by Faith Gibson
“Hey, Rhi,” the Hound said, looking nothing like a doctor and everything like a biker. There was a pretty woman with him, and she was smiling at Rhi like they’d been friends forever.
Ryker walked over and held his hand out. Rhi took it so he could help her to her feet. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.” Ryker laced their fingers and tugged her toward the other couple. “Rhiannon, this is Bethany, Rev’s wife. Bethany, Rhi.”
Instead of shaking hands, Bethany pulled Rhi in for a hug. The woman was older than Rhi with her long, dark hair braided down her back. She was dressed in jeans, leather boots, and jacket. That made sense if she rode with her husband. Rhi wanted a leather jacket.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Bethany said when she pulled back. Her hands were on Rhi’s biceps as she looked Rhi over. “Zareck was right; you are special.” Bethany winked before going back to her husband.
“Zareck?”
“That’d be me. My given name,” Rev explained. “Now, are you ready to have your tracker removed?”
No. “Yes. I don’t want my father to have any way of finding me. I still can’t believe he did that. I mean, what kind of man puts a chip in his own kid?”
“The kind with something special to lose,” Bethany said. “Not that I agree with it. I think it’s the worst kind of manipulation. Rhi, does your father know about your gift?”
“Not really. At least I don’t think so, unless my mom told him. But I never used it around him.”
“Did you ever do anything extraordinary before your mom died?” Rev asked. “Like bring a dead plant back to life?”
“Oh, yeah. Plenty, but that was something just between Mom and me.”
Rev and Ryker shared a look, and Ryker placed his hand on Rhi’s shoulder. “I have a feeling he found out somehow.”
“What does that have to do with putting a tracker in me?”
“Either he wanted to keep you around in case he needed your gift at some point, or he didn’t want your gift getting in the wrong hands. If others knew what you’re capable of, they could exploit you.”
“But I can’t really do anything other than heal plants.”
Ryker narrowed his eyes. “That’s not true. Maybe you haven’t tapped into all your gift is capable of, but I know personally there’s more to it than what you realize. You used it on me. Your energy was like an instant dose of morphine.”
“What’s that?” Rhi hated being stupid. No, not stupid – uneducated.
“It’s a potent pain killer. Usually only given in the hospital because it’s so powerful. I have to ask, have you ever turned your energy on an injured animal?”
How could he possibly know that? “What makes you ask that?”
“Your gift is special, just as you are. I just wondered if you ever attempted to help a stranded bird or some other small animal, just to see if you could.”
Rhi hesitated to answer, thinking back about the baby bunny that was injured. She hadn’t known about her gift at that point. All she knew was she really didn’t want it to die. She also remembered the promise she made her mom, but Daisy was gone, and her father had lost his mind. In that moment, she decided to trust Ryker and his friends. “There was one time, I was probably five or six. I found a bunny that was bleeding. I don’t know what had happened to it, but I knew it wasn’t good. I sat on the ground with it, protecting it from other animals. My mom was frantic when she found me. She asked what I was doing, and when I told her I was taking care of the bunny, she looked at me like I was the best kid ever. She told me my gift was special, just for me, and I couldn’t ever tell anyone about it.”
“What happened to the rabbit?” Bethany asked.
“It got up and hopped away. Every day, I went back to that part of the woods looking for it. One day, about a week later, I saw the baby with a larger rabbit I figured was its mother. I knew it was my bunny because one of its ears was white. When it saw me, it hopped over to where I had knelt down, watching it. It sniffed my hand before returning to its mom.”
“I’m surprised your father didn’t try to exploit your gift,” Ryker said.
“I’m not. His mother, my grandmother, convinced him what I had in me was of the devil. That I was a freak and a sinner, and instead of saying I had a gift, she told my dad he had to get me somewhere I could be healed.”
“I hope you didn’t believe your grandmother,” Bethany hissed. “You are everything good in this world. I know this, and I’ve only just met you.”
“Thank you.” Rhi wiped at a stray tear. It had been too long since she had someone on her side. “I didn’t believe it. My mom was everything to me, and if she said I was good, nobody could convince me otherwise. It’s her words, her love, that I’ve held onto all these years.”
“Your mom sounds like she was as special as you are. I’m sorry you lost her.” Bethany stepped up and hugged Rhi tight in her arms. Rhi clung to the other woman. She wasn’t old enough to be Rhi’s mom’s age, but in that moment, she felt as though her mother were with her.
Rhi reluctantly pulled away and wiped her face. “Let’s get this over with.”
Ryker wrapped his arm around her shoulder, kissed the side of her head, then led her inside. They stopped in the dining room where Rev directed Rhi to sit. Several items were already spread out on the table, but Rhi opted not to look too closely at the instruments. “How are you going to know where the tracker is?”
“I’m going to do an ultrasound on the area. Once I pinpoint the location, I’ll use a magnetic scope. I’ll deaden the area first, but you might feel a little pulling.”
It was Bethany who moved Rhi’s hair out of the way, using a giant clip to pin it on top of her head. She then moved a chair directly in front of Rhi and sat down, grabbing Rhi’s hands. Rhi smiled. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Let’s see. I’m originally from California. I’m an only child, like you, and I also lost my mom when I was young. She was a nurse, and I wanted to be just like her, so I followed in her footsteps. That’s how I met Zareck. One look at the handsome doctor doing his residency and I was smitten. Three months later, we were married. Two years after that we had our son, Zane, then four years after Zane we had Zoe. Yes, I know, the zees are a bit much, but what can I say?” Bethany looked over Rhi’s shoulder and winked at her husband. “The kids are eighteen and fourteen now.”
“Are you still a nurse?” Rhi was focused on Bethany and not what Rev was doing.
“Yes, but only part time. I like being home when the kids get out of school.”
“Are the kids Gryphons? Are you?” Rhi wasn’t sure how that worked.
“I’m not. And since I’m human, the kids had a fifty-fifty shot at it. Turns out both of them are shifters. That was another reason I didn’t want to work full time. I wanted to be there for them while they got used to their new bodies. I don’t understand what it’s like to shift, but I have been around enough of the other kids to watch them struggle getting their Gryphons under control during the first year or so. Zane’s a pro at it, but Zoe’s still struggling. Going through puberty and shifting is hard on her, but she’s strong.”
“Just like her momma,” Rev said warmly. Bethany beamed at her husband’s words, and it was a beautiful sight.
“Okay, Rhi. I’ve found the tracker. Now comes the uncomfortable part.”
“I’m ready.” And Rhi was. She had a strong woman holding her hands and Ryker standing by her side. She would tolerate any discomfort if it meant keeping her new family safe.
Chapter Twelve
Ryker
Rhiannon was a trouper. She never flinched while Rev was removing the chip from her neck. Bethany had been a big help, keeping Rhi’s mind on other things. Ryker admired Rev’s wife. She had shown Rhi nothing but love since she met the younger woman. Rhi needed positive women in her life. Women like Bethany who saw the good in Rhi and Mac. Someone who didn’t judge others based on a belief system not everyone held.
Mac, who was standing in the d
oorway watching, had been on the receiving end of acceptance for the last few months, and she was slowly becoming her own woman. Ryker was proud of his daughter. He knew Juliette would be too. As a parent, he wanted Mac to find her own happiness, and he vowed to make that happen by finding Elijah. Ryker didn’t know what type of man Elijah was, but if he brought Mac joy, he had to have some redeeming qualities no matter if he lived at the compound or not. According to Mac, Elijah had been one of those who spent most of his life at the Sanctuary. Other than falling in love with McKenzie, the young man had never been in trouble. He was being punished for loving someone another man coveted. As with Rhi, Elijah’s parents had handed their child over to be raised by the leader of the cult instead of protecting him and loving him as was their duty as parents.
Ryker thanked Zeus every day Mac had been returned to him. She was still finding her feet on the outside. Figuring out what she wanted to do. He offered to pay for college so she could become a veterinarian. She didn’t feel comfortable around a lot of people, so he was trying to encourage her to take online classes. If she didn’t want the full load of becoming a veterinarian, she could be a vet tech and still work with animals. Ryker knew she was only focused on Elijah, and he understood that more than most. When Juliette had been taken from him, she was all he could think about until he got word she had died. Then the grief set in. Focusing on life was nearly impossible when that person who meant most to you was no longer there to share in your life.
Now, he had Rhiannon to share in his future. For the first time in twenty years, Ryker felt lighter. Freer. Even with the threat of someone finding Rhi and trying to take her away from him. He’d die before he let anything happen to her, and he wasn’t ready to cross over just yet. He had a lot of living to do, and he wanted to do that with Rhi by his side. Like Mac, she had a lot to learn about living in the real world, but he was determined to be the one to show her everything the world had to offer.
Once Ryker knew Rhi was okay and the chip had been removed, he stepped away to call in the Hounds to meet at Lucy’s. He gave War and Mav the option of staying home, but both were ready to hit the road with them. Both were equally pissed they hadn’t been called before then about what was going on with Rhi and Haven. Ryker apologized, then explained how everything happened quickly. Kerrigan was going to visit with Natalia and the twins while War and Mav were away. Major and Marshall had demanded to talk to Ryker while Mav was on the phone with him. Ryker was surprised they were still awake. Speaking to the boys, listening as they rambled on about everything had Ryker wishing for his own little Hounds. Rhi was young enough to have children with Ryker, but he didn’t know if that was something she wanted. There was still so much he didn’t know about his female. He wished things were different. That he wasn’t getting ready to drop her off with Xavier and Elizabeth for a few days. Ryker already missed her.
When he finished his calls, Rev was waiting for him. Rev palmed the small transmitter. “Want me to destroy it?”
“No. There was a reason David put it in Rhi’s neck when she was so young. I doubt he handed the only locator over, so while I’m driving her and Mac to Xavier’s, I’m going to have a couple Hounds take the transmitter and head toward New Roseville. I have a feeling someone from Haven will follow the beacon. If not them, then David himself. We’ll set a trap for whoever comes looking and destroy their device.”
“You want me to do it?”
“No, you’ve already helped enough. Take Bethany home for now. Thank you, Rev.”
“No thanks needed. I’m really happy for you. There’s nothing like the love of a good woman to get you through the days, and Rhi’s a good one. I can tell.”
“Yeah? How’s that?”
“Bethany likes her.” Rev grinned. “My female is the best judge of character.”
“Is there anyone she doesn’t like?”
“Yes. She couldn’t stand Digger.”
Ryker didn’t want to think about the Hound who had betrayed them. “Is there anyone else she needs to warn me about?” Ryker asked with sincerity. He knew Gryphons and humans alike had special gifts. Maybe not as special as Rhiannon’s, but he would never discount Bethany’s ability to read people.
“Not that I know of. At least none of our family. She meets plenty of people out and about she steers clear of though.”
“Am I interrupting?” Bethany asked from the doorway. She had taken over for Rev and put a couple stitches in Rhi’s neck after the chip was removed.
“Not at all. You finished up?” Rev held out his hand, and Bethany joined her Hound.
Ryker looked toward the door, searching for Rhi.
“Yes. Your girl stepped outside for a second,” Bethany told Ryker. “She said she needed a moment. Something about seeing the trees?”
“Nature grounds her. Thank you both for everything.”
“I like Rhi a lot. When this mess with Haven is all over, I’d love to spend more time with her.”
“Thanks, Bethany. I’m sure she’d love it too. She hasn’t had a lot of positive females in her life since her mom died.”
“Not that I want to replace her mom, but I have plenty of love to offer.”
“Thanks again. I’m going to find her so she can get some sleep.”
Rev kissed the top of his wife’s head. Ryker had often been a little jealous of the Hounds who had good women in their lives, but now, he didn’t need to be. After they said their goodbyes, Ryker went outside. He searched for Rhi everywhere, but when he didn’t see her outside, he headed upstairs to her bedroom. That’s where he found her, curled up and sleeping peacefully. He warred with his heart and his head about climbing into bed with her, but his heart won out. Slipping out of his shirt, Ryker slid in next to Rhi and pulled her back to his chest, snaking an arm around her waist. He went to sleep with his nose buried in her hair.
Rhiannon
Exhaustion finally took over, and after stepping outside for a few minutes, Rhi went back to her bedroom and slipped off to sleep, relishing the comfortable mattress and the soft bedding. Her neck ached, but it wasn’t enough to keep her from drifting off. Lions and eagles plagued her dreams, along with the feeling of being wrapped in a safe cocoon. She never wanted to wake up. Rhi wanted to stay in Lucy’s house where she was protected by creatures. Lovely, handsome, fierce beings. One being in particular. Rhi wanted to know what it was like to be kissed softly the way Tamian kissed Lucy. To be looked at the way Sutton gazed upon Rory as if she were the most precious gift ever bestowed. To have Ryker teach her about intimacy between adults. To have him claim her as his own, wanting to keep her for as long as she lived.
The weight against her stomach was odd. At first, she thought it was cramps, but the pressure was coming from the outside. Keeping her eyes closed, Rhi roused slowly, taking in not only the pressure against her stomach, but the heat at her back. That heat was coming from a large body pressed against her. She didn’t have to look to know Ryker was spooning her, and she wanted to wake every morning just like that.
Rhi wished she knew what to do. Did she turn over and kiss him? Reach back so she could touch him, letting him know she was awake? Did she lie still so he could continue to sleep and she could enjoy being held for the first time?
Ryker tightened his arm around her before nuzzling her neck with his lips. “Good morning,” he husked. The breath against her skin sent tingles throughout her body. It was a sensation she’d never experienced, but she’d never had Ryker Lazlo showing her affection.
“Good morning.” Rhi pulled her arm from under the covers and placed her hand on his. Ryker threaded their fingers and held them against her chest. He was precariously close to her breast. If she moved just the slightest, he would rub her nipple. Did she want that? Yes, she did. But she didn’t want to seem too forward and give him the impression she was ready for sex. Oh, she wanted him. Rhi knew those tingles were her body telling her brain she wanted Ryker to strip her down and make love to her, but her brain was strong enough
to not give in. Yet.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“Yes. This bed is wonderful.”
“I suppose it is after sleeping on nothing more than a cot for the last ten years.”
“How do you know that?”
“I saw Gideon’s compound, and I can’t imagine Josiah’s was any different. The buildings were similar, so I figured the insides were outfitted the same way.”
“What’s the plan? Am I still being taken to Tamian’s parents’?”
“Yes. Lucy called them, and they’re looking forward to meeting you and Mac. It won’t be for long. Now that we know where Josiah’s compound is located, we’ll be able to get in and take him down.”
“What about my father?”
“That depends on you.”
Rhi unclasped their hands and rolled over so she could look at Ryker. That was a big mistake. Ryker in the morning with his bed-rumpled hair and sleepy eyes was even better than a put-together Ryker. His chest was bare. Rhi hadn’t seen a lot of men’s chests, other than her friends’ back when they swam together, and they had been boys. Her father’s didn’t count. But Rhi knew Ryker’s was something special. His full lips were right there, begging to be kissed, but she didn’t want to prove how lacking she was, so she focused on his eyes.
“If my father willingly went to live with and work for Josiah, I don’t suppose he’s a good man.”
“No, he’s not. For that, I’m sorry.” Ryker brushed a strand of hair away from Rhi’s face, and she leaned into his touch.
“That’s nothing for you to apologize for.”
“No, but I’m sorry that’s the type of father you have. You deserve so much better.” Ryker’s eyes were soft, but she didn’t see pity in them. Only warmth and honesty.