20. Stryker
CHAPTER 20
Stryker
I watch Mallory through the camera app on my phone. She and her friend, Mandy, went to the lake with a large blanket and two beach towels, taking advantage of the rare warm and sunny day.
My attention moves away from my phone when the sound of vehicle engines vibrate next to me.
Locking my phone, I slide my sunglasses over my eyes. My leg bounces nervously as Ryker’s truck backs in beside mine. A large truck with two older-looking guys inside backs into the other space. One is Zayne Morine. The other must be Jaxson King.
Exhaling, I shove the door open, climbing from the driver’s side. Ryker is already beside me, extending his hand to do our infamous handshake. “Good to see you again, Stryker.”
His smile relaxes me, and the look in his eyes is full of confidence and reassurance.
“Good to see you, too.”
Hearing footsteps behind me, I turn, staring into Zayne’s intense eyes. His expression is neutral before his eyes slowly rake over me from head to toe. I don’t flinch despite how much I want to.
When his eyes lock on mine again, he smiles and extends his hand. “Zayne Morine. And you’re Stryker Ward.”
I take his extended hand, my smile matching his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
A voice scoffs beside Zayne. “You’ll regret saying that soon enough. Everyone regrets meeting Zayne sooner than later.”
My eyes dart to the smiling face of the man beside him. He’s equally good-looking, tall and built, but there’s a mischievous look in Zayne’s eyes, whereas this guy has a more serious look. He holds out his hand. “I’m Jaxson King.”
“It’s a pleasure.” I shake his hand, my confidence returning now that both men have assessed me. I see the approving look in their eyes before they gesture toward the restaurant.
“Let’s get out of the heat.” Zayne’s meaty hand lands on my shoulder. “Don’t listen to anything Jaxson said. He’s jealous that I’m smarter, better-looking, and have a bigger dick and balls.”
Jaxson snorts. “You wish, motherfucker.” His eyes sparkle with humor as we head to the front door. “All those things Zayne said are where he’s lacking. That’s why he hangs with me. He’s hoping some of my magic rubs off on him, but he keeps getting dumber, uglier, and his dick and balls will never be as big as mine.”
Zayne rolls his eyes as Ryker and I laugh. He moves ahead, holding the door, and gestures for me to go first. “Nah, those are his shortcomings. Trust me,” he jokes as I pass.
Jaxson comes up beside me, hooking his thumb over his shoulder at Zayne. “He’s a whiny little bitch. You’ll get used to him.”
The hostess rushes over and leads us to a table in the back. She flirts with Zayne, but when her efforts fail, she moves on to Jaxson, who doesn’t seem interested. He’s polite but professional, giving her his drink and appetizer order.
When she leaves with her shoulders slumped, neither man seems to notice. Or if they do, they don’t care.
“I’m glad you’re willing to help me out.” Zayne’s demeanor changes, a coldness settling into his piercing eyes. “I’ve been away from Green Haven for fifteen years. I know you’ve researched what has happened. But I will give you the story in my own words.”
He pauses as the waitress returns, setting our drinks in front of us, promising to return with the appetizers soon. She takes our order before disappearing again.
I listen with rapt attention, studying Zayne’s body language to understand what he isn’t saying.
Turmoil, trauma, rage, and anguish are evident in the occasional shake of his voice and hands, the vein that throbs against his forehead, the clenching of his jaw, and his very expressive eyes. I respect the man even more by the time he’s finished.
Picking up my beer, I take a long pull and swallow. “I’m happy to help, Zayne. Anything you need.”
Ryker raps his knuckles against the table. “Stryker is one of the best hackers I know. He has a reputation for digging up stuff no one else has found.” Ryker levels Jaxson and Zayne with a look. “Remember when we busted that drug and human trafficking ring on campus three years ago? Stryker was the one who gave me the information that led to us breaking it up.”
He smiles at me before he adds, “The traffickers you took down in California, saving those eighteen-year-old girls? Again, that was Stryker.”
My hands clench into fists beneath the table, but I keep my expression neutral. Megan Ward, my cousin, was one of the nine women about to be trafficked. It still pisses me off that I came so close to losing her.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip with the guy she was dating nearly cost her her life.
Jaxson eyes me with respect. “Damn, dude. I’m impressed.”
“Thanks.” I run my hand through my hair, spinning my beer bottle on the table.
Zayne leans closer, eyeing me intently. “You’re from Green Haven, right?”
I nod. “Correct. I was nine when you lived there. Same trailer park.”
Zayne lifts his beer bottle, a wide smile splitting his face. “You’re alright in my book, Stryker. You’re hired for this job.”
All the air rushes out of my lungs as I clink the bottle. This is a fucking dream to work with Zayne and Jaxson. Not only are they the best in the business, but they pay extremely well, allowing me to give my little prey the lifestyle she’s used to.
Hopefully, I’ll impress them enough that they’ll hire me full-time. Then I can make all Mallory’s dreams come true.
Jaxson lifts his bottle, clinking it against mine. “Welcome to King Morine. You’re one of us now, Stryker. We’ll have your back and expect the same from you.”
I nod vigorously. “Absolutely. You can count on me.”
Ryker raises his hand, and I high-five it. “Stryker is a ride or die. He’s loyal as fuck and good at what he does. I’m sure he’ll impress you.” He takes a drink of his beer. “You should consider hiring him full-time.”
My heart swells. My biological family life is shit, and other than Megan and my dying uncle, I’ve been on my own for years.
But as I look at the knowing smiles and the camaraderie surrounding me, I feel like I’m part of a family.