Chapter 2
Big Island, Hawaii.
Of all the places Waylen Brown thought he’d end up for a retirement party for the best CO he’d ever had, this was not where he expected it to be.
Not that he was complaining.
Hawaii was the most beautiful place in the world.
However, it brought back a slew of memories and emotions that Waylen hadn’t been prepared for.
He leaned against the fence, lifted his beer to his lips, and swigged. The barbecue was in full force. Jace “Hawk” Hawkins sure knew how to throw a party. Waylen knew it wouldn’t be an intimate gathering. He’d done his best to prepare himself to be social, even though this kind of thing reminded him of when he’d been a teenager.
Hawk’s ranch was an impressive piece of property that served as the base of operations for the local branch of the Brotherhood Protectors.
The men and women who worked for the organization were mainly retired from the military or ex-law enforcement.
It made Waylen think about what his future might look like now that he’d given civilian life a good run.
And it wasn’t for him. He couldn’t continue to travel with his buddies for the rest of his life. He wasn’t interested in chasing women. His ex-wife had left such a bad taste in his mouth that he’d barely dated since then.
Going without a girl in his bed was easy.
However, living his life outside of the Navy had become a chore.
Military life might have run its course, but he wasn’t an old man at forty. He needed to keep the blood pumping in his veins, and an organization like the Brotherhood Protectors might just be exactly what he and his team were looking for.
Though, they’d come to Big Island to celebrate a great man and Waylen wasn’t sure his heart and soul could bear the pains of the past that Big Island and all of Hawaii represented.
“What the hell are you doing over here, all by your lonesome?” Harlan Fender strolled across the grass with that cool swagger that often made him appear a little arrogant and difficult to read.
Harlan was far from egotistical. He had this even keel about him that reminded Waylen of one of his favorite types of catamarans. The sailboat would cut through the water with a steady, sturdy, reliable hull.
That was Harlan.
But most regarded him as a standoffish personality type.
It wasn’t true. But he could be guarded, which was a hazard of the job.
Harlan was a top-notch negotiator. He had to remain calm in all situations and that’s precisely what he did—to a fucking fault. It sometimes drove Waylen nuts, but it was also one of the things that Waylen admired.
“Taking in the view.” Waylen raised his longneck and clanked it against Harlan’s.
“How’s it feel to be back?”
Waylen shrugged. This was not a conversation he wanted to have, except maybe with his mother. Not even with one of his closest friends. Too many demons. Too many memories of his dad. Or a certain girl whom he could never quite get out of his mind.
Or heart.
“Everything looks smaller than I remember. I sent my mom a bunch of pictures and she said it all looks a little different, but exactly the same. I have no idea what she means by that, but it made her cry.” Waylen sighed. “I’m thinking about flying her out here in a couple of weeks.”
“I’m sure she’d like that.” Harlan nodded. “We’ve been in some pretty amazing places. But this is spectacular. It must have been incredible to grow up here.”
“It was,” Waylen said. “But Chesapeake Bay was nice too. Great fishing and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins are there.”
But Presley wasn’t.
He sighed. That name had been stuck in his head since he had landed, and he couldn’t get it out.
“Your uncle Ricky cracks me up. He tries to out-negotiate me every time I see him.”
Waylen laughed. “He thinks you’re the bomb.”
“Looks like you two are in deep conversation,” Raider Torres said, jogging over. “Or are we looking for a one-night stand for Harlan?”
“I’m always on high alert for that.” One thing Waylen could count on from Raider was comic relief. If you’re going to be an explosives expert, you had to have a sense of humor to go with the insanity that went with that job. But Raider had not taken to civilian life as well as everyone else. No one had adjusted easily, but Waylen had taken to it the best. He’d been the most ready to retire from active duty.
It wasn’t that Raider wasn’t, but the lack of action had been fucking with his mental stability.
“You boys are real funny.” Harlan took a swig of his brew. “What do you think of this place and of the Brotherhood Protectors?”
“Check and check,” Raider said. “I’d consider both.” That had been the most excitement Raider had shown about anything outside of a near-death experience since they had walked off the base.
“I know a guy who works for the Colorado branch.” Waylen fiddled with the label on his beer. “We crossed paths while doing some IT training. His name is Darius Ford. He was Army. Worked a lot of JSOC missions. Great guy. You think I’ve got skills, that man’s a fucking genius. He’s got nothing but great things to say about this organization and everyone in it.”
“That’s good to know.” Raider lifted his arm, resting his elbow on one of the posts. Raider was the kind of man you didn’t want to fuck with, but he was also as loyal as they came. He was the type of man who, if you asked for help, didn’t ask why, he just did. “Anyone seen Lane lately?”
Waylen chuckled. “When I left him, he was chatting up some cute little thing. Man is always flirting with someone.”
“That’s for damn sure,” Harlan said. “I’m going to go get some grub. You two idiots coming?”
“In a couple.” Waylen nodded. “I need to call my mom.”
“You’ve always been a bit of a mama’s boy,” Raider said.
“And proud of it.” Waylen blinked a few times and cracked a grin.
Harlan squeezed his shoulder. “Get your ass over to the food and stop being antisocial. It’s not good for you.”
“I’m with him on that,” Raider said.
Waylen waved his cell. “I’ll be there in ten.” He tapped the icon where he stored the images from his past. A part of him had thought about looking Presley up, but it had been twenty-three years. For all he knew, she could be married with a bunch of kids.
Hell, he’d tried wedded bliss.
He chuckled. More like wedded hell. That marriage had only lasted five years.
“Hey, man.”
Waylen glanced up.
Lane Benning practically skipped in his direction. Of all the men on the team, Lane could often be the most animated, which was funny. He was a sniper. He had to be calm. Quiet. Relaxed, but ready to fire.
Lane had a happy-go-lucky attitude about life. Not much rattled his nerves. He was like Harlan in that sense. But the difference between the two men was Lane didn’t make everything a massive discussion.
“Did you get lucky?” Waylen asked.
“I might have gotten a phone number.” Lane grinned. “She probably has a friend.”
Waylen shook his head. “I can get my own dates, thank you very much.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Lane cocked his head. “They’re serving food over there.”
“Did you come all the way over here to tell me that, or are my teammates coming over one by one to check on me?” Everyone knew about his dad. It was no secret that his father had died from a widow-maker heart attack when Waylen was sixteen years old. Six months later, his mom packed up all their things and they moved from Big Island, Hawaii, where his father had been stationed, back to Maryland.
Waylen’s hero had always been his dad. Losing him had been one of the toughest things he’d ever had to go through. SEAL training was easier than the first few months after his father’s death.
And Waylen still carried that pain etched deep in his soul.
But he’d lost something else when he moved from Hawaii at the age of seventeen, and he’d never forgotten her.
“You can take care of yourself.” Lane chuckled, but his face quickly turned serious as he ran a hand across his mouth. “Look. You and I go back a long time. We’ve seen some shit together. Surfed some gnarly waves.” He placed his hand on Waylen’s chest. “I know what you’re going through. I know how hard it is for you to be back here, especially on this island. You were there for me when I scattered my mom’s ashes.” He arched a brow. “I’m here for you now. Whenever you’re ready, all you have to do is ask.” Lane had brought the whole team to Malibu when it came time to spread his dear sweet mother’s ashes. They had surrounded him when he needed their support the most.
Waylen didn’t know what he wanted. One minute, he wanted the team with him when he spread his father’s ashes, the next, he wanted to go find Presley.
His teammates, every single one of them, teased him for being an introvert. A computer geek. That he’d rather spend a night home with his gadgets, instead of a warm body.
Have a marriage like his and you might prefer binge-watching a show than being with someone who can make your life a living horror show.
“I appreciate that and when the time comes, I’ll let you know.”
Lane nodded. “Now, let’s go eat.”
“I promised my mom I’d check in, so I need to call her.” He lowered his chin and waved his cell.
“You’re a good boy.” Lane turned and meandered back toward the party.
Waylen tapped his mother’s number and placed it on speaker. He glanced around the farm, his gaze landing on one of his oldest and best friends, Kian Fox.
He burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny, son?” his mother’s voice echoed into the evening air.
“I’m looking at Kian staring intently at a woman, drooling over her.”
“Good. That man should have a nice lady in his life,” his mom said. “So should you.”
“Don’t start, Ma. I tried that once. You remember how it ended.”
“She was a class A bitch.”
“Why don’t you tell me how you really feel about my ex-wife.” He chuckled.
“I wouldn’t want to hurt your poor, sensitive ears,” she said. “How’s everything going in Hawaii? Aren’t you supposed to be at the party for Glenn Gadsden?”
“I promised you I’d call.” He was also avoiding all the people. No one could call Waylen shy. It wasn’t that. He knew how to carry a conversation. But given the choice between being alone with nature and shooting the shit about the good old days, he’d take his quiet thoughts.
“I know it’s hard for you to be back there. Especially Big Island. But you can’t retreat inside yourself. You do that too much as it is.”
“I promise you, I’m not. We found this great little bar that me and the boys went and hung out at once already. Lane and I went surfing. We’re all having a great time. Really, Mom. Now I need to find the right place to take Dad. I thought I’d rent a boat and take him to one of our favorite fishing spots.”
His mom let out that cute little giggle that made her sound so youthful. “No. You liked to go look at some cute brunette and used fishing as your excuse.”
“That too.” He raked his hand over the top of his head. “What do you think?”
“We always agreed to spread Daddy’s ashes in Hawaii. I’m not there and you are. Do what feels right.”
“I believe that does. It’s not far from our old home, which I’m thinking about taking a trip over there too.”
“Oh, Waylen. I’d love to see pictures of that.”
“I was thinking you should come out. I could book you a ticket.”
“No,” his mother said quickly. Too quickly. It was her standard response and she never changed her mind. “You know how I feel about going back.”
“It might do you some good.” He let out a long breath. Since his dad had died, his mom had chosen to live her life alone. His father had been the love of her life and she didn’t want to date. Waylen respected that. His mom got out of the house. She had friends. She had a life.
But there was always a sadness.
“I’d love to share some of this trip with you. Will you at least think about it? For me?”
“Oh, that’s not fair to do to your mother,” she muttered. “It’s that important to you?”
“It is,” he admitted.
“All right. I’ll think about it.”
“How about next week?”
“I’ve got your cousin’s baby shower that I’m hosting.”
“Fine, the week after. I’ll book the flight.”
“You’re not going to let me say no, are you?”
“Ma, I think this will be good for both of us.”
“All right,” she said. Is there anything else? I don’t want you to use this phone call as an excuse for not socializing. You do tend to do that a lot, and while I love hearing your voice, I want you to enjoy the party and your time there.”
“I do have a burning question for you,” he said.
“And what, dare I ask, is that?”
“It’s the ring. Why was it so important to you that I bring your engagement ring with me? I know I screwed up by giving it to Elena. I should have listened when you told me you didn’t want her to have it. The ring is tainted now.”
“Just because that crazy woman wore it, that doesn’t make the ring cursed. Your father gave it to me and we had a wonderful marriage. So stop saying stupid shit. Most of our good years were on Big Island. We raised you there. Our best memories are there. I thought it would give you comfort.”
“That’s so weird considering I had such a shitty relationship with Elena and how you feel about her.”
“Maybe, but you never spent any time there with your ex-wife. That ring isn’t about your marriage, but about me and your father. About our family. It was always meant to stay with family. For a brief time, Elena was family and we can’t change the past. That ring is meant to be with you. You’ll figure it out. Now, go be social. Enjoy yourself. Stop standing off to the side. Get out of your head for once in your life.”
“Yes, Mother.” He chuckled. He did not know what she meant, but he’d do anything for his mom. She was his rock. His foundation. People could call him a mama’s boy all they wanted, he didn’t give a shit. He wore that title proudly. “I love you. I’ll call you in a day or two.”
“I love you too, son.”
He ended the call, polished off the rest of his beer, squared his shoulders, and headed toward the lights, music, and all the people.
God, he hated crowds. When he’d been a teenager, his old man teased him that Waylen only liked three things.
Fishing.
Surfing.
And gadgets.
That wasn’t entirely false.
Waylen had always been more comfortable with computers rather than people. In first grade, his teachers realized he not only surpassed his classmates in reading, but his math skills were already at a third-grade level. At that age, being taken out of class for special treatment seemed like a treat. But in the end, it alienated him from kids his own age. Being a little genius didn’t do him any favors until it was time to go to the Naval Academy.
In middle and high school, he didn’t have many friends. If he hadn’t been bigger than half the class, and graced with muscles at an early age, he might have been picked on more. But that still didn’t help with his social life. Being labeled a nerd had been the kiss of death.
Except with Presley.
He pushed her out of his thoughts. They’d been kids. She’d gone on to have a life and possibly gotten off this island.
Driftwood Tours.
Her parents’ business.
It was nothing short of a miracle that he hadn’t even googled the business yet. But part of him didn’t want to know if she had anything to do with it because, deep down, he figured she did.
“Kian,” Waylen said, though he kept his voice soft because he could. Teasing his buddy was about one of the best pastimes outside of playing video games.
Nothing.
“Yo. Kian.”
The man didn’t move. Just stared at the pretty lady in front of the chopper.
Waylen nudged his shoulder.
Kian whipped his head around, nearly socking Waylen in the chest. Kian wiped his hand across his mouth. “Jesus, buddy. Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
“I didn’t sneak up on you. I walked across the grass.” Waylen laughed.
“Well, next time, make more noise because the band’s got it cranked so high that the ground’s vibrating.”
“It’s not that loud. And I called your name.” Waylen leaned closer for effect. “Twice.” He chose to leave out the fact that he’d barely whispered the man’s name.
Kian shrugged. “I guess I got distracted admiring what Hawk’s got going on here.”
Waylen arched a brow, nodding at the helipad. “Can’t argue with you there. She’s a beauty. Is that a gardenia on her ass?”
Kian snapped his gaze back to the chopper.
Jesus, this was too easy and too much fucking fun.
“As a matter of fact, it is,” Kian said.
“Maybe the pilot has one tattooed on her backside too, because it was her ass you were staring at, right?”
“Well, it sure as hell wasn’t yours. You done being antisocial, or are you just taking a break so you can bust my balls?”
Waylen flipped him off. “I don’t need a reason to do that. Besides, you know I don’t like crowds.” Waylen arched his back. He glanced around. There was no place in the world like Hawaii and it truly was like coming home.
“And I don’t like volcanoes, yet here I am, standing beside Hawaii’s most active one.”
“It’s a good thirty miles away. Hardly right next door.”
“Still…” Kian leaned against the bar, taking another swig. “So, what do you think about Hawk and his setup? Lane says the others are antsy to get back into the fray.”
Waylen shrugged, although the conflicting emotions made him pause. On the one hand, working for an outfit like the Brotherhood Protectors would be a match made in heaven.
Doing it in Hawaii might be too close to all those personal demons he’d been trying to keep at bay. “It’s definitely got potential. I know someone who works for the Colorado branch and he’s got nothing but great things to say about the Brotherhood and the CEO, Hank Patterson.”
Kian gave Waylen the side-eye. “Is that a yes if you were given the chance to join?”
“Maybe. I…” Waylen took another look around the party, scanning the people. Familiar faces. Strangers. Families. This had been home for so many years. When he’d first left, he’d longed to return. The first year at the Naval Academy, he’d wondered what it would have been like if he’d made different choices. If he’d defied his mother—and his dream—and returned to Big Island. However, by the middle of the second year, he was all in, and while Hawaii and all that it represented was still glued to his soul, he did his best to move on. “I guess I just never considered coming back here to stay.”
Kian nudged his shoulder. “Which brings up my next point… Are you okay? Because you’ve been noticeably distant since?—”
The bottom of his feet rumbled.
He remembered that sensation and it wasn’t a good feeling.
Kilauea.
Waylen braced for what could be a small disruption. Or a massive one. He glanced toward the sky.
First came the white and gray smoke.
Then the ash.
Red mixed with black filled the sky and then dumped in the direction of the ocean.
The ground under Waylen’s feet rattled much like a minor earthquake. The party had come to a standstill.
The sun disappeared behind what appeared to clouds, but that was an illusion.
“And there goes the volcano, which means you owe me fifty bucks,” Kian said.
“For what?” Waylen glared.
“You promised me this would be a lava-free vacation, remember? Said, and I quote, ‘Kilauea’s sleeping. You’ll be fine.’”
“You are fine, jackass, and I can’t help if the damn volcano decides to erupt.”
“A bet’s a bet.”
Waylen mumbled a few cuss words under his breath as he reached for his wallet, handing Kian a fifty-dollar bill. “No one likes a sore winner, buddy.”
Kian grinned, shoving the money in his pocket. “Don’t get mad at me because you chose poorly. You should know better than to bet on something you can’t control.”
“I read the reports. She wasn’t supposed to erupt anytime soon. Though, this new development does complicate things. I think we should go find the others,” Waylen said with his blood pumping like a raging wildfire. It had been a long time since he’d been called to action, and he wasn’t about to sit back when his skills could be put to good use.
Not even in Hawaii.
Especially not on Big Island.
A place he once called home and bloody hell, it still felt that way.