BLAZE Read online

  who wouldn’t hesitate to slit Ricardo’s throat the moment he came after her.

  Mercenaries weren’t exactly listed in the Yellow Pages though.

  So consumed with her thoughts, it was almost too late when she saw the red

  taillight in front of her. She slammed on her brakes, causing th wheels to lock up and the stench of burnt rubber to fill the air. The motorcycle in front of her sped up and then pulled off to the side of the road. She watched, heart in her throat, as the largest man she’d ever seen slid off the bike and approached her. When he drew near enough for to make out more details, the black leather cut draped across his wide shoulders nearly made her panic.

  She quickly scanned the patches on the vest. Sergeant at Arms, 1%, Steel Riders, and others adorned the leather. A frisson of fear held her locked in place as he approached. It had been a long time since she’d been face to face with a biker, and those were far from happy times for her. Was it a coincidence that she’d nearly run him over, or had Ricardo sent him? She didn’t know who was in bed with the Desert Dogs these days, and she didn’t want to know.

  He tapped on the window when he stood by her small car and she hesitantly

  rolled it down. She peered up at him as he hunkered beside her, removing the helmet from his head. It was too dark to clearly see his features, but dark eyes under arched eyebrows studied her.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Me?”

  “You’re the one I’m talking to.”

  Luna swallowed the knot in her throat. “I-I’m fine. S-sorry for almost running you over. I didn’t see you.”

  He leaned closer and inhaled, his nostrils flaring. A low rumbled sounded from the large man and she stifled the gasp that rose to her lips. His eyes flashed in the moonlight, opalescent like an animal’s eyes when it’s caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. She knew those eyes. Had seen them before.

  “You’re a shifter,” she said softly.

  If he was surprised by her observation, he hid it well.

  “If you’re a shifter, then Ricardo didn’t send you.” Relief coursed through her at the revelation. Her brother would never dirty his hands by working with shifters.

  Prostitution, drugs, stolen goods…but not shifters. He considered them to be lowest of the low.

  “No, Ricardo didn’t send me.” He leaned in and sniffed again. “Why are you

  afraid?”

  Trust didn’t come easily to Luna and she bit her lip to hold back the words that wanted to spill forth. She’d kept Ricardo a secret since coming to Willow Lake, had never even mentioned having a brother. But for some reason, she wanted to confide in this stranger, this large shifter who watched her with a steady gaze that unnerved her.

  Luna didn’t know how long she’d stared back at him, the words held hostage in her throat.

  “All right. Let’s try this again. I can scent that you’re afraid. Is this Ricardo person after you? Are you in trouble?” He stared at her so intently that she thought he could see into her very soul.

  “Ricardo is my brother, and yes, he’s after me,” she admitted.

  “And why would you think he sent me?”

  “You’re in a motorcycle gang.”

  “So you’re an M.C. bigot?”

  She blinked, startled. “No. Ricardo is in the Desert Dogs M.C., but once I knew you were a shifter, I knew he couldn’t have sent you. He despises shifters.”

  His lips twitched as if he fought a smile at her words.

  “No offense,” she added.

  “None taken. You know, we can continue this conversation through a cracked

  window, but my knees would thank you if we could take this someplace more

  comfortable. How about a cup of coffee at the Pink Lady and you can tell me just what it is you’re running from. You never know, I might be able to help.”

  Luna hesitated. The Pink Lady wouldn’t be overly crowded at this time of night, so no one would overhear their conversation. But, it wouldn’t be crowded, which meant if this big biker did mean her harm, there would be no one to save her. Not that she couldn’t take perfectly good care of herself, but…well, she barely weighed one hundred pounds and this big guy had least two or three times that on her. He’d snap her like a twig before she even had a chance to resist.

  “My name’s Blaze and I’m part of the Steel Riders M.C. here in town. I promise you’ll be safe with me, Miss….”

  “Luna. Luna Sylvestro.”

  “Luna,” he said softly, his voice caressing her name like a favored lover. It sent chills down her spine.

  “How could you possibly help me?” she asked. “Are you a gun for hire?”

  He did smile that time. “I’m no merc, but maybe after you fill me on the

  situation, I’ll be able to come up with a solution for you. One that doesn’t have you jumping at shadows.”

  “All right,” she agreed. “I’ll follow you to the diner.”

  He nodded and rose to his feet, his belt buckle at eye-level when he stood. Good god but he was a large man! She couldn’t imagine what type of shifter he was, but it must be something massive. He moved with easy grace, a predatory grace, as he went back to his bike, swung his leg over, and revved the engine. As he pulled away, she fell in behind him, but kept a safe distance so she wouldn’t have a repeat performance if she wigged out again.

  The pink neon lights in the diner window spilled across the parking lot, bathing the asphalt in its bright hue. She pulled into the parking space next to the shifter, and took a deep, steadying breath before getting out and walking into the diner with him.

  Standing next to him, she felt like a fairy beside a giant. He was broad and tall, but she didn’t see an ounce of fat on him anywhere. His biceps bulged under his black tee and she wondered if he used that strength to harm or shelter. If he’d wanted to hurt her, on the side of a deserted road would have been the best choice, so she had to trust that he meant her no harm and truly wanted to offer to help, if he could. She still wasn’t sure what he could do for her, or why she was even here with him. She should have thanked him then went on her way. The fewer people involved, the less likely there would be a body count when Ricardo came for her.

  They claimed a booth near the window and away from the other patrons of the

  diner. Her hands trembled in her lap as she looked around. A firm, rough touch settled under her chin and turned her face toward him. Blaze, he’d said his name was Blaze, had to be his club name.

  “I won’t hurt you,” he said. “You have my word that no harm will come to you

  as long as I’m with you.”

  “Why are you helping me? I’m a complete stranger who nearly ran you over.

  You should be angry with me, cussing and spitting mad, not sitting across from me all calm, cool, and collected, asking how you can help.”

  His lips kicked up on one corner. “Is that what you want? Me to be angry with

  you?”

  She shrugged a shoulder.

  Blaze turned those intense eyes away from her and motioned for a waitress. He

  ordered coffee for each of them and then waited for the woman to leave before he addressed Luna gain.

  “I can see where you’d be leery of trusting me, if the person after you is also part of an M.C. But I’m guessing I’m your best shot at getting out of whatever this is in one piece. If you have the Desert Dogs after you, you’re going to need back-up. And looking at you,” his gaze caressed her, “I’m guessing you lean more toward literary circles than the type of people who know how to handle themselves in a fight.”

  “You’d be right. I’m the town librarian, but I grew up in that world. I can handle myself if it comes down to it, but I know my brother, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. I ran away when I was sixteen and I’ve managed to stay hidden for eight years. About two weeks ago, I started receiving what I thought were prank calls, but they’ve escalated quickly. I just know he’s found m
e.”

  The waitress returned with their coffee then made herself scarce.

  Blaze picked up his cup, blew across the hot brew and then took a swallow.

  “Why would your brother be after you?”

  “He promised me to the President of the Black Daggers. He was negotiating with them the night I ran away.” She poured creamer into her cup, gave it a stir then took a tentative sip.

  His eyes gave nothing away as he studied her. Luna felt her heart kick in her

  chest as she stared right back. Those dark eyes just pulled her in, lulled her into a sense of safety, but she wasn’t sure she could trust it. She knew bikers and they were a rough and tumble lot, and judging by the 1% patch on his cut, he was an outlaw. This was no weekend warrior who worked in an office Monday through Friday. Blaze was the real deal, and while that should have frightened her, she felt this thrill run through her. It had been a long time since she’d taken a walk on the wild side, but even if she did feel a hint of attraction toward him, she couldn’t act on it. Not now, not while Ricardo breathed down the back of her neck, getting closer than she’d like.

  “I’ve heard rumors about the Black Daggers and what happens to women in

  their care. If your brother was willing to sell you to them, then we can’t rely on him discovering brotherly feelings toward you. If he was willing to give you to that sadistic bastard, he must really fucking hate you, sweetheart.”

  “He always has.”

  “I can handle this on my own, but if there are two clubs after you, it would be wise to have my brothers at my back. And in order for that to happen, I’m going to have to take this to Church.”

  “Why would they care about protecting me? I’m no one to them.”

  “Because, you’re someone to me.” He smiled, a heat entering his eyes.

  “Congratulations, sweetheart. You just became my old lady.”

  Luna’s eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

  “You want protection?”

  She nodded.

  “Then those are my terms.” His gaze caressed her again. “I’ve always had a thing for prim and proper, and honey, you are definitely prim and proper. As someone who grew up around the Desert Dogs, you know how the club life works. We do this and then you’re mine. Forever.”

  Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him, but there wasn’t so much as a flicker in his eyes. He was one hundred percent serious. And the hell of it was, just the thought of belonging to the big behemoth had her panties damp. It should have scared her shitless. By all rights, she should stand up, run to her car, and never look back. So why wasn’t she fleeing? Because she was intrigued, dammit.

  “What are you?” she asked.

  “Grizzly.”

  “Shouldn’t you wait for your mate? Isn’t that how it works?”

  It was his turn to shrug. “I always thought that the destined mates thing was

  how it worked, but I’m damn near forty years old. At this point in my life, it seems more like a fairytale than anything else. Truth is that I’m ready to settle down and start a family. Your falling into my lap tonight seems like fate.”

  “And if I say no?”

  “Then I’ll still help you, as much as I can, but I’ll have to do it alone, which could damn well get us both killed.”

  She knew he spoke the truth, and yet she still hesitated. It wasn’t a small thing he was asking of her. It would change her entire life, starting with this very moment. She would be property, have no rights, and be expected to follow orders. She’d always sworn she’d never become an old lady, that she wanted more respect than that. But…

  “You’re asking a lot of me. I left that life behind for a reason. I know being your old lady is an honor, but I also know it’s a title and nothing more. It won’t stop you from fucking around behind my back.”

  His eyes flashed. “Shifters don’t stray.”

  Well, that was good to know.

  “It’s a lot to take in, Blaze. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. What if we don’t suit? We could be lousy in bed. We could hate each other in a few weeks.” She dropped her gaze to the cup of coffee in front of her. “You could hate me for bringing trouble to your door.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “Trouble comes knocking

  all the time, sweetheart. It’s how you handle it that matters, and my brothers and I are experts on the subject. As long as I’m by your side, nothing will harm you.”

  “What if you’re the one to hurt me?” she asked softly, her gaze lifting to his.

  “I don’t know what your life was like with the Desert Dogs, but let me tell you right now that the Steel Riders won’t stand for domestic abuse of any kind. If I so much as speak a harsh word to you and you rat me out to the brotherhood, they’ll be all over my ass. Now I don’t know if you have a low opinion of bikers, shifters, or just me, but I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” She squeezed his hand. “Maybe you

  should tell me what being your old lady entails. They don’t know me. Are they really just going to let you ride up, tell them you’ve found someone and immediately accept me into the fold?”

  “Not quite as easy as that, I’m afraid.”

  She nodded, having expected as much. “So, what do I have to do?”

  She hoped like hell they weren’t anything like the Desert Dogs. Those sadistic bastards had made their old lady wannabes crawl across the clubhouse floor to them, in front of everyone. And she’d heard that the Black Daggers had an initiation, where all members fucked the woman wanting to be an old lady. The thought soured her

  stomach.

  “First, you need to go to the clubhouse with me to meet the crew.”

  “And then?”

  “One step at a time, sweetheart. Do you work at the library tomorrow?”

  She nodded.

  “Wear something that will allow you to ride on the back of a bike. I’ll swing by at closing to pick you up. Maybe you can meet the guys before things get too crazy.”

  Crazy? What had she gotten herself into? She’d left the life of the M.C. years ago, and here she was about to jump back in with both feet. Luna had to admit, though, she felt better knowing that Blaze was standing in her corner. Her brother would be stupid to go up against the grizzly shifter, but she also knew Ricardo wouldn’t play fair. He wouldn’t hit the big guy head on, he’d sneak up behind him and plunge a dagger into his back, then whisk her away to Arizona and sell her to the highest bidder—if he didn’t kill her first.

  Chapter Three

  Crash and Burn, tiger shifters and twins, sat on either side of Blaze. They traded smirks as he looked at the clock for what had to be the hundredth time. All right, so maybe he was a little keyed up, waiting for the library to close. He’d spent the rest of last night thinking about Luna and her situation. He snorted. No, he’d spent the rest of last night thinking about her curves and wondering what she’d feel like in his arms. She was so damn tiny he could snap her in half without any effort, and that should have scared the shit out of him, but it just made him want to protect her even more.

  With her dusky skin, and long, dark hair, there was no denying her Hispanic

  heritage, but those cool, green eyes were what held him captive. He could have stared into them all night, if she hadn’t scurried off after he made her an offer he’d hoped she wouldn’t refuse. Yes, it was underhanded to offer help and then pressure her into accepting him as a mate. It was true; it would be easier to keep her safe if he had his brothers standing by his side and watching his back, but that hadn’t been the only reason he’d made his offer. When he’d knelt beside her car, and inhaled her sweet scent, he’d felt this visceral pull. He’d fought hard not to rip the door off its hinges and yank her out of the vehicle and into his arms.

  Was it the fabled mating pull? Hell if he knew, but it wasn’t a feeling he’d be
en able to deny. Despite the fact that her scent was nearly overpowering, it was the scent of fear that had almost made his grizzly erupt from his skin. The bear wanted to hunt down the people threatening their mate and make them pay in a way only a bear can do. Mauling was too easy a way to go for the asshole harassing Luna. What kind of man threatened to sell his own sister? Shifters were known for being overprotective of their families, and Blaze had always assumed that humans were the same way. When he’d served in the military, his SEAL buddies had always spoken fondly of their siblings.

  He’d have to do some research on Ricardo Sylvestro. Depending on what he

  found, he might be calling those SEAL buddies of his, and maybe a few other people.

  He hadn’t been completely honest with Luna. He might not be a merc, but he had a few friends who were, or had been, once upon a time. Not that he was convinced they’d completely backed away from that way of life. Once a man killed, he always had the potential to do it again. He knew many soldiers who had shut off their humanity, in order to get the job done, without being racked by guilt over taking a life.

  Of course, that hadn’t been the case for Blaze. Having grown up in a shifter

  home, he’d been taught from an early age that there were bad people in the world and you had to do whatever was necessary to protect your own kind. At home, his own kind had been shifters. As a SEAL, it had been his teammates. And since the age of seventeen, it was the bikers he called brothers. Luna didn’t fit into his world, despite the fact she seemed to come from this world; she no longer belonged in it. She was so far above him, and yet he wanted her and refused to let go. Once Blaze decided something belonged to him, no one was able to take it from him.