Chapter Seven
Rebel
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Savage Raptors’ compound as I pulled my bike into the carport. The ride home had been smooth, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of giving Isy the ring I’d made for her. It was a one-of-a-kind piece, crafted with love and care. The delicate silver ivy band had taken me three days to craft, but I was proud of my work.
“Cam? You’re back?” Isy called out, as the front door slammed shut behind me.
“Yep. Just got in,” I replied, my voice low and husky. I could hear the sound of her footsteps approaching, and I quickly pocketed the ring, wanting to surprise her later.
Isy appeared in the doorway, looking delectable as always in her tight jeans and loose T-shirt, but her eyes held a hint of unease. I’d been gone for eight hours. What the hell had happened during that time?
“Hey…” she murmured, wrapping her arms around my waist and burying her face in my chest.
“Hey yourself,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “What’s wrong, darlin’? You seem… off.”
She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip nervously. “It’s probably nothing, but when Casey and I were out earlier, it felt like someone was following us.”
“Following you?” My gut clenched in anger, and I tightened my grip on her shoulders. “Did you see who it was?”
“No, not really. But I definitely felt like we were being watched.” Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear. “And I noticed a man seemed to be keeping us within sight, and it wasn’t Kane. Even after we were back at the compound, I saw him across the street.”
“Fuck,” I muttered, the urge to protect Isy consuming my thoughts. I knew I needed to do something about this, but first, I had to reassure Isy that everything would be okay. “Listen, Isy. I’m gonna take care of this. Don’t worry, all right?”
“Okay,” she whispered, her fingers digging into my back. “Just… be careful, please?”
“Always,” I promised, forcing a smile onto my face despite the fury boiling inside me. Whoever thought they could mess with what was mine was going to learn just how dangerous a mistake that was.
“Good,” she said, her gaze flickering down for a moment before looking back up at me with a small smile. “Now, why don’t you go get cleaned up? Dinner will be ready soon.”
“Sounds perfect,” I replied, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before heading toward the bathroom. As I turned on the shower and let the hot water cascade over my body, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest.
I knew that whoever was stalking Isy wouldn’t stop until they were dealt with, and I vowed to myself that I’d do whatever it took to ensure her safety. And once this threat was eliminated, I’d show her just how much she meant to me by giving her the ring I’d made -- a symbol of our commitment.
After I got out of the shower, I called Wire. If anyone could see whether or not Isy had truly been followed, it would be him. Even though he was getting older, the man still had the skills needed to track just about anyone.
“Hey, Rebel,” Wire answered, his voice cool and collected. “What’s up?”
“Need your help,” I said. “Isy thinks someone was following her and Casey today. Can you check the cameras around the places they were? Knowing Casey, she hit the shops on the main strip in Bryson Corners.”
“Of course,” Wire replied without hesitation. “Give me a half hour and I’ll see what I can find. What about around the compound? Any cameras there?”
“I don’t think we have any installed.”
“I’ll see what I can find,” Wire said.
“Thanks. You’re the only one I’ve talked to about this. She dropped the bomb on me when I got home. I don’t know if she’s just freaked out from what happened before, or if someone really was keeping an eye on her today.”
I hung up and went to eat dinner with Isy. She’d made breaded pork chops with mashed potatoes and hot rolls. During my shower, she’d set the table, and the food was ready. We fixed our plates, and she told me about her day with Casey. When my phone rang, I stood and went to another room. No point in worrying her more than she already was. I saw Wire’s name on the screen and answered.
“Got the bastard,” Wire said when the call connected. “There’s a man who seems to have been following them throughout the day. His name is Tyler Norton. He last used his credit card at a bar nearby.”
“Thanks, Wire,” I muttered, my blood boiling at the thought of this bastard stalking the woman I’d claimed.
“I’m sending you the address and his picture,” Wire said.
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Be careful, man,” Wire warned. “I don’t know what this guy’s deal is, but he could be dangerous.”
“Trust me, he won’t know what hit him.” I ended the call, and went to the bedroom closet to arm myself, just in case.
I went to the kitchen and discovered Isy had already put the dishes in the sink. Her eyes were wide with fear, her hands wringing together nervously.
“You’re leaving again, aren’t you?” she asked.
“Yeah. Figured out who was after you today. I need to go have a little talk with him.”
“Cam, please be safe,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I can’t lose you.”
“Isy,” I said, pulling her closer and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I promise you, I’ll be back. And when I am, you won’t have to worry about that man again.”
“Promise?” she asked, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.
“Promise,” I replied, feeling the weight of the ring burning a hole in my pocket. But first, I had to eliminate this threat -- and then, I could focus on my woman.
As I walked away from her, my mind raced with thoughts of vengeance. Tyler Norton would soon learn that nobody messed with what belonged to me -- especially not when it came to Isy.
* * *
The cold wind whipped against my face as I took off down the street on my Harley, the roar of the engine matching the fury inside me. This Tyler Norton prick -- he had no idea what was coming for him. The bar -- a seedy dive with a flickering neon sign -- seemed like the perfect place for his kind to hide.
I parked and got off the bike, then stalked into the dimly lit bar. The stench of stale beer and smoke assaulted my senses. My hand instinctively flexed around the ring in my pocket, reminding me of what I was fighting for: Isy, the woman I’d always wanted and never thought I’d have. I’d be damned if anyone threatened her safety.
“Hey!” the bartender shouted as I walked past, but I ignored him, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of the man who’d been stalking her. Tyler Norton -- just a name and picture at this point, but soon to have a hell of a lot of pain after I finished with him.
“Looking for someone?” a woman slurred, her bloodshot eyes narrowing as she tried to focus on me. “Maybe we can help each other out.”
“Fuck off.” I growled, pushing past her as I continued my search. In the murky shadows, I caught sight of a lone figure hunched over a cheap glass of whiskey at a corner table. His eyes darted around nervously, as if he knew he was being hunted. I felt a dark satisfaction rise within me -- it was time to confront the bastard.
“Tyler Norton?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous as I approached the table. He looked up, startled, his bloodshot eyes meeting mine.
“Who’s asking?” he replied, attempting to muster some bravado. But I could see the fear behind his mask -- and it only fueled my anger.
“Rebel,” I spat, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him to his feet. “The guy whose woman you’ve been fucking with. Now, you’re gonna tell me who hired you to follow Isy and why -- or I swear, you’ll wish you’d never been born.”
“Rebel,” he stammered, his eyes wide with terror. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just --”
“Cut the bullshit!” I snarled, slamming him against the wall. “You think I won’t tear you apart? I’ve got no problem slicing you open and letting you bleed out. But maybe I’ll gouge out your eyes first.”
“Okay, okay!” Tyler gasped, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled to free himself from my grip. “It was a job, man! Someone paid me to keep an eye on her, that’s all!”
“Who?” I demanded, my voice like ice. “Who’s behind this?”
“Please,” he begged, tears streaming down his face. “I don’t know. They were careful -- everything was anonymous. I swear, I don’t know anything else!”
“Then I suggest you start remembering, because I will make your life a living hell if you don’t give me a name.” The heat of rage and protectiveness for Isy coursed through my veins. As I stared into Tyler’s terrified eyes, I knew one thing for certain: I would do whatever it took to keep her safe -- even if it meant tearing this man apart piece by piece.
The stench of urine filled my nose as the dumbass pissed himself. Looked like he had the balls to stalk a woman but couldn’t go toe to toe with a man. Fucking figured.
Tyler’s lips pressed together in a stubborn line, his eyes darting away from mine. He was trying to figure out how far he could push me before I snapped.
“Listen closely,” I said, my voice low and menacing. “I’m going to make this real simple for you. You’re either gonna tell me who hired you, or I’m going to show you just how creative I can get with pain. Do you understand?”
“Fuck you, man,” Tyler spat, trying to sound tough. His bravado fizzled under the weight of my glare.
“All right, then,” I growled, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him toward the back door of the bar. I heard his sharp intake of breath as we stepped into the darkness of the alley. The stench of piss and trash assaulted my senses, but it only fueled my anger. I needed answers, and I would get them one way or another.
“Last chance,” I warned, shoving him against the grimy brick wall. “Who hired you?”
“Go to hell!” he snarled, his fear turning to defiance. It was a mistake that cost him dearly.
My fist connected with his face, the satisfying crunch of bone sending a shockwave up my arm. I reveled in the rush of adrenaline that surged through me. Isy was my world, and this piece of shit was threatening her safety.
“Wrong fucking answer,” I hissed, driving my knee into his gut next. Tyler doubled over, spitting blood and gasping for air. I seized him by the hair, forcing him to look at me. “You really want to keep playing this game? Because I’ve got a knife and a bullet with your name on them. Tell me everything. I want to know who you spoke to, when, and how they contacted you.”
“All right, all right!” he choked out between ragged breaths. “But I don’t know who they are, I swear!”
I wasn’t sure if I believed him. Even though he seemed terrified, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t lie just to try and save his ass. Tyler hesitated, a mixture of pain and fear flickering across his battered face.
“It was… a phone call,” he admitted, swallowing hard. “Private number, couldn’t trace it. The guy’s voice was deep, gravelly, like he’d smoked a thousand cigarettes. He told me what to do, where to be… and said the money would be in my account if I did my job right.”
“Did he give any reason for this?” I asked, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to piece together the puzzle. Why the fuck would someone want Isy followed? And why go through all this trouble to stay hidden? Was it her stalker from Alabama? The men from the motel here in town?
“No,” Tyler replied, shaking his head. “Just said I needed to keep an eye on her. That was it.”
“Think, you worthless piece of shit!” I barked, my patience wearing thin. “There must have been something else. A clue, a hint, anything!”
“Look, man, I swear that’s all I got!” Tyler insisted, desperation etching his features. “He just called two days ago around three or four in the afternoon, gave me instructions, and wired the money. I’ve never met him, never seen his face. I don’t know who the fuck he is!”
“Whoever they are, they’re gonna pay for messing with my girl,” I vowed, the fury inside me barely contained. My grip tightened on Tyler’s hair as I stared him down. “And if I ever see your face again, I will fucking end you. Got it?” I released him and watched him crumple to the ground, his body shaking with fear.
“Y-yes,” he stammered, wiping the blood from his mouth.
“Good,” I said, turning my back on him and striding out of the alley. The hunt was far from over, but I’d be damned if I let anyone hurt Isy. As long as I drew breath, she would be safe -- no matter what it took. My mind raced, searching for a connection, any kind of link between this mysterious caller and the danger that now threatened my Isy. I let out a frustrated growl, knowing that I was still too far away from answers.
As I walked away, my resolve solidified -- I would find the person responsible. No one threatened Isy and got away with it. My obsession with her was matched only by my determination to keep her safe.
* * *
I pulled over to the side of the road. My hands clenched around the handlebars, knuckles white with pent-up rage. As the engine rumbled beneath me, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself enough to think clearly. I quickly called the hacker back, hoping the new information would help us figure this shit out.
“Wire, I found Tyler Norton. Someone paid him to follow Isy.” I gave him the day and time Tyler said he’d been contacted. “Think you can track his phone records and figure out who is behind this?”
“All right, I’ll start digging.” The soft clicks of Wire’s keyboard filtered through the line, and I could picture him hunched over his computer, fingers flying across the keys.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. This bastard better hope he isn’t connected, or there’ll be hell to pay. If he fucking lied to me, I’m going to rip him apart.”
“Understood. I’ll do my best to track down any leads.” The tone of Wire’s voice shifted, a hint of the same protective fury I felt creeping in. He knew what it was like to love someone fiercely, to want nothing more than to keep them safe. “I’ll let you know as soon as I find anything.”
“Good.” I hesitated for a moment, struggling to admit my vulnerability. “And, Wire… be careful. If this guy’s just a pawn in someone else’s game, we don’t know what we’re up against.”
“You’ve forgotten who you’re talking to. My wife calls me God.”
I heard a “Do not” get shouted from the background and smiled. I wanted what those two had. That was exactly the sort of relationship I hoped I’d have with Isy at some point. I ended the call and got back on the road.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were only scratching the surface of something far more dangerous than we could have anticipated. But it didn’t matter. Whatever it took, I’d protect Isy -- even if it meant tearing down the world around us.
* * *
My knuckles ached, but it had been worth it. I entered the house and found Isy in the kitchen, baking cupcakes. They smelled amazing, and I smiled at the smear of icing on her cheek.
“Cam, you’re back!” Her voice rang out like the sweetest melody, and I couldn’t help but cross to her and pull her into my arms. “Are you okay?”
“Never better, babe.” I grinned, giving her a fierce hug. It was all I could do not to crush her against my chest, trying to meld our bodies together.
She pressed her lips to my cheek. Something warm and sweet tickled my senses, and I realized it was the icing. She clearly had some on her lips too. The moment felt strangely perfect, domestic in a way I’d never imagined for myself. And suddenly, I knew it was time.
“Isy,” I began, my heart pounding against my ribs. “There’s something I want to give you.”
“Really?” She looked up at me, curious and excited, her eyes wide and trusting. It was a look that tore through my defenses and made me feel worthy and unworthy all at once.
I pulled the ring from my pocket and slid it onto her finger. “Made this for you. I hope you like it.”
“It’s beautiful.” She looked up at me with tears shimmering in her eyes. “You really made this? It’s incredible.”
“I want everyone to know that you’re mine.”
“Yours,” she echoed, her lower lip trembling as she threw her arms around my neck. I could feel her body shaking with quiet sobs, and I held her tight, whispering soothing words into her hair.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I murmured, pressing soft kisses to her temple. “No one’s gonna hurt you, Isy. Not while I’m here. And I damn sure won’t let anyone take you from me.”
“I know,” she whispered, her breath warm against my throat. “I trust you, Cam. With my life, with my heart… with everything.”
“Good,” I growled, my hands sliding down to grip her hips. “Because I plan on being with you forever.”
As our lips met in a searing kiss, the taste of chocolate mingling with the heady scent of her desire, I knew in that moment that I would do anything, risk anything, to protect and cherish the woman I was quickly falling for. And as Isy’s fingers dug into my shoulders, her body arching against mine, I knew she felt the same way.
“Promise me,” she gasped as we broke apart, our breaths mingling in the charged air between us. “Promise me you’ll always be here.”
“Always,” I vowed, sealing the words with another fierce kiss, feeling her heart beat against mine like the sweetest of symphonies. I backed her to the kitchen counter and lifted her onto it, ravaging her mouth once more. I kissed my way down her neck, tasting her skin, and moving toward her breasts. I drew back long enough to pull her shirt over her head. I quickly removed her bra and tossed it aside.
“You have the prettiest fucking body I’ve ever seen,” I murmured, my lips brushing against her nipples that hardened into peaks at my touch.
She gasped as I licked one of her nipples, sucking on it gently before moving to the other. “More,” she begged.
I unfastened her jeans and worked them over her hips and down her thighs, with some help from Isy. Lifting her off the counter, I ripped her panties off and backed her to the hall. “Put your legs around my waist.”
She obeyed without hesitation. I ran my fingers over her wet pussy and couldn’t wait to be inside her. I brushed my fingers over her slick little clit before plunging two fingers into her pussy.
Isy cried out, her body tensing. “You feel so good.”
“I think that’s my line.” I made quick work of my jeans and shoved them down enough I could take my cock out. With one thrust, I entered her, and bit back a groan. She felt fucking fantastic. “You’re so tight. So perfect.”
“I don’t need pretty words, Cam. Just you. Fuck me! You don’t have to be gentle. I won’t break.”
I took her against the wall, hard and fast, slamming my cock into her again and again like some sort of beast in heat. I swallowed her cries in a kiss, and the moment I felt the heat of her release hit my cock, I couldn’t hold back. I pounded her pussy until I came, filling her up with every drop of cum in my balls. Then I carried her to the bedroom… because I was nowhere near finished with her.