Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ride or Die

Nera

Riding on the back of a motorcycle had never particularly been a fantasy of mine, but there was something exhilarating about it now. With my arms wrapped around Psycho's trim and muscular waist, we were flying down the I-10 to who knew where. He wasn't taking me back to Tampa, we'd already determined that. He said he had a surprise for me.

It blew my mind that I'd known this man all of two days and I was already completely enamored by him. He was nothing like the man I'd met, who'd shown up at the Reapers' clubhouse to rescue me. I'd been scared shitless of him.

After hopping off that bus in the New Orleans station, I remember shaking like a leaf as I bummed some change off of a passing stranger to make that phone call, amazed the station still had an old payphone. The way I must have looked—it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out I had no money. The man in the business suit had handed me all the change in his pocket. What was left after the phone call got me a bag of chips and a candy bar from the vending machine as I waited for Duke to pick me up.

He'd balked at first. Suspicious and questioning who I was. I had to provide a lot of personal details about Amanda. I just wished I'd had her cell phone memorized so I could have called her from the Biloxi station instead, but I'd been so panicked and had wanted to put as much space between that place and myself that I just bolted. Besides, I thought I remembered her saying something about an upcoming deployment that went along with her shiny new promotion.

When Duke and another scary-looking biker showed up, I almost didn't get in their pickup truck. But I didn't have a choice. The bastards would find me, I knew they would, if I didn't leave that bus station, and those two looked like the lesser of two evils. I felt my powers returning and took comfort in the faith that I could defend myself against these humans if need be. I didn't have a plan for when I arrived wherever Duke was taking me. I just needed some kind of shelter—and a fucking shower.

Meeting with Hawk was pretty intimidating. The dude was seriously paranoid, talking about the pigs being on his ass, and I hadn't lasted even a day after they fed me cold pizza and let me take a lukewarm shower in their "gym" locker room, if you could call it that. None of them really looked like they spent much time there.

Unlike Psycho. This man speeding me down the highway on the back of his bike smelled amazing and was all muscle. I resisted the urge to run my hands up and down his chiseled abs as my hands gripped him underneath his vest on the outside of his white tee. I was seriously attracted to him, and by the look in his bottomless brown eyes as he stared at me on the edge of that lake, he was into me too.

Seemed too soon, but the attraction was undeniable.

How could I fall for a werewolf? My family would laugh me right out Tampa if they knew. Was I falling for Psycho—Shep? I wasn't sure. I just knew this attraction was insane.

My mind drifted to the bastard and what he'd done to me. He was the only one in that house to take advantage of me in that way. The other girls said it was him as well. None of the other ones touched us. My eyes welled up and the wind wiped them quickly away. I hated feeling so broken and weak inside, and figured I'd need to talk to someone eventually. I just found it easier to push the thoughts away and tell myself he was just an undead monster taking advantage of those weaker than him, and that one day, he would get what was coming to him.

As I gripped Psycho's midsection, I hoped he never asked me to go into details about what the bastard had done. Because I would never speak it aloud again.

I was surprised when, only after a few minutes, he took an exit and we slowly rode through downtown streets of New Orleans until we reached a random parking lot on Canal Street. The night fully ruled now, and the streets were bustling with people. I'd never been to New Orleans, but I guessed I'd be checking it off my bucket list now. Excitement swirled in my stomach. The lights, the sounds, the smells, it all distracted me from the horrors of the past few weeks I'd been struggling to leave behind. I felt safe with Shep and knew nothing would harm me.

We dismounted the bike, he paid for parking at a machine, and we walked hand-in-hand down the busy streets. I marveled at the large white church in the center of Jackson Square, its spire reaching into the night sky.

"Are you hungry?" Shep asked.

"You are always trying to feed me," I joked. "Am I too skinny or something?"

He narrowed his eyes and frowned. "Yes, you are."

"I obviously haven't stepped foot on a scale but I've for sure dropped some pounds. Only eating once a day and the stress of being held captive will do that to a person."

He let out a growl that surprised even me. "Food first, then let's get you some new clothes. And see if we can find a cell phone store."

I surely wasn't going to turn any of that down. Food, clothes, a phone. That was all I needed in this moment. And the comfort and safety of this man who oozed masculinity and strength. I sometimes forgot he was a supernatural creature who turned into a beast under the full moon. I'd have to ask him about that one of these days. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch. I'd heard enough horror stories from my witch family and wasn't in a hurry to witness it. Plus, it was obviously dangerous.

We discovered there were no cell phone stores that were open, but we found a few boutiques. The clothes weren't really my style, but I did get a couple of pairs of pants. I opted for the tourist stores to get some tees and shorts. Most of them had New Orleans written on them, but I didn't give a shit.

Once that was done, we found a fabulous place for seafood and I sighed in happiness after we ate. I had a drink called a Hurricane and I was fairly sure there was more alcohol than mixer in the damn thing. My head felt woozy and I had to tell myself to keep my mouth shut before the alcohol created loose lips. I really liked Shep but I remained very guarded.

"Want to take a walk down Bourbon Street?" he asked. Then he looked at my feet. "Take off those sandals and put on the sneakers." He pointed to the bag of stuff we bought—he bought. "You don't want to walk around in open-toed shoes on Bourbon."

I looked down. "Why not? I don't know where you got these, but they're comfortable." I mean, they were ugly as hell, Birkenstock-type sandals, but I had no complaints.

"Just trust me."

I shrugged and sat down on a bench, changing out of the sandals and into the sneakers. With shorts, a tee, and a hoodie tied around my waist, we headed toward Bourbon. I was sure the thick black shit-kickers with the chains on them Shep wore would fare just fine.

He held my hand as we passed by street performers and shops. Bars were lit with bright, colorful lights and loud music. A man with a large yellow snake stood in the middle of the street offering photos and petting sessions with the snake. I made a wide berth around him. I fucking hated snakes.

Psycho chuckled. "Not a fan?"

I shook my head. "Absolutely not."

"I've killed a few. Mostly as the wolf, but we tend to stay away. Some of the snakes around here are deadly. I think that's a python but it's obviously someone's pet."

I shuddered. "Gah. Who keeps snakes as pets?"

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close. "Crazy people." He looked down at me as we walked. "Do you have any pets at home?"

I grinned up at him. "I'm a witch. We have cats. Lots of them. Duh."

He chuckled. "Obviously."

We continued to walk, my head feeling dizzy from the Hurricane—which I only drank about a third of before I tossed it out—but I felt happy. Relaxed. Something I hadn't felt in weeks.

I suddenly felt guilty when I remembered I hadn't called Amanda or my family to let them know I was okay. It was after 10 p.m. in Tampa, and I had no idea what time zone Amanda was in, so I justified that a call tomorrow would be okay. Still, I worried my lip anyway.

"What's wrong?" he asked me.

"I really should call someone. Let them know I'm okay."

"We have to get your story straight first," he said, and I knew he was right.

I would either have to make up a lie about running away and going on a bender, or admit I was kidnapped and hoped my family and friends didn't report my sudden reappearance to the humans. Because there was nothing I could tell them that would be the truth, and it would be an exercise in futility for them to try to investigate. I was sure they had enough criminals and problems to deal with, and chasing down sadistic vampires would do them no good.

I woke the next morning with a yawn and a stretch. This room wasn't the homiest but it did for now. The urge to invite myself into Shep's house last night was strong, but I refrained. I wasn't ready to sleep with him. Or anyone. I was too fucked up. But being held in strong arms as I slept didn't sound too bad.

After using the communal bathroom, I took a quick shower. Then, I dressed in shorts and a hoodie Shep had bought me last night. I washed the sneakers off in the sink (per Shep's instructions) and put those on as well. I avoided the mirror while brushing my teeth and after combing my hair, I let it air dry and hoped it didn't look too crazy. I was thinking I should grow it longer so I could just tie it into a messy bun and not have to worry about facing a mirror.

When would the fear of looking at myself heal? Maybe there was a spell for that.

I wandered into the main area and curled up in a lounge chair in front of the massive television. The area was mostly quiet, the kitchen and bar unmanned. I had no idea what time it was since I had no phone, watch, or a clock in my room. The sun was starting to rise and it was light out, and being it was April, I assumed it was about seven or eight a.m.

I mindlessly watched some morning show out of New York, but it didn't hold my attention very well. I grew restless and decided to walk the same trail we had last night and go sit by the lake. Well, on this side of the fence since I didn't have a key.

The morning air felt nice and the hoodie kept me warm enough since it was a little cool. The paved road was a winding one, and as I passed by a large warehouse and a bunch of small houses, I wondered what they did here. Did they manufacture or export goods in that warehouse? It had to be something lucrative since this whole lakefront property and those homes didn't look cheap. Nor did that Humvee and the brand new SUV Shep lovingly called the "grocery getter" parked outside the clubhouse. And those golf cart-looking things hooked up to charging stations looked new as well.

I wondered if they dealt in illegal things. Guns? Drugs? I didn't want to think about it. Whatever it was, it was none of my business. Everyone here had been more than kind to me, and they all seemed like they gave a shit about not only me, but each other and even the women I'd left behind in that house, guilt clawing at me.

I thought about those four young ladies. I hardly remembered their names but never got last names. Why hadn't we exchanged last names? I also wondered if Brittney and Leann had gotten away when they stormed out the front door. Were they safe?

"Good morning."

I started at the sound, but then relaxed when I turned and saw Shep standing on the porch of the largest house in the area. He wore only a pair of gray sweatpants and no shirt, and I had to tell myself to close my mouth.

Holy shit.

Massive shoulders. Biceps like melons. Strong forearms. Sexy-as-hell tattoos covering his arms and chest. A light dusting of dark hair on the solid pecs leading down to a washboard stomach, and that damn V disappearing into his waistband that made girls do stupid things.

Close your mouth, Nera…

"See something you like?" he asked.

Crap!

I cleared my throat. "I was just, ah, taking a walk. Got up early, I guess. I don't have a clock, so I just woke when my body told me to."

With his coffee cup in his hand, he closed the distance between us until he was standing three feet away. "Have you eaten? Come inside." He jerked his head toward his house.

Who was I to say no?

I followed him inside, the rich aroma of coffee hitting my nose. I inhaled and let out a sigh. I missed coffee so much. The withdrawal headaches had been the worst when I was first taken. Water was all the bastards gave us.

He led me to a kitchen island covered in white and black swirled marble and instructed me to sit in a black leather padded barstool.

"Cream and sugar?" he asked.

"Just black," I replied.

Get in my belly!

He chuckled. "Ooh, hardcore. I love it." He set a mug in front of me, and as I lifted it, he clinked his with mine. "Cheers."

"Cheers to caffeine. Come to mama." I tilted the mug to lips, closed my eyes in ecstasy, and groaned as the nectar of the gods slid down my throat. It was absolute heaven.

"The little things, huh?"

I nodded. "Definitely the little things." I opened my eyes and looked at him, refraining from letting my gaze drag south.

"Now that you're caffeinated, may I interest you in some breakfast? Maybe a bowl of cereal or a frozen breakfast sandwich I can nuke? Or some toaster waffles?"

I grinned and wrapped my hands around the coffee mug. "Not much of a cook?"

He shook his head. "Eh, somewhat. I just need to go to the store."

I lifted the mug. "Not really hungry. This is perfect, actually."

He looked relieved and that was amusing.

"I was just going to walk to the lake, see how pretty it looked in the daytime. If you want to join me," I added before taking another sip.

"Absolutely. Let me throw on a shirt."

Or don't.

What was wrong with me, lusting after a werewolf? Not okay, Nera.

He disappointingly emerged from a back bedroom in a white tee and some sneakers. I took another sip before we headed out into the crisp morning air.

With both of us holding our coffee, we didn't hold hands, but that was okay. I sucked in the clean, fragrant Louisiana air and smiled at the tall green cypress trees surrounding us. The black wrought-iron gate was mostly hidden by the giant trees, and maybe I only noticed it because I knew it was there.

Once we got to the gate, Shep produced a key from the pocket of his sweatpants and unlocked it. I walked through and stood on the bank of the lake, marveling at the glint of morning sun bouncing off the dark water.

"How do you not come out here every morning and just marvel at the view?" I asked him.

I jumped a little when his hands went around my waist, their warmth landing on my belly. I leaned back into his heat, wanting to rub myself all over him like a cat.

"I do sometimes, when I don't have meetings or appointments, which take place more often than not."

I understood that. I was a nurse by trade—something to supplement my income while I learned spells and rituals—and having to make money took priority over everything until I could become self-sufficient. I supposed he was the same way.

"I'd be out here every weekend at least," I murmured, lifting the coffee cup to my lips. I was going to need a refill. This shit was absolutely insane. I'd need to get the name of it. It tasted expensive and decadent.

As decadent as the feel of Shep's warm hands on my belly. He made me feel safe and relaxed. Something I hadn't felt in weeks until I was brought to this compound, just wanting to go home.

"What's on your agenda for today?" I asked.

"Oh, this and that. Phone calls. Zoom meetings. Finding vampire sex-trafficking assholes and ending them."

I turned in his arms and looked up at him. "Do you really think you can locate them?"

"Yes, the fuck I can. And I will. I mean it, Nera. You give a detailed description to Wizard. Let him do his hocus-pocus with the computer, and we'll find that guy. Then, we'll be visiting this Shark Bait place and seeing if he's hanging out there. They sound real stupid."

I agreed, but no way was I going anywhere near Biloxi. "Don't you have a supernatural hierarchy here? Like, where are the vampires of New Orleans? I mean, that sounds stupid now that it's coming out of my mouth since I've read too many books, but… does that make sense?"

A grin twisted his lips. "I know exactly what you mean. There's another MC here—the Nighthawks. They're the vamps who oversee this area. It's on my agenda today to reach out to their leader and see if they have jurisdiction over Mississippi. If they don't, Viper will know who does."

My lips twitched. "Viper?"

"Yes. Since you hate snakes, I won't be introducing you."

"I'm sure he's much more deadly than the yellow one on Bourbon Street last night," I quipped.

"You aren't wrong. He doesn't fuck around. But, sweetheart, neither do I."

He looked like he was going to lean down and kiss me, and I wasn't sure I was ready for that. As hot as he was, my demons roared to the surface at any sort of intimate contact, so I needed to back off.

I disentangled myself and held up my mug. "Do we have time for one more cup?"