Chapter 22
Two weeks had passed since his return home from Mexico. Two miserable fucking weeks. The Sons of Sangue had since paid their final respects in a memorial to Peter, sending him off in grand fashion. The party had gone well into the night. Peter would have approved. The following day, Grigore had mounted his motorcycle and made tracks for Detroit. He had no idea when he’d return, telling Ryder he’d keep in touch. Seemed the big guy had a heart beneath all that muscle, hair, and tattoos after all.
Ryder’s heart, on the other hand, hurt like hell, missing Gabby so much it nearly crippled him. He seemed in a constant state of self-pity. In the past he had suffered loss, taking months to move forward. But this … he was fucking miserable knowing Gabby was out there and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about winning her back. She’d never forgive his deception, not that he could blame her.
Scrubbing a hand down his razor-stubbled face, having recently shaven off the beard and cut his hair back to his normal shorter preference, he blew out a steady stream of air. Ryder deserved her contempt and more. Hell, he was responsible for the upheaval of her life. Gabby had been left without family.
He couldn’t help wondering how she was faring, hoping she was doing okay, wishing he was there to comfort her, knowing she’d never allow it. Maybe one day, her hate for him would diminish.
Who was he kidding? From her standpoint, there was no explanation that would make what he did okay. Gabby’s hatred for him would not likely subside.
Their parting was no doubt for the best. She didn’t need him, likely never would have. Gabby was used to riches well beyond his grasp. And him? He didn’t need a mate. There were plenty of women at the Blood ’n’ Rave willing to share his bed. So why hadn’t any of them appealed to him since his return?
Time heals all wounds.
Bullshit.
Whoever coined that phrase must have been an idiot, that or never loved someone more than life itself. Ryder doubted he’d ever get past losing Gabriela Trevino Caballero. If there was truly one special person out there for everyone, Gabby was it for him. He had known it from the moment he had first kissed her. She had knocked him flat on his ass and had stolen his heart from the get-go.
Not that he regretted it.
Loving her was the one thing he had done right.
Ryder took a few bottles of Jack from the cupboard, placing them on a large wooden serving tray, adding some cut-glass tumblers, and carried the tray into the meeting room. The clubhouse had been eerily quiet with Grigore gone and Ryder the only resident the past couple of weeks. He figured everyone was likely avoiding his sulky ass.
Talk about a Debby Downer.
Today’s church meeting was actually the bright spot in his day. He was getting tired of staring at the four walls since K&K Motorcycles was closed, being a Sunday. Lately, Ryder had poured himself into work at the shop, learning some custom work from Kaleb, coming home long enough to catch a few hours’ sleep, then heading back. He found he liked the craft and enjoyed the camaraderie with the guys. He, Kaleb, and Grayson had worked long hours on the latest custom commissioned by an A-List actor. Word on the street was no one did better custom work, increasing their workload.
Ryder wasn’t about to complain. He hated idle time. Even surfing didn’t appeal to him at the moment, thus turning down offer to head out to Grayson’s on the coast.
After setting down the tray, he took his seat at the table. A glance at the clock told him the men would be arriving soon. Ryder poured himself a glass of the whiskey and knocked it back, savoring the burn. If he repeated the statement that he didn’t want a mate enough times, maybe he’d actually begin to believe it. In truth, if she walked through the clubhouse door at that moment, he’d get on his knees and beg her to forgive him, to take him for all of eternity.
A chuckle left his throat.
That would be a cold day in hell.
The outside door opened. Kaleb and Kane’s boots thudded against the wood as they approached the meeting room. Ryder’s scenting ability had improved, laying truth to his primordial proficiency. He had actually scented the twins about a half mile down the road. Their laughter drifted into the room before they did, each slapping Ryder on the shoulder before taking their seats.
Kane oddly sat at the head of the table, while Kaleb stood behind. They each took a tumbler and poured themselves a glassful of the Gentleman Jack. It didn’t take long for the table to fill with the remaining Sons. Conversation bubbled about the room, mostly centering on Raúl and his demise. The consensus seemed to be that everyone was glad to put the chapter behind and move forward, Kane in particular.
A large smile stretched his face. “Since you’re all here, rather than having you gossiping like hens behind my back, I’m just going to put this out there. I’m happy to say Cara and I are officially ready to start a family.”
Kaleb returned his grin. “About damn time, bro. Stefan needs a cousin or two to play with.”
“From what I hear, Hawk, Suzi plans on you guys supplying the second part of the ‘or two’ part. Cara and I will start with one for now.”
He laughed, not in the least bothered by Kane’s statement. “Yeah, well … happy mate, happy life.”
Grayson rolled his gaze. “You idiot, that doesn’t even rhyme.”
Ryder looked around the table at his brothers, glad to see most were happily mated, though he wasn’t about to join that club. Without Gabby, not likely ever.
Kaleb whistled, gaining everyone’s attention, and the room quieted. “Let’s get this meeting started, shall we? I invited the women and children here for a little celebration, should the vote go the way I think it will.”
“Just what are we voting on, Hawk?” Bobby asked.
Kaleb took a slow gander around the room, then placed his hands on Kane’s shoulders. “I want to step down from being president, let Viper take back the reins.”
“What about you?” Anton asked.
“I want to put it to a vote that we all resume our previous positions before I took over as president. That means I’ll once again be VP … if Gypsy’s okay with that.”
Discussion among the men began anew. Ryder didn’t see an angry man among them. In fact, they all seemed pleased with the proposition.
Kane looked at Grayson. “You okay with that, Gypsy?”
“Hell, yeah.” He nodded. “More time for me to surf and spend with my family. I’m just surprised. Never thought I’d see the day you give up the throne, though, Kaleb.”
“I need to get back to building customs. It’s what I love doing. Besides, we have a lot of work coming our way. We’ll all need to get our hands dirty while Kane handles the business side of things.” Stepping back from his twin, he continued, “I motion that Kane returns to the rightful head of the Sons of Sangue, I go back to being VP, and so on.”
“I’ll second the motion,” Anton said.
Within seconds, all ayes were counted, and not a single “nay” was heard. The buzz of conversation grew again, with everyone seemingly happy with the outcome. Ryder tipped his nose upward, scenting the arrival of another vampire, one much more powerful than any other vampire in the room. Moments later, the double doors swung open and Vlad strode into the room as if he was expected.
“Boys, we have a problem.” Vlad Tepes’s presence damn near filled the room, silencing the men. Some gaped at his unexpected appearance. “Now that I have everyone’s undivided attention, I’m here to say that my brother has given me the slip. And unfortunately, Mircea is gunning for my grandsons.”
Kane lifted a skeptical dark brow, obviously still taking the sting personally that he had failed to take out Mircea when he had the chance. “If he shows his face? Do I need to call you?”
“You have my permission, Kane, to do whatever is necessary to stop him. Mircea knew what the consequences would be if he left my … care.”
Squaring his shoulders and hardening his square jaw, Vlad took his wrist to his mouth and ripped open a vein with his fangs. He held his arm out to Kane. “I am giving you and Kaleb my primordial blood. Should the son of a bitch come to Oregon snooping around, you both have my permission to end his miserable life. With primordial blood running through your veins, I’m ensuring that he won’t have the upper hand … not this time.”
Kane stood and took Vlad’s wrist in his hand. “Are you sure? Hawk and I already have your blood running through our veins, grandfather.”
“Through birth, yes. But it isn’t primordial blood. Drink and you will be equal to me, and one day be just as powerful.”
Without hesitation, Kane took Vlad’s wrist to his mouth, sinking his fangs and drafting from the vein, then licking the remains from his lips. Vlad offered the same to Kaleb.
Once finished, Kaleb asked, “Do you have any idea where he might be?”
“Not a clue. I haven’t been able to get a lead. I have my men looking for him. He won’t make it easy. He’s taken my servant Nina with him, and, like a mole, has probably gone underground. Hard telling when he will surface.”
“I’m sure he’ll try to blindside us, but we’ll be waiting,” said Kane.
“He’ll no doubt use his blood to turn the maid, meaning you’ll also have a primordial bitch on your hands. He’s a loose cannon. I had hoped I could change him. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Take them both out, boys … unless I get to them first. If that’s the case, there won’t be anything left of either of them to find.”
With that, Vlad breezed from the room. The man never stayed in one place overlong, probably out of self-preservation. Ryder almost pitied Vlad’s brother. Mircea and Nina didn’t stand a chance against the Tepes crew. Add in Ryder, Draven, and Brea all with primordial blood, not to mention the fact that the rest of the Sons of Sangue were looking to take him down, and it would be damn suicidal for Mircea to show his face here.
Excitement coursed through the room, everyone thrilled with the idea of taking out Vlad’s ungrateful kin. Kane resumed order around the table, striking the mallet against the plate.
“Other than changing the patches on our vests, do we have any other business to discuss?”
When no one spoke, Kane continued. “Then this meeting is adjourned. Call the women and let’s get this fucking party started.”
This time the chatter thankfully centered around Mircea, instead of Raúl. Ryder wasn’t in the mood to discuss Gabriela’s uncle, or his demise. As a matter of fact, he wasn’t up for partying at all.
Kane grabbed the remaining bottles of whiskey, leading the men from the meeting room and into the main living area of the clubhouse. Ryder remained seated, a tumbler in his hand. There really wasn’t a way to avoid the festivities since he technically lived here. Maybe they wouldn’t notice his absence in the main room.
Extending his legs, he crossed his feet at the ankles and leaned back in the chair. Quite frankly, he wasn’t ready to be part of any celebrations including the mates and their sons. Christ, he was a selfish bastard, but it was a painful reminder of what he’d never have.
He took a sip of whiskey. Maybe he ought to go to the Rave and hang out for a spell. It certainly held more appeal than the goings-on here. He was just about to do so when another familiar scent caught his attention, one that awakened all of his senses,
No. Fucking. Way.
His imagination had to be playing tricks. Ryder stood, walked into the living area, and headed for the exit like a man possessed.
Before the knock even came, he opened the door, finding Gabriela standing on the stoop, hand raised.
Her gaze widened and she gasped.
Wetting her lips with her cute little tongue that he knew all too well, she squared her shoulders. “You didn’t call.”
Ryder’s breath stuck in his throat. Had he suddenly become prone to hallucinations? If so, he didn’t want to stop the fantasy. Seeing her standing in front of him was a dream come true.
He thought about sending her on her way, doing what was best for her, but then quickly squashed that logic. Ryder wasn’t in any hurry to repeat the last two weeks. He needed to hear her out, see what had brought her two thousand miles north.
“Were you expecting me to call?” Ryder raised a brow. “After everything that went down? Christ, Gabby, had I thought you could’ve forgiven me, I wouldn’t have left Mexico. As I recall, you asked me to let you go.”
Heartache and misery stared back at him. If he knew she wouldn’t push him away, he’d gather her into his arms and hold onto her forever. Noise from the living area reminded him of the celebration that had started. They weren’t alone and the last thing Ryder wanted was an audience.
“Did I come at a bad time? I can come back.”
Ryder gripped her by the wrist and pulled her into the clubhouse, shutting the door. He wasn’t about to lose her a second time, not before he heard what she came all this way to say.
The room quieted as his brothers became aware of their guest. Ryder gave Kane a quick nod, telling him it was okay to approach. Kane held out his hand to Gabriela, which she took. Ryder’s heart ached for their shared losses. Kane had been responsible for her uncle’s death, the man who had killed his son. One day, Ryder would explain the entire sordid tale to her, when she was ready to hear it. That is, if she wanted to keep him in her life.
“Gabriela? Welcome. I’m Kane Tepes,” Kane said. “I’m damn sorry about your uncle.”
Gabby’s expression gave nothing away. “Thank you.”
“Look, we were just about to clear out.” He turned to the Sons milling about. “Grab your shit, boys … the party is moving to my farmhouse. Call your mates, have them meet us there instead.”
It took little time for the men to file out as Kane had thankfully instructed, leaving Gabby and Ryder alone. There was much that needed to be said, to get out in the open so they could move beyond what had happened in Mexico. Ryder wanted her to know the truth, no more omissions.
Everything in good time.
First, he needed to know where he stood with her. Ryder led Gabby to one of the sofas, sitting next to her, but keeping enough distance so she would feel comfortable. He didn’t want to push or scare her, and risk sending her running for south of the border.
“How did you find me?”
“Your friend Gunner.”
“The one I buried.”
“Yes.” She pulled at the hem of her white tank, toying with the threads. “He had given Adriana his phone number the night at the club, just in case she wanted to see him should she leave her fiancé. Long story short, we thought maybe his death might have been staged if everything else had been a lie.”
Ryder ran a knuckle down her cheek. She didn’t shrink from his touch, giving him hope. “Not everything was a lie, ángel.”
“If I thought that, I wouldn’t be here.” Gabby tucked a leg beneath her, still not closing the gap between her and Ryder. “Anyway, she tried the number and Gunner answered. It took some convincing, but he finally told her where I could find you.”
“I’ll need to give Gunner my thanks.”
Her cheeks reddened. Glancing to her lap, she wrung her hands. Finally, she glanced up, moisture filling her chocolate gaze. “I can’t stop thinking about you, about us. I know you were partly responsible for my uncle’s death and that you used me. But I also know my uncle was a bad man. If it hadn’t been you and your friends who came after him, it would have been someone else.”
“I never wanted to hurt you, ángel. You have to believe that.”
“I know that now.” She took in a shaky breath. “You were trying to protect me from the inevitable.”
Ryder had never lied about his feelings. “Do you believe me now? How much I fucking love you?”
She looked down again before he brought up her chin. Her lower lip trembled. “I told you that if you loved me you would let me go … and that’s what you did. You let me go.”
“You gave me no choice.”
“I didn’t.” A tear slipped from her lashes. “Please tell me I didn’t come this far just to get rejected.”
“Fuck, Gabby. I never thought you’d forgive me.” He pulled her into his embrace, kissing the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his hammering heart. “I love you so much it hurts.”
She glanced up, the sadness in her eyes abating. “I realized, when I got over being mad at you, that I never gave you a chance to explain. We have a lot to work through. I won’t pretend otherwise.”
“We do,” he agreed. Thank fuck she wanted to. “I’m not sure how to make that happen, though, since your life is in Mexico. I can’t live there, Gabby. This is my home.”
She glanced around. “It’s cozy.”
Ryder laughed. “Not even close to what you’re accustomed to.”
“I’m selling my uncle’s estates, Ryder. I’m using the money from the sales and his accounts to start over.”
He wasn’t sure what he expected to hear, but certainly not that. “Where?”
“I was thinking Oregon has a nice coast. Maybe I’ll find a nice little beach house overlooking the ocean. Nothing extravagant, of course. I kind of like cozy. You think Oregon has anything worth moving two thousand miles for?”
Ryder smiled. “There’s this guy, who might be a bit of a vampire at times, but he would do just about anything to make that happen.”
“Will you forgive me?”
His brow pinched. “For what? You didn’t do anything wrong. Fuck, Gabby, there is so much I need you to forgive me for.”
“As I said, I didn’t give you a chance to explain. I hated you for what you did. But what I couldn’t do was stop loving you and that’s what hurt so damn bad.” She placed a palm against his jaw. “Will you let me stay? Let me move to Oregon to be with you?”
“I’ll do better than that. I’ll take our box truck and drive you to Mexico. We’ll pack up your things—”
“There’s nothing in Mexico I want. Adriana is handling the sale and giving the things I didn’t fit in my Escalade to those in need.”
“And Adriana? What’s she going to do without you?”
“She and Mateo broke up. Apparently, he thinks he can step in where my uncle left off, take over the business. She wasn’t onboard with his plan. After everything sells, she’s moving to Oregon as well.”
“Moving in with you?”
Gabby shook her head. “She’ll get her own place. I’ll buy her a small cottage along the water, close to me, yet far enough away I’ll have my privacy. What I was really hoping for…there is this vampire I’ve taken a shining to. I was kind of hoping he’d give cohabitation a shot.”
Ryder tightened his hold. “You want me to live with you?”
“I do.”
“I’m not the easiest person to get along with.”
She laughed. “So you’ve proven. We’ll work it out, Ryder. What I’m sure of, though, is that I can’t keep mourning your loss. I lost my family. I can’t lose you, too.”
Ryder tilted his head, sealing his lips over hers and kissing her deeply. He’d prove to her that he wasn’t going anywhere, that she’d never have to mourn his loss again. This woman had claimed his heart, offering him another chance not to fuck up. Once all of the ugliness of their past was behind them, he’d ask her to be his forever. For as sure as shit, he wasn’t letting her go again.
Gabby needed to know more about vampirism and what it meant to be a mate. If she’d still have him, then he’d give her his blood and make that happen.
Breaking the kiss, he leaned his forehead against hers. “I love you, Gabriela, so damn much.”
“Does that mean you’ll move in with me?”
He laughed. “Have you already purchased a place?”
Gabby’s smile warmed his heart. He’d make it his life’s mission never to see her frown again. “No.”
“Then you’ll be moving in here … with me. Because I’m not spending another night without you in my bed.”
“Promise?”
He used his forefinger to make a cross over his heart. “And hope to die. How do you feel about makeup sex?”
Gabby swung her leg over his thighs and straddled him. “I happen to think it’s pretty hot.”
“Bedroom?”
She shook her head, situating herself more fully on his lap. There was no doubt she felt his reaction to makeup sex. She slid along his rigid length. “That would require us moving. I kind of like where I’m sitting.”
“Christ, you’ll be the death of me.”
“Death? No way, Ryder Kelley. You and me? We’re in this together … for all of eternity. That’s my promise to you. I’ll never ask you to leave me again.”
“Good,” he growled. “Because I’m not fucking going anywhere. Now, about that makeup sex…”
~ * ~
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Continue the adventure with the Sons of Sangue
Start the series at the beginning
VIPER
Book 1
Click to purchase
Kane ‘Viper’ Tepes is one of the oldest living descendants of Vlad III. Vampirism is in his blood. So is being the President of the Sons of Sangue. Those who break motorcycle club rules that protect their coven are dealt swift punishment. No exceptions. Until one pretty little detective has him compromising his beliefs, and endangering his position as head of the MC.
Vampirism had Cara Brahnam turning tail and leaving behind her life in Pleasant. Now, ten years later, she’s back as lead detective and wants to see the person responsible for draining the women of Lane County brought to justice, no matter what deal the gang of miscreants has struck with the sheriff. Or the fact that her number one suspect is the sole reason she fled in the first place.
Now someone has targeted Cara as the next victim and Kane must join in the hunt to find the ancient vampire that wants her dead.
* * * * *
HAWK
Book 2
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Kaleb “Hawk” Tepes, as president of the Sons of Sangue and descendant of Vlad III, needs to keep his head focused on club business. Trouble is someone wants to divest him of it for a crime he committed against his vampire predecessors. He can’t afford distractions, especially those that come in the form of a five-foot-two sprite named Suzi, who once belonged to his nephew. In a moment of weakness, he makes a snap decision that can only spell trouble. Now faced with the one person who wants him dead, Kaleb must make the ultimate sacrifice or chance losing the only woman he truly desired forever.
Suzi Stevens has tried hard to put her past behind her and move forward. The one man she yearns for over all others, believes her to be nothing but cold-hearted. Hearing that someone has tried to behead him, she shelves past prejudices and rushes to his side, needing to see for herself that he’s all right. What she doesn’t count on is Hawk’s demand to take her as his personal blood donor. Now forced to endure his company, she fears losing her heart for all eternity to the one person who has the power to crush her.
* * * * *
Gypsy
Book 3
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Grayson “Gypsy” Gabor loves the ladies. As a matter of fact, the more the merrier. Life is good. That is until a mishap with a sexy-as-hell redhead leaves them mated. The eldest of vampires, Vlad Tepes, gives him a choice: Keep her or give her up for all eternity to his one-time best friend, Anton.
Tamera Cantrell sets her sights on the Vice President of the Sons of Sangue, Gypsy. But after a night gone wrong, she finds herself caught between one vampire who hates her and one who adores her. Now Tamera’s only got three short months to prove to the one who despises her that he can’t live without her.
Add in one Mexican Cartel, a vindictive primordial vampire, and a rival MC out for blood, and Gypsy has his hands full with club business. When Tamera’s life becomes endangered, Gypsy must act quick or chance losing her forever.
* * * * *
Rogue
Book 4
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Vampire MC member Anton “Rogue” Balan, aka Blondy, has turned his back on the powerful Sons of Sangue, betraying the brotherhood he once considered his family. Or so his vampire brethren think. Changing his appearance, his persona, and signing up with rival gang, the Devils, Rogue has gone deep undercover to catch the La Paz Cartel’s kingpin. Having lost a woman he once thought he would spend eternity with, Rogue now feels he has nothing left to lose . . . that is until a temptation named Kimber James invades his dangerous world.
Strait-laced Kimber has a problem and his name is Anton Balan. After an impulsive night of passion with him more than a year ago, the small-town librarian still has the hots for the sexy biker next door. She can’t deny her desire for Anton, even though she suspects he’s hiding a secret even darker than his affiliation with an outlaw MC. As for Rogue, no matter how much he tries to refuse the scorching need he has for Kimber—as much as his duty depends on it—he’s powerless to deny his rising feelings for her. And when a blindside by an enemy he once trusted puts Kimber’s life at risk, Rogue’s tarnished honor is put to the ultimate test.
* * * * *
Draven
Book 4.5
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Draven Smith thought he’d sealed his own coffin when he turned informant for the DEA against the deadly Devils MC. But that trouble is nothing compared to the mortal peril he’s courting when a sexy vampire female named Brea shows up at his bar to enlist his help. In hiding from Draven’s friends, the Sons of Sangue, Brea’s freedom depends on destroying the ruthless LaPaz Cartel and its infamous kingpin—her own godfather. Thrust together on a quest they can only hope to survive, Draven and Brea must find a way through the danger while trying to resist a forbidden desire that ignites the darkest passions of their hearts.
* * * * *
Preacher
Special Edition
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Foster child, ex-minister, MC member… Vampire. How the hell had his life gotten so jacked up?
His life irrevocably changed when he’s made a creature of the night, Preacher leaves behind his vampire MC brethren, the Sons of Sangue, hoping to shield the woman he desires most from discovering what he’s become. Problem is Tena isn’t about to let him walk out of her life. To protect her heart, Preacher can’t stay. To protect her life, he has no choice but to keep her close.
* * * * *
Xander
Book 5
Click to purchase
Vampire biker Alexander “Xander” Dumitru has a problem on his hands, namely India Jackson. She’s alone, pregnant, and, worst of all, she belongs to a rival MC member whose recent death may or may not be a permanent condition. With rumors that India’s ex may now be turned and out to take her back, suddenly Xander’s vow to protect her becomes a matter of life or death. And it doesn’t help his mission when India’s sweet blood has him craving for far more than he has any right to claim.
When India asks for shelter with the Sons of Sangue, her primary concern is the protection of her unborn child. Yet as attracted as she is to dangerous, irascible Xander, India is unprepared for the tangle of emotions the handsome vampire awakens in her. But with her violent ex returned even deadlier than before, now India’s safety comes with a steep price—one that could pit the Sons in a war against their enemy MC, and force Xander to risk his immortal life to protect hers and that of her child.
* * * * *
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