motionless, but a calm that spoke to my still brewing mental storm.

  She was the ease in my peace. She was my peace when at war.

  She is my…. evermore.

  Yes, that is what she had always been to me.

  Standing there, next to her bed, watching her sleep, my heart pounded to hold her. Dagger was wise. Seeing this sleeping beauty in the flesh, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that our connection was love. No DNA altering could touch the divine gift between us.

  Setting her vanilla shake on the nightstand and pulling back her blanket, I gently slid into her bed. My body brushing up against hers had hazel eyes fluttering open, entrancing me even more.

  Fucking. Heaven.

  As I laid my head to her pillow to get lost in those eyes, soft palms lazily touched my face. She whispered, “You’re back.”

  I tucked an arm around her precious body and pulled her closer to my chest. “I missed you.”

  Tiredly, her fingers ran through my hair that would soon be shaved off for my new ID photograph. Sweet breath swept across my face as she asked, “Were your friends right? Did you have to go home?”

  Swallowing, because my throat tightened with memories of the bloody trip, I thought to myself, I killed them all, baby, but said, “Yes. I really did.”

  “If you ever have to go again,” her eyes drifted shut, “will you take me with you?”

  Little did she know, names had already been picked. Her false identity was being created as we laid there, me telling her, “I would love that.”

  A slight gasp echoed as if she actually doubted what my answer would be. Then her little tongue wet her lips. “Tate, can I have a sugar kiss now?”

  After what I had done—the crimes I had committed—for God to still allow me such kindness, my eyes watered and I nodded, desperate for the serenity only this young woman could offer.

  Since her eyes were shut when I had silently answered her, suddenly too overcome to speak, they studied me, then filled with compassion and love. “Shhh,” she whispered before pressing her lips to mine. “Shhh.” She blessed me as her body moved on top of mine. “Shhh,” was the last sound she made before her mouth took over mine.

  I was supposed to be giving her sugar kisses, but it was her doing the giving, her tongue caressing mine. Her body, so perfect, was like the softest pillow blanketing me. Relishing her being so close, my arms held tight. I’d only been gone for a little over a week but had missed her terribly.

  That is why, as she got heavier and her mouth slowed, I silently cursed her doctor. I had arrived just before those fucking meds had taken her over completely.

  Her cheek gently slid against mine as her head fell to my shoulder. Delicate breaths touched my neck as my brewing storm took the lead again. I felt like someone was daring to take my only peace away. It felt like people, who had no right, were always fucking with my life.

  Done with others making decisions for my wife, I retrieved my cell from my pocket and let my angry thumb type:

  Fuck this doc!

  In the woods outside, Lynx typed back:

  Lol, I hear ya, kid.

  With Lace still on top of me, I typed:

  I want her out.

  It took a minute, but my phone finally vibrated.

  Think she can handle it?

  I didn’t respond. My patience was running too thin. I wanted my wife out.

  That was it.

  Done.

  The growing anger surprised me, confused me, and had me feeling unstable. I was throwing it around like lightning bolts that shot blame wherever I aimed. Why? I didn’t have a clue. The men who terrorized me and my girl were dead. I assumed that would fix everything, but it didn’t. I was no longer in danger but still felt under attack. Every single thing around me became annoying as fuck, including Lynx moving us back into the rental. That’s why I practically growled the next morning, entering the living room to see one of Diesel’s leftover pieces of ‘ass’ in the tiny kitchen.

  “Excuse me,” I grumbled, trying to get to the refrigerator for some juice.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her back away, blowing on a cup of coffee. “No problem.”

  I opened the fridge and grabbed orange juice.

  The girl said, “You’re normally in a better mood in the morning.”

  Doing my best to not roll my eyes and snarl, I retorted, “How would you know—”

  I froze.

  Long blond hair…

  I carefully watched her set down her coffee as she giggled.

  The juice slipped from my hand and crashed to the floor.

  She giggled some more. “Hi, baby.”

  I didn’t even look at her. I don’t think I could. The sound of that voice was that welcoming. It was that grounding, instantly making me want to hit my knees and seek forgiveness for what was eating me alive...

  I had never seen this woman in person, but I guess you don’t need to when there is such a connection. This wonderful human who had welcomed me into her life so naturally, and loved me from afar, was the only mother-figure I would ever have again. That’s why I rushed into her open arms. The little boy that still lingered in Hostile Saint needed her.

  “Oh, baby,” she rocked me, almost crying as hard as I was, “it’s okay. It’s okay.”

  I bawled, “You’re here.”

  She held me close, pulling my head to where it was hiding in her neck. “I am. Right where I want to be. With you.”

  I didn’t know if my biological mother was alive but thought she most likely wasn’t.

  I didn’t know where my fake-mom was but knew I would kill her if I saw her.

  Then there was Elle, a woman who was able to read me as if I were her own flesh and blood and had raised me herself.

  And… she wanted me.

  She had sent me everything she thought could help me heal. She watched over my heart. She hadn’t put mean brothers’ needs above mine. She hadn’t run away when learning I wasn’t dead. She hadn’t abandoned the only home I knew because she wanted to avoid me like the plague.

  Like a river finally being set free, I cried in that beautiful woman’s arms, repeating, “You’re here.”

  She rocked me. “I am, and I’m not leaving unt
il you get to come home with me.”

  Those words soothed a broken part of me. There is simply something magical about a mother’s love. And when you have to go without it, it is devastating.

  Elle may have lost a child, but she would always have one in me.

  I may have lost a mom, but I would always have one in her.

  From across the living room, I heard, “Ah, fuck, kid.” Within seconds, Lynx was to us, his arms around us both. “You’re killing me with this shit.” I felt him kiss my hair then heard him kiss Elle.

  I don’t know how long the three of us stood there, a family huddled together, but it is one of the best memories of my life. Ours wasn’t a conventional family, but it was mine.

  I spent that whole day with Elle. I spent the whole day smiling. She kept grabbing me, hugging me, squeezing my dimples, swearing I was the cutest thing she had ever seen. Elle was a loving mom, a spoiling grandma, and a hot aunt, all wrapped up in one. And she made the rental feel like the perfect home again.

  Dagger teased, “This is bullshit. We’ve been telling the brat that he needs to take his time with breaking Lace out, but no, when Elle says it, it suddenly makes sense.”

  “Don’t mess with my baby, Daddy Dag. I have a gun,” she warned.

  He lectured me, “Boy, you better put that tongue back in your mouth.”

  I didn’t. So, he took a picture.

  Charlie loved Elle, too. He couldn’t get enough of her scratching his head.

  When it was time to go visit Lacey, she hugged me tight. “Be safe. And don’t forget to get a picture for her ID.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I kissed her cheek, not surprised Lynx was staying behind with her.