Chapter Three

Aksana

Sighing, I looked around the vast hillside. Stuck in the middle of nowhere was not where I wanted to be. For the last month, all I’d done was move from one raunchy motel to the next. It was becoming tedious. Never staying in the same place longer than two days before I found myself on the road again. With no direction, I felt as if I was making circles. As it was, I was pretty sure I had zigzagged enough of the countryside to lose whoever was following me, but not sure enough to bet my life on it.

Everything was going fine.

I had a semi-decent job. The tips were great. I had a home I was comfortable in. My daughter was happy, and I knew if I needed help, all I had to do was ask Luc. That was until I showed up at the clubhouse to pick up my paycheck to find total chaos. Brothers lying on the ground bleeding. Ivy leaned over Pyle, crying, while she tried to help him, and that’s when they showed up.

There was no mistaking the man when he took off his helmet.

He was a Soulless Sinner.

They had found me.

Quickly making a U-turn, I raced home to find my front door wide open. Approaching slowly, I peeked inside and gasped. Everything was ripped apart, torn up, or destroyed. Someone had been in my house. They’d been looking for something. A shiver of fear seeped down my spine. I couldn’t stay here anymore.

My only concern was London, besides my daughter. London had been such a big help to me. Part of me didn’t want to leave her behind, but I knew it was going to be hard enough traveling with a toddler, let alone a teenager. London was like me in a lot of ways. We both had secrets and were both running, hiding from our pasts. London was a survivor. Of that, I had no doubt. I just hoped when all was said and done, she would forgive me for abandoning her.

“Momma, I sleepy.”

Walking back over to the car, I looked in the backseat and smiled. “I know, baby. Only a little bit longer and then you can sleep in a comfy bed. Okay?”

My little girl nodded, rubbing her eyes as sweat beaded on her forehead. It was so freaking hot here in the middle of Oklahoma. With nothing around for miles, I looked at the map on the hood of my car and tried to decipher just where in the hell I was. I would have looked at my cell phone, but no service.

The sound of motorcycle pipes in the distance had me stilling as I slowly stood and turned. I could clearly see two lone riders headed my way, and with no one around to help me, I knew whoever they were, they would stop. Ducking inside my car, I grabbed my bag and reached for my handgun, tucking it in the waistband of my jeans as I stood when the bikes slowed, then pulled over, parking a few feet ahead of me.

The first thing I looked for was their leather cuts.

They weren’t wearing any. Only cut-off jean jackets over white T-shirts. Which was a tremendous relief.

Looking at my sleeping daughter, I took a step toward them as one man smiled. “Car trouble?”

Using my hand to block the sun, I sighed. “No. Just lost.”

The other man chuckled. “Yeah, these back roads are no joke. I told Bayou that we should have stayed on the interstate, but the fucker wanted to stop by and see a good friend of ours that moved to the area a while ago before we head home to California.”

“Where are you both coming from?” I asked, feeling a little relieved that, like me, they were traveling.

“Louisiana. We were visiting family,” the other man said, looking past me into my car at my daughter.

“I’m Bayou,” the first biker introduced himself, extending his hand toward mine.

Taking it, I shook it.

“I’m Anne, and asleep in the back seat is my daughter, Katiya.”

“This ugly mug next to me is Viper. Ignore him. He’s harmless.”

“So where are you headed?” Bayou asked, looking at my map.

“To the nearest town with a decent motel and a cool shower.”

“That would be Lawton. The same place we’re headed. If you want, you can follow us into town. We’re not far from the city.”

Looking up at the man, I smiled. “That would be lovely. Thank you!”

“Our pleasure,” Viper replied warmly, moving to take a better look at my daughter. “Besides. Little Miss looks worn out. Poor kid could use a couple hours in the air conditioning.”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I need to have it fixed when I get to town. My air conditioning stopped working this morning.”

“You know what,” Bayou said. “Our friend is a damn good mechanic. I bet he could fix your AC for a fraction of the cost.”

“Oh, that’s sweet of you, but I think it’s best if I just take it to a shop. I wouldn’t want to put anyone out.”

“You wouldn’t be. Females surround the poor guy. He can’t catch a break. Plus, you would be doing us a favor. With Shadow working on your car, that means we have to help him. And I just know his sisters would insist on you staying. They love company. The more the merrier.”

I narrowed my eyes and said, “Plus, you wouldn’t have to keep the females entertained.”

“Exactly!” both men confirmed, grinning from ear to ear.

I don’t know what made me say yes, but not even thirty minutes later, I followed both bikes when they turned off the road and down a tree-lined gravel track that led to a beautiful two-story country house. The place was gorgeous. Flowers bloomed everywhere. Large maple and oak trees shaded the house and surrounding area. Off to the side of the house was a large barn. A swing set sat perfectly next to it.

Parking right next to the bikes, I watched as six women and two girls rushed out of the house, followed closely by a man who looked about ready to pull his hair out.

“Uncle Bayou!” the older girl screamed while she launched herself at the familiar face.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite girl. Did ya miss me?”

“About as much as I miss a sore tooth.” The girl giggled before she kissed his cheek. “What did you bring me?”

Getting out of my car, I watched as a beautiful woman with white-blonde hair and pink tips walked over and smiled. “Welcome to the crazy house. I’m Ari.”

And just like that, all the women lined up and started introducing themselves.

“I’m Joy.”

“Charity.”

“Faith.”

“I’m Hope.”

“Momma”—a little girl tugged on her mother’s skirt—“what about me?”

Ari picked up the adorable girl and said, “And this shy thing is Sarah.”

“Welcome, I’m Joan,” another woman greeted. “You look overwhelmed.”

All I could do was nod as the man who followed them out of the house rolled his eyes. “Back up, you witches, and give the woman room to breathe.”

“We are outside, Zeke. How much more air does she need to breathe?” Joy snarked.

Well, I think it was Joy.

Maybe it was Charity.

“Please forgive my sisters. They don’t get a lot of visitors.”

“Only because you run them off!”

“Now, Joy,” Ari scolded. “He’s only protecting you.”

“Whatever,” the young woman clipped. “I’m going back inside and filling out more college applications. And they are all going to be abroad!”

Hiding my smile, I watched as one woman snuggled under the man’s arm and he kissed the side of her head.

“Shadow,” Bayou said, standing next to me while Viper went to open the back door to retrieve my sleeping daughter. “This is Anne and Katiya. Found them on the road to Lawton. Thought you might like to take a look at her car.”

Looking from Bayou to Shadow, I could clearly see the unspoken words between the two men, and when Shadow blinked, then grinned, I knew he caught on.

“Oh yeah! Sure. No problem. I’d love to.”

“Fine,” the woman under Shadow’s arm snarked. “We get it. You don’t want our company. Go. Go ahead and go play with your friends. Leave this poor woman all alone with complete strangers. We don’t need you men, anyway.”

“Damn right we don’t,” one of the other women clipped, reaching for my daughter, taking her from Viper, who frowned. “Don’t want our company, then you don’t get to hold the baby. Snooze, you lose.”

Laughing, Ari walked over and laced her arm with mine. “Just leave Shadow your keys. The boys will have your car in tiptop shape in no time. In the meantime, we can relax in the cool AC and get to know each other.”

Before I could say anything, Ari started dragging me toward the house as the other women followed. Looking over my shoulder, I shouted, “Keys are in the ignition!”

“Okay, let me see if I got this right.” I sighed, looking around the large table. Pointing from left to right, I said, “Charity, who’s married to Nevil. Then it’s Hope, Joy, and Faith. All of you are Shadow’s sisters.”

“And I’m married to their older brother, Balthazar.” Ari smiled.

“And I’m married to Zeke,” Joan added as she held Katiya in her arms. My poor baby hadn’t touched the ground since we arrived. Apparently, everyone wanted a chance to hold her.

“And, Ari, you are the mother to Rebekah, Sarah, and Katie.”

“We’re a lot to take in. We know.” Hope grinned. “But we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Smirking, I teased, “Now, I know why Bayou and Viper were so eager to fix my car.”

“I admit we can be a handful, but our hearts are in the right place. We are so glad you took the brothers up on their offer. We love having company,” Hope said warmly.

“I appreciate that. I must admit, I wasn’t looking forward to another motel and takeout. Brothers? How many brothers do you girls have?”

“Oh, Bayou and Viper are not our actual brothers. They are Zeke and Balthazar’s brothers from the club,” Charity informed.

I stiffened. “Club?”

Ari nodded. “My husband and Zeke, or Shadow as they call him, were brothers in the Golden Skulls Motorcycle Club for years before they walked away.”

Looking at my hands, I frowned, asking, “But I thought once a man became a brother, it was for life?”

“In some clubs it’s like that, but not in the Golden Skulls. Reaper, the President of the club, only wants men who want to be there. When Zeke left, Ghost tried to stay, but things were tense back then and Balthazar didn’t want to put me or the girls in danger. So, he handed in his cut and left.”

“And Bayou and Viper?”

“They are nomads right now, but Reaper sent out the call and they are traveling back to California. That’s where the Mother Chapter is. They are only here for a few days before they get back on the road.”

“They weren’t wearing cuts.”

“You know about cuts?” Faith asked, staring at me.

I nodded. “I’ve been around a few bikers before.”

Ari leaned forward and rested her hand over mine. “Well, our bikers are the good guys. Aren’t they, girls?”

Everyone nodded.

All but Faith, who frowned.

Dinner was an event at the Miller house. It was loud, boisterous, and full of laughter. I’d never seen such a big family enjoy each other’s company while they picked on each other all in good humor. Even with the joy faded, I could still feel the love everyone had for each other when they all scattered off to do their own thing.

Sitting on the front porch, I hated myself for being envious of them. They had what I always wanted. A joyful life with people who actually loved and cared for them.

I had no one.

Except for my daughter. I didn’t know what the future held for me, but I prayed I could give my daughter a fraction of what this family had. If I could pull that off, then I could say my daughter had a beautiful life.

“You’re running.”

Turning, Faith walked out of the shadows and took a seat next to me. Out of all the women, I knew she saw everything.

“How long have you been running?”

“My whole life, it feels like.”

She sighed, wrapping her arms around her knees. “I know the feeling. Doesn’t matter where you hide, the darkness always finds you.”

“Yeah, it does.”

“Not everything is black and white. I won’t ask questions. You have your reasons. Just know that there are people out there who want to help you.”

“Meaning you and your family?”

Faith nodded. “We all saw the signs. Zeke is worried, so is Ari.”

“But not you?”

Faith smiled, looking at me. “No. I’m not worried. You are a fighter, Anne. The second you got away, you proved that.”

“I can’t stay, Faith. I can’t put your family in danger.”

“I know you think that, but whoever is after you doesn’t know what they would be walking into. This family, we’re a lot more than we look. Plus, Zeke is a brother in the Diamondbacks. Those men don’t play when it comes to crap like this. And if push comes to shove, Kansas will call his brother Montana.”

I stiffened.

Slowly getting to my feet, I glared at the woman. “Montana. Montana Stone. The President of the Soulless Sinners?”

Faith frowned. “Yeah. His little brother Kansas is the President of the Diamondbacks.”

“Oh God,” I gasped, looking around the area. “I need to leave. I need to leave now.”

Faith jumped to her feet and grabbed my hands. “Anne. Are you running from the Soulless Sinners?”

“I can’t stay here. I can’t,” I shouted, yanking my hands away.

I needed to get Katiya and leave this place immediately.

“Faith, what’s going on?” Zeke asked, walking toward the house with Viper and Bayou behind him.

“Anne’s scared. I mentioned the Soulless Sinners and she started panicking. She wants to leave immediately.”

Turning around, I saw Bayou. Running over to him, I grabbed his shirt and pleaded, “You are a brother in the Golden Skulls, right?”

The man slowly nodded. “Yeah.”

“Sanctuary. Please grant me sanctuary!”

Bayou looked at Viper, who stiffened.

“Please. Please help me!”

“Anne, we’re just nomads. We can’t give you sanctuary until we get our brother status back at the clubhouse.”

“You have to help me. Please! I’ve got nowhere else to go. Then take me to Vladmir. He will know what to do.”

“Whoa!” Zeke growled, grabbing my arm, turning me to face him. “How the hell do you know Vladmir?”

Shaking my head, I refused to say anything.

He wasn’t a Golden Skull.

I couldn’t trust him.

Reaching for his phone, Zeke instructed, “Viper, call Reaper. I’m calling Kansas.”

“NO!” I shouted, slapping the phone out of Zeke’s hand.

“What in the world is going on out here?” Ari rushed from the house, running over to me.

Wrapping my arms around her, I pleaded with her, “Please Ari. You said your husband was with the Golden Skulls. That means you must know Remi. Please, call him and tell him I need sanctuary.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Zeke asked angrily. “How the hell do you know about sanctuary? How the fuck do you know about Remi, and most importantly, why is Vladmir Ivenok the only one who can help you?”

Releasing me, Ari brushed my hair away from my face as she looked me in the eyes. “Anne. You are safe here. No one here will hurt you. Honey, you need to tell us something. How do you know Remi?”

Sniffing, I muttered, “I don’t really know her. I know of her. She is married to Reaper, the President of the Golden Skulls. She is Vladmir’s daughter. She can help me get in contact with him. He’s the only one who knows the truth about me. I’m sorry, I want to tell you more, but I can’t. Please don’t make me.”

Hugging me tightly, I heard Zeke speaking, “Yeah. I have a problem. Remember that unexpected visitor I told you about? Well, it sounds like your douchebag of a brother fucked up again. Yeah, Viper and Bayou are still here. Bayou is on the phone with Reaper now. Look man, I don’t know what to tell you, but you better contact Maxim, fast. Something isn’t right here. Yeah, sure. Okay. Bye.”

“Viper,” Bayou growled, as he looked at his phone. “Go get our cuts out of our saddlebags. Reaper granted her sanctuary. Remi is calling her dad now. We’re on the clock.”

“Kansas granted her sanctuary too. He’s sending some brothers our way for protection. They will be here in twenty minutes.”

In the next instant, Zeke’s phone rang. Connecting the call, we listened intently. “Dude, what the fuck is going on? Yeah, I’m looking at her right now.”

Handing me his phone, my hand shook as I brought it to my ear.

“Hello?” I whispered cautiously, and when I heard his voice, I knew everything was going to be alright.

“Aksana. I want you to stay right where you are. I am heading to the airport now. I will be there in a few hours. You can trust Shadow and the others. Do not leave that house. Do you understand me?”

“I understand.”

“Good, now let me speak with Shadow.”

Handing the phone back to Zeke, the man walked off as he talked with Vladmir Ivenok.