Rhi didn’t like thinking about those early days, so she picked up the milkshake and took a sip. When the chocolate hit her tongue, she smiled. “My mom used to make the best milkshakes. She always added extra syrup to the top. Said it was a little dose of love.”
“She sounds like a wonderful person. Did she name you Rhiannon after the song?”
“She was the best, and yes. We would listen to music while we worked in the garden and sing all the old rock songs. Stevie Nicks was her favorite singer.” Rhi’s heart still hurt thinking about her mom and the happy life they’d had. “I’m going to watch TV now, if that’s okay.” She didn’t wait for Ryker to answer since he already said it was okay. She picked up the remote and hit the power button. Sinking down onto the sofa with her milkshake, Rhi got lost in clicking through the hundreds of channels. Ryker left to get his motorcycle, and only then did she let herself dream of a future away from her home and Brother Josiah. Away from the man who courted her so he could see if she would make a good wife. Away from the father who had taken another, Godlier, wife. A future where she could have a little house of her own where she could talk to the plants because they were living creatures. A place she could openly worship the goddess, the way her mom taught her.
When Ryker returned, he untied his boots and toed them off, setting them beside the sofa. He sat on the end opposite her. Rhi held out the remote, but he shook his head. “I’m fine watching whatever.” He laced his fingers behind his head and stared at the TV. Rhi was more interested in watching him than the show about gardening she’d come across, but that would be rude. It would also give her body ideas she didn’t think were wrong, no matter what Brother Josiah said. Her mom had talked to her openly about sex as soon as Rhi got her first period. Told her she was a woman even though her body would continue to blossom like the fragrant flowers in their garden. Daisy explained how Rhi would respond to boys differently as she got older and what would happen when she gave into those urges. Her mom never called sex ugly or sinful. She said with the right person it would be beautiful. Life-altering. But she also told Rhi she should be selective in who she gave her body to because it was a gift. One that should only be given to someone who would appreciate it. Nurture it. Respect it.
Rhi had never found someone worthy, but she wondered if Ryker would be. He was older, but that meant he was experienced in the ways of the world. The world outside her former home. He was a man who rescued people like her. Him and his family. “Will you tell me about your family? You mentioned a brother. Is he the only one?”
“Not by half. I have six older sisters. Three sets of twins who live in Texas. That’s where we’re from originally. Then there’s me. Maveryck and Warryck who are twins are next oldest. We all were born in Texas. Then we moved to New York, and Hayden and Kyllian were born here. My dad, Sutton, he formed a motorcycle club a long time ago. He handed the presidency over to me about twenty years ago. War has a daughter, Lucy, and his female’s name is Kerrigan. Maveryck has a set of four-year-old twins – Major and Marshall. Those kids are so fucking cute. Mav’s woman is Natalia. I have a daughter, McKenzie. She goes by Mac. She’s only been in my life a few months, but that’s a story for another day. Depending on what you decide to do once Rory gets here, you’ll probably meet everyone at some point. The Hounds too. That’s the name of our MC, The Hounds of Zeus. They’re all great males, and every single one of them would protect you with their life. It’s not just my blood family who helps those in need, but my biker family too.”
“You mentioned your twin brothers have women. Do you have a woman? I mean if you have a daughter…”
“Mac’s mom died a long time ago, but no. There’s no one in my life now. I have too many responsibilities to worry about having a mate.”
Rhi found it strange how Ryker spoke of the women as females and mates. She found it disheartening how he didn’t have time for a woman. And just because he was the first man she came across outside her home, that didn’t mean he was someone she should seek out as a companion. Why did that make her sad? He was gorgeous and kind. It wasn’t just his looks; it was his heart she was attracted to. Mostly.
Rhi didn’t ask any more questions. She tried to focus on the television, but the events of her evening were catching up with her. She tried to stay awake until Rory got there, but her eyes wouldn’t stay open. Rhi slid down, resting her head on the arm of the sofa, and exhaustion won the battle.
Chapter Four
Ryker
Ryker was convinced Rhi had escaped a cult. She wore the same slip-on shoes he had seen when they went into Gideon’s compound, and the way she described the preacher and all the rules… It all added up. Whether or not it was one associated with the Ministry, he didn’t know. Ryker wanted to find out, but it was clear Rhi was tired. He didn’t ask all the questions he was curious about. He was going to let Rory have that conversation. When Rhi asked if Ryker had a woman, he didn’t miss the hope in her eyes, but he wasn’t the male for her. He might want a mate, but Rhi had been sheltered the last ten years of her life. She was too young and naïve for someone like him. If Ryker did find a mate, she needed to be tough like Lucy or Natalia.
But she needs someone like us to care for her. Protect her. Love her.
No, she needs someone softer, like Kyllian.
Kyllian’s a child.
So is she.
Look at her. Really look at her. She’s all woman. Just because she’s not wild like Juliette was doesn’t mean she’s not strong. Rhiannon has to be tough to have escaped from that bastard James.
Ryker should be pissed his Gryphon was comparing Rhi to Juliette, but he wasn’t. He understood the need for a mate. The need of connecting with another person. Yes, he wanted it. Enough time had passed since he lost his wife. He agreed with his beast that Rhi was strong, but Ryker didn’t think he was right for her. She was most likely a virgin. That wasn’t a bad thing. Ryker would be honored to be her first under normal circumstances, but Ryker wasn’t a gentle lover. It’s why Juliette had been perfect for him. She’d been wild and willing. It was that same untamed abandon that had drawn him to Cassandra. As with other lovers he’d taken over the years, Ryker sought out those who matched his penchant for down-and-dirty fucking, not gentle lovemaking.
Ryker was still sitting on the sofa watching Rhi sleep when his phone vibrated. It was a text from his mom letting him know she and Sutton had arrived. He responded with his room number and stood to gather himself. If anyone could read Ryker, it was his parents. Sutton more so than Rory. His father was adept at taking one look at someone and knowing where their head was.
He opened the door before they had a chance to knock. Rory hugged Ryker as she did every time she saw him or his brothers. His father was carrying several shopping bags, so Sutton lifted his chin. Rory walked over to where Rhi was sleeping and studied the young woman. Ryker couldn’t talk freely with his parents in the living room with Rhi, so he motioned toward the bedroom. Sutton set the bags on the bed, and Rory began emptying them. While she placed the toiletries in the attached bathroom, Sutton leaned against the far wall.
“Tell us everything.”