Chapter Six
Isy
A waft of cigarette smoke and the low hum of voices greeted me as I stepped outside the Savage Raptors clubhouse. Three days in, and I was starting to get a feel for life amongst them. Atilla ran things a little differently than Savior had back home. Still, it wasn’t like I’d never been around a bunch of bikers before.
“Hey, Isy. Getting used to the madness?” Ravager asked.
“Something like that,” I replied. While this didn’t feel quite like home to me, except for the house I shared with Rebel, I did feel like I had more freedom here. At the Dixie Reapers, it always felt like people were watching me. They probably had been, but only because they all looked out for each other.
His laugh was rough around the edges, but I could tell he respected my tenacity. I pushed open the door to the clubhouse, the smell of stale beer filling my nose. The dim lighting cast shadows across the room, despite the fact it was morning.
“Isy! Over here!” called a female voice from a corner table.
I glanced over and saw a girl about my age waving at me. She had blonde hair and her eyes sparkled with mischief -- Casey, Atilla’s daughter. Grinning, I made my way over and slid into the chair next to hers.
“Hey, Casey,” I said, trying to match her enthusiastic energy. “What’s up?”
“Thought you could use some company.” She smirked, taking a swallow of what looked like tea. “You’re doing pretty well for a newcomer.”
“Thanks.” I took a deep breath, feeling the tension start to fade. “It’s been… an experience. It amazes me how different things can feel from club to club. Just goes to show not all bikers are entirely the same, although the Savage Raptors are definitely some of the good ones.”
“Tell me about it.” Casey laughed, rolling her eyes. “I might not have grown up here, but this place wasn’t quite what I’d expected when I came looking for my dad.”
“Bet your dad taught you how to handle yourself, though,” I mused, admiration flickering through me.
“Damn right he did,” she replied, her grin wide. “But enough about me. I wanna get to know you, Isy. What’s your story?”
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something about Casey that made me want to trust her. Our connection felt immediate, like we’d been friends for years, and I found myself opening up to her about my past.
“Life’s been a bitch,” I admitted, clenching my fists. “I know I shouldn’t complain. My family loves me. I had friends back home. Didn’t have to work for anything. But… it felt suffocating, and I always had to be so perfect.”
“I’m sure that was exhausting,” she said. “Although now you’ve traded overprotective parents for a biker who will want to lock you up in the house all the time. Maui is sort of that way with me. Although, he’s not as bad as I’d thought he’d be.”
“Hey, Isy, how about we go shopping? We could hit up some trendy spots, get you some new clothes, and just have a girls’ day out. I can ask Meredith to watch Becca if Maui isn’t free.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed, excitement bubbling within me. It had been a while since I’d had a chance to unwind and enjoy a day with a friend. And my number one friend back home had been Dawson. I didn’t really go clothes shopping with him. “Count me in.”
“Awesome.” She grinned. “We’ll make a day of it. Meet you back here in a half hour? Will that give you time to let Rebel know and get whatever you’ll need?”
“Yep, that will work,” I replied.
I went back home and left a note for Rebel on the kitchen table. I wasn’t sure where he’d disappeared to this morning, but he hadn’t answered any of my calls or texts, which most likely meant he was working. Since I hadn’t dressed for a day out around town, I quickly changed, put my hair up in a bun, and dusted my cheeks with a little blush before adding a tinted lip balm. Rebel had already added me to his bank account, and I had access to the funds. Which meant I could buy things for the house while I was out. He kept asking when I was going to make this place my own.
By the time I got back to the clubhouse, Casey was out front waiting. She drove us into town, and I noticed a Prospect was following. It reminded me I needed to be vigilant while we were out. Atilla seemed concerned and didn’t want us going out on our own, but Casey seemed to not have a care in the world. After nearly being kidnapped when I first got to town, I wasn’t ready for a repeat of the experience.
As we entered a trendy clothing store, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere -- lively chatter filled the air, mingling with the heavy beat of a popular song piped in through speakers in the ceiling.
“Damn, this place is…” I wasn’t sure how to finish the sentence, as I took in the rows upon rows of brightly colored clothing that lined the walls and filled the center of the room. One section along the back wall held racks of shoes, and I noticed some jewelry near the register.
“Isn’t it great?” Casey beamed, grabbing my hand and pulling me farther into the store. “I haven’t had a chance to come here with anyone before. It’s not really anyone else’s style. The other old ladies dress a bit more sedately. Come on, let’s find you something amazing.”
As we began to browse through the racks, my excitement only grew. It felt like ages since I’d had the chance to indulge in something so simple, yet so exhilarating, as shopping for new clothes. My old life seemed like a distant memory, and the opportunity to reinvent myself in this new world was thrilling.
“Look at this!” Casey exclaimed, holding up a studded leather jacket. “This would look badass on you.”
“Think so?” I asked, running my fingers over the studs, feeling their cool hardness beneath my fingertips. I’d never worn anything like it before. Sure, I’d had a leather jacket since I’d ridden with my dad and my brother a few times, but it had been for safety and not show.
“Absolutely,” she confirmed, pushing me toward the dressing room. “Try it on.”
I hesitated for a moment, glancing at the mirror and catching a glimpse of my reflection. The woman staring back at me was the same Isadora who’d run from the Dixie Reapers. It was time to try something new. I nodded and stepped into the dressing room, eager to see how the jacket would look on this new version of myself.
“Damn,” I whispered as I slipped it on, admiring the way it hugged my curves and gave off an aura of confidence. “I think you might be right, Casey.”
“See?” She grinned as she poked her head inside the curtain. “I told you. You’re gonna kick ass in that thing.”
“Thanks,” I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for this newfound friendship. We’d only just met, but I knew that Casey was a keeper. I couldn’t have made a better friend. She made me feel better about myself.
“All right,” Casey declared as I emerged from the dressing room. “Now that we’ve got you looking like a badass biker babe, let’s find some more clothes to complete the transformation.”
Biker babe? Me? I’d always gone for more of the demure look. Even when I’d dressed up, I’d never chosen sexy things. Honestly, I had no idea what Rebel had even seen in me. I wasn’t the type of woman men couldn’t forget. Unless you counted my stalker, but he was clearly crazy and couldn’t be compared to normal people.
“Sounds good to me,” I agreed, my heart pounding with excitement as we continued our shopping spree. For the first time in a long time, I felt alive. I only hoped Rebel liked my new look.
“Isy, you have to check out these jeans!” Casey exclaimed as she held up a pair of dark-washed denim with intricate stitching on the pockets.
“Those look perfect,” I said, my enthusiasm contagious as I grabbed the jeans from her. I couldn’t remember the last time I had been this excited about shopping. The atmosphere was electric, and I soaked it all in -- the vibrant colors, the textures, the smell of new fabric.
“Ooh, what about this top?” Casey asked, pulling out a black lace number that would complement the jeans perfectly. Our playful banter continued as we navigated through the store, selecting items for each other to try on.
“Here, try this one,” I suggested as I passed her a bold red dress. “I bet it’ll look amazing on you.”
“Only if you try on that leather skirt,” she countered, grinning mischievously. It looked like something a club whore would have chosen. Could I really wear something like that? It was so… daring.
“Deal,” I agreed, feeling more connected to Casey with every laugh and friendly challenge.
As our arms grew heavy with clothes, we decided to take a break and headed to a nearby coffee shop. The cozy ambiance enveloped us as soon as we walked in -- the soft lighting casting warm shadows on the brick walls, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint scent of cinnamon. The low hum of chatter blended with the sound of milk being steamed, creating a soothing background noise.
“Ah, this is just what we needed,” Casey sighed as she settled into a plush armchair, her eyes closing momentarily in contentment.
“Definitely,” I agreed, sinking into the seat across from her, grateful for the chance to rest my feet and enjoy the company of my newfound friend. The outside world seemed to fade away as we let the serene atmosphere wash over us.
Casey ordered our drinks on the app on her phone, so we could sit comfortably while we waited for our names to be called. How long had it been since I did something like this? Probably way too long, since I couldn’t remember.
“Tell me something you’ve never told anyone else,” Casey whispered, leaning forward in her chair. Her eyes, filled with curious vulnerability, held my gaze.
I hesitated, feeling the weight of our shared trust and the intimacy of the moment. “When I was a kid, I used to write letters to my future self, filling the pages with my hopes and dreams. I never fulfilled any of them until I left home and came here.”
“I like that. It’s unique.” She paused, her eyes searching mine, before she continued. “For me, I always felt like something was missing. I grew up without a father. It wasn’t until I was sixteen that I discovered who he was and came here to find him. He’d thought I’d died as a baby. My mom’s parents lied to him and said I’d died with her in a car crash.”
Our names were called, and Casey got up to get our drinks. She handed my white mocha to me and sat down with her caramel Frappuccino. I didn’t understand how she could drink cold coffee.
“Must have been rough,” I murmured, my heart aching for the girl who’d grown up without both parents. Mine might drive me crazy, but I knew they loved me.
“It was,” she agreed. “But I guess it made me who I am today. And because I came to find my dad, I ended up meeting Maui. He’s been so wonderful to me and Becca. I don’t know why he wanted to take on a mess like me, but I can’t imagine loving anyone else.”
“Strong, beautiful, and independent,” I added, smiling encouragingly. “That’s why. He saw all that and more.”
“Thanks,” she said with a smile, visibly touched by my words.
As we got up from our seats and prepared to leave the coffee shop, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that we were being watched. My gaze darted around the area, finally landing on a figure standing across the street. He seemed to be staring intently at us, his features obscured by shadows. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I shivered involuntarily. It reminded me of how I’d felt back home.
“Is everything okay?” Casey asked, sensing my unease.
“Maybe… I just feel like someone’s watching us,” I replied, trying to sound casual but failing to keep the tremor from my voice.
“Ah, don’t worry about it,” she dismissed, linking her arm through mine. “We’re just two badass women having a great time -- of course people are going to notice!”
“Right,” I said, forcing a smile, but my instincts screamed that something wasn’t right. Had Maui or her dad not told her about the danger? I couldn’t remember if she’d been there when he’d placed the call to Wire, or during the meeting Atilla called afterward. I couldn’t remember seeing her there, but surely she had been. Was she just oblivious to the danger he’d mentioned?
As we walked away from the coffee shop, I couldn’t help but glance back at the mysterious figure, my pulse racing and my senses on high alert. Except he was no longer there.
Maybe Casey had been right. It might have just been my imagination. What if I’d just run from an innocent man who hadn’t been watching us at all?
It wasn’t until we’d walked two blocks that the feeling was back. I scanned the area once more and spotted the same man. This time he was trying not to be too obvious about it, but I recognized him just the same.
“Casey, I’m serious,” I insisted as we walked down the bustling sidewalk, the sun casting a warm glow on the pavement. “There’s something off about that guy.”
“Isy, you’re just being paranoid,” she replied, brushing off my concerns with a wave of her hand. “Let’s focus on having fun and finding some awesome stuff for your new home. Besides, we have Kane with us.”
Was that the Prospect’s name? Kane? I had to admit I didn’t feel quite so vulnerable knowing we had someone from the club with us, but still… I sighed, choosing to trust my instincts. As much as I wanted to enjoy our shopping spree, I couldn’t let my guard down. “Fine, but I’m keeping an eye on him.”
“All right, whatever you say,” Casey said with a roll of her eyes.
How could the President’s daughter be so nonchalant about something like this? Had he really not told her anything? Or did she think he was just being overprotective? Even if her dad hadn’t talked to her about it, wouldn’t Maui have said something? I didn’t know enough about her to understand why she’d be so reckless. Did she have that much faith in the club keeping her safe?
As we entered a chic boutique filled with stylish furniture and home accessories, the scent of lavender and vanilla enveloped us. The soft hum of music played in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere. Yet, my senses remained heightened, every hushed conversation making me tense.
“Ooh, look at this!” Casey exclaimed, picking up a luxurious throw blanket made of faux fur. “This would look amazing draped over your couch!”
“Um… I’m not too sure about that one.”
“Then what about the soft red chenille?” she asked, pointing to another one not too far away.
“Definitely,” I agreed, trying to focus on the task at hand. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious figure, wondering what his intentions were.
“Here, try this one,” she urged, handing me a scented candle. The rich aroma of sandalwood and patchouli filled my nostrils as I took a deep breath. It was calming, yet my hands still trembled slightly as I placed it back on the shelf.
“Isy, relax,” Casey said gently, noticing my unease. “We’re safe here. You’ll see -- there’s nothing to worry about. If Kane thought we were in trouble, he’d have already called for backup.”
“Maybe you’re right,” I murmured, though my gut told me otherwise.
As we continued to peruse the store, I couldn’t help but periodically glance over my shoulder, scanning the crowd for any sign of the stranger. With each passing moment, the tension within me grew, my heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest.
“Check this out,” Casey said, holding up a quirky piece of artwork featuring a fierce raptor riding a motorcycle. “This is perfect for the Savage Raptors!”
“Ha! That’s hilarious,” I replied, forcing a grin. But my laughter was hollow. I couldn’t shake the feeling something was very wrong. If I’d listened to my instincts before, I wouldn’t have nearly been kidnapped.
“Come on, let’s keep looking,” Casey urged, pulling me toward another section of the store filled with colorful throw pillows and eclectic wall hangings.
“Okay,” I said, trying to focus on our shopping spree. But as we moved through the boutique, my eyes never stopped darting around, searching for any hint of trouble.
My heart raced as I tried to focus on the array of home décor items lining the shelves, my hands shaking ever so slightly. I glanced over at Casey, who was still ignoring my concern, her eyes dancing with excitement as she picked out a colorful area rug.
“Isy, this will look amazing in your living room,” she said, beaming.
“I think so too,” I replied, attempting to sound enthusiastic. But it felt like every nerve in my body was on high alert, making it impossible to concentrate on anything other than the potential threat lingering nearby.
“Hey, let’s go check out that store across the street,” Casey suggested, pointing to an eclectic boutique with eye-catching window displays. “It looks like they have some really unique stuff.”
“Sure thing,” I agreed, steering us toward the exit. Even though she’d pointed out several things for the house, I ended up leaving empty-handed. As we stepped outside into the bustling shopping district, I caught sight of the Prospect assigned to watch over us -- a tall, muscular figure clad in black leather and dark sunglasses. He was lurking a few paces behind, maintaining a discreet distance while keeping a close eye on our surroundings. I didn’t know where he’d been up until now, since I hadn’t noticed him before. Not since we’d arrived and started shopping. He’d made himself scarce.
“Everything okay?” Casey asked, following my gaze.
“Uh, yeah, just thought I saw someone I knew,” I lied. She didn’t seem to want to listen when I said I thought we were being followed, so I didn’t see the point in trying again.
As we crossed the street and entered the boutique, I noticed the Prospect subtly positioning himself between us and the mysterious figure who had been tailing us earlier. His protective stance and steely determination reassured me that he was committed to keeping us safe -- but I also realized that his presence meant my concerns were justified. If he was trying to shield us, he’d noticed something was off as well.
“Look at these!” Casey exclaimed, holding up a pair of hand-painted ceramic vases. “Aren’t they gorgeous?”
“Absolutely,” I nodded, forcing a smile. But inside, my thoughts were racing, my pulse pounding in my ears. What was going on? Who was this person following us, and what did they want?
“Hey, I think we’ve done enough shopping for today,” I suggested, my voice betraying a hint of anxiety. “Why don’t we head back to the compound?”
“All right,” Casey agreed, her eyes narrowing with concern. “Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t even buy anything for the house.”
“Positive,” I lied, flashing her a weak smile. “Just a little tired, that’s all.”
As we left the boutique and made our way back to the Savage Raptors compound, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that something was amiss -- that, despite the Prospect’s best efforts, danger still lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. My heart raced, my senses sharpened, and my body tensed with anticipation, preparing for whatever might come next.
And as we drove through the gates into the safety of the compound, I couldn’t help but feel that we were still in danger. I got into my truck to drive home and checked my rearview mirror. Across the street stood the same man I’d noticed when we were shopping. The moment Rebel got back in touch with me, I was going to tell him what happened. Hopefully he’d check into it, or at least let Atilla know.
Guilt ate at me. I hadn’t told Savior about the potential threat because it had seemed like the stalker would follow me, even if I crossed state lines. It looked like I was right. Except now I’d possibly put the Savage Raptors at risk. If anything happened to the other women here, or the kids, I’d never forgive myself.