Chapter 15 Bella #2
THE RIDE DOWN HWY 95 seemed endless in the brutal, blazing sun.
Even my sunglasses didn’t help as I squinted, holding on tighter to Crow as we slowed down, taking an unnamed dusty road out into the desert.
We rode for over an hour before approaching a mountainous pathway that blocked some of the rays, cooling us down considerably.
Crow squeezed my thigh as we followed the others, stopping before the road split into two sections.
To the left, more desert loomed ahead with nothing more than miles of cactus and mounds of sand.
On the right, the path forward led to some sort of dwelling.
It was hard to tell from this distance, but it almost seemed a mirage.
I could see what appeared to be a mansion surrounded by sandstone pillars that extended into a massive wall, wrapping around the property like the cream-colored wings of a crouched dragon.
Was this an oasis? In the Great Basin of Nevada? No way.
“Things are about to get a little crazy. Braid your hair, baby.”
I didn’t ask why, just gathered the strands into a quick plait, tying off the ends with an elastic rubber band one of the GBMC members named Rael tossed in my direction.
Talk about freaky. His face was painted like a skeleton, and he kept flicking his tongue like a serpent.
I didn’t ask Crow about him, although I really wanted to know why he seemed so keyed up.
The group of bikers dismounted, leaving their bikes parked in the shade.
Grim turned to Crow. “Taking point on this as we discussed.”
“We’re good.” Crow gestured for him to move ahead.
I ended up in the middle of the group next to him.
Cuckoo stayed on my left. Behind me, Talon and Claw watched for any sign of ambush.
At the front, Grim and the Graven Bastards spread out, gesturing to one another with signals I didn’t understand.
Hawk and Carrion were directly ahead, scanning the surrounding area for any sign of trouble.
Every one of the guys held a gun and I hoped if we had to shoot it was the asshole who took my sister.
We crept through the canyon walls, keeping low and quiet as we headed for the structure in front of us.
Wind blew dust in the air, and I almost coughed, grateful Crow handed over a bandana printed with—ironically—ravens.
I tied it around my head, lifting the material to cover my nose and mouth. Breathing easier, I nodded my thanks.
We made it to the sandstone wall, staying out of sight.
Crow pulled me into his side, his voice low. “Grim is sending in a few of his guys with Hawk and Carrion. We’ll follow in a few minutes.”
“Do you think the place is deserted?”
“Don’t know. Could be a trap. That’s why we’re being cautious.”
“Is this the info Eagle Eye found on the flash drive?” I asked, still not sure about everything included in the footage.
“Yes. There’s more info to sift through. It’s gonna take a few days to sort it all out.”
I was afraid of that. Time wasn’t our friend right now.
“And your father? Is this place connected to his death?”
“His murder, baby. And yeah, Undertaker is responsible. His V.P. Chronos is one of the men who shot my father. I don’t know the identity of the others, but I’ll find out.” His voice held an edge combined with a rage I understood.
“Okay. I get it. Who else is involved?”
“The mayor and Sheriff Hobbs. Those fuckers are on my list.”
“Brianna worked for the mayor,” I replied slowly. “That’s how she got in trouble, right? She found out about the corruption and who was involved.”
“Yes. Now she’s on their hit list.”
“And so am I,” I realized. “Well, fuck.”
“That pretty mouth shouldn’t say such dirty words,” he joked, but the humor didn’t extend to his eyes that hardened to steel.
“Why? You think it sounds amazing to hear me say cock, especially when I have it in my mouth.”
Rael snickered, shaking his head. “She’s a handful, Crow.”
“You don’t even fucking know, Rael.”
“I do, bro. My Nylah is that sassy. Love it. Makes my cock hard just thinkin’ about her.” He shivered, a dark smile curving his lips. “She’s gonna get it good later.”
“I wish I didn’t know that,” Crow deadpanned.
Grim snorted. “Me either. I know way too much.” He glanced over his shoulder, ticking his chin at the silver fox. “Papa, you ready?”
“Don’t fuckin’ insult me with that question.”
Grim laughed. “Of course not.”
The first group made their way around the wall and inside the sandstone and stucco exterior of the mansion, swallowed up by the dark interior.
Plants and flowers hung in sporadic intervals, placed in huge terracotta pots, and deposited in specific corners to add a pop of color.
A stone fountain sprinkled water and cascaded down a rounded basin, splashing over the goldfish swimming in the tiny pond below.
Above the courtyard, a wide balcony wrapped around the upper level where I spotted Virginia creeper, wild geranium, and desert marigold. Sandstone pillars were erected in the corners, accompanied by a low wall of the same, providing a cool place to lounge in the heat under the roofed platform.
Someone spent considerable money and effort turning this dry, barren stretch of land into something beautiful and exotic. I wondered how such a beautiful place could belong to a man with such a vicious and deadly reputation.
Grim and Papa followed next, moving stealthily through the empty courtyard. Crow gestured for me to follow, placing a knife in my hand. “You need a weapon. Anyone ever teach you how to shoot? Never asked, but I should have before now.”
“Yeah, I do. My grandmother taught me.”
He blinked before a smirk lifted the corners of his lips. “Your grandmother?”
“Gram thought it was a good idea to ensure her granddaughters could protect themselves.”
“Well, shit. I ain’t goin’ against your Gram. Take this too.” He handed over a small pistol, winking as I shoved in the clip. “All set?”
“Yep.” I palmed the gun, keeping it steady as I stayed glued to Crow’s side.
We entered the house through the open doorway as Crow led, gesturing to the winding staircase in the center leading up to the second floor.
Marble flooring polished to a shine beneath our feet, revealing the opulence within. A crystal chandelier swung above our heads, giving an almost otherworldly feel to the interior of this hulking beast, like a giant that lay in wait for its prey.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I shivered. “Crow?”
“Yeah?”
“Something is off.”
“I know. I feel it too.” He led me into an alcove, dropping down as he leaned against the wall. “Whatever you see over the next few minutes, don’t worry. Okay?”
“Um, okay.”
He leveled me with a stare that gave me chills. “You’re never in danger from me. You know that, right?”
“Of course.” I never doubted it.
“Then keep a sharp eye around us. If someone comes our way, take them out. Understand? You hesitate; you die. Feel me?”
Shit. “Yes.”
“Good.”
I looked away from Crow, watching for any sign of trouble.
It was odd that none of our friends approached, but I didn’t grow alarmed until I whispered Crow’s name, and he didn’t answer. Turning my head, I caught his vacant expression.
“Crow,” I whispered, “we’re not alone.”
That was when I noticed his eyes had gone pure white, almost cloudy in appearance. His features were relaxed, and he seemed unaware of his surroundings, completely tuned out.
“Shit,” I whispered, aiming the gun at the staircase as I heard footsteps. “We’ve got company.”