Page 31 of Hawk

Declan lets out a roar of laughter. “And you never will, man. They are the world’s greatest joy and the greatest mystery at the same time.”

THIRTEEN

No Greater Sweetness

HAWK

With the USB key locked away and a copy created and emailed to Guard and the Satan’s Pride crew, I’m relieved. As soon as my brothers and I had our meeting, I called Guard, and he was more than thrilled that we have leverage.

Drifter, Raven, and I linger in the back meeting room after everyone else has gone to do their thing.

“Hell, brother, you take too many chances,” Drifter says, lightly slapping Raven’s back.

“We were blowing in the wind. The Jackals set us up once, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let them try it again. I want to go see Phantom before I have to report back to base,” Raven responds. Raven’s got a few more weeks with us, then he goes back to the US Army for another six months, and then he’s released for good.

“We’ll go see him as soon as this is done,” I tell him. “I’m grateful you did what you did, but Drifter’s right, you can’t be taking chances like that. If they caught you, you’d be dead. The Jackals are out to take our territory. They’ve made that apparent. I’ll be damned if I’ll let them do that, but more importantly, we’re in this together. We can’t lose you, man.”

Raven shows me a grin. “Uncle Sam owns me for another six months, but after that, try to shake me loose. I’m a Redemption Rider for the rest of my days.”

“Go let off some steam tonight. You deserve it,” I tell him. “I’m sure the guys have a private party planned for you.”

“You’re not joining?” he asks.

“I’m with Etain tonight.”

“Bring her along,” Drifter says.

“Not this time.”

“She should know what she’s getting into,” Raven says.

“Etain will see us as we are. She won’t judge.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Raven asks.

“He wants to be alone with her,” Drifter says with a smirk, jolting Raven’s shoulder. Raven smiles.

“Keep in mind that when you two idiots fall for your women, I’m going to remind you of this moment. Hell, I’ll have you on late shifts just to yank your chains,” I threaten. I’ll make good on my promise, but at the same time, I’ll be happy as hell for them.

Raven chuckles. “Not likely to happen anytime soon for me, but I’ve got to admit that it’ll be good to have a woman who’s waiting for me when I get home.”

“Maybe Etain has a friend she can introduce you to,” Drifter teases.

“There’s always Sasha.” I say it just to needle him, and I get the reaction I was hoping for. Drifter gives me a side glance that would pierce a hole right through me, then looks at the floor.

“Whatever,” he mutters. Raven already knows his soft spot for Sasha, even if Drifter won’t admit it.

“Not my type, but keep looking,” Raven says. He puts an arm around Drifter’s shoulders. “You promised a party for all my hard work.”

“Later, men,” I call out to them as they walk away. I lock up the shop, and as I pass by the compound, I can hear that the party is already getting started.

The guys bust their asses every day, and letting off steam is necessary. Part of the reason we set up the compound away from the main strip was so that it wouldn’t cause tension with the people in town. I was into partying with the rest of the Riders up until several days ago; then came Etain, and there’s no place I’d rather be than by her side.

The parties can get wild. Biker bunnies flock to the club for a good time. Some just love the sense of freedom; others try to get noticed and hook their star to a Rider in hopes of becoming their old lady. What I know for sure is that the shop is going to open late tomorrow.

Ican hear Etain laughing from outside the door, and Sasha right along with her. Declan sees me coming up the walkway and before I can knock, he has the door open.

“Hey, Prez,” Declan greets me.

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