Page 41 of Fractured Souls

I nod. As we wrap up church, I can’t stop thinking about the accident. Well, maybe not accident. How the fuck would they have known I was going to be there? The only people that knew where I was going were all the club brothers who were out helping look for Harley. When Connor texted that he found her, he sent it to the club group chat so everyone knew they could stop looking.

But who would do that? And why? Seriously, if I don’t find some answers soon, I am going to go on a rampage. This is such bullshit. I have three boys I have to protect and right now, like Rage said, shit is a clusterfuck.

After we make sure nothing else needs to be brought to the table, Rage dismisses everyone and I sigh, preparing myself to head upstairs where I am sure the boys are waiting for me.

Just like I thought…They are all right there waiting like eager little puppies.

Vicious puppies.

* * *

Cayden

My brothers and I are sitting around waiting for Noah to come out of church and fill us in. Gray and Ry are talking away like they always do, and I sit here quietly just listening. I hate talking. Talking is bullshit, and people waste too much time doing it. I love my brother Noah for getting that I don't want to talk. And my chosen brothers, Ry and Gray, understand too, which is nice. It makes it less lonely. But I still won't talk a lot.

Unless it comes to a certain redhead with hazel eyes. Fuck. She's perfect. I still remember the first time I saw her; I was in the office trying to get that bitch office TA to just get me the information I needed to take home for Noah to sign, but she kept batting those fake ass lashes at me and trying to get me to talk to her. I was tense and trying really hard not to lash out at her, but the bitch wouldn’t take a hint. Until someone walked in behind me. I saw the TA’s eyes go to the person behind me and narrow like she was annoyed and disgusted.

I had stepped to the side of the counter so I could see better because I do not like people coming up behind me that I don't know. When I looked back, the most gorgeous girl I had ever seen stood there. I was trapped staring at her, like my eyes could not move away from her. She was tiny, too tiny, and clearly needed to eat more. She had long, wavy red hair, high cheekbones, and bright, large hazel eyes that locked me in place the second she looked at me.

But she looked away when she realized she was staring into my eyes. Her lips were perfect and full and for the first time in my life, I wanted to willingly talk to someone, touch them, hold them, know everything about them.

I had to clench my fists to keep from touching her. I looked over the scar on her face; it didn't take away from her beauty whatsoever, but something inside of me wanted to know what happened, and if someone had hurt her, I wanted to hurt them.

My reaction to her had stunned me.

I had taken a few steps back to lean against the wall by the door and just watch. I felt like I was crazy for feeling so much so instantly for some chick. I couldn't stop watching her the whole time she was standing there. I could tell her clothes were old and didn't fit her properly and she looked skittish. Everything I noticed just made me want to know her even more. The only problem being, I found out later on how attached Ry was to her already, and Gray, even though he wouldn't admit it. So I knew I had to keep my distance. I’d never mess up a chance at Ry or Gray being happy.

When I had come out of my daze of staring at her, I realized the TA had been a complete bitch to her, all because she couldn't talk. Such bullshit. I waited for the redhead to leave and before I followed her to stalk her around the school, I had stepped back up to the counter and let the TA bitch see my fury.

“Give me the fucking paper I need.” She scrambled to grab it and when she brought it back to hand it to me, I latched onto her wrist. “You ever treat that girl like that again, I won't hesitate to kill you.” I then snatched the paper from her and walked out, a small smile coming over my face as I heard her gasp and then cry behind me. Perfect. Then I went on to find my redheaded goddess to watch.

I come out of my thoughts from that day when we hear loud footsteps and voices coming up the stairs down the hall as all the guys come up and head out into the main room. We all look up, waiting for Noah to come out and talk to us. He walks out, sees us, and immediately sighs. I tense, knowing that's not a good thing.

He nods his head towards the hall with the offices, and we all follow him down to the office he uses often. We sit and wait. I can feel the tension coming off of Ry and Gray, just like it is me, as we wait for him to spit it out. I hate waiting; he better hurry the fuck up.

“Nothing new, boys. We just have to keep at what we are doing. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but it's all we got. Maybe talk to Lex at school and see if she knows anything. But other than that, I need you guys to keep laying low and showing up at school. I know it's frustrating, but we need to keep a low profile while we get information on the Wilsons and what they are doing. We don't have everything we need yet, and that's also slow going. I know you guys are going to be pissed, but I need you to understand where I'm coming from.”

Gray nods and then speaks up before Ry can blow, “We do understand.” He glares at Ry. “Is there really nothing we can do? We want to find Harley. There's got to be something else we can try that is still staying low.”

Before Noah can say anything, Rage comes through the door and speaks up, “You’re right. I know you boys won't let this go. So, Gray, you can work with Nerds whenever you aren't in school. Ry, I want you to stay close to Stone since he can tame you the best. You can help him outside of school and maybe you guys can travel to other towns and ask around at clubs to keep an eye out for her. But we have no pictures of her, so that'll be hard. Cade, you can work with Blade. Hopefully that'll keep you guys busy and still trying to find her without having you guys lose your shit on me and ruin any plans we may have.”

We all nod, but Ry is clenching his fists. He's not happy about this. “I don't like this one bit. I want to go hunt her down and drag her back here. But I guess I get it and for now I'll behave.”

I see the glint in his eyes; he is thinking of doing something stupid. I look over at Gray and see that he notices it too. Shit. Ry is up to something, and that is never good. Gray and I will have to corner him to get him to spill so we can help him, otherwise he'll do whatever his insane plan is alone. Fucking hell.

I need a release, so I whistle for Bear, my great Dane, and we take off outside to run the perimeter of the property. I’ve had Bear since I was twelve. He was my mom’s dog. Bear was her best friend, and I can tell that Bear misses her every day, so I do everything I can to make him happy for mom. She may be a bitch for leaving us, but she's still my mom, and I get it.

I’d have run from dad if I could have too, but then again, I probably would’ve taken those most important to me with me.

I let those thoughts go because I am not out here running to go down memory lane. That would be a waste of time. I focus on running and letting the burn in my muscles give me a sense of calm, and the quiet air brings me solace. With Bear at my side, I feel like I could run for years.

ChapterSixteen

Harley

When I wake up, everything is foggy. I'm trying to remember everything that happened, and when it comes rushing back, I jolt up on… on the bed I'm on? Oh. I glance at the window, seeing it's definitely daytime based on the light beaming through the curtains.

I look around the room, finding it's simple. White walls, a big window to the left of the bed with a window seat that has blankets and pillows on it. There’s a black bookcase with books on each side of the window, a black bedroom set that has a big bed frame with a headboard, two nightstands, and a long dresser directly across from the bed. The bed has light baby blue sheets and a light gray comforter, which I'm currently tucked under. The door is on the right of the bed with a closet along the same wall.

---