Page 11 of The Gentleness of Rage (Rage MC #26)

Slate

S late dumped his bag in the bedroom that Jaelynn had shown him. As much as he didn’t want to stay in a separate room, he respected her boundaries. She’d escaped an abusive relationship and had come within a hair’s breadth of being raped. His sexual needs weren’t important here. Jaelynn’s fears and worries were.

Downstairs, Jaelynn was pottering about, and a delicious smell wafted up towards him. Jaelynn was cooking dinner, and it smelt wonderful. She was working tonight until two, but she’d assured him she had slept in late. Slate also planned to join her at the bar. Hell, Jaelynn might as well call him her stalker because he’d no intention of leaving her to go to work without him.

Jaelynn smiled at him as he entered the kitchen, and she slid a beer over to him. Damn, he could get used to this.

“What are you cooking?”

“Hunter chicken and home-made fries with salad. Can you get me a wine, please?” Jaelynn asked as she began pulling plates out and shaking pans. As he did, Jaelynn served up dinner, and his eyes widened.

“Shit, babe, this looks amazing,” he said, sniffing.

“Aunt Elsie made sure I could cook.” Jaelynn smiled.

“Along with hunting, fishing and everything else,” Slate commented, and Jaelynn laughed.

“Yup.”

“She never had kids?” Slate asked.

“No. Her parents tried to force her into marriage, and it backfired because she up and ran away. Aunt Elsie lived an interesting life, she made a killing gambling, then when my grandparents’ ranch went bankrupt and was up for sale, Aunt Elise bought it. She is my great aunt, but she’s amazing. My parents and I do not speak much. We don’t understand each other. But Aunt Elsie understood me, so she took me in.

“It’s a shame because my parents are good people, but they are… very academic, and I wasn’t a planned baby. We talk on birthdays and Christmas, but that’s the extent of it. It is a shame, but they’re very linear. I think is the best way to describe them.”

“Anal retentive?” Slate asked curiously. Jaelynn was opening up to him, and he craved more.

“Yeah. Mom’s a lecturer at a university, and Dad is a very respected food critic. Their careers meant everything to them, and I was literally a mistake. Don’t get me wrong, they never made any bones about me not being planned, but they were never cruel. They love me in their own unique way,” Jaelynn explained.

“But Aunt Elsie was your mom,” Slate said.

“Yeah. She did everything with and for me.”

“So, your talent for cooking comes from your father.”

“Definitely. And Dad’s sweet, he’s never once criticised my cooking. I am sure sometimes he wanted to, but nope… not Dad.”

“What does your mother lecture about?”

“The War of Independence and the Civil War. Mom is one of the leading experts in the field and has had several papers published,” Jaelynn said.

“You’re very proud of her,” Slate noted.

“Definitely. I’m proud of them both,” Jaelynn replied.

Slate thought it was strange, but he understood where Jaelynn was coming from. It seemed her parents did love her but were incapable of being the parents she needed. Giving her up to Aunt Elsie had been the best for Jaelynn, and he respected her parents for that decision because it couldn’t have been easy. At least they hadn’t forced Jaelynn to stay and made her childhood miserable.

◆◆◆

Three hours later, Slate wanted to punch half the men in the bar. The other half he was planning burials for. Jaelynn wasn’t wearing anything overtly sexy, but her jeans fitted like a second skin and showed off everything. Her tee was round-necked but clung to her bust like saran wrap. But all eyes were on his woman.

Surprisingly, the place was heaving again, and after two hours, Slate had hopped behind the bar and started dispensing drinks.

“How come we’re so busy?” Lowrider asked.

“Dunno, it’s been like this for the last few weeks,” Slate answered.

“Two bars shut down in town. One for serving an underage kid and the other because the owner drank the profits,” Starla said.

“Damn, didn’t know that,” Sunny replied as he gazed out over the crowd.

“Plus, the cuts are a draw,” Starla teased, and Sunny rolled his eyes, making Starla laugh. “No, honestly, look. These are all girls in their early and late twenties. It’s common knowledge almost every brother in Rage has their women. Now your prospects are claiming old ladies, and these bitches are all hopefuls.”

Slate looked around and noticed several sly glances aimed at him. One woman blatantly batted her eyelashes, and another blew him a kiss.

“Shit,” he murmured. “Jaelynn!” he bellowed.

Jaelynn appeared, and Slate leant over the bar and kissed her.

“What was that for?” she whispered as she clung to his tee.

“I’m being hunted and needed to show them I’m taken,” Slate replied.

“Ah, I see. In that case…” Jaelynn hauled him closer and kissed him thoroughly. Slate was amused when she broke the kiss.

“That better?” she asked.

“Much,” he said, seeing some disgruntled glances. Jaelynn giggled and waltzed back off.

“That made a statement, bossman.” Starla laughed.

“Certainly did.” Sunny grinned.

◆◆◆

Slate was pouring a beer when a startled cry caught his ears. He lifted his head and saw Savage trying to wade his way through the crowd. Slate followed Savage’s gaze and grew incensed.

A man who was attempting to yank her into his lap had grabbed Jaelynn.

A roar burst from him, and Slate placed his hands on the bar. He bounced on his toes and jumped over the bar.

“Holy fuck!” Lowrider exclaimed as Slate barrelled his way around the crowd. The drunk idiot now had Jaelynn on him, and as Slate approached, Jaelynn’s fingers turned into claws, and she raked his face. People saw Slate bearing down on them and tried to move.

The drunk bellowed and threw Jaelynn to the floor, where she yelled out. Slate had the man by his throat and lifted him up and slammed him down.

“I’ve got Jaelynn!” Starla cried from behind him.

Slate roared again and pounded the asshole a second and then a third time. In a fit of pure temper, Slate drew his fist back and let loose a punch that knocked the drunk unconscious. He threw him at Savage and turned to Jaelynn.

His girl was in Starla’s arms, and her wide eyes were fixed on him. “Hulk, smash! Puny human,” Jaelynn muttered in a twist on some movie lines he recognised.

Starla burst into laughter.

“Slate, smash!” Jaelynn cried and shot her arms in the air. “Ow!”

Slate saw blood trickling down and, in two steps, had her arm in his hand and was examining her.

“I caught it on some glass. It’s a scratch, not deep,” Jaelynn muttered, patting his chest like he was a puppy.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, baby,” Slate said gently and scooped her into his arms.

“Slate, I can walk!” Jaelynn cried as everyone around watch.

“Hush, let me take care of you,” Slate responded.

“Lucky bitch!” a girl commented as other women sighed.

“Damn right, he’s my Slate smash.” Jaelynn giggled.

“Did you see him leap that bar? Jesus, that was so damn hot,” a woman stated.

“You leapt the counter?” Jaelynn questioned.

“Quickest way to get to you,” Slate answered.

“Starla, get me the video of that!” Jaelynn called out.

Slate exhaled, knowing it would do the rounds. The old ladies would love it.

“Done, babe,” Starla declared.

As they headed towards the office, the sound once again picked up in the bar. Slate kicked the door open and placed Jaelynn on Mac’s sofa. Jaelynn was bemused as he studied her arm carefully and then began cleaning it.

“Slate, I’m fine,” she said.

Slate shook his head. “I do not like seeing blood on you.”

His voice was tight, and Jaelynn tipped his chin up to face her. “I’m okay. It’s a small cut, nothing major. Don’t stress, I’ve had worse gardening.”

“Then you’re not allowed to garden anymore,” Slate retorted.

Jaelynn laughed, and finally, Slate smiled. Now he could see it was definitely a scratch, he could relax. He wiped it clean and stuck a plaster on it. Jaelynn looked even more amused.

“I’m going back to work,” she said.

Slate felt shocked. “Aren’t you scared? Look what just happened.”

Jaelynn leant forward and gave him a sweet kiss. “No. Not at all. Because you and your brothers are there.”

Before he could analyse the warm glow spreading through his body and piercing his heart, Jaelynn sashayed her butt outside. Damn, he was falling hard.

Drake

Yawning, he picked up the phone and was surprised to see who was calling.

“Warden?” he asked.

Drake had met the Royal Bastard President of the Camden Chapter when he’d come to Rapid City to save one of his club’s sister. They’d uncovered a nightmare that still haunted Drake.

“Drake. Sorry about the late hour,” Warden said.

“Not a problem. What do you need?”

“I’ve received reports from chapters across the country. The RBMC is seeing mass movement. The Venomous Fangs are on the move,” Warden explained.

Drake went silent.

“Thanks, bud, I owe you one,” he finally replied as his mind moved into overtime.

“We reckon you’ve got a week. They seem to be congregating at places and waiting on others to join them. If they travel any quicker, we’ll let you know.

“You still okay if we send our families to Camden?” Drake checked.

“Fuckin’ send, dude. The Fangs ain’t interested in us, and we can hold an army off with my club’s abilities. The hotel your woman bought isn’t far from us. I’ll put a couple of patrols their way each day until you recall them,” Warden offered.

“Fuck, thanks, man. If I survive this—”

“The beer’s on you,” Warden said and then cut the line.

Drake wondered if he should have asked if Warden or any of his guys had received any visions. Before Aurora Victoria came along, he hadn’t believed in woo-woo shit. But Aurora’s premonitions had convinced him there was stuff out there he didn’t understand.

He picked his phone back up and dialled Ace. “Begin the exodus. The Fangs are moving. I’ll contact the allies, you start on the list. We begin flying them out tonight,” he ordered when Ace picked up.

“On it,” Ace said and cut the line. The first person Ace would call was Jett to get Sin and their brood out. Joining Sin would be Autumn and her youth, and Lindsey with hers. Lowrider and Gunner would get their women to the private hangar that Phoe’s plane sat in. They were the first out. Silvie and her kids should have joined them. Instead, Silvie was still in hospital with an infection. That meant he needed somebody to take Apache’s four younger children.

Drake picked up the phone and dialled Artemis.

“I heard, I'm contacting Master Hoshi, he’s sending units to bolster the Juno Group. I’m recalling Kristoff and Angel,” Artemis explained.

“We need someone to fly to Apache’s youngsters. Silvie was meant to have both broods, but she’s in hospital still,” Drake said.

“Already covered. Nova and Falcon are taking them all. I’m about to phone Nova and get her to Apache's to collect their kids. She’ll meet at the airport as planned. Falcon will fly out with mine and Aces when it’s time,” Artemis replied.

“I’ll call the captain, the plane will take off when they’re all on board,” Drake stated.

“Make sure you arrange for SUVs. There’s snow in Maine this time of year!” Artemis reminded him.

“Yeah. Vehicles have been arranged. I’ll contact them to confirm now. I will also call the housekeeping Phoe hired for the hotel. Just start sorting your shit Artemis, your kids were booked on the fourth flight out,” Drake ordered.

“Get a hold of your friend. Ensure the women have weapons to defend the children, if need be,” Artemis stated.

“Yeah.” Drake hung up and settled in for a long evening. Then he did call Warden back and pay for guns to be delivered to the hotel for the old ladies. Warden confirmed he’d deliver when everyone started taking up residence. He was reluctant to leave them with housekeeping.

Casey

I shouldn’t have been on the first flight, but somehow, Blue and I had ended up here. Mac followed me up as Lindsey pulled me aside and said there was a reason. I wanted to ask what, but we had to help Nova herd her younger aunts and uncles onto the plane. Kai, the youngest, was creating a scene, and Nova finally picked Kai up and carried him up the steps.

“Sit there and shut up!” Nova ordered Kai, who glowered.

“I’m being good,” Halona said as she took a seat next to Kite and Eagle. Apache’s twin sons looked upset but were holding it together better than Kai.

“I didn’t consider Silvie. Do you think she’ll be able to fly out?” I murmured to Nova.

“I don’t know, Casey. She’s pretty sick. Grandpa is worried, but Doc Paul put Gran on strong antibiotics,” Nova replied.

“It tickles me to hear Silvie called Gran,” Lindsey said, reaching out and snagging Elijah and Zak, her youngest two boys.

“Didn’t I tell you to sit your damn ass down!” Davy snapped, and I choked on a laugh.

“Holy crap, she sounds like you,” I muttered as Autumn arrived. Gunner had a child under each arm and was growling as he placed his kids in seats. They all laughed as he literally tied the seat belts around his twins, Noah and Asher. Aria and Alyssa walked on and took seats near Davy, eying all the children surrounding them.

“Remember who’s in charge,” Davy announced.

Noah howled as Aiden grabbed a chair and Autumn carried Kitty and Karter up. The babies didn’t look impressed, but they weren’t creating a fuss like Noah and Asher.

“You ain’t the boss of us,” Noah challenged Davy.

“Listen here, you little punk…” Davy began, and Lindsey held a finger up. I watched, knowing what was coming.

“The hotel owns an enormous conference room. You can all fight in there. In the meantime, you’ll shut the hell up and not cause this plane to crash. Because I ain’t saving your asses. There’re five parachutes, and they’re for me, Autumn, Casey, Sin, and Nova. You fuckers bring this aircraft down, I hope you can swim… with sharks,” Lindsey threatened.

“Shit, this is going to be fun. How long is this damn flight?” Sin asked, appearing through the door and sitting immediately.

Lindsey snickered as she saw Jett trying to herd their brood up into the plane. Amelia had hold of Brooke and Robin, Levi was on his father’s shoulders, Lexi waddled along, babbling away, and Jett carried Duke.

“Roll call.”

“Blue’s accounted for,” I said, checking my son was still strapped in. Blue was ignoring the chaos around him as he played on his tablet—thank God.

“I’ve got Kite, Eagle, Kai and Halona,” Nova stated.

“Aiden, Aria, Alyssa, Asher, Kitty and Karter… Kid missing!” Gunner announced. “Jesus Christ. How the hell did Noah escape? EJ, watch them while I find fricking Noah.”

Autumn waved a lazy hand. “ Let’s have a big family, babe, kids are fuckin’ amazing. You know I’m a hands-on father. Bet you didn’t consider they’d turn out like you!”

Lindsey chuckled as Lowrider began counting their brood.

“EJ, Davy, Elijah, Zak—wait, Elijah’s gone too!”

“That way,” Lindsey declared, pointing, and Lowrider tore off after the six-year-old Hellion. “You might want to check he hasn’t pulled wires out of anything.”

The kids shut up squabbling and all turned to face Lindsey.

“Huh?” Davy said.

“You know what your brother’s like. You better pray he’s not undone something vital,” Lindsey replied breezily.

“Why would you say that?!” Davy exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

“There’s my drama queen,” Lindsey cheered as Lowrider carried Elijah with some wiring in hand. Lowrider winked at Lindsey, and she guessed he’d given it to bribe the boy. Elijah had a thing for stripping wires.

Davy and Amelia looked horrified.

“You were told to watch your brothers. If we crash, it’s on your head, Davy,” Lindsey said, sitting back.

“Amelia, Brooke, Robin, Levi, Lexi, and Duke. Mine are all here,” Jett announced, looking relieved.

“You know there’re five mums, counting Nova as a stand-in Silvie and twenty-two damn kids?” I asked Autumn.

“Blame Gunner, he kept knocking me up with twins,” she replied.

“But Aria and Alyssa are twins, so that gene is yours, honey,” I stated.

Autumn opened an eye and looked and me.

“Yeah, it’s all Gunner’s fault,” I agreed.

The brothers kissed their women and kids goodbye. This was a hard moment. This might be the last time one of us saw our husbands and the children, their fathers. If we’d been alone, I’m sure we would have cried, but we had to be strong for the Hellions.

I puffed out my cheeks and gazed out the window at the five men standing by their bikes and our SUVs. The cars would be moved to a private parking lot for when we returned.

“Why am I on this flight?” I asked Lindsey, trying not to scream for the pilot to stop. The children were our priority. They mattered the most.

“We are the ones most experienced with weapons. We’re going to ensure we’ve got shit covered. A security team is meeting us there, but we need to be armed too and confirm the building is secure. The Hellions are fuckers for escaping, we gotta lock the hotel down properly.”

“Yeah. Fury might send someone after the kids,” I agreed.

“The group coming in is based in Texas. They are all ex-military that the Phoenix Trust has helped. So, they’re clear and good to go,” Lindsey stated.

“Trust no one,” I murmured, repeating my dad’s mantra. I felt a pang. I’d not had a chance to say bye to him, and Dad was staying with his former Delta Force colleagues to defend the city.

“Yeah. Hard in this current climate, isn’t it? We’re the front guard. We need to get stuff set up for everybody,” Autumn interrupted.

“So, let’s get shit done. But Sin sits on her pregnant ass. I can’t deal with her bitching,” I said, and everyone laughed.

It was a weak attempt. There wasn’t much humour to be found.