No matter, they had a deal with the Knights, and as such, Grayson would have to learn to tolerate the VP of their puppet club. There might come a day when the Sons would need to rely on their fellow bikers and Kaleb couldn’t allow the fragile bond to be broken over some personal shit Grayson had with Bird.
“Have a seat.” Kaleb indicated the unoccupied sofa.
As they did so, Kane skirted the bar and met them in the living area, taking his seat next to Grayson, who kept his icy-blue glare on Bird. To his credit, the man actually squirmed. He’d do well to remember Grayson would be a dangerous opponent, one who shouldn’t be fucked with. Though Grayson had an outward cavalier attitude, when provoked, he was one of the more dangerous Sons. The man was daring and feared no one. Grayson would never back down from a good fight. And as a matter of fact, Grayson always seemed to pick the biggest man in the fight, even if he wasn’t the largest of the Sons at his six-foot height.
“Thank you for coming by on such short notice, Red,” Kane said. “We certainly appreciate you keeping the rest of your men in the dark about this … due to the delicate subject.”
Red nodded. His beady-eyed gaze swept the room, stopping briefly on Grayson. He glanced back up at Kaleb. “According to Kane’s phone call, you somehow think the Knights are involved in a plot to take your life.”
Kaleb walked around the leather chair and sat on one of the arms, bracing his hands on his knees. “We have our suspicions.”
The pres looked at Kaleb, narrowing his gaze. “Care to elaborate why you think our word is not good enough, that we wouldn’t take this unification seriously?”
“There is no union, Red. You agreed to be our ally. That’s it.”
Kaleb paused, waiting for Red to respond. Other than his cheeks mottling red above the roughness of his beard, the Knights’ pres said nothing.
“You know that I was almost beheaded along with one of my men on a bogus run just over a week ago. Instead of it being me, we had two other fallen brothers to bury.”
“I’m aware of that.” He stroked the length of his red beard. “I thought we agreed that wasn’t the Knights’ doing.”
Kaleb’s gaze heated as he bit back his rising ire. His anger would gain them nothing. He knew the Knights were somehow involved. He felt it clear to his marrow. But that didn’t mean Red was aware of a rat within his MC as a member could easily have acted on his own. Rosalee always seemed to involve others in her machinations. First she had caused the death of Ion, followed by Alec Funar falling victim to her scheming. So the question was which of the Knights was guilty of helping Kane’s bitch of an ex and who would fall next due to her wrongdoing?
“We had another incident last night on this latest run. One that nearly cost me a couple more of my men. Luckily, Blondy saw the steel cable stretched across the back road beforehand and was able to warn Xander, who laid down his bike to avoid decapitation.” Kaleb steeled his jaw and grit his teeth to stave off the lengthening of his canines. “To say I’m pissed is putting it mildly.”
“What evidence do you have that it points to the Knights? What would we gain by taking your life?”
“Last night’s run was last minute, Red. No one else knew about it. We barely had time to contact the law to keep them across town,” Kaleb said. “Kane wasn’t even made aware of the run until later that evening when Xander and Blondy returned to the clubhouse, Xander sporting the rash from the road.”
“We have reason to believe the target is Hawk, Red,” Kane added. “No one knew that Hawk and Gypsy wouldn’t be riding out front … not even you. Only the Sons were informed right before they left the clubhouse to meet up with you. So whoever had the knowledge of the run, wouldn’t have known about the pres not being out front.”
Kaleb glanced to his right at Grayson, who still sat unmoving on the sofa, his eyes on Bird. To the Knights’ VP’s credit, he completely ignored Grayson’s antagonistic behavior. Kaleb meant to ask Grayson about it once the clubhouse cleared.
“Are you sure it isn’t one of your own?” Red looked to Kaleb, the slit in his beard inching up on the sides, the only indication that Red smiled and mocked Kaleb’s accusations.
Kaleb suddenly understood Grayson’s feelings toward the VP. He wasn’t liking the president of the rival group at the moment and wanted nothing more than to place his fist in the center of that bushy-ass beard of his and knock his smug block clean off his shoulders. No one ridiculed him. If the Knights’ president continued to scoff at Kaleb’s authority, then all of Kane’s work to get into bed with the MC would be for nothing. Although lucrative, they didn’t need the money from the guns or the puppet club in his opinion. For that matter, Kaleb could take over the guns and cut the Knights out completely if he so chose to. He didn’t need the Knights and wasn’t a fan of the pres or the VP at this point, no matter what Kane had to say about it.
“My men, aside from Kane, knew I wasn’t going to be there before the run even started, asshole,” Kaleb said, barely keeping his anger in check.
Kane cleared his throat, a good indication he didn’t like Kaleb’s behavior. Screw him. He may still be part of the Sons, but he had no voting rights. He loved his twin, trusted his opinion, but in this, he wasn’t so sure he agreed with Kane.
“The steel cable appeared after your boys crossed the state line and my two men had turned back. Who of your men were missing from the run, Red?”
He shook his head. “No one. All of them were accounted for that night. No one missed that run.”
“Then who left your side once you left Oregon and crossed the state line?” Kane asked.
Red looked at Kane. “Once we hit Washington, we spread out. My men, those without the guns, are instructed to fan out and keep the law off our backs.”
“So you would have no idea if all of your men followed instructions. In fact, it would be easy for any one of them to double back?” Kaleb asked.
“I suppose.” A muscle in Red’s cheek ticked. “But if your men turned at the border, how does my man get back down the road before your guys and find time to string steel cable across the road before they arrive?”
Kaleb supposed Red battled not wanting to believe his men could be capable of betraying the Sons, and in turn breaking his trust. It certainly was possible that someone within their ranks might not be happy going to bed with their one-time rival MC.
“We don’t believe your man is acting alone,” Kaleb said. “He has a partner. That person was waiting at a designated point. If your man drove faster than my men, it was easy enough for him to arrive before my men got there.”
“Again,” Red asked, “what proof do you offer? If I’m to accuse one of my men, then I need solid proof. So far you haven’t shown me anything but your assumptions.”
“If you ask me, I say this is bullshit.” Bird spoke up for the first time. “It’s also possible that you arrogant asses are too fucking blind to see the deception within your own ranks.”
Grayson sat forward, baring his teeth. Thankfully his fangs were retracted. “Why the hell would we want to see any of our own men dead, you son of a bitch? You best be careful with your accusations, asshole, or I might be affronted.”
Bird actually smiled, undoubtedly knowing he baited Grayson. “I don’t know, Gypsy. You not happy with Viper’s decision to bring the Knights on as a fucking puppet club? You want to take the hierarchy out of the equation? Chase the Knights back across the border? I don’t recall your neck ever being at jeopardy. Aren’t you supposed to have Hawk’s back?”
Grayson leapt over the coffee table effortlessly and wrapped the fingers of one hand around Bird’s scrawny neck, pinning him against the far wall. Red turned to see Bird hanging by his neck, the toes of his boots not quite touching the floor, gasping for air. Kaleb was damn close to allowing Grayson the pleasure. At the moment, though, Bird’s death wouldn’t do them well while wanting Red’s cooperation.
“Gypsy, release Bird,” Kaleb said.
The muscles in Grays
on’s arms tightened. “No.”
“It wasn’t a suggestion, Gypsy. Release. Bird. Now.”
His broad back expanded with his deep intake of breath before he finally did as ordered. Bird dropped to the floor, his hand covering his throat as he wheezed for air. Kaleb figured he’d be hoarse for a few days, but otherwise unharmed.
Red’s eyes became angry slits as he turned back to Kaleb and Kane. “You get me proof that one of my men is a rat and I’ll personally take him out. In the meantime, I’ll feel out my men. See if any of them may have an ax to grind with the Sons.”
“Fuck,” Bird started before Red interrupted.
“Shut the hell up, Bird..” He didn’t once take his eyes from Kaleb’s. “If this turns out to be nothing more than empty accusations, you owe me.”
“I’ll owe you nothing, Red. You work for us, not the other way around.”
Kane stood and approached Red as the man stood. “If the shoe was on the other foot, Red, I’d personally take a look at my men. That’s all we’re asking. But if one of your men disrespects mine again, I’ll let him rip your man’s fucking head off. Now get the fuck out and call me when you have information.”
Red glared at him. “This isn’t over, Viper.”
“No, Red, not by a long shot.”
Red turned, collected Bird from his position by the wall, then slapped him behind the head as they left the clubhouse. “Show some fucking respect,” he grumbled at his VP, just before Kaleb shut the door on them.
He turned to Kane, anger radiating from him in waves. “Your men? Did you forget you’re no longer the president, brother?”
“Oh for crying out loud, Hawk, I meant nothing by it. Don’t let your ego outshine what’s important here.”
“And what’s that, Viper? Care to enlighten me?”
“We’re on very shaky ground here with the Knights.”
Kaleb’s brow furrowed. “You think I care? This gun run was your idea because you thought you might need help keeping an eye on your—”
“Careful, brother,” his twin warned. “She’s my mate.”
“So fucking sensitive.” He rolled his eyes. “When you thought Cara might be in danger. The threat is dead. The Knights are no longer needed.”
Kane pointed a forefinger at the floor. “The money is lucrative.”
“We make plenty at K&K with motorcycle sales and repairs.”
Grayson stood, walked over to the two brothers and smiled. They turned their heated gazes on the shorter man. “What?” they asked in unison.
“Why don’t you both shut the fuck up and let’s go get some tail?”
Kane smiled at Grayson’s well-timed interruption. “Cara would have your head, Gypsy, for even suggesting as much.”
He shrugged, unscathed. “Fine, you wait here for your little mate. Kaleb?”
He rubbed his brow. Hell, he hadn’t been laid in over a week. And after last night’s fiasco with Suzi, he certainly could use a good piece of ass. The problem? He wasn’t sure just any old bitch would do when all he could think about was getting inside a pretty little brunette. He best be careful, or he’d wind up exactly in the same position as his twin … whipped.
Kaleb sighed heavily. “What the hell, Gypsy. Let’s get out of here. I could use a good fucking.”
Grayson’s smile widened, his hand indicating the front of the clubhouse. “After you, brother.”
Kaleb grabbed his skull cap from a hook by the door and headed into the parking lot. Kane’s laughter followed him to his bike until he turned the key and started the engine, thankfully cutting off his brother’s mockery. Yeah, he needed to get laid in a bad way. Not waiting for Grayson, he kicked up his center stand and headed off down the road, the wind whipping his motorcycle cut behind him.
Chapter 15
Kaleb stood by the bar, his back to the club ravers. Nine Inch Nails blared through the speakers, the heavy music fueling his dark mood. The night sure as shit hadn’t turned out how he had envisioned. He had wanted to let off steam, get away from the MC, let loose, party with some women.
Jesus! What the hell was wrong with him?
Grayson had no troubles at all getting busy. They had arrived at the club a few hours earlier. His VP spent little time finding a woman for each of them, not that Kaleb needed help. But Grayson knew Kaleb all too well, and the fact that a little brunette had him all tangled up inside. He couldn’t think straight with his dick pointing in one direction. The problem wasn’t that Grayson couldn’t find a passel of gorgeous women. Hell no—the two that Grayson had brought around were model material. But after about five minutes, Kaleb found himself uninterested and unmoved in the nether regions.
What was Suzi? Some sort of witch?
She certainly had cast a spell on him, no doubt about it. Kaleb had one of two choices, just as he had all those years ago after the first time he had fucked her. He knew then if he didn’t forget about her, act as if the night they shared had not happened, then he’d fall … and fall hard. Something about her tripped his every trigger. Kaleb knew what Kane must certainly feel for Cara, because he imagined it being the same for him if he ever allowed himself to care for Suzi. The way he looked at it, he had one of two choices. He either gave in, fucked her, and no doubt ruin his desire for any other woman. Or turn her loose and attempt to fuck her memory away between the thighs of any other willing woman.
Kaleb couldn’t keep feeding from her and keep his head about him.
It was that simple. Kaleb knew what he had to do. He wasn’t about to wind up like Kane. Not that Cara was that bad, if he were truly being honest. She worked well with his twin, complimented him even. She was his perfect other half. But he’d be damned if he ever told her that. He’d rather let her think he hated the ground she walked on, though at one point he certainly did. But times had changed and Kaleb was starting to warm up to her brassiness. After all, she was his brother’s mate and he could respect that. Kane deserved happiness, especially considering all he had gone through with Rosalee and losing Ion. One day he’d kill that bitch. He knew Kane wanted the honors. Nevertheless, his brother had too much to lose, now that he had the love of a good woman … and though he hated to admit as much, Cara was. He, on the other hand, had nothing to lose.
Kaleb tipped back his drink, draining the contents. Just as he set the glass back on the bar’s surface, Draven exited the storage room, skirted his bartender, and headed for Kaleb. He took off his top hat and set it on the bar.
“You need another drink?” Without waiting for an answer, he waved the bartender down, who quickly handed Kaleb another tumbler of Gentleman Jack. “You look like you could use it. Why aren’t you using the office upstairs instead of Gypsy?”
Kaleb’s gaze traveled to the curtained doorway that hid the stairwell. “I wasn’t in the mood.”
Draven toyed with the brim of his hat. “You weren’t in the mood,” he repeated, then looked up. “Since when? That damn office has been a revolving door between you and Kane for years. Now that Kane no longer needs it, seems Gypsy’s making himself at home up there.”
Kaleb chuckled. “I hope we aren’t cramping your style. You ever get to use your own office?”
The barkeep laughed with him. “When is it ever free to use? You guys seem like a permanent fixture. But no, it’s not a problem.”
Kaleb grinned. “Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to be a cock block.”
“Not at all. I have another office back in the storeroom.”
“Seriously?”
Draven shrugged. “Once Kane started using my office for his personal fuck space, I knew I needed my own place to … relax. So, I built another office off the backroom. That’s where I take my ladies.”
“Anyone special?” Kaleb couldn’t remember a time he had seen Draven with anyone.
“Oh, hell no. Variety’s my thing.”
Kaleb looked down at his glass and swirled the amber liquid. “Yeah. I used to think that myself.”
“What the hell
happened to you, man?”
Scratching his nape, Kaleb winced. “I’m afraid it’s a little brunette I need to distance myself from.”
“Suzi Stevens?”
“You know her?” Kaleb’s heated gaze went to the barkeep. “How well?”
Draven laughed, holding up his hands. “Down, fang boy. I know all of the donors. But she is a cute little thing.”
His grip tightened on the glass, not acknowledging how incredibly hot he really thought she was. But since Draven brought her up, he’d bet the barkeep already knew his feelings on the matter. Not much seemed to slip by Draven.
“I take it you aren’t too happy about having a hard-on for her. She’s got you acting all out of character. I think you got more than your dick involved with this one.”
“No feelings involved, man,” Kaleb said, knowing full-well it was a lie.
He was in way too deep. He should be the one upstairs right now, relieving some tension. Instead, he stood here with the long-haired, brown-eyed barkeep who wore round, blue-tinted sunglasses perched on his nose and a soul-patch just beneath his lower lip, playing Dracula for heaven’s sake. Tonight, he must have decided to forgo the creepy red contacts.
Kaleb looked back to his whiskey. “I want to fuck her. No secret there.”
“If that was all there was to it, then you would. Why abstain? I’m thinking you have feelings for her. You know she’ll give you a run for your money, Hawk.”
“How so?” Kaleb asked, his chin coming back up.
“I’ve known Suzi for many years, my friend. Where a lot of these donors give you boys everything you’re looking for, Suzi doesn’t. Most of the Sons know that if they want to be fed, Suzi’s more than willing. Anything else … they look up another donor.”
Hawk Page 14