Fox (Hades Abyss MC 7): A Dixie Reapers Bad Boys Romance Read online

  Fox (Hades Abyss MC 7)

  Harley Wylde

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright ©2021 Harley Wylde

  BIN: 009934-03223

  Formats Available:

  Adobe PDF, Epub

  Mobi/PRC

  Publisher:

  Changeling Press LLC

  315 N. Centre St.

  Martinsburg, WV 25404

  www.ChangelingPress.com

  Editor: Crystal Esau

  Cover Artist: Bryan Keller

  Adult Sexual Content

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  Table of Contents

  Fox (Hades Abyss MC 7)

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Epilogue

  Author Notes and Acknowledgements

  Harley Wylde

  Fox (Hades Abyss MC 7)

  Harley Wylde

  Raven -- I learned the hard way not to trust anyone. First the men who’d hurt me, and then my mother when she turned her back on me. I had no one. Was it any wonder I didn’t think I had a reason to keep living? A good Samaritan had other ideas, landing me in a psychiatric hospital. Too bad the guards were every bit as evil as those men I’d trusted.

  I thought I’d die alone. Unwanted. Unloved. Forgotten. Until the Hades Abyss MC came to take me away. They claim my father sent them, except I’ve never met him. Don’t even know his name. I’d try to run, but what’s the point? Besides, there’s one man who makes me feel safe. Fox. It doesn’t matter that he’s older than me. When he holds me, I know nothing will ever hurt me again. I just didn’t count on losing my heart to him.

  Fox -- Breaker brought Hatchet’s daughter to the clubhouse, and the moment I looked into those vacant eyes, I knew she’d been badly broken. Some part of me wanted to fix her. Put the pieces back together. Watch her eyes light up and see her smile. She thinks she’s dirty, that no one will ever want her. She’s wrong. I want her. I even want the baby growing inside her.

  Never thought I’d find the woman meant to be mine. Now that I’ve had Raven in my arms, chased away her nightmares, kissed her tears away, I know I can’t let her go. I’ll make her mine -- the baby too -- and I won’t let anyone stand in my way.

  Prologue

  Raven

  I hated the dark. I shuffled down the alley, heading for the back of the local diner. My skin prickled and it felt like ants crawled over me. My feet scraped along the pavement as I made my way closer to the dim light over the side entrance door. Not much farther.

  The scratching of rats made me shiver. At least they wouldn’t hurt me. I much preferred the furred type of vermin to the two-legged variety. I clawed at my arms, popping open scabs. Blood trickled from the wounds. I wiggled my fingers as the droplets fell to the ground below. Every sound made me twitch and jump. Shadows reached for me.

  Nearly there. I paused just outside the spread of light and waited. I listened. Watched. When I didn’t hear anyone coming, I hurried to see if I could find something to eat. I dug through and found half a sandwich. Pulling it out, I took a bite while I sifted through more of the garbage. I found a bruised apple, still whole. I slipped it into my pocket for later and snatched an open half-full bag of chips from the dumpster.

  It wouldn’t last long. It never did, but at least I wouldn’t starve tonight or tomorrow. Finding shelter would be the biggest issue. At least a safe place to sleep. I didn’t trust anyone. Not after what the cowboys did to me. I picked at the scabs on my arm again and rushed off, sticking to the shadows as I cleared the alley and nearly ran down the street.

  An old parking garage loomed in the distance. I’d stayed there before. Most of the floors had been inhabited by others living on the streets. I avoided those people. Didn’t know who to trust. Quiet as I could, I made my way to the structure, pausing when anyone got too close. Finally, I reached the parking structure and crept inside. I skirted around the people on each level until I found an empty one.

  I took off my backpack and shoved it into the corner, using it to cushion me as I crammed myself into the tight spot, hoping to go unnoticed. Light didn’t reach me, and I hoped its absence would keep me safe. I’d finished my sandwich and didn’t dare eat the apple and chips, even if my stomach did still rumble.

  Twisting, I unzipped the backpack and pulled out the small notebook and pen. I’d been scribbling in it the last few days. It kept me from losing myself completely. Although, the marks on my arms suggested otherwise. Even if I couldn’t see the blood, I could feel it. The scabs would reform, but what was the point? I’d just open them again. Or make new cuts. It allowed me to bury the pain of what happened and take back a little control.

  I didn’t need the light to write. It didn’t matter if it looked pretty. No one would read it. I only put the words on the page as a way to soothe the demons plaguing me. It never worked for long. No sooner would I purge the darkness inside me than more would seep in. I couldn’t escape.

  I pondered the bag at my back and stared blankly at the notebook in my hand. It wasn’t entirely true, though. There would be one way to get away from it all. No more pain. No more nightmares. I wouldn’t have to worry about anyone hurting me again. My fingers tightened on the pen.

  Don’t do it, Raven.

  I wrote a little more, hoping it would be enough to dispel the ugliness brewing in my gut. I couldn’t remember what it had felt like to be happy. Didn’t think I’d ever feel it again. Mom hadn’t wanted me back. Not after what happened. She’d called me a whore. Said I’d gotten what I deserved. That had been the first night I’d cut my arms. Not deep enough to bleed out, but the pain had helped a little. It had soothed the dark voices in my mind.

  I poured everything out on the page in the little notebook. I felt the burn of tears as I remembered how I’d gotten here. Each and every filthy thing they’d done to me. The way it had felt when they touched me. The pain when they’d tried to tear me apart. It even eclipsed knowing my own mother hadn’t wanted me.

  Alone. Always alone.

  Unwanted. Unloved.

  The darkness calls to me.

  Surro
unds me.

  It closes in from all sides.

  Presses against me.

  Fills me.

  I welcome the nothingness.

  A respite from the pain.

  From the memories.

  I’m dirty.

  Tainted by their hands.

  They ripped me from the light.

  Now I dwell in the dark.

  The shadows.

  The emptiness.

  Not even death can save me.

  I shoved the pen and notebook back into my bag and stared at the glint of silver toward the bottom. The last phrase echoes in my mind. Not even death can save me. But what if it could? Reaching in, I gripped the handle of the knife I’d swiped from an outdoor dining area when no one had been looking. I’d cleaned the blade, but knew it now had the stain of my blood on it. I turned my arm over and took a breath before making the first cut.

  The coppery scent hit my nose, and it felt like a dam inside me broke. Before I could second-guess myself, I cut again. And again. And again. Every slice of my skin brought relief. I couldn’t seem to stop myself. The next cut went deeper, and I knew I couldn’t turn back. I managed to cut the other side, feeling a strange sort of peace settle over me.

  Dropping the knife beside me, I let my arms fall to my sides and stared into the nothingness. Waiting. Would I go to heaven? Or did the devil have a seat saved for me in hell? Anything would be better than the life I’d been living.

  I felt my heart slowing as my blood pooled on the concrete. Everything went hazy and darkness crept into the edges of my vision. It wouldn’t be long now. Soon, it would be over.

  It never occurred to me someone would save me.

  Too bad they didn’t realize they were consigning me to a different sort of hell.

  One I didn’t think I’d ever escape from.

  Chapter One

  Raven -- Six Months Later

  Balmoral Psychiatric Hospital looked nice from the outside. Anyone visiting would think it peaceful. They didn’t know the evil hidden in the night. Not even the doctors knew but trying to tell them never worked. They only upped my meds and muttered about hallucinations, delusions, and whatever else they decided to write in my file. They didn’t realize I spoke the truth. Their precious staff became monsters once night fell. Or maybe they were always monstrous, but the masks slipped once the sun sank below the horizon.

  It hadn’t taken long before I stopped trying to talk to anyone. About anything. I’d remained mute for so long, I didn’t know if my voice would even work anymore. Didn’t matter. No one wanted to speak to me, except the doctor who only tried to shove more pills down my throat. Anything to make me better. Whatever that meant.

  As long as I remained here, I’d never heal. The night guards would make sure of it. After the first time, I’d told the doctors. It hadn’t gotten me anywhere, and next time, the guards were rougher with me. I tried to end it all. Hung myself with my sheets. It only landed me a spot on their suicide watch, and a room with nothing more than a pad on the floor and a toilet in the corner. It still hadn’t saved me from the night guards. I’d been trapped, until I’d assured them I wouldn’t try again, and managed to make them believe me.

  During the day, I enjoyed a bit of freedom. Other than meeting with the doctor and going to a few group therapy sessions, I could roam the Rec room. We had puzzles, crayons and coloring books, a TV mounted high on the wall, and some magazines. Mostly, I chose to sit in a chair and stare out the barred windows. The world kept moving, people going about their day, while I’d been stuck in hell for far too long. Attempting to kill myself never seemed to work. I didn’t know what else to do.

  The sun sank beyond the horizon and my stomach knotted. I knew what would happen next. A chime sounded, letting everyone know we needed to move to the cafeteria for dinner. I followed the group from the Rec room, my skin crawling as I passed Guard Simmons. He winked at me, letting me know he’d be by later. As if I wanted him to touch me.

  I went through the line and accepted my tray with bites of grilled chicken, rice, and carrots. Nothing I’d need to cut. None of us were allowed to use knives of any sort. Not even plastic ones. Even forks were forbidden. I picked up a napkin, spoon, and juice before heading to the nearest table. We didn’t have assigned seating, but since I hadn’t made friends, it didn’t matter whose table I joined. None of them would speak to me. I’d made sure of it by keeping to myself.

  The food tasted bland. The chicken and carrots had been overcooked. When I’d first arrived, I’d inhaled my food, so thankful to have regular meals. The guards had left me alone the first two days. It had almost seemed a bit like paradise here. Roof over my head. Full belly. Afterward, I’d have starved myself to death if I could. I forced myself to eat every bite, knowing if I didn’t, I’d get a lecture tomorrow about needing to eat nutritious meals. They didn’t realize anything would be a step up from eating out of dumpsters, but no amount of food would change what happened to me after lights out. How could I enjoy anything knowing I’d have nightly visitors?

  Dinner only meant one thing to me these days. It was nearly time for my nightly torment to begin. I couldn’t look forward to a meal when I knew about the monsters waiting for me when I had to return to my room.

  By the time I’d finished, the next chime sounded. I carried my tray to the stack by the door and headed down the hallway. Each patient went into their room. I kept walking until I reached the end of the hall and stopped to stare at my door. I didn’t want to go inside.

  “Raven!”

  I flinched as Guard Larson barked my name. I glanced in his direction. His eyebrows were raised as he looked from me to the door. Steeling myself, I went into my room, waiting for him to come by and lock me in. Crawling across my bed, I didn’t bother yanking the covers over my head. It wouldn’t help. I took deep breaths, trying to remain calm.

  Minutes ticked by and the hospital began to quiet. The woman in the room next to mine started snoring, and I knew the guards would be by any minute. Once the nurse decided everyone would be quiet for a bit, she’d slip outside to smoke, and the guards would take advantage. She took three breaks every shift, and the guards came to my room one at a time after she’d left her post. Sadly, they tormented more than me, but the others kept their mouths shut. I often wondered if they’d learned to keep quiet the hard way, like I had.

  My heart pounded in my chest at the squeak of shoes outside my door. I heard the lock twist before the door opened and then shut softly.

  “How’s my girl doing?” Guard Simmons asked. “Been eager and waiting?”

  I didn’t answer. I never did. I heard him move closer and saw his shadowy outline. He ran his fingers through my hair, and I forced myself to hold still. I heard the clink of his belt buckle and the rasp of his zipper. At first, I’d cried. I’d begged and pleaded. It hadn’t gotten me anywhere. Now I knew to endure it, keep my mouth shut, and wait for it to be over.

  His fingers closed around my ankles, and he yanked me to the edge of the bed. He never got it over with quickly. No, Simmons like to draw things out the full fifteen minutes of the nurse’s smoke break. Felt like longer. He petted me, murmured disgusting things in my ear. When he reached for the waistband of my pants, I retreated into my mind, hiding from reality.

  I usually came back to the present and found myself tucked into bed, a wet stickiness and pain between my legs. This time I heard shouts and what sounded like someone hitting another person. I blinked and tried to focus. Looking over my shoulder, I saw the nurse fluttering in the doorway, her eyes wide and hands dancing as she murmured, “I didn’t know,” over and over.

  I stood on shaky legs, pulled up my pants, and turned to watch a younger, less bulky man trying to beat Guard Simmons into unconsciousness. The man wore jeans, a dark tee, and a black leather vest with writing and a flaming skull on the back. No, a skull with horns and flames. Hades Abyss MC.

  “Please, Mr. Breaker. You need to stop!” The nurse shifted foot to foot,
looking like she wanted to physically pull them apart.

  The man she’d called Breaker landed another blow against Guard Simmons’ jaw. I realized the man hadn’t had time to zip his pants. As he lay on the ground, pleading for Breaker to stop, he suddenly had a knife up against his flaccid cock.

  “I should cut this off, since you don’t know the proper way to use it,” Breaker said. “You think it’s okay to rape women?”

  “Sh-she likes it,” Guard Simmons said.

  “No, she fucking doesn’t!” Breaker jammed the knife into the guard’s thigh. Guard Simmons screamed like a girl and thrashed on the floor. “She’d checked the fuck out in order to put up with your filthy hands on her. That girl has been through hell. You were supposed to keep her safe. Help her. I should gut you right here and now.”

  The nurse wailed and rushed off, most likely to get help. Breaker stumbled back, his chest heaving with every breath. Fury etched his features, until he turned and saw me watching. The change happened so suddenly. Instead of being angry, I could only see sorrow in his gaze. Breaker held out a hand to me, blood splattered across his fingers. He moved slowly, as if trying to coax a feral animal closer.

  “I’m here to help you, Raven. Your dad sent me.”

  I blinked and shook my head. My dad? I had never met him, nor did I even know his name. Mom hadn’t shared it with me. Whenever I’d asked, she’d become tight-lipped and looked like she’d been sucking on lemons. My dad couldn’t have sent this man. Wouldn’t have. Had he known about me, surely he’d have been here sooner. Unless he hadn’t cared.

  Breaker stopped and dropped his hand. “I know I’m a stranger. Your dad is with another club. The Reckless Kings MC. He goes by Hatchet. He didn’t know about you until today. The second he found out where you were and that your mom hadn’t aborted you like she claimed, he asked my club to come get you. Will you please come with me?”