Page 49 of Wrath's Nightingale
Gambit smiles. I can tell he’s a proud father. Then again, Bastien is an exceptional kid who grew up way before his time. He basically raised his younger siblings until Gambit and Stormy took them all in.
“As soon as we get back home. I’m going to tell him.”
“He’s got to be stoked.”
“It’s all he talks about. He’s even thinking of enlisting in the Marines for a few years. At least one tour to get some experience under his belt.”
My phone rings. I look to see Brian’s number.
“Hey pops,” I say, laughing.
“Wade, Millie’s missing. The horse came back from the stables without her. I have the boys out combing the trails. Lisa's calling the park rangers and some locals in the area we know.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Millie is missing,” Is all I say. I pull out several bills from my wallet and drop it on the table, before racing out to my sled. I hear the stomp of boots behind me. And the rumble of engines shortly after I start mine.
I open the throttle and weave in and out of traffic. Not something I would do at these speeds, but I need to get to my woman. I must find her. My mind races with possibilities. Most of them are pointed toward her estranged family. While we had nothing to do with Felicity’s arrest, I’m sure Aaron didn’t see it that way.
My parents, sister and both prospects are there when I pull into the barn. There are a few dozen other vehicles, including trucks and trailers, in the barn’s parking lot. Lisa waves as soon as she spots me. I pull up to her. She throws her arms around me before I have the kickstand down. I shift to take her weight and balance the bike, so it doesn’t topple on both of us.
She realized the stand wasn’t down when we swayed a bit and let go, like I scalded her.
“I’m sorry,” she says.
I quickly put the stand down and swing my leg over the back before engulfing my mother-in-law in a hug.
“We’ll find her. I’ll leave no stone unturned until my woman is back in my arms.”
Lisa sobs wracked her slight frame. She’s maybe two inches over five feet and slender. Her long blond hair, now liberally laced with silver, hangs down her back in a long braid. I pat her back, trying to soothe her.
She releases my neck and I ease my grip to give her room.
“I know Aaron had something to do with this. I don’t have proof, but I know it. He’s not even supposed to leave the state. That woman must have snuck him down here.”
I nod my head. “I feel the same. Can you tell me what happened?”
“We were out with your parents. Touring the aquarium. One of Danny’s ranch hands called and told him that Rio came back alone. Bobby, the same ranch hand, was in the barn when Millie took Rio out on the trails.”
“Can I talk to him?”
“Yes, he’s in the office along with Danny, his wife Mariea, and your mom. Your dad and Brian are already out on the trails.”
Chapter 32
Wrath
Ifollow Lisa to the side of the barn and into a large office. Decker and Saber follow along with me while my other brothers head to get us all horses. The prospects are coming with me, so they can help wherever needed.
We enter the spacious office. I spot my mom talking to a guy with shoulder length black wavy hair. He’s not tall. I’d put him a couple inches under six feet, but he has massive shoulders and enormous arms. Beside him is a curvy blonde woman. I’d put them both in their mid to late thirties.
Mom sees me and crosses the room. I hurry toward her. Fresh tears spill down her cheeks. I sweep her into my arms for a big hug.
“We’ll find her.”
“I know. It’s just horrible.”
“I won’t disagree.”