Archangel (Black Reign MC #11)

Chapter Three

Sonya

If I dood it, I gets a whippin…

I remember watching an old cartoon where a “wascally wabbit” was contemplating doing something he knew would get him into trouble. I now knew exactly how the poor rabbit felt because I was in the same situation. And I was going to resist just as hard as the rabbit did. Which was to say, not very Goddamned much.

Archangel took us deeper into the Black Reign property, to a place I’d never been to before. Wasn’t surprising since this wasn’t my club, but as much time as I’d spent here with Caroline and Bella, whatever this place was must be extremely private.

It took us about fifteen minutes of driving. I knew the Black Reign compound was big, but the property must be pretty damned big. I wondered how far from the border of their area we were. I should probably be wondering what the big bastard was gonna do to me, but, honestly, I didn’t care. He wasn’t going to hurt me or my dad would never have given him permission for this. I was about to throw Archangel a curve ball and couldn’t wait to see how he reacted.

The “Oasis,” as he called it, really looked like an oasis. There was a privacy fence around the entire area, as well as three enclosed structures. Two of them looked like one-room cabins, while the other one had walls on two sides and was screened in on the others. Beyond that was a neatly kept pond. The grounds were immaculate. The place was like some fancy, exclusive spa.

“Wow.” I didn’t bother to hide my admiration. “This is some place!”

“This is where I bring people to meditate and reflect. It’s tranquil, and I find it helps set a relaxing mood.”

There was a long silence. Very long. There was so much to unpack in Archangel’s explanation I wasn’t sure where to start.

After what had to be a full minute of us staring at each other, neither of us willing to give anything away, I finally found my voice. “Meditation. Reflection.”

Archangel lifted his chin at a stubborn angle, daring me to say anything further.

Naturally, I did. “I wasn’t aware bikers practiced meditation and reflection. Do your brothers know about this? How about the club whores? Is this some form of punishment? Because if it’s punishment, I’m afraid Imm’a have ta pass.”

“Keep it up. Thorn won’t get the chance to spank you because I will.”

“You say that like it’s a threat or something.” I grinned and twirled one long, curly strand of my hair.

“This might be beyond my capabilities,” he muttered, scrubbing a hand over his face like he was bone weary. “Not on no sleep.” He focused on me again, seeming to be trying to make a decision. Then he nodded his head once. “This cabin is yours. The only electricity is what it takes to run water. There’s no cell coverage out here either. There is a small bathroom with plumbing, but the shower is barely big enough for one person.” He turned to the side-by-side and picked up a large duffel bag. “Lyric packed some things. You should have everything you need in here to be comfortable, including several changes of clothing.”

“OK… What exactly are you expecting to happen here?”

“I expect you to do as I tell you and to open your mind up to what you have to offer the world. To find a way you can help your club and your family. I’m going to help you find your way.”

I blinked up at him. “Wow. That wasn’t rehearsed at all .”

He clenched his jaws and his fists, giving me a look that said he wanted to flay me alive. “Go to the fuckin’ cabin, Sonya. Make your bed. Set up your shit the way you want it. Walk around the fucking pond. I don’t give a fuck. But get some rest tonight and be ready to start at sunrise.”

“Fine, Mr. Cranky Pants.”

“I’ve locked the gate to this place. You can’t get out and no one can get in. It’s only the two of us until we get this done.”

I tried to look put out, but inside I was rubbing my hands together with glee. “Fine. Fine. I’ll just take my shit and go sit with my thumb up my ass.”

“I’ll have supper ready in a couple of hours. We eat and work in the shelter.” He pointed to the half-enclosed building I’d noticed before. “No matter what task you’ve been assigned, we always eat three meals a day together. Seven, noon, and five. It’s where we talk to each other and express our concerns and share our accomplishments with each other.”

“This has got to be some kind of alternate universe.” I know I was staring at Archangel like he’d grown a third eyeball, but I couldn’t help it! “What are you?”

“Curious?” He arched one dark eyebrow.

“You kind of maybe sound like you might have done this a time or three. So I want to know if you’re, like, some kind of New Age healer or shaman or something.”

“I’m a soldier who’s seen too much death and turned to philosophy. I’ve studied several different religious sects and methods of healing mental trauma through different meditative techniques. If you want to know why, you’ll have to stay and not fight me on what I’m asking of you.”

I laughed softly. “By God, you’re good. Fine. I’ll play your little game.” More because it suited me to take my time with this. Well, for the moment anyway. “I’ll be here every day. Do what you tell me to do. Mostly. And I’ll try to pick up what you put down. I’ll keep an open mind and all that shit. But you have to give me some kind of time frame. I have no intention of being stuck here indefinitely.”

“I don’t like having a time limit. Defeats the purpose.”

“And I’m not signing over my life to you until you see fit to call a halt. I’ll give you two days.”

“A week. Minimum.” His gaze was flat and cold. I’d thought I’d seen his icy exterior crack earlier, but either I was mistaken or he’d reinforced his defenses. “And I prefer two weeks.”

“Four days. I’ll reevaluate after that,” I countered.

He nodded. “Fine. Now go get settled. I’ll see you in the shelter in two hours for supper.”

I found myself exhilarated as I raced to my cabin. It was only feet from the one Archangel was using. In fact, the window next to my bed faced a window in his cabin. I thought I saw him moving around, but the sun was glaring off the glass too much.

Turning away from the window, I tossed my duffel on the twin bed shoved against the wall. Lyric had packed sheets, a comforter, towels, and washcloths, as well as clothing all the way down. She’d also included a bathing suit and flip-flops as well as assorted toiletries. The cabin was spotless and cozy, even if it was small. I found I rather liked the tiny home. I found this place to be somewhere I could live comfortably. At least until I got bored. I had a feeling the next few days promised to be anything but boring.

* * *

Sonya

Two Days Later …

I was bored outta my fucking mind!

“In, and hold… Let it out.” I felt like I was in a Richard Simmons video. Only without all the fun and laughs. And don’t judge me for knowing who Richard Simmons is or for watching his videos. If I’m exercising, Imm’a have fun doin’ it. “That’s it. Good job, Sonya. Now again. Close your eyes. Listen to the breeze through the trees, the rippling of the water.” His voice was oddly hypnotic, but all I heard was a sexy cadence telling me to do shit that was sexy.

“ Now, take off your top and pull your tits out of your bra. That’s right. Show me those pretty nipples. How they harden when the breeze tickles them .”

“Oh yeah,” I whimpered.

“What?” The word was nothing short of a demand.

“Hmm?” My gaze snapped to him. I tried to look all innocent and shit when I’d gotten caught red-handed daydreaming about Archangel instructing me to strip. No doubt, if he’d left me alone, I’d have gotten to the part where he fucked me. “Did you say something?” Oops.

Archangel frowned down at me. Even with both of us sitting on the grass, he was still taller than me. Or maybe it was my imagination. He was so much larger than life! Not to mention my ultimate fantasy. Besides, like I said, I was bored. “Are you even listening to me? What were you thinking about just now?”

I leveled a look at him. “Do you really want me to answer that question, Archangel? Because I will. Then you’ll have to be the one to deal with the fallout.” I raised an eyebrow at him. I wasn’t bluffing either. What did I have to lose by telling him I was fantasizing about stripping for him? It wasn’t like anything was going to happen, and it might get him to call off this little charade and I could go back home. Worst case, he avoided me for the rest of my life. Sure, it would be embarrassing, but Archangel would never be cruel about letting me down. He’d reject me but do it gently. Or he’d fuck me and I’d get to live out several fantasies. Which… yeah.

If I dood it, I gets a whippin ’…

“You’re a brat, girl. I have a feelin’ you ain’t gonna respond to anything short of force.”

I smirked. “Probably not. You got a plan for that?”

“You’re testing me.” He gave me a knowing smile. A soft and tranquil smile. Like I was falling right into his plan. “Good. You need to know I’m dedicated to helping you.”

“Bullshit,” I sang out, smiling. It really was funny. “You don’t even want to be here. You think I don’t know when someone doesn’t like my company?”

“Never said I didn’t like your company. You’re one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. You simply have a problem with authority. I’m here to help you realize you don’t always have to buck the system. Especially with those close to you.”

“Like my mom and dad?” I shook my head. “Dad is a bit of a control freak. I get it. Unfortunately, he has a daughter as stubborn as he is, so good luck with helping me be OK with him making all my decisions for me.”

“Sonya, Thorn doesn’t want to make all your decisions for you. He just wants you to make better ones so you don’t get into trouble.”

“OK, that’s a good one.” I actually laughed. “My father doesn’t want to make all my decisions for me? That’s the very definition of what he wants! He just wants me to think his ‘suggestions’ are all my idea so I don’t feel like he’s telling me what to do.”

He tilted his head. “Do you really think your father tries to manipulate you into doing what he wants?”

“Of course he does! Mom will even say I’m right. Did you even look into this whole situation before you agreed to brainwash me?” It was a barb. I couldn’t help it! His horrified expression told me I’d hit my mark. I didn’t really think he was brainwashing me, but the look on Archangel’s face was too funny not to continue.

“Sonya, I don’t want to brainwash you or convince you not to make your own decisions or anything like that. And I happen to know your father only has your best interest at heart. He loves you.”

“Oh, I know he does. I love him too. Doesn’t mean I’m going to change who I am to make him happy. Changing myself would make everyone miserable.” When he opened his mouth to respond I interrupted him. “ Really fucking miserable.” I gave him a knowing look with raised eyebrows.

“You don’t have to change who you are, honey. Just… don’t put blow-up sex dolls in the middle of people’s Christmas decorations.”

“It’s almost fucking spring! Who leaves their Christmas decorations up this long? They were asking for something to happen. You’re trying to take away all my fun.” I tried to pout, but couldn’t hold it. A laugh bubbled up and had to escape. To my surprise, Archangel laughed with me, real mirth shining in his eyes. It was a stunning moment. Though I’d seen him smile and laugh occasionally, this was a real, honest-to-God laugh like he was enjoying himself to the fullest. I couldn’t help softening toward him. Just a little. “You should do that more often.” I reached out to touch his hand which was resting on his knee where we’d been meditating. Or, as I liked to call it, sitting cross-legged with our eyes closed, being bored out of our minds.

He stiffened at my touch but didn’t pull away. “Do what more often?”

“Laugh.” I smiled at him. “You look loads younger when you laugh.”

“And there’s the brat.” Archangel tried to scowl at me, but he couldn’t hold it any better than I could. “You’re smart, Sonya.” He turned his hand over and gripped my fingers. “You could be anything you want to be. Why are you still hanging around home?”

I shrugged. “Why move away from home? I have everything I love right here. My family. My friends. I work around the clubhouse grounds and garage. You know, cooking and cleaning and shit. I do it because I like taking care of my peeps. Why change that if I’m happy? Besides, I’m doing more work than all the club girls combined. Sure, I don’t fuck the guys, but I earn my keep. I don’t expect to stay in the compound for free just because my dad’s the president. I never have.”

“He just wants to make sure you can survive on your own. You know. Away from the club.”

“Why would I ever need to?” I wrinkled my nose at him. “I’ve seen what the world outside the club is like. And I don’t mean when I was pulling those little pranks I pull in Moore Haven. People are mean at the best of times in the outside world. Inside Salvation’s Bane, or even here at Black Reign, everyone respects each other. Well, except the club girls, and even they have lines they rarely cross. Besides, Dad doesn’t know everything I do. I have some… hobbies.”

“If you mean the clothing and toy drives you do for the local group homes and nursing homes, I know about them.”

I gasped. “Have you been spying on me?” I wasn’t really shocked. In fact, I was surprised Ripper, the intel officer for Salvation’s Bane, hadn’t discovered it sooner. He probably had -- the guy was good -- and just hadn’t said anything.

“I don’t know why you keep it secret, Sonya. Be proud of what you’re doing. Bring more attention to your cause.”

“That kinda takes the point out of it,” I muttered. No. Not many people thought the way I did.

He blinked at me before narrowing his eyes in an adorably confused look. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m not the primary fundraiser for any of those things. I just contribute. Also, if I went around bragging, ‘look what I did,’ then it makes the giving about me showing the people in my world what good things I’m doing. Not about me helping kids and seniors who can’t help themselves.”

“I get that. From what I’ve seen, your usual M.O. is to find out what was raised and match it. What I don’t understand is where the money comes from. Thorn would be raising hell if club money came up missing. Not because he objects to giving charitable donations, but because he’s the fucking president.”

“Surely you know I’d never steal anything from anyone. Especially not from my dad’s club.” Now he was just pissing me off.

“Of course I know you’d never steal from your club.” OK. Maybe he got to live a while longer. “Which is why I can’t figure out where your money is coming from. You don’t have a job or money of your own.”

Or not.

“Ah. I see.” I grinned. Because, finally, I did see. “This has less to do with me figuring out my path in life than it is about Dad wanting to know where I’m getting my funds. Which means Ripper did rat me out.”

“I didn’t say your dad was only interested in where you get funds. I didn’t even say he was curious.”

I sighed. “You didn’t have to, Archangel. If he doesn’t know what I do to get money, then he wants to know. He should have come out and asked me.”

“Can’t speak to that, but he does want me to help you to find, as you say, your path in life.”

“If I tell you what I do, will you call this whole thing off? I’ll go back home and stay out of trouble. As long as I can anyway.”

“I’ll take it to your dad. Ultimately, it’s your decision. I can’t force you to do anything. But I don’t think you’ll outright defy your father.”

Shit. He was right. “Look, I got an Only Fans page, all right?”

“What?” He snapped out the question, his eyes going comedically wide. I had to fight to keep from laughing. The look on his face was priceless. Like if he had mind bleach, he’d use it.

“I sell pictures of my feet, Angel. Where did your mind go?” I shrugged like it was all no big deal. “Ask Ripper. He caught me when I first set it up. He said the only reason he didn’t tell Dad was because there was no harm in showing my feet, but any breach of his trust in me would not only result in him ratting me out, but in my Internet and phone privileges being taken away. Since he was the tech guy, he could pull off the restrictions with ease and good luck telling Dad why Ripper had grounded me when I complained. It was quite diabolical.”

“You definitely need a spanking.”

“I’m twenty-one, Angel. I’ve got plenty of time to be an adult. I want to enjoy getting into trouble for petty shit like the aforementioned blow-up sex doll while I’m still young enough to appreciate the humor. There’s plenty of time to grow up.”

For some reason, he stiffened. He snatched his fingers away from mine and stood abruptly. “Yeah. Plenty of time.” He backed two steps away before stopping, lifting his chin like he’d just realized he was retreating. “Take the rest of the afternoon to reflect on… uh… something. Growing up.” Then the man beat feet back inside his cabin.

“Was it something I said?” I didn’t get a reply to my muttered response.