“Blake told him to leave her alone, though.”
“Dmitri’s sense of honor, of protectiveness, is too strong to allow him to listen. And Blake might be his boss, but he marches to the beat of his own drummer. Always has. I promise, she’ll be okay.”
“All right. I believe you. I just wish she’d talked to one of us before she left.”
“She might have been too scared to. She seemed okay with you and Damara, but she wasn’t with the rest of us, and she was far out of her comfort zone.”
“You don’t think she’ll tell anyone about us, do you?”
“No, because what human would believe her? Everyone would think she was crazy, and she knows it. It’ll all work out, you’ll see.”
She blew out a breath, surveying the room. “Maybe. Let’s get to work. I want to get my mind off this whole situation.”
Luke studied Tarun as they worked, worried about her. She was putting on a good front, pretending like she was totally absorbed in getting the bar fixed up, but he could tell her mind was still largely on Georgie’s disappearing act.
It was weird, to him at least. Tarun had been so strong. She came all the way to B&B when she didn’t really know any of the Enforcers that well, just to warn them. To warn him, specifically. He ordered her to go home, and she refused, digging her heels in. Even after she thought he played her, she stayed.
The clubhouse caught on fire—she stayed. Even went as far as to befriend Georgie, who’d hurt her immeasurably. The shifters broke in the night before, and not only did she not hide, but she joined in the fight. And then she spent hours training that morning.
Through all of that, she held strong, steady as a rock. But when Georgie had enough and took off, that was what shook her.
He didn’t understand it much, and thought it must be a woman thing. If a man he hadn’t known long—one who tried to make him think he shared a thing with Tarun—took off and left, he’d shrug and move on. Hell, he thought maybe even a lot of women would react that way.
But Tarun was hurt and worried.
Our mate is one hell of a woman, his lion said.
You’ve got that right. You showed superb taste by choosing her.
I know.
And if his cat’s thoughts were on the smug side, well, he didn’t hold it against him. His animal had every right to feel that way.
Glancing over at Tarun and watching as she wept up broken glass, he thought hard for something to say that could distract her.
Only one thought came to mind. It was something he didn’t want to admit—not because it wasn’t true, but because he’d secretly hoped it wouldn’t be.
“You did very well this morning. You’re picking things up quickly. I don’t know if it’s from watching the War Cats or some of the training Jameson gave you, but you’re a natural.”
She paused, looking at him with an eyebrow arched. “Was it painful to admit that?”
“What? No,” he scoffed. She just continued to stare at him with a knowing look, and he cleared his throat. “Okay, maybe a little. It’s the truth, though. You’re good.”
Straightening, she leaned on the broom and smiled at him. “Thanks. But why do I have to be a natural because of a man or what I learned from a man? Can’t I just be so because I’m good?”
He inclined his head, acknowledging her point. “No, there doesn’t have to be a reason. Regardless of why you’re good, the fact remains that you are.”
“Hopefully that means you’re more resigned to me staying here.”
“Would you change your mind if I wasn’t?”
“Nope.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “That’s what I thought. But I have to admit, after watching you this morning, I am feeling a little more at ease about it. You did well last night, too.”
“I’m glad you can acknowledge it.” Hesitating, she studied him for a moment before speaking again. “Soooo… does this mean you’d be open to me becoming an Enforcer? If Blake would have me, of course.”
His mouth dropped open and he stared at her, mute. “What?”
She smirked. “I’m pretty sure you heard me.”
“I did, but—honestly, I thought you’d want me to quit. I didn’t think you’d want to join.”
“Well, now you know. I don’t need an answer right now. Just think about it. Besides, Blake could say no.”
“Blake would say yes,” Blake called from across the room, clearly having heard the conversation.
Luke shook his head, feeling a little faint. “I think I need to sit down,” he joked weakly.
Tarun’s hazel eyes twinkled with amusement as she used her foot to push a chair toward him. “I understand. Sit away.”
He rolled his eyes at her, but truth be told, he wanted to take her up on it. He wouldn’t, of course—no way was he showing that kind of weakness in front of her, let alone the other Enforcers. But he wanted to.
Liam opened the door, his face like a thundercloud, and made his way over to Luke. “You need to come see this.”
Frowning, he followed him outside, vaguely aware that Tarun and the Enforcers were following them. They went to the back parking lot and he skidded to a stop in the gravel, barely feeling it when Tarun ran into his back.
“What the fuck?” he hissed.
All of their motorcycles, which had been parked in a row, were lying on their sides—like someone pushed one into another and it started a chain reaction. He heard various exclamations of anger behind him, but he couldn’t pull his gaze away.
Liam gestured toward them. “I took one of the trucks to the grocery store for supplies, and I found them like this. I think they’ll all run, although they’ll have some scratches and dings. But you should go look at yours.”
Feeling his mouth set into a grim line, he strode to where his bike was lying half on Blake’s at the beginning of the row. There was a big X spray painted over the Enforcers logo, and next to it read, I’m coming for you, in bright blue letters.
Fury burned through his veins. Not at the threat, but at what was done to his bike. His ride was everything to him. He had a truck, so he wasn’t without wheels even if it didn’t run, but daring to fuck with his bike was a new level of fucked up, second only to a threat against Tarun.
Maybe that said something about his priorities, but he didn’t care. Fucking with his bike was even worse than trying to kill him, in his eyes at least.
“The fuck,” Damara exclaimed, rushing to her motorcycle. “Okay, this dickhead is taking it too far. Fucking with us physically is one thing, but this is beyond infuriating.”
Tarun’s head whipped between him and the other Enforcers. “Am I the only sane one here? You guys are acting like knocking your bikes over is worse than busting through the front door and trying to kill you.”
Blake’s mouth tightened as he stared at his bike. “Because it is.”
Noah nodded. “A biker’s motorcycle is a sacred thing, Tarun. You don’t mess with our bikes and expect to live.”
“You know,” she began contemplatively after a short silence, “I felt such a kinship with each and every one of you. I thought the MC thing was more like a cover for what y’all do. I realize now that it’s real for you, and that we’re not as alike as I believed. Because I firmly believe someone trying to kill you is more important than knocking your bikes over.”
He glanced over at his mate and felt some of his fury fade, his lips lifting slightly as he took in the seriousness and confusion on her face. She truly didn’t get it, but that was okay. She got him, and that was the important thing.
One by one, they righted their bikes and started them, each one roaring to life with a loud growl. The fucker didn’t permanently damage them, but that was little consolation. Bikes were off limits, and he shouldn’t have fucked with them to begin with.
Tarun cocked her head as she stared at him sitting on his bike. “Maybe I should learn to drive one. Get my own bike one day, even. Maybe I’d understand then.”
&
nbsp; Glaring at her, he shut the engine off and dismounted. “Not funny, babe.”
“Not kidding, babe.”
He growled, the sound coming from deep within his chest. “Not happening. You’re here. You’re staying. You’re even training to fight. I think that’s enough. You can ride with me if you want to ride a motorcycle.”
She shrugged. “Maybe I want to learn. And don’t try to say it’s not for girls. Damara has her own bike.”
Stalking forward, he didn’t stop until his front was pressed to hers. Leaning down, he put his lips next to her ear and whispered. “Think of how it felt the other day. Riding behind me, your thighs pressed against mine, the thrum of that powerful engine vibrating right through your middle. Imagine riding behind me, your arms wrapped around me, your breasts pressed to my back, the wind blowing through your hair. It was almost orgasmic, right? Do you really want to give that up?”
When he eased back, her eyes were wide and hazy, and she swallowed hard as she stared up at him. “Well, when you put it like that, maybe I don’t want my own bike.”
Satisfied, his lips quirked and he kissed her, feeling his blood heat. As much as he wanted to continue—as much as his own words had turned him on—it wasn’t the time. But it’d relieved some of his anger and frustration.
Turning back to his bike, he caught a glimpse of Noah smirking at them. He’d clearly heard Luke’s whisper, and he glared as his friend, watching as Noah rubbed a hand over his face and down his beard, wiping his smirk away.
Damara called to Tarun, and still looking dazed, she walked away. Blake joined him, his face grim as he looked at the bikes.
“We need to find this fucker.”
“Agreed. I just don’t know where to start. I flew under the radar before I joined up with B&B. The only shifter I knew before meeting you was Noah. I have no idea who this could be.”
Blake exhaled, looking frustrated. “I hate just sitting around, waiting for the next strike. I’m used to going after the bad guys—not waiting around on them to attack me and mine.”
“I feel the same way.” Pausing, he thought back to the night before. “When you came in and said the mercenaries were under a gag order, it felt familiar. Like there’s something I know on the edge of my mind. Like I know something about it. But I’ve thought about it almost nonstop and I can’t think of anything that’s similar to that. I feel like the information is there. There’s just something blocking it from becoming clear.”
Blake clapped him on the shoulder. “You know I want you to remember, but don’t force it. Let it come naturally. If you keep trying to make yourself remember, odds are that the info will bury itself deeper.”
Blowing out a breath, he nodded, trying to push back the frustration. “I know. It’s been pissing me off, and the angrier I get, the more I feel even the small niggling I have slip away. But it’s so important that I figure this out. Your lives, and the life of my mate, could depend on this info.”
“I know it’s hard, but try to stop worrying about us. Yeah, we’re standing between you and this asshole and that makes us targets, but it’s you he’s focused on. It’s you he’s trying to kill. And you know us Enforcers can take care of ourselves.” He turned to look at Tarun, a contemplative look in his dark blue eyes. “And I know it’s impossible, but try not to worry about so much about your mate. She’s fierce. I’m not often surprised by people, but I am by her. Don’t underestimate her.”
Luke’s lips quirked as he nodded. “I’m slowly learning not to. She’s surprised the hell out of me, too. She’s something else.”
“That she is. I get the feeling y’all haven’t really talked about it yet, but for what it’s worth, she has a place with the Enforcers if she really wants one. I wasn’t kidding about that. Like I said, she’s fierce, and her gift, while not always consistent, is one I wouldn’t mind having around. Don’t dismiss her request out of hand. Give it some thought.”
The idea of Tarun becoming an Enforcer felt like a double edged sword. On one hand, it meant that he could stay an Enforcer. Not only that, but when he left on missions, he wouldn’t be leaving her behind—he could take her with him. They never needed to be apart.
On the other, it put her in more danger. As her mate, protecting her, keeping her safe, wasn’t just his job—it was a need inside him he was compelled to fulfill.
But Blake was right. She kept surprising him with how amazingly strong she was, how fierce she was. He’d underestimated her before, and he didn’t want to do that again.
Because of that, when they set down to talk about it, he’d listen with an open mind, and he’d definitely take her wants into consideration. He wouldn’t blow her off or immediately say no. He was going to listen to her and talk it through with her. Make sure she knew what she’d be getting herself into, and if it was still something she wanted, well—it went against his nature to let her put herself in danger, but it went against his nature to deny her something she really wanted, too.
He idly glanced over at her and then did a doubletake, his eyes narrowing. “What the fuck? Tarun, what the hell are you doing? Damara, are you nuts?”
His mate glanced over at him from where she was sitting on the back of Damara’s bike, revving the engine. She threw him a wink that had him fighting to keep the scowl on his face.
Dammit, he really could deny her nothing.
But he could sure as fuck try to talk her out of shit.
He wore determination like a second skin as he marched over to her, ready to remind her just how amazing it was when they rode on his bike together.
If common sense and pointing the dangers of shit out to her didn’t work, there was always seduction to fall back on.
Tarun yawned, stretching against Luke as she slowly woke up. Blinking her eyes open, she looked around their room. The quality of the sunlight filtering into the room looked like early morning rays, and she wondered what had woken her up. Something had, because they’d gone to bed pretty late last night, and she thought they’d sleep in.
Her eyes were beginning to slide shut again when her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she sighed as she realized that was what woke her up. Leaning up, she suppressed a groan as she saw her brother’s name. She wasn’t sure she was awake enough to deal with him, especially if he’d found about the fight with the shifters.
Thankful she’d put it on vibrate last night and she wouldn’t wake up Luke, she eased out from under his arm. They’d both been exhausted last night, but she thought he was even more so than her, and he needed his sleep.
Standing up, she picked her phone up just as the call ended. A moment later, it buzzed again, and she frowned. It had to be important for Jameson to call her constantly like that.
“Hey, babe. What’s going on?”
Shit. She’d woken Luke up anyway. Turning, she smiled at him. “It’s nothing. Just Jamie calling. Go back to sleep. I’ll go out in the hall to talk to him.”
Shaking his head, he ran his hand through his hair and sat up, the covers falling to his waist. “No, it’s okay. I’m awake. You can talk to him in here.”
Swallowing hard, she ran an appreciative gaze over his bare torso before sighing, pressing her thumb to the screen and accepting the call. “Hey, Jamie. What’s up? It’s pretty early.”
“Hey, sis. It’s eight. Not too early, lazybones.”
Rolling her eyes, she turned, walking through the room and trying to wake up more. “Yeah, yeah. What’s going on? Something is, judging by the amount of times you called.”
“Would you consider coming home?”
She frowned, shaking her head even though he couldn’t see her. “Jamie, Luke’s my mate. This is his home. It’s mine now, too. Besides, my presence is helping with the threat, and being his mate hasn’t changed that. If anything, it makes me want to stay even more. I’ve told you all this before.”
“I was afraid of that answer. I knew you were going to say it, but I had to try.”
Her feet stilled as
she came to a stop in front of the window, her frown deepening. “What’s going on? Something has to be. You’ve known he’s my mate and I planned to stay for a couple days now. Something’s changed. What is it?”
“Fuck. Okay. You know Jessica, and the whole shitstorm that went down with her, right? What she truly is?”
Of course, she knew. Jessica was the alpha, Kian’s, mate. She’d been with the War Cats since she was ten, and was a submissive tiger. Except that wasn’t all she was. They found out about a year ago that she’d been born to a clan where magic and shifters had mixed—the Drako. And she was their queen.
Her shifter gift was born of the magic inside her—meaning she had both of her parents’ animals. She was a tiger and a dragon, although she hadn’t had a clue that she was anything other than a tiger. She had a submissive tiger and a dominant dragon living inside her, and she could choose between the two forms when she shifted. The Drako, specifically their old queen, had come for Jess. And she’d defeated her by taking in all the magic inside the old queen—every bit of magic and knowledge the old queen had possessed, absorbing it into herself.
Something like that wasn’t anything a person forgot.
“Of course I know. What does that have to do with me and the Enforcers?”
She heard the covers on the bed rustle and turned to find Luke sitting up straighter, his face alert as he listened.
“I’m not sure what your gift has sensed, but the grudge directed the Enforcers way is personal toward Luke. But the person isn’t afraid of taking out anyone who gets in his way, which is why you felt the threat toward the group as a whole.”
“Yeeeeeah,” she drawled, trying to figure out where he was going with that. “I know. I sensed it the other day after they were attacked.”
“Is that all?”
“Is that all? Isn’t that bad enough?”
Control (Blood & Bone Enforcers MC Book 1) Page 16