by Harley Wylde
Delilah pulled out her phone and walked out the apartment door. I heard the murmur of her voice in the hall and not much later the sound of motorcycles pulling up outside. She walked in with her husband and four other bikers, crowding my already tiny apartment. I hadn’t realized exactly how small the space was until just now. With only me, Cuddles, and Freya, there was enough room.
“Hayley, you’ve met Titan before. And you’re familiar with Torch and Venom. The other man is Kraken. He’s the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Hades Abyss, and he’s also with Titan’s daughter. They’re here to help,” Delilah said.
Help? Were they going to pack up my apartment? Or create a miracle of some sort? I didn’t understand why she’d called them. Just because Freya was the result of a one-night stand with a biker didn’t mean they owed me anything. Unless they planned to haul me to wherever Hawk lived.
“Help me how?” I asked. “I’m not showing up on some strange man’s doorstep telling him he’s a daddy.”
“You got pregnant about a year ago, right?” Torch asked.
My cheeks burned as I nodded. “I didn’t mean to go through your gates, but Cuddles got away from me.”
“Where is he now?” Venom asked, scanning the apartment. I knew he meant my pet raccoon and not the biker I’d slept with.
I pointed to the far corner where I’d put a wooden cat tree. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but Cuddles liked going into the cubbies to hide. I knew he’d be in there right now, sleeping through all the chaos.
“And you’re sure the man said his name was Hawk?” Titan asked.
“I’m sure.”
Torch glowered and pulled the phone from his pocket. He dialed a number and put the call on speaker. When someone answered, the man’s deep voice sounded fierce.
“What do you want, old man?”
“I’ll show you old,” Torch said. “We have an issue here, but it’s not my problem, Beast. It’s yours. Remember your trip here about a year ago?”
“What of it?” Beast asked.
“Your VP knocked up one of the local girls. A cop’s daughter. Actually, her dad is the chief of police. Hawk has a three-month-old little girl,” Torch said.
Something crashed on the other end of the line. “What the fuck? Why the hell didn’t she say something sooner? Are you sure it’s Hawk’s?”
Venom glanced at me before focusing on the phone. “She’s scared, Beast. Even now she’s trembling so damn hard I think her teeth might be rattling.”
I clenched my jaw, realizing he was right.
“He’s not going to want us,” I said softly. “We’re fine here. He can keep living his life, and I’ll take care of Freya.”
“Without a place to live or a job?” Delilah asked.
The man on the phone sighed. “I have no fucking idea how Hawk is going to react. He’s been off for a while now, not acting like himself. I never know what to expect of him these days. I’ll bring Lyssa for another visit and ask him to come along for the ride. Can someone at your club give her a place to stay in the meantime?”
Venom and Torch shared a look before they smiled. I didn’t think that look boded well for me, and I took a step back.
“I’ll put her with Viking. He hasn’t been patched in all that long, and he’s single. He also has a house with some extra space,” Torch said.
“And he’s a big bastard, so if Hawk loses his shit, Viking can handle him,” Venom said.
Wait. What? They wanted me to stay with a stranger? I felt like everything was spiraling out of my control, and I didn’t like it. But I also knew I didn’t have many options. It was accept their help, or go beg for my dad’s forgiveness. I wasn’t ready for that just yet. Sooner or later, we’d have to mend things between us. I hated being alienated from my family.
“We’ll be there within two or three days. I have a few loose ends to tie up here,” Beast said.
Torch disconnected the call and put his phone away. “All right. Let’s get some boxes and get the two of you packed up.”
I glanced at the cat tree just as Cuddles poked his head out. “What about Cuddles? Will Viking let him come too?”
Venom snickered. “He will if he knows what’s good for him.”
Freya started crying again, which made tears prick my eyes too. I rocked her, but nothing worked. I checked her diaper, changed her clothes, and even went into the bathroom to breastfeed her. My little girl was angry, or most likely hurting, but I didn’t know why.
When I stepped out, Venom was frowning at me. “She like that all the time?”
My defenses went up. It wasn’t the first time someone had asked me that. Freya wasn’t screaming for the fun of it. She wasn’t a bad baby.
“I’ve taken her to the doctor at the free clinic a few times, but they insist she’s healthy. I think something’s wrong,” I said.
“I’ll call Dr. Myron and get an appointment set up. He’s an OBGYN, but he might be able to help or at least refer you to a better doctor,” Venom said. “My kids are too old for a pediatrician now. I don’t know if the one we used is still practicing, but my wife might be able to find out.”
“I can’t. I don’t have a way to pay him,” I said, my cheeks burning with the admission. “I’ve tried to apply for assistance so we could at least have medical coverage, but the lines are always so long and when I tried to call and set an appointment I kept getting disconnected. I even tried going online to take care of it, but the Internet kept dropping or the pages would time out when they tried to load.”
“We’ll take care of it,” Venom said. “Pack whatever essentials you need for the next hour or two. I’ll put them in your car and send you ahead to the compound. Viking will be waiting for you. The rest of us can handle packing up your stuff.”
“And Cuddles?” I asked.
Venom glanced at the raccoon who’d climbed out of his hidey hole and was busy washing a piece of apple in his dish of water. “Pack his stuff too. Just whatever he needs immediately.”
I hurried to put the diaper bag together with a few changes of clothes and a handful of diapers, made sure there were plenty of wipes, and Freya’s favorite blanket. Then I gathered a tote of things I might need immediately. When I’d finished, I looked down at Cuddles, who was sitting by my foot.
“I’ll get his dishes,” Delilah said. “Anything else he needs right now?”
“His kennel, litter box and litter, and his harness and leash,” I said.
“Go get Freya into the car. We’ll bring down everything you need and load it into the back seat and trunk.” She paused to hug me. “You aren’t alone, Hayley. Everything is going to work out fine.”
I wished I could be as certain of that, but it couldn’t be worse than facing homelessness and being jobless. Once the car had been loaded, I pulled away and drove to the Dixie Reapers’ compound. My hands shook a little as I gripped the steering wheel. Twice, I nearly turned around. If I’d had anywhere else to go, I would have. The icing on the cake was driving past my brother in his patrol car. The way his eyes had narrowed, I knew I’d be getting a call soon, wondering why I was heading toward the compound at the edge of town. At the gate, Spencer motioned for me to roll down the window.
“I hear you’re going to Viking’s place,” he said, looking into the back seat at Freya. His gaze turned thoughtful as he looked at my little girl. I knew he probably wondered if the baby was Viking’s. Did he think I was a horrible mother for keeping my child from her daddy? Everyone in town speculated as to who the father was. It wasn’t like we lived in a large place.
“Take a right inside the gate and follow the curve. His place is toward the back end of the houses. It’s a gray-and-white clapboard with a carport and gravel drive. He’ll be standing outside waiting for you.”
“Thanks, Spencer.”
I rolled up the window and followed his directions. The man standing outside the gray house had me stepping on the brakes. Holy hell! I now understood why they called him Viking. The blond
giant looked like he’d be better suited to swinging a sword than riding a motorcycle. I eased the car forward and pulled into the driveway. He motioned for me to park under the carport next to his bike.
When I shut off the engine, he opened my door and reached for my hand, tugging me out of the car.
“Thank you for helping us,” I said.
He squeezed my hand and glanced into the back seat. “You can stay as long as you need. Heard your daughter is named Freya.”
His deep voice sent a shiver through me. He had to have women falling at his feet. I just wouldn’t be one of them.
I nodded. “Um, I think… I think Spencer wonders if she’s yours, since we’re staying here a few days. He didn’t ask outright, and I didn’t know what to tell him. I’m still sorting through it all in my head. Until today, I just knew her dad was a biker named Hawk.”
It also just occurred to me my daughter was named Freya, like the Norse goddess, and this guy was called Viking. No wonder Spencer had stared at her, the questions clearly tumbling through his mind. I wasn’t so sure coming here had been the best idea. I just didn’t have any other options.
“Let’s get your stuff inside and I’ll show you around. Don’t worry about any rumors. If these fuckers don’t have anything better to do with their time, I’m sure Torch will be happy to give them more work.”
I unlocked Freya’s seat and lifted it from the car while Viking grabbed our bags. Cuddles decided to chitter, making the giant man pause.
“It’s my raccoon. He’s tame, and I brought everything he needs.”
“Raccoon?” His eyebrows went up. “Interesting choice for a pet. You’ll have to tell me how you ended up with one. For now, let’s get your stuff in the house and get you settled.”
“And Cuddles?” I asked.
“I’ll come back for him.”
I followed Viking inside and set Freya’s car seat on the floor of the living room. It wasn’t an overly large space, but it felt homey. The neutral colors screamed bachelor, and I didn’t see any photos out anywhere. Nothing personal about the space at all, except a large sword in a glass case.
“That’s been passed down through my family for generations,” he said. “Come on. Your room is this way.”
I left Freya, figuring she’d be okay in her seat since there wasn’t anyone else in the house. A hallway had two doors then split into a T-shape. He walked to the T and turned right, pushing open a door. The bedroom was just as neutral and plain as the rest of the house, but it had a full-size bed and dresser. It was more than enough for what we needed. There was also enough room for Freya’s crib.
Viking set my things down on the bed. “I’ll go get your raccoon and the other stuff in your car.”
“Freya is going to wake up any minute. I don’t know if they warned you, but she’s been crying non-stop. Her doctor keeps saying she’s fine, but Venom said the club was going to call someone to check on her.”
Viking frowned. “She’s sick? What kind of asshole doctor does she have?”
My lips twisted in a grimace. “The free kind.”
He tugged me against his chest and patted my back. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me. We’ll get Freya whatever care she needs. A crying baby isn’t going to bother me.”
I sighed and pulled away. He seemed like a nice guy. I only hoped he didn’t regret letting us stay with him. My stomach knotted when I thought about Hawk coming back. The man on the phone had said he’d bring him here in a few days. What happened if Hawk took one look at Freya and didn’t want us? What if he was pissed that I’d gotten pregnant and decided to keep the baby?
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
Viking swept me into his arms and carried me down the hall, kicking open the door to the bathroom. He set me down and I dropped to my knees, puking in the toilet. My body shook and I fought the urge to cry. Tears had never done me any good. I stood and rinsed my mouth in the sink before bracing my hands on the counter.
“You’ve been under a lot of stress, haven’t you?” Viking asked softly. “You aren’t alone anymore, Hayley. You can stay here for however long you need.”
“What if he doesn’t want us?” I looked at him in the mirror. “What if he comes here and he’s angry I had Freya? What if… if…”
Viking placed his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Stop worrying about the things you can’t control, and let’s focus on what we can take care of. Like Freya. I’ll touch base with Venom and see if he reached the doctor’s office. I’d imagine he’s calling Dr. Myron. All the old ladies go to him. Or maybe Ridley will tell him a pediatrician who can look at Freya. One day at a time, Hayley. And if that’s too much, focus on one hour at a time.”
“You’re not what I was expecting.”
He smiled. “Don’t tell anyone. I’m supposed to be a big, tough biker.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” I turned and gave him a hug. Even though we’d just met, for the first time in forever, I felt like I had a true friend.
“Check on Freya and I’ll get Cuddles. Everything will be okay, Hayley. You’ll see.”
Chapter Five
Hawk
“Why exactly do I need to go with you?” I asked the Pres. “I understand your woman wanting to go visit her family. Wouldn’t it be better for me to stay here and keep an eye on things?”
Beast stared me down. Once he made up his mind, that was usually it. I had my reasons for not wanting to go. Well, just one. It had been a year since I’d taken Hayley’s virginity. And roughly nine months since I’d last seen her. I’d gone with the club to the Dixie Reapers once since then, and I’d hoped to run into her. Her dad had introduced us when I’d gone down to help with the stalker situation, not knowing we’d already met. And she’d acted like I was a stranger. It wasn’t like I could say anything to anyone. No one had known we’d been together. Preacher had seen us, but we’d been chasing her raccoon at the time. Perfectly harmless and innocent.
What happened later was another matter.
I’d tried being with women since Hayley, but it always felt wrong. Hell, I couldn’t even get hard anymore without thinking about her. I knew if I went with Beast, I’d want to track down the woman who’d captured my attention. The last thing I needed to do was make a fool of myself chasing after someone who didn’t want me.
“Beast, you don’t need me with you.”
“You’re going, Hawk. I’m not fucking asking.”
I threw my hands up in the air and stalked out of his house. It didn’t make any damn sense. There wasn’t a single reason he needed me to go to Alabama. I went to my house and packed a bag, hoping we wouldn’t be gone for too long. Last time, we’d been there three days. I reached into my dresser to pull out a few shirts and my fingers brushed something.
I froze, knowing exactly what it was.
Taking a breath, I pulled out the box and flicked the lid open. I’d made it during a night I’d been too drunk and stupid to know any better a few months back. I’d twisted the silver wire into pretty swirls around the silver nameplate that said Property of Hawk. I’d even engraved it myself.
The bracelet had gone into this box and been shoved into my dresser the next morning when I’d woken and realized what I’d done. It wasn’t the first time I’d drunk myself stupid while thinking about Hayley. What the fuck had she done to me? I was two decades older than her. It wasn’t like I lacked for female companionship. I had my pick of women. And yet I wanted the one who didn’t seem to want me back.
Fucking figured.
I shut the box and gripped it in my hand, nearly tossing it back into the drawer. Something stopped me, and I put it into my bag instead. The chances of running into Hayley were slim, and even slimmer she’d want anything to do with me. I finished packing and went out to my bike. I balanced the duffle in front of me while I drove to Beast’s house. Even though he’d have his woman and kid in the car with him, I knew they’d have room for my stuff too.
; It was the least he could do since he was forcing me to take this trip. I tossed my bag into the back of Lyssa’s SUV, then pulled away to wait for them by the gate. I gave a nod to Brick and Ranger who were going too. I wondered why Beast felt the need to have so many of us with him. Was there something going on he hadn’t mentioned? We’d had Church three days ago when he’d announced this damn trip, but he hadn’t said anything else. No danger heading our way, or issues with any deals. It was weird as shit, but the Pres was being tight-lipped about it.
“You look like you’re going to the gallows,” Ranger said.
“Maybe I am,” I said.
Brick snorted. “He hasn’t been right for a while now. Hasn’t been with the girls at the clubhouse, or any others that I’ve noticed. Your dick broken? Or have you discovered you’re gay?”
I flipped him off, making him laugh. “Laugh it up. You’re not exactly getting younger. How long before you need those little blue pills? And no, I’m not gay. I still like pussy, but I’m more particular.”
Brick sobered and glared at me. Served the fucker right. Although the tinge of pink on his cheeks made me wonder if he’d already needed those pills. If so, I felt sorry for the bastard, but at least his dick wasn’t refusing to work because of a certain woman. If I didn’t find a way to get Hayley out of my system, or into my bed, my life was going to be a never-ending nightmare.
Beast and his family rolled up to the gates in Lyssa’s Escalade. The club had given him shit for driving it the first few times, but Casper VanHorne had given it to Lyssa. Since it had sentimental value, it was here to stay. I had a feeling if the damn thing were to die tomorrow, VanHorne would just send her another one. Or something even flashier.
We pulled through the gate and down the winding drive to the street. As much as I didn’t want to take this damn trip, I also knew my place. I pulled in front of the SUV with Beast and his family behind me. Brick and Ranger took up the rear. I didn’t know how many stops we’d have to make. Last time, Lyssa had been pregnant. Now there was a small baby who’d need diaper changes, feeding, and whatever else tiny humans required.