Hawk

By Harley Wylde

Hayley -- Having both a father and brother who are in law enforcement, and overprotective, doesn’t make it easy to date. Which is why I was still a virgin at eighteen and had never had a serious boyfriend. If I’d realized chasing Cuddles through the biker compound would result in the hottest night of my life, I might have fixed my hair and dressed a little better. Not that Hawk seemed to mind. He made my knees weak and blew my mind. I just didn’t realize the night would end with a free gift with purchase -- one that’s an eighteen-year-long commitment.

Hawk -- Never thought I’d make it to the age of forty without ever finding someone special. But I did. Then I met Hayley. She’s the last woman I should fall for, but I can’t seem to help myself. Too bad I figured it out after she disappeared. If I’d known our one night had repercussions, I’d have tried harder to find her. Finding out I have a daughter is the best and scariest thing, but it means I get what I want most. A family.

WARNING: Hawk is part of the Reckless Kings MC series and contains scenes of graphic violence and adult relationships

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Mar 26, 2021

Book preview

Prologue

Hayley

There were some things you just didn’t tell your family, at least when your dad was the chief of police and your brother was also a cop. It would have been smart to clue them in, except I didn’t want them to cage me. I’d be under house arrest until the problem had been resolved. So far, the person hadn’t exactly been threatening. Just creepy. I’d seen enough movies to know how fast it could all change, and as stupid as I felt for keeping it to myself, I just couldn’t tell my family. I’d tried twice before, and the words died on my tongue.

I eyed the pink rose under my windshield wiper, knowing it was from my secret admirer. At least, that’s the term I used when I didn’t want to freak the hell out over the fact I’d apparently picked up a stalker. Other than cryptic notes and flowers, he hadn’t really done much of anything. At least, I assumed it was a guy, but could be a girl.

I yanked the flower from under the wiper and glanced around. Would the person hang around to make sure I received their gift? I scanned the area and didn’t see anyone noticeably watching me. Didn’t mean anything. They could be inside a shop or restaurant, or hiding out of my line of sight. I twirled the flower between my fingers before opening the driver’s side door and setting the rose on my seat. I locked up the car and went about my business, hoping nothing else would be left for me while I was gone.

I heard the buzz of whispering busybodies and glanced around again. Across the street, Delilah and her man, Titan, were walking past. I hadn’t heard they would be visiting, but I didn’t exactly keep in touch. Delilah had been a few years ahead of me in school, so we hadn’t been friends. More acquaintances. This was a small town, so everyone knew everybody else. When she’d hooked up with a biker in another state, the rumor mill had started to churn full speed ahead. I had to admit she seemed happy.

I shoved my hands into my pockets and trudged down the sidewalk toward the Farmer’s Market. Cuddles needed more fruit, and I’d promised my mom I’d grab some fresh veggies for her while I was out. The hair on my nape stood up, and it felt like someone was following me. I wouldn’t turn around. If I really was being followed, I didn’t want them to know I was aware of their presence.

I entered the open market and grabbed a small handcart. I added some apples and oranges for Cuddles before perusing the peppers, carrots, and celery for my mother. When I’d gathered everything I needed and had paid for it all, I carried the bags to my car. I could hear footsteps behind me, and I twitched with the urge to run, but it was a busy day and tons of people were out shopping. It was probably my overactive imagination.

Except I remembered the rose on my car, and all the other gifts I’d been left over the past month. I picked up the pace and put the sacks on my back seat. I tried to nonchalantly look around as I got into the car, and my heart stalled in my chest. The shadow of a man was hidden in a nearby alley, and he seemed to be looking my way. Not moving. Just watching. Goose bumps raced along my arms and my hands shook as I got into the car and turned over the engine. I locked the doors and pulled away.

My heart hammered against my ribs, and my palms grew slick with sweat. I needed to tell someone. But if my dad or brother got involved, I’d end up with an escort all the time, if I were permitted to go anywhere at all. And since Cuddles had a tendency to run into the Dixie Reapers’ compound, the one place my dad forbade me from ever going, I didn’t exactly need someone reporting back to him that I frequented the place every week. Granted, I only chased after my pet, but my dad wouldn’t see the difference.

If he thought Cuddles was putting me in danger, he’d make me get rid of him. I couldn’t do it! I’d raised Cuddles since he was a baby, and I refused to give him up. He’d bonded to me and was my best friend. No, I’d have to figure out the stalker thing on my own. Until then, I’d be extra vigilant.

But maybe just in case anything went wrong, I should tell someone what was happening. I didn’t have any friends I’d consider close, or a bestie. So I did the only thing I could think of. I dialed the only person near my age I talked to somewhat frequently, and only because Cuddles kept running off. He loved going to the Dixie Reapers’ compound, even though I didn’t know why. I called Mariah and hoped she could keep a secret, at least for a little while. If she told her dad, he’d tell mine, and then I’d be screwed.

Hayley? she asked when she picked up.

Yeah, I knew it wasn’t common for me to call. Her surprise wasn’t unexpected.

Yeah, it’s me. I, um… I need to tell someone something, and I don’t want my family to know yet. Can you keep it a secret? I asked.

What kind of secret? Because if you need to bury a body, I’m not helping. Although, a few of the guys around here might just for the hell of it.

I tried not to think about why they’d do something like that for fun. The bikers were a different breed to be sure.

I have an admirer who’s… creepy?

Are you asking me or telling me? she asked.

Telling. I keep finding gifts on my car, on the front porch, and in various places. And today it felt like someone was watching me.

Mariah sucked in a breath. Hayley, you need to tell your dad if you have a stalker. This is some serious shit! Do you know just how badly this could end?

Yeah, I do. Which is why I needed someone to know, but he hasn’t done anything scary, or to try and hurt me. I’m not ready to tell anyone yet.

I don’t want to be in the middle of this. Your dad already doesn’t exactly like my family, and now you want me to keep a secret from him? she asked.

I didn’t have anyone else to call, I admitted softly. I don’t… I don’t have friends in town. No one wants to hang out with the daughter of the chief of police. But if I’m wrong and this blows up in my face, I need someone to know what’s going on. If I go missing…

Jesus, Hayley, she muttered. Fine. I’ve got your back, but don’t let this keep going indefinitely. If it escalates, or you start to feel threatened, tell someone! Even if you come talk to my dad.

Thanks, Mariah.

I disconnected the call as I pulled up to my parents’ house. I still lived at home, even though I had a small studio type apartment in the basement. I had a huge closet, small bedroom, living area, and tiny bathroom. There was even a kitchenette with a counter, sink, mini fridge, and microwave. It was the closest my dad had let me get to being independent. Why was it my brother could chase after bad guys, but I had to live with my family? Because I had girl parts? Total bullshit.

I carried the bags into the house and set the veggies on the counter in the main kitchen where Mom would find them. Then I carried my fruit downstairs for Cuddles. He raced over to greet me as I entered the apartment and I bent to scratch behind his ears.

I missed you too!

He chittered at me and scurried over to his bowl, waiting. I smiled, thinking I at least had one friend, even if he did have fur.

One day I’d have more… As soon as I found a way to break free of my overprotective father.

Chapter One

Hawk

I leaned against the back of the Dixie Reapers’ clubhouse, enjoying a cigarette and a little alone time. We’d been here two days with Beast and his woman. I understood the reason behind the trip to Alabama, but I was ready to get back home. Nothing against the Reapers, but the men with old ladies only wanted to do family-oriented shit and the single ones were all about the free pussy in the clubhouse. I’d have preferred the middle of the road. Or maybe I was getting old. The women in the clubhouse only wanted to sink their teeth into someone in hopes of getting claimed.

Nothing against the club whores, but they didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting claimed by me. I wanted a woman who looked like an angel on the outside, but clawed my back and screamed my name in the bedroom. Someone respectable to the outside world who only showed that devilish side in private. I was starting to think she was a damn unicorn and I’d never find her.

I inhaled another lungful of nicotine before letting it out. Beast had mostly given up smoking since he’d found out Lyssa was pregnant. Before that, he’d have been out here with me. I had no problem with his priorities changing, as long as he focused on the club when we needed him. But I sometimes felt like I’d lost my brother. He wasn’t down to party like he’d been before, even though he’d slowed down a bit even before Lyssa showed up.

I heard something rustling through the grass and a muttered I’m going to kill you when I find you. Definitely a woman’s voice. Since I doubted it was a club whore, it had to be one of the old ladies or some other family member of the Dixie Reapers. Which meant I needed to give her a wide berth.

A fat raccoon went waddling by me wearing a harness and dragging a leash. I stared at it, wondering if I’d had more to drink than I thought or if I’d gone crazy. Who the fuck leashed a raccoon?

A moment later a goddess stepped into the moonlight. Cut-off shorts clung to her like a second skin, and the tank she had on left little to the imagination. Her long, blonde hair fell in curls nearly to her waist.

I swear to God, Cuddles, I’m going to turn you into a fur muff when I catch you.

I nearly choked as I tried to hold back a laugh. Cuddles? She might be beautiful, but she was damn sure peculiar if she’d made a pet of that raccoon and named it something so ridiculous. Oddly, I found her intriguing, even if she was crazy as a bedbug.

I watched her stomp past me, mesmerized by the sway of her ass. The shorts barely covered her ass cheeks, and fuck if I wasn’t jealous of them for getting to cup the tempting globes. I reached down to adjust myself, my cock getting uncomfortably hard.

Cuddles? Cuddles! Goddamnit! We’re not supposed to be in here to begin with. Are you trying to get me killed? She huffed and stamped her foot.

Need some help, beautiful? I asked, pushing away from the wall and stepping out of the shadows.

She whirled to face me, hand at her throat, and her blue eyes wide. Who are you?

Name’s Hawk. My club is here visiting the Dixie Reapers. I think the question is who are you?

She folded her arms, like she was trying to hold herself together. Her lips pressed together, and she glanced away. It was clear she didn’t want to give me her name, which made me want to know even more.

Guess I should go get Tank, I said. I’m sure he can spare a few men to help you find your pet.

She jolted. No! Wait, I… I’m not supposed to be inside the gates, but Cuddles took off and I needed to find him.

Now we were getting somewhere.

I’ll help you find Cuddles, on one condition.

What’s that? she asked.

Your name, for one.

She licked her lips and shifted on her feet. Hayley. Hayley Daniels.

That wasn’t so painful, was it? All right, Hayley. My second condition is that you spend some time with me while my club is here.

She jolted and took a step back. I can’t! I… you don’t understand.

I moved closer until I could reach out and wrap a lock of her honey-colored hair around my fingers. Can’t? Or won’t?

My family tolerates the Dixie Reapers, but my dad and brother will go through the roof if they find out I’m hanging around bikers. You said you’re only here visiting. Why bother spending time with me?

Because I find you fascinating.

When you say spend time… what exactly do you mean? Because if it’s sex, I don’t do one-night stands.

I don’t take what isn’t offered, beautiful. Just want to get to know you. Not asking for anything more.

All right. I need to catch Cuddles before he gets into trouble.

I took her hand and led her farther into the darkness. I couldn’t believe I was going to spend the night chasing after a fucking raccoon. We finally found the beast, tail up in a trash can. It might have been funny, if Preacher didn’t have a gun trained on it.

No! Hayley screamed and took off.

Preacher swung his gun toward her before seeing me