Page 5 of Loki’s Spellbinder (Hunters Creek Archangel’s Warriors MC #14)

I watched as Braelyn and Chaos walked off yet again, alone.

Hours earlier, he’d pinned her to the wall of the clubhouse.

They’d been in an intense conversation. I’d barely held back from going over and ripping him away from her.

However, she didn’t seem to be afraid, nor did she yell for help, so I stayed where I was.

I saw Wrath’s guys exchanging amused looks.

None of them seemed to be worried. After that, Chaos and Brae had been glued to each other’s sides.

They were smiling, laughing, or doing something together whenever I turned around.

The kids had arrived, and we got busy keeping them entertained.

I caught glimpses of the couple passing out candy, playing games with the kids, entering the maze, and going on the hayride.

We’d even set up a small, haunted house for the older kids and adults.

Braelyn and Chaos had disappeared into it a while ago.

I wanted to know what was taking them so long.

I bet he had her pinned against a wall, kissing her.

Or maybe he decided that was the perfect place to get some action.

The thought of him kissing her made me mad, but the image of him fondling her body and fucking her had me livid.

I clenched my fists, trying to keep myself from going in there after them.

Christ, it was getting worse. When she was hours away, I was able to fight it.

Having her here in my territory made her almost irresistible.

Chaos’s apparent desire for her was pushing me toward doing something insane.

“Do you think Chaos will close the deal with Brae?” I heard Nomad, the Oconee Souls’ road captain, ask.

“I think it’s possible. And who can blame him?

She’s intelligent, beyond beautiful, makes you laugh, and I have no doubt she’ll burn hot in bed.

Brae is the complete package. Any man would be blessed to call her his own.

She’s meant to be an old lady. I know that Wrath and Rage have kept men away, but not anymore.

Honestly, I thought someone from one of the other clubs would claim her.

I guess I was wrong,” Fury, their ink slinger, responded.

“Who?” Nomad asked.

“More like them. There were several. I have to say, I’m relieved she’ll have someone living with her.

Some of those people that she goes after and puts away are dangerous fuckers.

One of these days, she’ll have one of them after her.

This way, we’ll have her behind the walls and protected at the compound,” Fury told him.

I wanted them to say more, but they moved away.

They hadn’t known I was there. I was burning to know who else wanted her.

The idea of someone she prosecuted trying to harm her made me see red.

I’d taken three steps toward the haunted house when a voice stopped me.

I could’ve pretended not to hear it, but I would never be that rude.

Turning, I faced Betty. Viewing her, I knew what Braelyn would look like in thirty years, which was still stunning.

“Yes, what can I do for you?” I asked politely. All she’d said was my name and asked me to wait.

Betty wore a sad expression and shook her head. She let out a big sigh. Her sadness worried me. I stepped closer. It was unusual to see her without Rage.

“Are you alright? Where’s Rage?”

“He went to talk to Wrath. And to answer your other question, I’m upset, and it’s all your fault. I know you can’t control others, no matter how hard you want to or try, but I had to let you know one thing.”

I was lost. What was she talking about? When I didn’t say anything, Betty continued. “I wanted it to be you. I’ve been waiting and hoping, but it never happened. I thought it would, but I see now I was wrong. Oh well, at least it wasn’t a complete loss.”

“Wanted what to be me?” I asked.

“For you to claim my daughter. I truly thought you desired her and as more than a piece of ass. I swore I saw you look at her a few times the way Rage does me. Oh well, Chaos will take care of her. At least she’ll have someone to love and care for her.

And I’ll get those grandbabies I want. Maybe one day you’ll find someone.

I hope you do. It would be awful to wake up one morning and realize you lost the person who could’ve been your perfect match.

Anyway, that’s it. Sorry to detain you. Excuse me. I need to find my man.”

Without another word, she swung around and walked away.

I heard the blood rushing in my ears. I was breathing hard, and my heart was pounding. Betty’s words swirled in my brain. I was confused and didn’t know what to do. But I knew one thing—I couldn’t stick around here and have my club or anyone else see me this way. The past was creeping in.

Taking off, I went in search of Bull, my president.

I needed to speak to him, and I couldn’t wait.

It took me almost ten minutes to locate him.

When I did, I hated to disturb him. He was with Jocelyn, his wife and old lady.

They were cuddled together, watching their twins, Caeden and Corinne, bob for apples.

It was hard to believe their twins would be six years old in a few months.

I waited until I caught Bull’s attention. He raised his eyebrow, and I nodded. He said something to Jocelyn, causing her to glance at me and smile. Then he stood up and came to me.

“Loki, what is it?” he asked.

“Bull, I hate to cut out when this is still underway, but I need to get out and take in some air. I’ll be back in time to help do the cleanup.”

He studied me for a solid minute or more before he slowly nodded.

“Alright, if that’s what you need. Why don’t you take the night and come back in the morning?

Maybe then you’ll be able to talk to me.

You know I’m always here for you, Loki. I know sometimes the past can crowd into the present.

The key is not to allow it to grow until it destroys your present. ”

Bull was familiar with my demons. I didn’t talk about them to the others, but I’d told him after he’d had Outlaw check me out when I asked to prospect.

Outlaw had never brought up my past. He kept a lot of things he knew about his brothers to himself.

I was so relieved to be permitted to leave that I agreed.

“I think I’ll do that. What time?”

“Make it by eleven. We’ll still have guests, but after this and the partying later, I expect most will sleep in if they can. Tomorrow night is the party for the adults, and the sitters will watch the kids. I want you here for that.”

“I’ll be here. Thanks, Pres.” I held out my hand, and he shook it.

“Ride safe. Watch your six. If you want, take one of your brothers with you.”

“Nah, that’s not necessary. I’ll be careful and watch my ass. I’d better get going, and you need to get back to your woman.”

He looked at Jocelyn with love. “Yes, I do. See you tomorrow. Call if you need anything.”

I slapped his back, then he walked back to Jocelyn.

In under ten minutes, I packed a small overnight bag and was on my bike.

I waved at people as I passed them on the way to the gate, but I didn’t slow down to talk.

As the gate opened, I slid out and opened my throttle more.

I had a lot to think about tonight, but first, I needed the fresh, cold air, and then I’d find a hotel for the night and think.

It was ten o’clock in the morning when I came through the gate of our compound.

It had been a restless night, and I hadn’t gotten much sleep, but I had accomplished what I set out to do.

I knew what I wanted and had a clear plan.

It had taken me most of the night to come up with it, and not to let me talk myself out of it.

I was a goddamn biker. I refused to be a pussy and let fear stop me.

Some people were up and outside, but it was still not like it usually would be for this many people. Based on the bikes and vehicles still there, it was turning into a slow morning for some unless they were gathered in the clubhouse.

Rather than stopping outside it, I continued until I reached my house.

Yeah, I’d broken down and had a house built.

It seemed ridiculous not to. I wasn’t leaving, and while the likelihood I’d end up with an old lady and kids had been barely a consideration, I’d done it.

The truth was, I craved peace, and the clubhouse could get loud, especially if a lot of partying was happening.

I didn’t party like I did when I was a prospect and then a newly patched member, but I had my moments.

I didn’t want to spoil it for those who did by bitching about the noise.

Instead, I selected a house plan and had Tank add it to the AW Construction schedule.

AW was our club’s construction company. It was club-owned, but Tank managed it, and Iceman and Vex helped out along with several civilian employees.

After I parked my bike in the garage, I went into the house to put away my bag and grab coffee. Once I had that, I’d head to the clubhouse. I figured Bull would be there, and we’d meet in his office.

It didn’t take me long to have a large, lidded coffee mug filled with my favorite brew.

Knowing I’d wasted enough time, I took it and walked to the clubhouse.

I had time to stroll there. I saw that it appeared that the mess from last night’s festivities outside had been cleaned up.

That would’ve fallen mainly to the prospects, though all hands would pitch in for something like this.

I hoped they had left me my share. I hated to shirk my duties.