Coming Up Aces (The Hounds of Zeus MC #9)

Chapter Twelve

Ace

Ace always figured when he crossed over it would be when he was much older than fifty-two. He imagined being dead would be a state of nothingness. Instead, he was floating along with all his memories intact. He had lived an honest life with few regrets. Rayna. Ah yes. Ace wished he’d had more time with his Cheetah. He knew in his heart she was the one who would have waited for him. His Gryphon had already claimed her, proving the pretty agent would have been there with him until the end.

“We’ve got to get out of here,” a man said.

“And go where, Silas?” a woman asked. “We’ve lived here for twenty-five years. There’s nothing for us on the outside.”

“And if the police show up? What then, Claudia? We can go to my brother’s. He’ll take us in.”

“And how do you suppose we get there?”

“I’ll take the van. If anyone asks, I’ll say I’m going on a supply run.”

“And what about him? Or all the others who might need a doctor if we leave? You can’t just leave this man, Silas.”

Maybe he’d gotten the afterlife all wrong. If so, where were his parents? And why did he feel as though an elephant was sitting on his chest? It was then he noticed the faint beeping. It was a patient monitor. But if he had died…

We didn’t die. They saved us.

Oh. But who was “they”?

The guard took us to the infirmary at the compound.

They have a doctor who can do surgery?

It appears so.

But why? Why save me?

We know not everyone at these compounds is bad.

The door slammed open. “Silas, I’ve been— Who is that?”

“We don’t know, Brother Abraham. One of the guards brought him to us,” Silas said. “He had been shot.”

“Which guard? Never mind. I was also shot. Stitch me up.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Silas, I’m afraid Oasis isn’t the safe haven I created all those years ago. Ruth is dead, and her son is responsible. Once I’m patched up, I’ll be leaving, and I suggest you take Claudia somewhere else.”

“What about our members?” Claudia asked.

“Henrick has led our people in my absence before. He can do it again.”

“I’m going to numb the area after I clean it, then I’ll apply the stitches.”

“Fine,” Abraham muttered.

“Where will you go?” Silas asked as he worked.

“South. I’ve prepared a place in the event something like this happened.”

“Could we come with you?” Claudia asked.

“We have somewhere to go. No need in asking that of our leader,” Silas chided the woman. “Hand me the needle and sutures.”

Ace struggled to stay awake, and he managed a little longer. After Abraham was fixed up, the doctor said goodbye to him, wishing him well, then he and Claudia argued about staying there. In the end, Silas won. They didn’t take any of the medical supplies, leaving them for whoever ran the clinic next. Silas checked on Ace’s wound one last time before he and Claudia left. Ace needed to get out of there, but he could barely hang on to consciousness. Someone would find him there, but would they be as kind as Silas? Hopefully, the drugs he’d been given would run their course quickly so he could remain awake longer than a few minutes at a time. He’d never been this vulnerable.

Rayna’s coming for us.

How do you know?

Her Cheetah told me.

That was good, except there were guards with guns. Spencer was still out there, and…

Rayna

Instead of driving directly to the compound, they met with King where Asher and Viper had parked their bikes. After introductions were made, King filled them in.

“Spencer is nowhere to be found, and we still haven’t located Ace and Viper. About thirty minutes ago, Abraham left the compound after giving instructions to someone named Henrick to take over again. He also told the man to bury Ruth and the guard who were killed. Fury is following him since it doesn’t sound like he’s coming back.”

“Uh, is that possibly Viper?” Rayna asked, pointing at a naked man stumbling toward them, his left arm tucked against his stomach.

King whipped around, putting himself between Rayna and the male. “Viper. Shit, Brother. What happened to you?”

“Some teenage fucker thought it would be fun to shoot at an eagle. He clipped my wing. I’ve been shifting back and forth until I had the strength to walk back. Why are you all here, and where’s Ace, and who’s this?” he asked, pointing at Rayna.

“We don’t know where Ace is. We’re here because neither of you checked in, and Sutton couldn’t reach you.”

“As for me, I’m Rayna Bellamy, Ace’s mate.”

Viper snarled at her. “Since when does Ace have a mate, especially one who looks like a Fed?”

“It’s recent,” she quipped. “I am an agent, but I’m supposed to be undercover at Haven. Some shit went down with my boss and David Spencer; therefore, he doesn’t know I am here instead of there. If question time is over, I’d like to go find Asher.”

Viper waved a hand in the air, as if telling her to go ahead. She overlooked his rudeness since he was injured. Viper pulled some clothes out of his saddle bag, and King helped him since his arm was useless. Then, while King, Lucy, and Tamian discussed how best to get inside, Rayna stepped away from the group.

Can you reach Asher’s Gryphon?

Let me try.

Rayna remained quiet, and after a few seconds, her Cheetah’s words brought her to her knees.

He was shot, almost died. He’s in the clinic.

“Rayna?” Lucy knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”

“Asher was shot. He’s in the clinic.” To King, she asked, “Do you have any idea where that is?”

“No, but we can ask once we get inside.”

Tamian stepped behind Lucy, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Rayna, I know you want to help Ace, and the best way you can do that is to stay alive. Let me go in after him. Bullets won’t stop me.”

“No, but what if they shoot Asher again?”

“I won’t let that happen. I promise.”

Lucy grabbed Rayna’s hands. “Please let Tamian do this. He can protect Ace. I’ll call Pops and have him get the doctor on standby.”

“What if he can’t travel? His Gryphon said he almost died,” Rayna whispered.

Tamian ran a hand down Lucy’s back before stepping away. “There should be a doctor on the premises. I’ll find him.” Tamian didn’t wait for a response. He took off running at a speed that shouldn’t be possible. Rayna wasn’t sure her Cheetah could catch him.

“What if we’re too—”

“No,” Lucy stopped her. “We’re going to think positive. Have your Cheetah tell Asher’s Gryphon that Tamian’s on the way and to hang on.”

Rayna nodded. After her Cheetah relayed the message, Rayna prayed to her goddess, asking for Tamian to be successful and for Asher to be okay. They had too many years ahead of them for him to be taken away from her now. She wouldn’t be like her mother. She would love Asher with everything she had in her. She would turn in her resignation so she could spend all her time with him. They would go to Arizona so her grandmother could see how special Asher was.

Lucy rose and went to the SUV where she dug out her phone. “Hey, Pops. We found Viper. Or, he found us. He’s wounded, but it’s not life-threatening. According to Rayna’s Cheetah, Asher was shot and almost died, but he’s in the compound’s clinic. We don’t know how bad he is. Tamian’s gone after him. If he can travel, we’ll need Rev on standby. We’ll also need someone to retrieve their bikes.”

“I can ride,” Viper said, but when Lucy arched a brow at him, the male held his hands up. “Fine.”

Lucy finished the call and shoved the phone in her back pocket. “Let’s get your arm cleaned up,” she told Viper. The male didn’t argue. He followed Lucy to the SUV where she retrieved a first-aid kit.

King, who had been mostly quiet, sidled up to Rayna. “So, you’re a Cheetah shifter? I didn’t know those existed.”

“I’m a King Cheetah, to be exact. We’re even rarer than regular Cheetahs. As far as I know, there are three of us. My grandmother, my mother, and me. My grandfather was a regular Cheetah.”

“And your father? Is he a shifter?”

“Nope. Human.” Rayna pushed to her feet and moved to stand beside King so she could talk to him while keeping her eye on the direction Tamian had gone.

“Why were you undercover at Haven? That would make sense if you were a male, no offense.”

“None taken. And you’re right. I think it was to get me out of the way. I interviewed David Spencer extensively, and I think my questions were hitting too close to home with my boss. I was supposed to be at Haven no more than a couple of months, but I was there almost four. When Sutton and the Hounds came in to rescue Glory, I took the opportunity to leave. Then Branson overheard me on the phone with my partner asking for a ride. I called him Sir jokingly, but that was a red flag for Branson. When he told Asher, he decided to follow me. We had a long talk, and here we are.”

“Ace is one of the best Hounds I know. I’m glad he found his mate.”

“Do you have a mate?”

King’s smile said it all. Still, he confirmed he did. “I do. My Heather and I have been together almost fifty years.”

“She’s also a Gryphon?”

“She is. But even if she weren’t, I would still love her dearly. She’s got the softest heart while being a fierce companion. We—”

“Rayna, Tamian has Ace,” Lucy interrupted.

“I don’t see them.”

Lucy tapped her temple. “He told me in here. He said someone operated on Asher, and he’s hooked to an I.V., but when Tamian asked for the doctor, no one knew where he or the nurse were. Things are a bit chaotic in there, but Tamian handled it. He wants us to drive the SUV into the compound so we can load Asher up. It’s not ideal, but it’ll be quicker than waiting on an ambulance and having to wipe the EMTs’ memories.”

“What about the guards? Won’t they shoot at us?”

“No. Tamian voiced all the guards, and they’re sitting in the chapel like good little sheep.”

“Then let’s go!” Rayna jogged to the vehicle and climbed into the passenger seat. Lucy got in on the driver’s side, and King and Viper sat in back. When they were underway, Rayna said, “I thought voicing was a Gryphon thing.”

“It is, but Tamian’s special. He was created from the Original line of Gargoyles.”

“Created?” Rayna didn’t understand.

“You’ve heard of Jonas Montague?”

“Sure. He cloned the first baby.”

Lucy grinned. “Tamian was that baby.”

“No freaking way. I’ve never met a clone. Not that I know of, anyway.”

“They’re just like anyone else. There are two mates in Tamian’s Clan who are also clones. One didn’t know it until she was an adult, but Trevor, he always knew. His story is sad, really. He was created because his older brother had a heart defect.”

“So, he was considered spare parts? That’s awful.”

“They’re each other’s champion now.” Lucy pulled up to the gate, which was already open. As she eased through, there were no men standing guard. Lucy continued as though she knew where she was going. She ended up at the back of the compound where Tamian was standing outside a square, block building. Rayna jumped out of the vehicle before Lucy put it in park and rushed toward the building.

“How is he?”

Tamian smiled softly. “Not bad considering. He’s in and out of consciousness.”

Rayna pushed open the door, not stopping until she was beside her mate. Her Cheetah howled upon seeing Asher bandaged and pale with an I.V. in his hand. Whoever operated hadn’t removed his jeans or boots, but he was naked from the waist up. She brushed her fingers through his hair as she studied the ink on his chest. “I’m here, Asher. I’m going to take care of you. I promise.”

“Rayna?” His eyelids fluttered.

“Yes, it’s me.” Rayna did her best to smile, but it was hard, knowing she’d almost lost him.

“Y-you’re not Rayna,” Asher whispered.

“I—” It was then she remembered the mask and wig. “It is me, Asher. Lucy brought the prosthetic you asked for.”

“Am I dreaming?”

“No, Gorgeous. Maybe a little groggy from whatever is in your I.V., but I promise I’m real.”

“Okay.”

Tamian entered the building with King behind him. “Rayna, the door isn’t wide enough to push the bed through, so I’m going to carry Ace, and I need you to hold the I.V. bag. King is going to take the mattress and put it in the back of my SUV.”

“Got it.” Rayna removed the bag from the stand, then Tamian carefully lifted Asher into his arms. King slid the mattress off the bed and carried it outside with Tamian and Rayna following. The back seats had been folded down to accommodate Asher. Once King had the mattress situated, Tamian handed Asher off to the male, then took the bag from Rayna until she could climb in beside her mate. She retook the bag from him.

“My phone,” Asher husked.

“Where is it?”

“Bike. I think.”

“I’ll get it,” King offered. He was back after a couple of minutes, handing the device to Rayna. “It was on the ground covered in blood and dirt, so I cleaned it off.”

Tamian had run off while King was looking for Asher’s phone, and when he returned, he had the metal bar from the I.V. stand, which he bent to hook over the “oh shit” handle above the door. Tamian helped Viper climb in, so Rayna squeezed in behind Asher to make room for the biker.

“What about King?” Rayna asked as soon as Tamian and Lucy were buckled in.

“He’s hanging back to wait on Fury. Depending on where Abraham ended up, Sutton might have them take the man down,” Lucy explained.

“He’s the least of our worries,” Rayna said, scooting around so Asher’s head was on her lap. “Spencer’s still out there.”

“Lachlan Rokesby agreed to help eliminate Spencer,” Tamian said. “If anyone can find Rhiannon’s father, it’ll be him”

Rayna prayed he was right. She knew nothing about this Gargoyle, but if Lucy’s family trusted him, Rayna would do the same.

Asher grew restless the longer they were on the road. The I.V. bag was nearly empty, so whatever was in it, probably pain medicine, was wearing off. The few times he opened his eyes, Asher gave Rayna a sleepy smile. He didn’t talk, but his chest rumbled a few times. Her Cheetah assured Rayna that Asher wasn’t in too much pain, and that he enjoyed her hands in his hair, so she kept up the rubs and gentle scratches. Viper seemed mesmerized by the motion as his eyes never left her hand. Rayna wondered if the male was thinking about his own mate.

Instead of going to a hospital once they arrived in New Troy, they drove to a clinic. A male they called Rev, along with his mate, Bethany, met them at the back door with a gurney. Rev helped Viper climb out of the back, then took his place. Rev briefly checked Asher over before instructing Rayna to remove the I.V. bag from the handle. Since the bag was empty, Rev rested it on Asher’s chest before lifting him off Rayna’s lap. Her legs were asleep, so she gingerly lowered herself to the ground, dancing around as she waited on the pins and needles to dissipate. Once she could walk, she followed everyone inside.

Bethany ushered Viper into one room while Rev wheeled Asher into another. Rayna remained by the door, not wanting to get in the way, but Rev motioned her forward. “If that were me lying there, I’d want my mate close.”

A soft gasp came from the bed, and when Rayna looked at Asher, his eyes were wide. She winked at him, then closed the distance between them and ran a hand along his hair, leaving it there until Rev needed her to step back so he could run an ultrasound. Asher’s eyes never left hers. She could see the question there, but she wanted to wait until they were alone to talk about being mates.

Rev placed a hand on Asher’s shoulder. “Everything looks good, Brother. It was a through and through. The bullet missed anything vital. It did nick one of your ribs, but whoever operated did a good job. Are you in pain?”

Asher finally looked away. “Yes, but I’d rather deal with the pain than not be able to stay awake.”

“Let me know if you change your mind.” Rev removed the catheter from the back of Asher’s hand and disposed of it along with the fluid bag. He placed electrodes on Asher’s chest to monitor his vitals and flipped a few switches on the machine. “I’m going to step out and check on Viper. If you need me, send your mate down the hall.”

Asher’s eyes flicked to Rayna as Rev left them alone. “My mate?”

Rayna sat on the side of the bed and gently took his hand. “If you’ll have me.”

“Why…” Asher coughed, and Rayna offered him a sip of water from the cup Rev had left on the side table. After he got his fill, he asked, “Why would you want me, though?”

Rayna retook Asher’s hand. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re the sweetest male I’ve ever met. I know you’re demi, and I’m willing to wait however long it takes for you to have romantic feelings for me.”

“I… It probably won’t take as long as you’re thinking. I… fuck, this is embarrassing.”

Rayna brushed her hand across his hair. “You can tell me anything.”

“I’ve already had, uh, stirrings, if you get my meaning.” The blush on his cheeks was adorable.

“That’s wonderful, Asher. For now, though, I don’t want you to worry about that. I want you to focus on healing. We have the rest of our lives to get to know each other. You might find you don’t want me after a while.”

“Can… Will you take off the mask? For now? I’d like to see the real you.”

Rayna removed the wig first, then carefully peeled the prosthetic away from her face. She placed them on a chair, then turned toward her mate, smiling. “Better?”

“Much. As for not wanting you, I don’t see that happening.”

Rayna leaned down and pressed her lips to Asher’s forehead, lingering a few seconds.

Lucy and Tamian entered the room, interrupting them. “Hey, Asher. How are you feeling?” Lucy asked.

“Like I was shot,” he deadpanned. To Tamian, he said, “Thanks for getting me out of there.”

“No problem. Can you tell us what happened?”

“I got to Oasis and couldn’t find Viper, so after waiting half an hour, I decided to fly over. I saw Ruth leaving the chapel, so I followed her to the main house. Abraham and David were already there, and they began arguing. David told Abraham he was done with all things Ministry and threatened him about going after Rhiannon. When Abraham called for his guard, I shifted back to my skin and got dressed, thinking I could voice them all before things got out of hand. I was too late.”

Rayna’s Cheetah bristled when Asher told how he was shot by a stray bullet. “I voiced the guard outside, and he helped me back to my bike, but before I could call for help, I passed out. I overheard the doctor telling Abraham a guard brought me to the clinic. Silas, the doctor, and his wife, Claudia, left immediately after patching Abraham up. Oh, Abraham said he had somewhere already set up down South in case something like that happened.”

“Fury followed Abraham, so we should know where his new place is soon,” Lucy explained. “Tamian called a Gargoyle named Lachlan who’s as good or better than David with computers. I know Pops asked me to come help, but honestly, this is more than I can handle.”

“You should put him in touch with Bishop. He and Henry are looking into Rayna’s boss. They can compare notes so Lachlan isn’t starting from scratch.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. Do you need anything? Either of you?”

Asher’s eyes were drooping, so Rayna answered for them. “No, thank you. Asher needs to rest, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Sounds good. Rev and Bethany will take care of you. Don’t hesitate to call, though, if you need somewhere to hide out. You can come stay with Tamian and me.”

“Thank you both for everything.”

“That’s what family does.” Lucy winked at Rayna, then wrapped her hand around Tamian’s bicep and led him to the door.

“Family. I like that,” she whispered.