Page 10 of Tempest (Dixie Reapers MC #21)

Tempest

The phone felt like it was going to crack under my grip, Wire’s voice a staticky storm in my ear. “39.2576° N, 74.5746° W. That’s where they’re holding her.”

My heart felt like it would pound through my ribs as I barked the coordinates to Tiger. His grim nod was the only answer I needed. The engine roared to life, the speedboat a hungry beast slicing through the inky water.

Shoving the phone into my pocket, I was caught in a maelstrom of thoughts. Kasen . Her name was a mantra in my head, a prayer on my lips. I had to get to her. Make this right.

“How long?” I snapped at Tiger.

“Twenty minutes, pushing it,” he replied, eyes fixed on the horizon, a mirror of my own relentless stare.

I checked my Glock once more, the familiar weight a comfort in the chaos. Full magazine. Good. My fingers danced over my cut, an inventory of weapons. Knife at my ankle. Backup at my lower back.

I would have liked more men with us, but the Devil’s Boneyard couldn’t get here fast enough. Hopefully, the few men Tiger had brought with him would be adequate. More remained at the docks waiting for us to return, or to send in reinforcements if we didn’t come back.

The wind whipped my face, salt spray stinging my eyes. I didn’t blink. Didn’t flinch. My gaze remained locked on the horizon, searching for any sign of the traffickers’ boat. I felt the ache of her absence like a phantom limb.

“We’ll get her back.” Tiger’s voice cut through the engine’s roar.

“Damn straight we will.”

Her face flashed in my mind. Her smile. The way she’d look at me, thinking I wasn’t watching. I always was. Always cared. And now, because of my carelessness, she was in danger.

The boat slammed into a wave, jolting me back to the present. Focus . I had a job to do. People to hurt.

“Wire say anything about their firepower?” I asked, my voice tight. I wasn’t sure what he’d told the Twisted Tides President when he’d enlisted their help.

Tiger shook his head. “Nothing solid. We assume the worst. This crew has been causing trouble up and down the Florida coast for years. A lot of tourists tend to go missing. Always young women and teens.”

“I’m in the mood for a fight. I don’t give a shit how rotten they are, or how tough. I’m going to take the fuckers down.” The words tasted like steel on my tongue, a promise and a threat. For Kasen, I would become the storm.

The traffickers’ boat materialized on the horizon, a hulking shadow against the star-dusted expanse of the night sky. At some point, they’d switched to a much larger vessel. Which meant they’d likely had it docked out in the water out of sight from where they snatched Kasen. My muscles coiled beneath my skin, ready to spring into action.

“Cut the engine,” I hissed, my voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves against our own hull.

Tiger complied, the sudden silence pressing in around us like a tangible entity. We glided closer, the enormous vessel looming larger with each passing moment. My eyes raked the deck, searching for movement, for any hint of a threat.

Nothing.

My heartbeat hammered in my ears. Too easy. Was it a trap? A cruel game designed to lure us into their clutches? Or did these assholes think they were so invincible they didn’t dare think someone would come after them? Then again, unless Kasen had talked to them, they’d have no idea who they’d taken, or the fact I’d be coming for them.

Octo, one of the Twisted Tides members, moved with the fluid grace of a panther in the night, securing our boat to the larger vessel with practiced efficiency. The soft clink of metal on metal sent a shiver down my spine. I glanced up, waiting to see if anyone on board had noticed. After a few heartbeats, I knew they weren’t coming to investigate.

“Ready?” Stinger whispered, his voice barely a breath in the stillness.

I gave the Twisted Tides SAA a curt nod, my jaw tight. “I go first. Watch my six.”

I knew I was on their turf, but this was my mission. My woman. Since they’d let me call the shots so far, it made me think Wire had asked them to give me the freedom to do what I felt was necessary.

Hauling myself over the railing, I felt my senses sharpen, every nerve ending buzzing with awareness. The deck creaked beneath my feet like a mournful sigh, the sound echoing in the oppressive quiet. I froze, listening intently for any telltale sign, any hint of movement in the shadows.

Octo and Stinger followed, their movements silent. “Spread out,” I ordered, my voice low and tight. “Find Kasen. Anyone gets in your way --”

“We know the drill,” Octo interjected. His tone made me want to punch him. “Not our first time doing something like this.”

My eyes narrowed. “This isn’t a game. These fuckers took one of mine.”

“We’ve got this, boss,” Stinger said, his voice reassuring but laced with sarcasm. Noted. I may be somewhat in charge of this mission, but I was the outsider here.

I took a breath to keep calm and clear-headed. “Then let’s move. And remember --”

A distant shout ripped through the silence, shattering the eerie calm. I whipped around, adrenaline surging through my veins, my predatory instincts kicking into overdrive.

“Showtime,” I said, a feral grin twisting my lips. The rage I’d been holding in check roared to life, demanding release, demanding blood. It was time to unleash the beast within and reclaim what was rightfully mine.

The ship’s dim lights cast creepy shadows that danced across the deck, making the whole scene feel like something out of a horror movie. A figure emerged from the gloom -- the first guard.

I didn’t hesitate. My fist connected to his temple, the sound of his body hitting the deck echoing in the night air. The rise and fall of his chest told me he still lived. Should have hit him harder.

“One down,” I muttered, my breath ragged. The familiar thrum of violence pulsed through me, but I shoved it down. Focus. Find Kasen .

I pressed on, hugging the shadows. The ship’s corridors were a maze, each turn a potential threat. Or Kasen. The thought of her, scared and alone, sent a fresh wave of anger crashing over me.

“What the fuck is this thing?” I whispered to Stinger.

“Luxury yacht. Not something authorities would assume to be carrying enslaved women.” He shrugged. “Dealing in humans is profitable. Doesn’t make it right.”

Suddenly, voices. I froze, my ears straining to catch every word.

“… the boss wants her moved before sunrise,” a gruff voice said.

“Why the rush?” another replied. “She ain’t going nowhere.”

Kasen. It had to be. I inched closer, peeking around the corner. Four men stood in a loose circle, cigarette smoke swirling around them like ghosts. Their attention was focused on something I couldn’t see.

My fingers itched for my gun. One squeeze of the trigger and --

No. Too risky. Too loud. I needed information first.

Patience. Soon .

My eyes narrowed, calculating the distance, the angles, the precise choreography of violence that was about to unfold. Then, I exploded into motion.

I slammed into the first trafficker with the force of a freight train, my fist driving into the soft flesh of his solar plexus. His eyes bulged, and he doubled over, gasping for air. I didn’t waste a moment, pivoting on my heel as my elbow connected with the second man’s jaw. The sickening crack of bone echoed in the cavernous room.

“What the f --” The third man’s curse was cut short as my boot found its mark in his groin. He crumpled to the ground, whimpering like a kicked puppy.

The fourth trafficker, adrenaline-fueled and desperate, reached for a weapon tucked beneath his jacket. But I was faster. I snatched his wrist in a vise-like grip, twisting it until I felt the satisfying snap of tendons giving way. The gun clattered to the floor, a useless piece of metal.

“Where is she?” I snarled, my face inches from the terrified man. His eyes were wide, reflecting the flickering lights overhead. His lips trembled, forming words that wouldn’t come.

My fist connected with his jaw, silencing him. Behind me, Octo materialized from the shadows, his grin splitting his face like a jagged scar. “Damn, brother.” He whistled low. “Save some for the rest of us.”

I ignored him, focusing on the zip ties I was using to bind the unconscious men. If we were in Reapers’ territory, I’d have slaughtered them all. My heart hammered in my chest, adrenaline singing in my veins. I fought to keep my rage in check, knowing I needed a clear head to find Kasen.

“You good?” Octo asked, his voice laced with concern.

I nodded curtly. “Let’s go.”

We plunged deeper into the ship’s bowels, the air growing thick with the stench of fear and desperation. Each step fueled my fury, threatened to consume me.

A door burst open ahead, revealing two more traffickers, their eyes wide with terror. One fumbled for his gun, his hands shaking. Had to be someone new to this type of work. Hell, they all seemed too inept.

I didn’t hesitate. I lunged forward, a whirlwind of controlled violence. My fists connected with their targets in rapid succession -- jaw, ribs, temple. The first man crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The second tried to raise his gun, but Octo was there, a swift knee to the gut followed by an elbow to the base of the skull.

“Clear,” Octo called, his voice calm and collected.

But I barely heard him. My mind was focused on one thing: finding Kasen. Each second felt like an eternity.

“Tempest.” Octo’s voice cut through my fog of rage. “We need a plan.”

I spun around. “The plan is to tear this fucking ship apart until we find her.”

We moved further and came to a door. Something told me Kasen would be behind it. Or at the very least, it would lead me to her.

My fist slammed against the door, the impact shooting a jolt of pain up my arm. Son of a bitch ! The fucking thing hadn’t looked like metal. There wasn’t much I hadn’t been able to bust my way through over the years. I narrowed my eyes.

“Stand back,” I growled to Octo, my voice a low rumble that echoed in the tight space.

With a thunderous crash, my boot connected with the door. Metal screeched, hinges groaning in protest. Another kick. The lock splintered, sending shards of metal flying.

The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit hold that reeked. My breath caught in my throat.

There, huddled in the corner, was Kasen. Bound, terrified, but alive. Around her, other women cowered, their eyes wide, yet still filled with hope.

“Kasen,” I breathed, my voice rough with emotion. The sight of her, so vulnerable, ignited a fire in my chest, a primal mix of protectiveness and something deeper, something I couldn’t quite grasp.

I moved swiftly, kneeling beside her. My hands, so often used for violence, were suddenly gentle as I worked to untie the ropes that bound her.

“I’ve got you,” I murmured, forcing my voice to stay steady, “You’re safe now.”

Kasen’s eyes met mine, shimmering with unshed tears. The helplessness in them tore at me, a stark contrast to the fiery spirit I knew burned within her.

“We need to move.” Octo’s voice cut through the tense silence, his words carrying the weight of urgency. “More could be coming.”

I nodded, my focus razor-sharp. “Can you stand?” I asked Kasen, my voice soft, a stark contrast to the growl I’d used moments before.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Y-yes.”

“Good girl,” I said, helping her to her feet. I turned to the other women, my voice firm but reassuring. “We’re getting you all out of here. Stay close.”

There was a flicker in their eyes, a fragile flame that I was determined to protect. We had a fight ahead, but for now, we were free. And as long as I had breath in my lungs, I would keep them safe.

My eyes met Kasen’s, the connection between us sparking like a live wire in the dim hold. Her face, etched with fear just moments before, softened with relief as my fingers worked with practiced ease, untying the last of her bonds.

“You… you came,” Kasen whispered. I couldn’t remember ever hearing her sound so… breakable.

I squeezed her hand, a silent reassurance. “Always will, Kas. Did you ever doubt I’d track you down?”

Her feet trembled slightly as she stood, and I gathered her close, the warmth of her body a comfort against the cold metal of our surroundings. The urge to pull her closer, lose myself in the moment, was a tempting siren song, but the urgency of our situation was a cold splash of water on burning coals.

“We have to go,” I growled, scanning the shadows for any sign of our captors. “Can you move?”

She met my eyes, the fear replaced by a resolute glint. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

Turning to the other women huddled behind us, I lowered my voice. “Stay close. Follow me.”

Each step felt like we were walking on eggshells, every creak of the ship a potential alarm. Kasen clung to me, the pressure of her hand against my back a grounding force in the midst of the chaos.

The cool night air washed over us as we reached the deck. My eyes swept the scene, taking in everything, calculating, planning.

“They’re over there.” I pointed to where Octo, our escape route to freedom, was securing the speedboat. “Let’s go.”

The adrenaline pulsed through me, my body coiled tight, ready to strike at any threat. I helped Kasen into the small boat, my fingers lingering on her arm just a moment, the warmth seeping under my skin.

“Tempest…” she breathed, her eyes locking with mine, a silent question hanging heavy in the air.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Later,” I promised, pushing away the yearning in her eyes and turning to help the remaining women aboard.

With everyone safely tucked into the boat, I took one more look at the dark hulk of the traffickers’ ship. Still. Silent. A monument to their defeat. The satisfaction of victory was a bittersweet aftertaste in my mouth. Didn’t change the fact my woman had been taken from under my nose, or that I’d damn near lost her forever. I still wanted to torch the damn thing. But that might draw the wrong kind of attention. Not to mention, we weren’t in Reapers’ territory. None of the Twisted Tides had made a move to kill any of them. It made me think they weren’t quite as lawless as my club had once been, and in the case of assholes like these human traffickers, we still were.

“Go,” I ordered. Tiger started the engine, the sound ripping through the night, carrying us away from the nightmare, toward the uncertain but hopeful future that lay ahead.

The roar of the engine vibrated through my bones as the speedboat sliced through the obsidian water. Tension radiated down my spine. My every muscle thrummed with it, a symphony of anticipation and fear.

“Any sign of them?” I barked at Tiger, his hands steady on the wheel, his face etched with grim determination.

“Nothing yet,” he called back, his voice calm, a stark counterpoint to the storm brewing inside me.

My mind raced, a chessboard of possibilities laid out before me. Get them to shore. Secure their safety. Deal with the consequences, whatever they may be. My fingers twitched near the gun at my hip, a constant reminder of the threat that lurked just beyond the horizon.

This had been far too easy, which told me it likely wasn’t over yet. I just didn’t know if my club or the Twisted Tides would be the ones caught in the cartel’s sights. They’d discover the missing women and retaliate. It was just a matter of who they decided to blame. I didn’t think we’d left any trace of ourselves on the yacht. With some luck, they’d think some local thugs decided to steal their cargo for extra cash.

Kasen huddled close, her voice barely audible over the engine’s roar. “Thank you.”

I glanced down, surprised by the intensity in her eyes, the moonlight catching them. For a moment, the world narrowed to just her, her face etched with a vulnerability that tugged at something deep inside me. I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat.

“Don’t thank me yet,” I growled, forcing my gaze back to the inky expanse ahead. “We’re not safe until we hit land.”

The other women huddled together, their voices a mix of relief and fear, their whispers painting the air with uncertainty. I strained to hear anything that didn’t belong, my senses on high alert.

“ETA?” I demanded, needing the reassurance of a timeline.

Tiger’s voice cut through the night, calm and steady. “Ten minutes, maybe less.”

I nodded, a sliver of relief piercing the tension that had me in its grip. “Good. The sooner we’re off this Goddamn water, the better.”

As the shoreline emerged from the darkness, a jagged silhouette against the night sky, the knot in my chest loosened slightly. Almost there. Almost safe.

My boots thudded against the weathered wood of the dock. Turning, I offered Kasen a hand. Her fingers, cool and trembling, slipped into mine, her eyes wide and searching the shadows. I pulled her close, steadying her as she stepped onto solid ground.

“You okay?” I asked, my voice gruff.

She nodded, lips parting as if to speak, but no words escaped. The adrenaline finally ebbing, I exhaled, a long, shuddering breath. My eyes scanned the deserted dock, a habit ingrained through years of battle. Though the muscles in my shoulders remained coiled tight, a sense of calm settled over me.

“Octo, Stinger,” I barked. “Get these women to a safe house. If you don’t have one, I can ask Wire to find one. Then get them home, where they belong. Explain to them why going to the police is a bad idea.”

They hustled the rescued women toward the waiting vehicles, leaving me rooted in place. The weight of the night’s violence pressed down on me, a heavy cloak threatening to suffocate me.

“Tempest?” Kasen’s voice, soft and hesitant, cut through my thoughts.

I met her gaze, struck by the mix of fear and something else -- a flicker of admiration? -- in her eyes. There were times I could still see the little girl I’d watched grow up, but it was always brief, overshadowed by the beautiful woman she’d become. My woman.

“I’m fine,” I growled, the words harsher than I intended. “It’s not over. You understand that, right?”

My gut told me this was going to come back to bite us in the ass. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I’d always relied on my instincts. And right now, they were screaming that something bad was heading our way.

Her eyes met mine, a spark of determination igniting within them. “I know,” she whispered. “But you’ll be there, won’t you?”

A silent promise formed in the tight set of my lips. I watched as she hurried toward the bikes near the two vehicles the women were loading into. Someone pointed out the bike I’d used to get here, and she climbed on, waiting patiently for me. The night’s immediate danger had passed, but this was just the beginning.