Flame lowered her upper body to the ground and bowed her head. “You come to me dressed in ceremonial attire.” She kept her voice soft and reverent. “Am I headed into battle, my lady?”
“Rise, my brave one,” an enchantingly melodic voice commanded.
She pushed to her feet, pulled her shoulders back and raised her eyes to meet those of the one before her. “I am ashamed that I dropped my daggers and let two men catch me off guard. Have I disgraced the sisterhood?”
“No, Flame. There is no dishonor in losing a battle, only in giving up on yourself. You did not allow the actions of those who attacked to defeat your spirit, though you endured a severe beating.”
“I lost possession of my daggers during a fight, something a warrior is never to do.”
“Today’s warriors face tougher challenges. Do not dwell on one mistake. You have a loyal comrade in the man who found and returned them to you.”
“Raef.” Flame couldn’t withhold a smile. “He exhibited class in not allowing anyone else to handle them before giving them back to me.”
“Which was not an easy task, considering the jealous nature of your fiancé.”
“Yes, I know. Hatch has become extremely watchful ever since.”
“Your inner turmoil is not something to fear,” the Supreme Lioness told her.
“But what about the other man? Why do I keep thinking about him when he was on the enemy side?”
“We are not sure which side he is on. The dark stranger is a mystery.”
“How can I have three men in my mind?”
The Lioness grinned. “You will sort them out in time. Perhaps your fiancé does not satisfy the hunger in your soul.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if any man can do such a feat. Aiden and Von thought they were helping me. Raef shows interest yet holds back, and Hatch rarely lets me out of his sight.”
“Remember, Flame, you are a rare breed. Many men will be drawn to you. Be careful with whom you share your heart, and use your talents wisely.”
“Am I in danger?”
“You will be called upon for a daunting mission to face a powerful enemy. Do not be afraid. Follow your instincts and be on guard for the unexpected.”
“Yes, my lady.” Flame paused meditatively. “So it is not wrong for me to feel conflicted over three men when I am engaged?”
The Lioness smiled. “We are a nation of women, built by women, governed by women and free of male tyranny. This sets us apart from others and frees us to utilize men as we wish if our intent is to protect and enhance our breed. You still allow mortal law to oppress your power, child.”
“But I am mortal.”
“For now, yes, but you are not bound by their ways. You were born with the dove at the nape of your neck. You followed your calling and completed your training in the sisterhood. You only need reach into your soul now to use the powers bestowed upon you.”
“I am still adjusting to that fact.” Flame offered a humble smile. “I wish I had known my mother, then perhaps I’d have not made the mistake of marrying Aiden.”
“I know.” The Lioness nodded perceptively. “Your marriage to the weak one hindered your progress. It was only a small setback. Your mother would be very proud of you now.”
“Did you know my father? The only thing I’ve been told about my parents is that they were hard-core bikers.”
“That is all you need to know for now. I do not want to over burden you.” An unsettled expression fell over the Lioness’s pretty face. “The man your mother chose for breeding possessed great leadership skills and was very strong. However, you know that we rarely reveal the sire’s identity in order to protect the offspring.”
Flame relented with a nod, knowing not to question the wisdom of her high ruler. “If the men discovered they had children, they’d pose a threat to our existence. I remember. Sometimes the curiosity is hard.”
The Lioness raised both hands and made a sweeping motion toward the starry sky. “You are free now. The time has come to perfect your gift. Do not make the same mistake twice.”
Again, Flame lowered her eyes. “Yes, my lady, I will not allow another male to hold me back again.”
Their eyes met again.
“I am pleased to hear that. We will speak again soon. Go, brave one, and be strong. Our colony’s survival is at risk.”
The mist rose again, then vanished, taking the Supreme Lioness and all her glory with it. Flame reached behind her neck and gently traced the birthmark beneath her hair. The imprint of a dove could clearly be felt. Not a raised bump as some marks occurred on people, but like a stamp that had been given at birth to shape her destiny.
The Supreme Lioness was right. Her marriage had slowed her from fulfilling her calling. Those days were over. She felt a huge weight lifted and wondered what task lay ahead. Whatever awaited her—she was not afraid.
Chapter Two
After hiking through the woods and uncovering her Softail, she pushed the bike from the thicket onto the highway about a hundred feet down from where she’d first gone in. Maintaining the secrecy of the sisterhood village was top priority in all situations. Just in case anyone had been following, she took special precaution to exit via a different path.
She keyed the ignition, fired the engine and kicked the bike into gear. With a sexy growl, her Harley rumbled down the dark highway toward the hotel where she’d left Hatch. He’d been very respectful of her need for discretion and to her surprise he hadn’t pried for more information on her past.
“Everything all right?” Hatch pulled her into strong arms when she entered the room.
“Yes. Sorry I was gone so long. Sometimes I have to wait.”
He arched puzzled brows but didn’t inquire further. “Do you want to head out while it’s still night or wait until morning?”
“I enjoy riding by night. We can always pull over for some moonlight recreation.” She gave him a playful wink.
“I love the way you think, baby.”
They pulled on their riding clothes, packed the bikes and continued onward toward the west coast where Hatch’s friends were expecting them. They had decided to rendezvous in LA, and with the weather perfect for riding, Flame had asked if they could make a leisurely cross-country trip of it. Hatch reluctantly agreed.
Accustomed to traveling by limousine or tour buses, he hadn’t seemed entirely thrilled over taking the trip, especially on the bikes, from New York to California. But she’d used seductive persuasion to get her way. She’d really needed that visit to Celestial Village, and traveling by motorcycle seemed the best way to obtain it.
Moreover, she’d been experiencing jitters over Hatch pushing for a wedding date. They’d only been engaged a short time and she’d just survived a hellish ordeal. Marriage was the last thing on her mind, even though she’d accepted his proposal. She assumed he’d be satisfied with her commitment and not push for marriage too soon. The road trip was exactly what she needed to get away from the east coast and visit the sisterhood along the way.
Plus she couldn’t deny her desire to see Raef again. His fun, lighthearted demeanor was extremely appealing and he was very easy on the eyes. Tall with long lean legs, well-toned arms, layered blond hair, and beautiful blue eyes—he had no trouble attracting women.
About two hours into their night ride, Flame pointed toward a rest stop ahead. She guided her bike in behind Hatch.
“This looks like a good place to refuel and rest before the next leg of our trip.” She slid off the bike and watched him do the same.
He looked hotter in leathers than in his stage clothes. She liked the rock star look but nothing turned her on more than a gorgeous biker with long hair in black leather with a kickass jacket to boot. He reached her in two steps with his long legs and stared down at her with cool green eyes. Straight, dark blond hair hung a couple inches past his collar.
Reaching up, she tugged the collar of his jacket up around his neck seconds before he covered her mouth with his. They sank into a heavy kiss laden with tongue as his hands dropped to her hips, then slid around to grip her bottom. He released a deep sigh and drew her tight against him, so tight she could feel the hard bulge straining against the leather, pressing into her.
He moved one hand up the center of her back, then into the thick of her hair as they slunk to the dew misted grass.
“Someone might see us,” she muttered when his lips went to her neck.
“No one’s around,” he growled. His teeth nipped at her delicate skin, sending chills through her. Hatch began undressing her as their passion mounted. “I want you now, babe.”
Suddenly a female voice caught her attention. Rolling out from under Hatch, she sat up and pulled on her shirt, then buttoned her jeans. Instinctively she checked the daggers in the holsters at her thighs.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered, sounding a bit frustrated.
She placed one finger to her lips. “Sshh…listen…”
“Leave me alone,” a young girl pleaded, protesting the advances of some unruly men on the far side of the truck stop.
“Aw come on, honey, we’re just having fun,” the men jeered. They pulled at her long black hair.
Before Hatch could stop her, Flame was walking toward the girl. He muttered a few profane words under his breath and followed.
“You okay?” Flame asked the frightened girl, all of about eighteen years old. She looked at Flame with big brown eyes, afraid to answer.
“Private party here, babe,” the tallest man of the three growled at Flame.
“I just invited myself, and you don’t wanna party with me.” Flame warned the miscreants.
They laughed mockingly at her.
She turned her gaze back to the girl. “Where’s your ride?”
“My boyfriend is in there getting some food.” She pointed to the small convenience store not far away.
A brawny man came forward and put his beefy hand on Flame’s shoulder, squeezing it. Anger rose inside at his unwelcome touch. Before anyone made another move, Flame had two Sai daggers in hand, poised to strike. Blades flashed under the parking lot lights as the three men presented bowie knives. They eyed her weapons and began to back away.
The tallest man screamed in pain as the pointed end of her blade plunged into his thigh and sent him sprawling to the pavement. Flame wielded the steel daggers with warrior skill, slicing a gash into another man’s torso. He wailed in agony while clutching his chest, then retreated to his car. The uninjured man helped the first one to his feet. They raced to the same vehicle. Flame grinned as they shot off down the highway.
“You gonna be okay?” she asked the wide-eyed girl. Casually Flame wiped her daggers on the grass to remove the blood.
“Yes…thank you! What’s your name?” the relieved younger woman inquired.
“Flame…just Flame.”
The dark skinned beauty thanked her again before racing into the building to join her boyfriend.
“Will it always be like this?” Hatch asked as they swaggered back to the bikes.
“If you mean, will I always be a fighter protecting innocent victims? Then yes, it will always be like this,” she stated. “I cannot discredit the sisterhood by looking the other way.”
Hatch nodded with a pensive smile. “Just checking.”
“I love you, baby,” she told him as they stood near her silver-blue Heritage Softail. “But I’ll never allow another man to control me.”
He towered over her with long lean legs and a broad chest. “Flame, my love, I am crazy about you…even if you turn my world upside down.” He embraced her in a warm hug before they mounted the bikes again.
They rode on through the night until early morning sunlight peeked through the clouds. At daybreak, Hatch pulled up to a posh hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona. After riding and playing all night, it was time to sleep.
They had been on the road for about a week, taking their time to enjoy the country. Another day’s ride would see them in LA, and she knew that Hatch was more than ready to relax in luxury. She didn’t fault him. Though she was accustomed to hard rides and tough conditions, she accepted his desire for an indulgent lifestyle.
Flame plopped onto the luxury bed of their suite after showering.
* * * *
By the time Hatch showered and slid in beside her, his energetic night creature had fallen asleep. Even in her blissful state of slumber, she instinctively snuggled against him. He wrapped an arm around her while enjoying one last cigarette for the night before catching some shuteye himself.
What a night,
he thought, but he loved every minute of it. He’d become addicted to her energy.
“Hello,” Hatch answered his cell phone. Glancing out the hotel window, he watched a rising sun.
“Hey, mate, where ya at?” asked Raef.
“Flagstaff, getting some sleep,” he replied with a slight yawn. Flame slept soundly, nestled next to him.
“Taking you long enough to get here. Have you been making a lot of stops?”
Hatch wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, gotta get something out of this bloody long ride. This woman has incredible stamina. She rides her Harley all night then rides me hard, too,” he boasted, hoping to make a point. “Last night Flame needed to visit her sisterhood village. I waited at a hotel because as you know, it’s top secret.” He sighed. “Then she took out a couple creepers who were harassing a young woman.”
“Oh?” Raef sounded curious. “Sounds like you’re having one hell of a road trip.”
“Well, between our wild trysts along the way and her unpredictable nature, it’s been a wild ride,” Hatch said with a laugh.
Raef laughed. “You are one lucky bastard, ya know that?”
“Yeah, definitely. She’s a trip worth taking, even if my ass is still sore.”
“I’d take your place in a heartbeat,” Raef confessed. “Get some sleep. We’re lookin’ forward to seeing you guys again.”
“Yeah, it’ll be good to get off the road.”
“Give Flame my love.”
“See ya tomorrow.” Hatch closed his handset.
Leaning over, he kissed Flame gently on the lips.
She opened her eyes and gave him a sleepy smile. “Hey, baby. Is it time to ride?”