Chapter Eight
Rayna
Rayna had never felt so alive. Riding behind Asher with the wind in her face had been amazing, and she couldn’t wait to do it again. Yes, she wanted to learn to ride her own bike, just in case—
Nope.
What?
Don’t even go there. Just be patient, and we’ll get what we want.
Rayna trusted her Cheetah, and she could be patient with Asher. But that didn’t mean he would want her romantically if she did give him time to get to know her.
His Gryphon wants us.
Hmm. That was intriguing, how the beast and the human weren’t on the same page. Asher was proving to be generous, and they’d only known each other less than forty-eight hours. Not that she needed him to buy her things, but the gesture was appreciated. Rayna’s mother had sent money to help Gran raise Rayna, and her grandmother invested every penny. While Rayna would have preferred to have Colette’s love instead, she wasn’t going to turn down the money. Growing up, she’d been content to garden in the summer and knit with Gran in the winter. Rayna loved being outdoors, running through the woods, climbing trees, and chasing smaller animals. Playing with them had been fun. Fern had given her all the love she needed while teaching her life skills (except cooking) and letting her be a kid.
Unlike others she went to school with, Rayna hadn’t found her calling. She was content having fun and spending time with her grandmother, learning whatever Gran taught her. Being an agent hadn’t been her dream. It was Vanessa who convinced her to change her major in college when Rayna couldn’t decide on a career. Seth was already an agent by that time, and he talked at length about his job and what the requirements were. It sounded exciting, so she agreed. Her original plan had been to work until she was forty and then retire to find something else to fill her time.
Her job had been fulfilling up to the point she went undercover at Haven. Now, though, Rayna was considering retiring sooner. She didn’t need the income. She also didn’t need the headache that her boss continued to give her. If things with Asher worked out, Rayna would love to work with him and the Hounds in taking down The Ministry.
After they ate their fill at the buffet, Asher had taken the long way home. They settled on the sofa together and watched a movie before saying goodnight. The next morning, Asher left after breakfast to go spy on Haven. Rayna wished she could have gone with him. Instead, she was alone in his house with nothing to do. He’d left one of his credit cards and told her to order some knitting supplies or anything else she wanted since using her own card could lead her boss to where she was hiding. She asked if she could contact Glory, but she and Ripley were dealing with Glory’s family. Feeling a bit sluggish, Rayna went through a circuit of push-ups and sit-ups. She jumped an imaginary rope. She did burpees. Then she did it all again ten times. After that, she showered. Then she found herself going over every inch of Asher’s home. She wanted to learn more about the male.
There was next to nothing to tell her about his past. He had a couple of photos of him and who she assumed were his parents. There were a few with the other Hounds, including one of Asher and two of the cutest little boys Rayna had ever seen. She knew them to be Maveryck’s twin sons from her time researching the club. Maveryck’s girlfriend, Natalia Jones, had been a conundrum. When Rayna researched the female, she found little on the lavender-haired woman. Rayna concluded she was Maveryck’s mate since he was a Gryphon. Knowing the Lazlos were shifters put them in a new light. Ripley rescuing Glory added to the goodness. So did Sutton’s voicing the members of Haven to behave better toward one another. Rayna couldn’t wait to hear how the men were acting now that Sutton had convinced them to go against what they’d been taught by Josiah.
But she would have to wait, and that didn’t sit well with Rayna. She didn’t want to knit. She’d had her fill of that at the compound. She couldn’t cook, so preparing a meal for Asher’s return was out. What she wanted to do was help find Hanson, but being stuck inside without a computer made that impossible. Besides, she wasn’t a hacker. She would have to wait on Bishop to find her boss. She could call Vanessa, but that would give Seth access to her. Instead, she retrieved the burner Asher had given her and dialed the one person she could trust.
Gran didn’t answer, and Rayna didn’t expect her to since the number was unknown, so she left a message and waited. It didn’t take long for the phone to ring.
“Hello, Gran.”
“Rayna! Oh, my goddess, child. How are you?”
“I’m… Well, I’m no longer undercover, but things are a little chaotic.”
“Tell me everything.” Gran’s sweet voice washed over Rayna.
Rayna stepped outside, reclined on the lounge chair in the sun, and told Gran everything, including her feelings about Asher.
“A Gryphon? How exciting. I always wondered what other types of shifters were out there, and you’ve caught the eye of one. I’m so happy for you. But why do you sound sad?”
“I’m not sad, Gran. Just agitated. You know I don’t like sitting around, and until my boss is found, that’s exactly what I must do.”
“Bah. Turn in your notice and find something you love.”
Rayna flipped over to her stomach, placing the phone on the cushion while propping her head on her hand. “I don’t know what that is. I didn’t when I was younger, and it’s why I let Vanessa and Seth convince me to become an agent.”
“You have all the time in the world to figure it out. Or not. There’s no rule that says you have to work. You don’t need the money. Maybe instead of focusing on a career, you should give all your attention to Asher.”
“I still need something to fill my time. He’s only been gone a few hours, and I’m already going stir crazy. You know I don’t do well sitting still. It about killed me at Haven.”
Gran laughed. “We both know cooking is out.”
“Thank the goddess Asher has that covered. And I knitted enough blankets these last four months that I don’t want to look at yarn for a while.”
“Does he have a garden or flowerbeds? You’re good with making things grow.”
“He has trees and shrubs and natural wildflowers. Maybe I’ll ask if I can do a small vegetable garden in the backyard. There’s plenty of room.”
“He told you to do what you wanted, right? Why not surprise him? If he’s handy in the kitchen, he’ll appreciate having fresh vegetables. It’s too late in the season to plant some things, but there are plenty that do well in the fall. And digging in the dirt, turning the soil, will expend some energy, which you obviously need to do. Heck, mow the lawn or trim the bushes. Those are things you used to enjoy. Share in the chores. Anything that will take something off his plate. If you truly believe he’s your mate, show him you care by doing small things.”
“Thanks, Gran. You always know what to say.”
“You don’t have to thank me, child. And my knowledge comes from living with your grandfather for over two centuries. I hated dusting, so he did that. I didn’t mind laundry, but I would let it pile up after it came out of the dryer, so he put it away for me. He enjoyed mowing, but when it came to pulling weeds, he refused, so I took on that task. It’s give and take. That’s what makes a good relationship. That and a lot of patience.”
“You’ve given me plenty to think about. And as soon as this mess with my boss is over, I’m coming to visit. It’s been too long.”
“It has. Maybe you can bring your mate. I’ll need to give my approval, you know.”
Rayna could hear the smirk over the line. “Of course. I love you, Gran.”
“Love you too, Rayna. We’ll talk again soon.”
Rayna looked around. The yard didn’t need mowing, so she considered putting in a small garden and decided it would be something she enjoyed while gifting Asher with vegetables he could use in their meals. She studied where the sun shone and chose the best spot in her mind. Next, she rose from the chair and strode to the shed to see what tools, if any, Asher had. The inside of the small building was as neat as the house. There was a push mower, a weed eater, and hedge clippers. Asher had an axe, a hatchet, and both a leaf rake and garden rake. What he didn’t have was a hoe, pick axe, or shovel. There were shelves which held boxes, but Rayna didn’t rummage through them. She closed the door and returned to the house where she found a notepad and pencil in one of the kitchen drawers, then made a list of items she would need. She used the phone to search the internet for the nearest garden supply store. It was a short drive away, but Rayna needed things like compost that she wouldn’t dream of putting in the trunk of Asher’s sedan. There were smaller items she could get while she planned her little crop. With an idea in place, she changed out of her lounging clothes into something appropriate, then grabbed the keys and headed out.
Ace
When Ace parked at the campground, he was surprised to find Ripley’s bike wasn’t there. He texted his best friend to make sure he had picked it up and it hadn’t been stolen. Rip messaged back that his parents had retrieved the Harley. It felt odd for Rip to rely on someone else, but Ace wouldn’t begrudge him his parents’ help. Besides, Ace had Rayna to focus on. The whole ride toward Haven, Ace could think of nothing other than the female at his home, especially with his Gryphon singing her praises. It was odd yet welcomed.
Bishop called earlier stating he didn’t have any updates, but Ace couldn’t complain. He didn’t have the knowhow to search for Rayna’s boss or David Spencer. During breakfast, Rayna’s restlessness had been palpable. She asked if she could visit Glory, but Ripley had texted the night before while Ace and Rayna watched a movie, updating him on Glory’s family. Marjorie was being a pain in the ass – Ripley’s words – and he was ready to throttle the woman. Glory was spending time with her sisters, and they wanted to go live with their grandmother. Marjorie was considering going back to Haven in case her husband showed up. Since the man was dead, she was in for a surprise if she did go back to the compound.
When Ace asked what hobbies Rayna had other than knitting, she claimed she had none, assuring him she was boring, but Ace didn’t believe her. He found the female to be funny and energetic. Before he got on his bike, Ace gave Rayna a credit card and told her to purchase whatever she wanted. He would hate to be holed up in a strange place with nothing to do other than watch TV. He hoped she took him at his word and found something to fill her time.
Ace stripped, then stowed his clothes in the saddle bag. He shifted into his Eagle and took flight. He had no idea what to expect, but what he found when he circled above the compound was kids running around, men and women interacting, and guards strolling along the perimeter with no weapons. He spotted a good perch and settled in. By the conversations, Sutton’s plan to cause peaceful chaos had worked so far.
A group of young men were huddled together, discussing the Bible and what they should teach at the next chapel service.
“I was raised on Jesus’s love, not the fire and brimstone of the Old Testament. If He is the way to our salvation, shouldn’t we teach the same messages He did?” the oldest-looking said.
“I agree. Kindness and tolerance.” This male was younger, probably late twenties.
“And we should encourage the boys to treat our women with respect. Listen to what they have to say.” This young man didn’t appear much older than the boys he spoke of.
Ace found it interesting it was the younger men having that conversation. He searched the area for the older males. When he didn’t find any, he left the safety of the trees and did another pass over the compound. Loud voices came from the house Josiah had claimed while he was their leader.
“I don’t give a damn that Josiah’s dead. Where the hell is Thomas? Why are the kids running around and not learning their verses? Why are the men and women talking freely amongst themselves? This is not how we run Haven! And where are the guns? Why are the guards strolling along like they don’t have a fucking care in the world?” When no one spoke up, the angry man yelled, “Someone fucking answer me!”
“I’m sorry, Sir, but this is how things are. I don’t understand.”
“What do you not understand? This is not how things are.”
The front door opened, and Abraham stormed out. He strode to where the kids were. “Get back to your classrooms now!” The kids stopped playing and looked at one another. “Go, now.” The kids scrambled to do as he said. Abraham then confronted those adults who were talking to one another. “Why are you not in chapel? Get to your cabins and wait there until I release you. And no talking amongst yourselves.” The adults did as he commanded. Abraham watched them go, grabbing his hair and pulling. “What the fuck is going on?” he whispered.
When he noticed the group of young men huddled together, he stalked to where they were. “You. Why are you not in chapel?”
“We were just discussing what message to deliver today,” the youngest one admitted.
Abraham frowned. “It’s the same sermon we preach every day. There’s nothing to discuss.”
The older one nodded but disagreed. “Sure, there is. We were told to teach about Jesus and his love. That’s what the Bible says we should do.”
Abraham fumed, his face turning red. “Who told you that?”
The men stared at each other, not able to come up with an answer. Sutton had made sure of that.
Abraham fisted his hands. Ace expected him to hit the younger man. “Do you know who I am?” he asked through gritted teeth.
The third man shook his head. “Well, no, but it seems you could do with some of Jesus’s love. You sure are angry.”
If Ace had been in his skin, he would have laughed. Since he wasn’t, he flew back to his bike and shifted. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Sutton.
“Ace? How’s it going, Son?”
Ace couldn’t help but chuckle. “Abraham is at Haven and losing his mind. It’s glorious.”
“Well, that was the plan. Can— Hang on a second. Dammit. We have a situation with Sultan and his mate. Go back to Haven and voice Abraham. I’m not sure how long this will take, so have him stay there, and once I’m finished here, I’ll meet you at the compound.”
“Since when does Sultan have a mate?”
“It’s new, and it’s also trouble involving the mafia or some shit. I need to go.”
“Do what you need to do there. I’ll be fine handling Abraham.” The line disconnected, but it didn’t bother Ace. If the mafia was involved with Sultan and his mate, Ace couldn’t imagine the trouble they were in. He removed his clothes from the saddle bag and put them in his carry pouch along with his phone. After shifting back to his Eagle, he clutched the bag in his talons and took flight. Ace landed in the woods behind the barns and took to his skin, dressing quickly. He shoved his phone in one back pocket, then folded the pouch and put it in the other. When he got to the spot he’d last seen Abraham, he wasn’t there, and neither were the young men. Ace strolled through the compound, which was now void of people walking around. When he reached the main house, he tried the knob, finding it unlocked. Inside were several older men, sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. They didn’t rise when he approached, but they did look wary.
“Where’s Abraham?”
“He left earlier,” one answered.
“Left the house or Haven?”
“The house. Are you our new leader?”
He added power to his voice when he responded, “Yes. Get up and go find Abraham. Have him meet me here if you find him before I do.”
All four males rose, abandoning their coffee, and filed out the front door. Ace took a moment to look around the house. From what Glory and Rayna said, the cabins where most of the residents lived were sparse with nothing but single beds and chairs to sit on. There was also a small bathroom with a tiny shower stall. This house, though, had all the amenities one would need to be comfortable, including a sofa and armchairs in the living room. The master bedroom was appointed with a king-sized bed, while the smaller rooms held full beds. All had thick mattresses instead of the thin ones in the cabins. Another room’s door was locked, but it was nothing for Ace to use his shifter strength to bust into what was an office.
He walked over to the desk where a laptop’s screen was dark. Ace moved the mouse, and the screen came to life. Sitting down, he began scrolling through the various tabs, one of which was a porn site. He closed out of it, then clicked on the file icon. Ace didn’t have the time nor inclination to go through them all, so he called Bishop who walked him through how to zip them and email them over.
The front door opened, and Ace rose to go see who it was. One of the men he’d sent to find Abraham stood in the living room. “Abraham left the premises.”
“Shit.” Ace brushed by the male, and when he hit the ground, he took off running across the compound. He stripped as soon as he was hidden, then took to the sky.