Page 12 of Claimed By the Bikers
A rider on a black Yamaha takes the turn too wide and nearly goes down, managing to save it at the last second. Several people cheer, and I find myself grinning.
“First time watching the races?”
I turn to find a woman approaching, possibly in her late thirties or early forties, with intricate tattoos covering both her arms.
“Is it that obvious?” I ask, making room on the grass beside me.
“You’re sitting too far away. Locals know the best view is from the fence line.” She settles down. “I’m Evie.”
“Ember.” I study her tattoos—intricate designs that look professionally done. “Do you race?”
“Sometimes. Today, I’m just here to watch.” She stretches her legs out in front of her, completely comfortable. “Had to get away from my kids and husbands for a few hours. Sometimes a woman needs to remember who she is outside of mom duties.”
“Husbands? Plural?”
Evie’s smile widens. “Wolf Pike has interesting customs. I’m married to three men, and we have four kids between us. Best decision I ever made, though it gets loud at breakfast.”
I blink, processing this. “Three husbands?”
“Rick, Chase, and Zane. They’re good men, great fathers, and they keep me thoroughly entertained.” She laughs at my expression. “I know it sounds crazy to outsiders, but it works for us. Has for years now.”
“I’m not judging. Just…adjusting my expectations about small-town life.”
“Wolf Pike isn’t like other small towns. We do things our own way here.” She gestures toward the track. “Like these races. Technically illegal, but the sheriff’s brother-in-law runs them, so nobody complains as long as we keep it safe.”
Another rider takes the track, this one on a red Honda, and executes a perfect turn that has the crowd whistling appreciation. I find myself leaning forward, caught up in the excitement.
“You ride?” Evie asks.
“I do, but I don’t have a bike here.”
“We can make arrangements for that when you’re ready.” Her eyes get distant as she watches another rider take the track. “There’s nothing like it. The freedom, the speed, the way everything else disappears when you’re focused on the road ahead.”
I understand that feeling more than I can say. “Maybe another time.”
“Standing offer. I’m in the phone book under Cross if you change your mind.”
Cross. The name rings a bell from my briefing materials, but I can’t place it immediately. “Were you born here?”
“Oh, no. I’ve been here for about six years. Came here running from my ex-husband, ended up finding my real family.” She stands and brushes grass off her jeans. “Speaking of which, I should get back before they send out a search party. Rick worries when I’m gone too long.”
“It was nice meeting you, Evie.”
“Likewise. Welcome to Wolf Pike, Ember. I hope you find what you’re looking for here.”
She walks away with the same confident stride she came with, leaving me alone with the sound of engines and the weight of her words.
I hope you find what you’re looking for here.
If only she knew what I was really looking for.
I stay another hour despite my rumbling stomach as I watch the races and think about Evie’s easy acceptance of my presence. There’s something refreshing about her directness, the way she talked about her unconventional family without shame or defensiveness.
In my world, everyone has ulterior motives, hidden agendas, and secrets that could destroy careers. Here, a woman can casually mention her three husbands and four kids like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
By the time I head back to the motel, the sun is starting to sink toward the mountains. I have a few hours before my second shift at Wolf’s Den. Time to shower, eat, and mentally prepare for another night of acting.
But first, I need to do something about the restless energy Garrett’s kiss left behind.
