All Your Nights (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series Book 4) Read online

  The miles passed under a clear sky that had turned jet black with a million bright stars providing the only light. Beautiful didn’t describe it, yet he didn’t allow himself to enjoy it.

  Kade continued to berate himself for not keeping his mouth shut and his temper under control. What did he expect Rafe to do? Admit in front of everyone he had a bastard son he’d never acknowledged? He’d interrogated enough people to be able to read small changes in their eyes, their expressions. Rafe knew, maybe had always known, yet he’d let Kade and his mother struggle alone.

  He turned onto a side road Eric had once taken him on. It led into a national forest. You could travel for miles without seeing another car. He’d ride a few more miles, turn around, and head for his cabin. Seeing Brooke tonight wouldn’t happen, not in his current mood. Besides, what could be said she didn’t already know? The best decision would be to pack up and head to San Diego, forget the rest of his leave, the ranch, and Brooke. She deserved better.

  Four miles up the road he came to a fork and made the decision to turn back. Kade made a U-turn at the same time he heard the rumble of motorcycle engines in the distance. He stopped and waited, seeing no lights as the noise became louder. Shit. Not only had he set himself up, he’d ridden off without any identification or protection. His gun was under the seat of his truck, his ankle knife on his dresser at the cabin. He revved his motor, let out the clutch and started forward. Playing chicken wasn’t a great option, but it was a helluva lot better than anything else he could come up with.

  Kade accelerated, seeing the outline of four riders ahead, two in front, two behind, taking up both lanes. He couldn’t make out their bikes or identifying marks, but his instincts told him Satan’s Brethren had found him.

  He took the middle of the road. If he couldn’t get past them, and if they moved to the inside, he might be able to take a couple down with him. It might be suicide, but so was doing nothing.

  Fifty yards, forty, thirty. He lowered his head, focused on going straight through the middle. They began to move toward the center. Perfect. He’d done this before and come through with minor injuries. Ten yards. He jagged one way then the other, kicking out and causing the first two to falter enough to go off the road. He began to slide as the other two came at him. Kade turned his wheel hard to the left, causing his bike to go down. He low-sided, skidding into the path of the next two, registering lights coming up from the distance a moment before his body hit the pavement. Pain sliced through him and he could feel a crushing sensation in his chest just before everything went black.

  ******

  Heath woke to the sound of pounding on the front door. He looked at the clock—two in the morning. No news at this hour could be good. He grabbed a robe and dashed downstairs, pulling the door open to see DEA Agent Clive Nelson and Police Chief Towers.

  “Buck, Agent Nelson. Come in.”

  They walked a few feet into the house, then stopped and looked up as Trey and Rafe came down the stairs.

  “There’s been an accident. Kade’s in intensive care.”

  “What? When?” Rafe stepped forward, worry etched on his face.

  “A few hours ago. It’s a long story and I’ll be glad to explain it all, but we thought you’d want to know right away.”

  “I’ll grab a coat and be right down.” Rafe dashed up the stairs, as did Trey and Heath. Five minutes later they were ready to leave.

  “We’ll take two cars. Rafe, why don’t you ride with me?” Heath shut the door, sending an encouraging look at Annie and Jesse, who stood at the base of the stairs.

  They followed Chief Towers’ car to the hospital and dashed straight to intensive care.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “May I help you?”

  Rafe stepped up. “My son, Kade Taylor MacLaren. I understand he’s here.”

  The nurse looked at the intake log then back up at Rafe. “Let me get his doctor for you. Please, have a seat.”

  They joined Buck and Clive in the waiting room.

  “What happened?” Heath asked.

  “Agent Nelson knows more about it than I do,” Buck said.

  “I can’t give you all the details, but—”

  “Where is he? Can I see him?” Brooke burst into the room, her hands shaking, her breath unsteady as she dashed to Heath. He stood and wrapped his arms around her.

  “We’re waiting for his doctor.” He looked at Rafe, who stood with his arms crossed, staring into the distance. “Rafe, this is Kade’s good friend, and my stepdaughter, Brooke, and her friend, Paige.”

  Brooke walked over to him and put a hand on his arm. “Kade’s a very special man. I’m sure you’ll realize it once you get a chance to know him.” Her voice wavered, then cracked as she buried her face in her hands. Paige placed an arm around her friend and led her to a nearby chair.

  Rafe said nothing as he worked to control the emotions rolling through him. The son he’d never reached out to, never acknowledged, lay in critical condition a hundred feet away and he might never get a chance to know him. Reyna was the most beautiful, kind, and giving woman he’d ever known, and he loved her beyond reason. When she disappeared he went crazy, doing everything he could to find her, but failed. When he’d seen her a few years later, with Kade, he’d been so stunned and angry, he’d walked away, knowing in his heart he was making a huge mistake. Now, God willing, he might have a chance to atone for some of the damage he’d caused.

  “…Satan’s Brethren.” Rafe heard Clive mention the name of an outlaw motorcycle gang he’d read about in the papers. Mean group into all kinds of illegal activities.

  “What about Satan’s Brethren?” Rafe asked.

  “Kade is scheduled to testify against several of the gang leaders when they go to trial. We thought he’d be fine here, in Fire Mountain, but they found him. That’s who he tangled with tonight.” Clive glanced at Brooke to see her eyes widen at his words.

  “How’d you find him?” Brooke asked.

  “We’ve been tracking the group. When several of them found their way here, my captain sent me and two others to keep a twenty-four hour watch on them and Kade. I followed him when he left the ranch tonight. My partners were parked a couple hundred yards away at a local bar where the Brethren were hanging out. They saw Kade pass by, jumped on their bikes, and followed him. My team and I were right behind them.”

  “Thank God,” Brooke breathed out.

  Clive stood and paced to the window, then turned back. “I know he’s in bad shape, but that man’s been through worse—much worse. He’s strong with one of the keenest survival instincts of anyone I’ve ever met.”

  The door swung open as the doctor walked in and looked around.

  “I’m Doctor Beckwith.”

  “I’m Rafe MacLaren, Kade’s father. How is he?”

  Beckwith looked around at the others, nodding at Heath, whom he recognized.

  “It’s all right to talk in front of them. They’re family.” Rafe shot a look to Heath and Trey, then back to the doctor.

  “He’s an incredibly lucky man. A couple of broken ribs, some torn ligaments, various lacerations. The worst is the concussion. We found no internal injuries, which is a miracle given the way he went down. He’s in intensive care and will remain there overnight and more than likely through tomorrow.”

  “Can I see him?” Rafe asked.

  “Two at most tonight, one at a time and just for a few minutes each.”

  Rafe followed him to Kade’s room to see bandages covering a good portion of his son’s body. He had to remind himself none of the injuries were life-threatening even though he looked like he’d been rolled in a cement mixer.

  He stood next to the bed, a part of him glad Kade couldn’t see the fear that had gripped him from the moment he’d heard his son had been in accident. His oldest son, the one he had yet to get to know. Rafe glanced at the monitors and tubes, wishing there were something more he could do. He stood frozen a couple more minutes then lifted a hand and cl
asped Kade’s arm in a gentle squeeze, closing his eyes tight. He took a shaky breath, let go of Kade’s arm, and walked from the room.

  “How is he?” Brooke asked when Rafe joined them in the waiting room.

  “He didn’t stir, which is probably good. Do you want to go in?” he asked her.

  “Yes, please.”

  Rafe walked with her down the hall and pointed to Kade’s bed. “I’ll be waiting with the others.” He left her staring through the glass window.

  Kade had always seemed so indestructible with his tall, strong physique, his ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude, and enviable self-confidence. She admired the way he approached life—straight on with no comprehension of failure. The only time she’d seen him vulnerable was tonight, when he’d confronted his father. Her heart still slammed in her chest at the impact his announcement made.

  Brooke wiped damp hands down her jeans before walking toward the bed. He didn’t stir as she pulled a chair next to the bed and lowered herself into the seat. The monitors beeped a steady rhythm, indicating his vital signs were holding up even though the bruising and bandages signaled injuries requiring time and patience to heal.

  She reached out and laid a hand on his, a quiet prayer escaping her lips. There remained so much to be said and she found herself hoping he’d give them a chance to work through the obstacles he believed would keep them apart. Brooke knew better. She’d already made up her mind about Kade and what she wanted—nothing less than his love and a lifetime together.

  She squeezed his hand and began to release it when he tightened the grip. Her eyes snapped to his, which were mere slits.

  “Hey.” She leaned closer, an uncertain smile curving her lips.

  “Hey.” His strained, raspy voice triggered a sense of relief and she let out a breath in a slow stream.

  “If you didn’t want to see me again, all you had to do was tell me. You didn’t have to go to this extreme. You look like hell.” She chuckled, more from relief than humor.

  He squeezed her hand once more. “You look beautiful,” he managed before his eyes flickered shut and he drifted back to sleep.

  She held his hand another minute, then left the room, looking at his prone form once more before returning to waiting room. All eyes turned to her when she entered the waiting room.

  “He woke for a few seconds, and he recognized me.” Relief washed over her as she collapsed into the embrace Heath offered.

  “Well, I’d better take off,” Clive said as he stood. “I’ll be back in a few hours.” He walked out the door leaving Brooke, Paige, Rafe, Heath, and Trey alone. Chief Towers had gone back to the station while Rafe was with Kade, saying he’d check back late morning.

  “I need coffee,” Trey said and pushed from his chair.

  “We all could use a break.” Heath glanced at his watch. “The cafeteria should be open by now.” He looked at Brooke who hadn’t budged. “Come on, honey. They have my cell number and I’ll let them know where we’re headed.”

  Brooke didn’t want to leave, although she doubted they’d let her or Rafe back in Kade’s room for a while. She nodded and followed the others to the elevator, glancing over her shoulder toward Kade’s room once more as they disappeared into a hallway.

  ******

  The hours passed as they waited for another chance to see Kade. Trey had been reluctant to leave, but he and Jesse had a plane to catch for their return to the base. Heath told him they’d be in touch as soon as they knew anything further.

  Jace and Caroline stopped by for a while before Eric, Cam, and Cassie joined them, leaving Annie at home to watch Trevor.

  “Is there a Brooke here?” A nurse poked her head into the room and glanced around.

  “I’m Brooke.”

  “Mr. Taylor is awake and asking for you.”

  She looked at the others then followed the nurse down the hall.

  “Actually, he didn’t so much ask, he more demanded we find you,” the nurse said, amusement lacing her voice. “I have to warn you, he insists on leaving. Of course that won’t happen. He’s not going anywhere until the doctor releases him.”

  Brooke walked in to see Kade trying to sit up.

  “What in the world are you doing?” Brooke asked as she approached the bed and glared down at him.

  “The doctor says all I’ve got are a few broken ribs and a concussion—”

  “And torn ligaments.”

  He scowled at her. “I’ve had worse and I want out of here.”

  “Don’t even think about it. If you do, I’ll get Eric, Cam, Heath, and your father, who are all right down the hall. Trust me, you do not want to go there.”

  The mention of his father stalled him, but only for a moment. “You forget, I’m not part of your extended tribe. I don’t need their blessing to leave.”

  “You most certainly are a part of the family. You’re a MacLaren for crying out loud, which means, you’re more a member than I am.” Her firm voice held hints of both reprimand and exasperation as she checked to be sure he hadn’t dislodged any tubes. “Has anyone ever told you how infuriating you can be?”

  Kade stared at her, his lips pursed into a thin line which began to tip up at the corners the angrier she became. He’d never seen her quite this irate—face reddening, nostrils flaring, and eyes shooting sparks his way. He liked this side of her, even if it was directed at him.

  “A couple of people have mentioned it, yes.” His eyes crinkled in amusement.

  “Are you laughing at me?” Her hands were fisted on her hips, daring him to deny it.

  “Never.”

  Brooke recognized the lie the moment it left his lips. She began to relax, the stress on her face easing. “Good,” she said as she pulled up a chair. “You look much better than you did twelve hours ago.”

  “I feel better, especially since I refused to take any more of the pain killers they’ve been pouring down me. My head feels like it’s splitting open, but I can deal with it. I’ve—”

  “I know. You’ve been through much worse,” she snorted and crossed her arms across her chest. “Guess what, Galahad, you aren’t in charge here.”

  Kade caught her stare and felt a welcome calm wash over him. He’d never felt this sense of comfort, rightness with any woman other than Brooke. He wanted to hold onto it forever.

  “I’m beginning to realize that.” He tried again to lift his head and grimaced as pain sliced behind his eyes. “How’s my bike?”

  “Eric says it may be salvageable. He trailered it to the house so you could make a decision when you get home.”

  “You mentioned Rafe.”

  “Your father,” she corrected in a soft voice.

  “Yeah, whatever. Is he still here?”

  “He refused to leave. We thought they’d kick us all out as much as he badgered the nurses about your condition. You know, he’s been in here several times to check on you. He’d have stayed the entire time, but they wouldn’t let him.”

  “I don’t remember him being in here.” He closed his eyes, sorry he’d even mentioned his father.

  “You need to give him a chance, Kade. Maybe there’s a story you don’t know.”

  He opened his eyes, letting them scan the room before focusing on Brooke. “Maybe.” His eyes flickered and Brooke knew he needed rest.

  “I’d better go.”

  “Not yet. Stay. I need to tell you something.” His voice began to slur as exhaustion overtook him.

  “Can’t it wait until you’ve rested?” she asked.

  “I love you, Brooke.” The words came out as his head bobbed and his eyes closed.

  Her heart slammed in her chest, his announcement taking her by surprise. She prayed someday she’d hear it, yet hadn’t expected it would be today. She watched for a moment, confirming he’d fallen asleep, then leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I love you too, Kade.”

  ******

  “Are you certain you can’t keep him a couple more days?” Brooke quipped as Kade
argued with a nurse about being rolled out in a wheelchair.

  “Not on your life. This man is ready to go, and go he will. In this chair.”

  “I can use crutches.”

  “Yes, you can, Mr. Taylor. When you get home and not before. Now, let me help you into this chair.” She rolled it to the side of the bed where Kade sat, dressed, and ready to bolt. As soon as she pulled it to a stop, he eased off the bed and dropped into the seat, a self-satisfied grin on his face.

  “Such a child,” Brooke murmured, shaking her head.

  She walked next to the chair as the nurse wheeled him outside to the waiting SUV. Heath, Jace, and Rafe stood next to it, smiles on two faces, a pensive expression on the third.

  Rafe stepped forward. “How can I help?” he asked the nurse, ignoring the distrustful look in Kade’s eyes.

  Kade didn’t protest when Rafe did as the nurse said and assisted him into the back seat.

  “You okay?” Rafe asked.

  Kade nodded and leaned his head against the seat.

  Brooke climbed into the middle with Rafe on the other side. She felt like a buffer between the two. She had to hand it to Rafe, he’d left the hospital just threes time over the last few days to clean up, returning within a couple of hours to take his usual seat in the waiting room.

  She felt Kade’s hand on hers and looked over to see a weary smile cross his face. He pulled their joined hands toward him to rest in his lap, then closed his eyes again. The broken ribs and torn ligaments in his knee would take time to heal, the latter requiring the services of an orthopedist as well as physical therapy. Between Eric’s motorcycle accident a few years before and Annie being hit by a drunk driver, the family had a solid list of professionals for Kade to see.

  A question hung in Brooke’s mind. Would he choose to recuperate in Fire Mountain or return to San Diego and into the fold of the DEA?

  Heath pulled to a stop in front of the ranch house, killed the engine, and turned toward the back seat.

  “You’ll be staying with us a few nights, Kade. Any arguments and we’ll put Trevor in your room to keep you company.”