Vixen: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter), page 1
VIXEN
TIMBER-GHOST, MONTANA CHAPTER
DEVIL’S HANDMAIDENS MC
BOOK 4
D.M. EARL
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
1. ‘Vixen’
2. ‘Vixen’
3. ‘Ironside’
4. ‘Shadow’
5. ‘Vixen’
6. ‘Ironside’
7. ‘Vixen’
8. ‘Ironside’
9. ‘Vixen’
10. ‘Shadow’
11. ‘Ironside’
12. ‘Vixen’
13. ‘Tink’
14. ‘Ironside’
15. ‘Shadow’
16. ‘Vixen’
17. ‘Poodles’
18. ‘Ironside’
19. ‘Shadow’
20. ‘Ironside’
21. ‘Tink’
22. ‘Vixen’
23. ‘Vixen’
24. ‘Ironside’
25. ‘Vixen’
26. ‘Ironside’
27. ‘Glory’
28. ‘Taz’
29. ‘Tink’
30. ‘Poodles’
31. ‘Shadow’
32. ‘Vixen’
33. ‘Tink’
34. ‘Ironside’
35. ‘Shadow’
36. ‘Vixen’
37. ‘Glory’
38. ‘Ironside’
39. ‘Panther”
Dark Warrior Walking Alone
40. ‘Vixen’
41. ‘Glory’
42. ‘Vixen’
43. ‘Shadow’
44. ‘Vixen’
Glory, Sneak Peek
Nora
About the Author
Also by D.M. Earl
© Copyright 2023 D.M. Earl
All rights reserved.
Cover by Drue Hoffman, Buoni Amici Press
Editing by Karen Hrdlicka
Proofread by Joanne Thompson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, and places portrayed in this book are entirely products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Karen Hrdlicka and Joanne Thompson my editing and proofreading team. I’m beyond blessed to be working with these two ladies. Between them Karen and Joanne polish my stories so they can shine. With their eyes on my stories I feel you’re getting the best book it can be due to their experience and knowledge of how I write.
Debra Presley and Drue Hoffman @ Buoni Amici Press. Talk about being on top of everything. My two publicists work endlessly to handle the social media aspect, formatting, publishing and so much more which allows me to concentrate on my writing. They are awesome angels and I’m thrilled to have them be part of my team.
Enticing Journey Promotions and Itsy-Bitsy Book Bits. These two promotional companies help me with every new release and are very professional and always on top of everything.
Bloggers every single one of you. What you do for each and every one of my stories I can never repay you. Please know how much I appreciate each share, mention, post, and video.
My DM’s Babes (ARC Team) and DM’s Horde (Reader’s group). These women in these two groups have become part of my family. I’m thrilled to spend time and engage with each and every one of them.
READERS without each of Y’all I’d not be able to live out my life’s dream of writing books that make people tingle and just feel deep in their souls. Your support fills my heart and feeds my soul.
E.M. Shue special thanks sistah for letting me use your Devil’s Handmaidens Motorcycle club in this story. I appreciate Riddle willing to extend a hand to help Tink and the club is needed. I so appreciate you.
ONE
‘VIXEN’
MIRA
Fuck, the noise drags me from a dark deep sleep. When I realize it’s me, I know in less than a minute or so my sisters in the house will be breaking through the door because again I’m screaming bloody murder. Hearing the footsteps, I pull myself up against the headboard and wait.
Rebel is first in, followed by Glory, Wildcat, Dani, Peanut, and God only knows who else is in the hallway. There are times I feel totally blessed having these women in my life, but other times—like right now—I wish they’d leave me the hell alone. Alone to live in my own misery. Rebel brings me back to my current situation.
“You okay, Vixen? Another bad dream? Did you get a chance to talk to that therapist at the Blue Sky Sanctuary? Sister, it might help, even if it just gives you a few hours of sleep at night.”
Out of all my Devil’s Handmaiden sisters, I’m probably closer to her than any of the others. We have similar backgrounds and she gives me room to breathe when I need it or ask for it. Not in my face all the time, she minds her business. I know the other sisters mean well, but we’re all adults. Well, not Hannah, but that’s another story. That thought brings a small smile to my face. She’s a handful, for sure.
“Damn, I’m so sorry! My past was knocking on the door to come back in and I just can’t or don’t want those nightmares. Didn’t mean to scream like someone was killing me. I’m okay, go on back to sleep or to whatever you were doing.”
I look at them and it hits me, our VP is in a sexy and tiny baby-doll nightie in a soft pastel color. As I continue to stare at her, the other sisters turn and I watch both Dani’s and Peanut’s mouths fall right open. Glory looks down and I see when she realizes what she’s got on. Her cheeks turn a shade of pink and she crosses her arms over her chest. Then I hear laughter as Raven pushes her way through. When she gets a good look at our VP, she busts out laughing.
“Well, well, what do we have here? I wanted to make sure Vixen was good, but damn, Glory, what the hell are you wearing? I think we’re in the wrong room. We need to be checking out Glory’s room to see what’s going on or, better yet, who’s in there waiting on her to return in that getup.”
She turns to leave and Glory is right in front of her.
“Sister, I love you and your humor but this ain’t funny or any of your business. Stay the fuck outta my room and, more importantly, my life, you little troublemaker.”
Now that’s a challenge if I ever heard one. Then, of course, Rebel brings it back to me.
“Enough, you two fucking clowns. Vixen, want me to stick around ’til you fall asleep? It’s no problem, you know, I’m always here for you. Everyone else get out. I’ve got her tonight.”
They all pile out until it’s just the two of us. Rebel closes the door then reaches down and takes her boots off.
“So what’s going on, V? Can you think why now? What’s got your mind all screwed up again?”
I don’t want to tell her about the phone call I got from my past. A call for help. And I don’t know what to do. It sounds like something our club would definitely want to help out with, but not sure if it’s a trap or what. Know those people are heartless and will kill anyone who even thinks of betraying them. But Poodles is in trouble and needs help right now. My head is pounding.
“Someone reached out from my past and it brought it all back to the surface. Rebel, I can’t believe all that happened in Vegas, back in the day. One phone call and it all comes rushing back, just like that. Even after all these years. Damn, I was so naïve. Why the fuck I ever believed one word Juice ever told me? I mean whose name is Juice? Really. I ran from a bad time in my life and slammed into a living hell. Sister, damn, I’m so messed up.”
Feeling the bed shift then, I’m pulled into Rebel’s arms. Just that little bit of human contact has my eyes filling up. If I had to use the title ‘best friend,’ it would have to be hands down Rebel. She’s pulled me from the depths of death to being able to not only stand on my own two feet, but also believe I not only deserve but will have a chance at a future.
“So who called and what’s got you in that headspace again?”
“My girl, Poodles, is in some serious trouble. Guess she’s done with them stealing and selling her babies. Yeah, she’s pregnant again, but this time she’s totally wanting to be away from that mess and safe to have her baby. Poodles said no more. This precious child is hers and she’s going to keep this one, finally, and raise it by herself. She’s done with all that is Juice’s bullshit. I’m worried about her but, on the other hand, a part of me worries since he’s involved, he’s using her to get to me. I remember those days when you’d do anything to get your next fix of the drug of choice. Even pregnant, which I know is so fucking wrong. Believe me I know but, in the moment, you do what you have to do. Yeah, I know, it’s been what… three or four years since all of you rescued and saved me. Damn, i
“Anyway, how do I know it’s not a trap? You heard how pissed off Juice was when you closed down his human and baby trafficking circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I remember when he moved it there from Vegas. Not too far, about an hour plus, but a bit more rural. He could hide his sadistic ways where there weren’t that many eyes. And the folks living out there were older, living in those fifty-five plus communities. Their only worries were what to do each day now that they were retired.”
Rebel stays close but doesn’t say a word. She knows me well enough that usually I’m not much of a talker, so for me to be babbling on, it’s sometimes best to just let me get this shit off my chest.
“What do I do, Rebel? I can’t even stomach the thought of going back there. I actually feel my anxiety levels hitting a major panic attack, just with the thought. Should I bring it to the table, see what the club says? Son of a bitch, no way. If my mind goes down that road, I’ll probably be reaching for a fix just to get through the day. And I totally understand where Poodles is coming from. That jagoff took and sold my two newborn babies. They were the most beautiful twins, a boy and a girl, and I have no idea where they are or with who. I’ll probably never know. Raven’s tried but without any information they’re gone, vanished into the world without even knowing how much I love and miss them every single day. God, the pain in my heart with just the memory of what that dick did to me is coming back. Rebel, can’t go down that road again. Sister, this time I won’t survive.”
“Vixen, look at me. For Christ’s sake, take a minute and try to relax. Breathe in and out. Where the fuck is Taz when we need her hippie shit. Now, have your girl come here. We can keep her under the radar, and we can give her a chance so she can finally move forward with her life, if that’s what she wants. You can’t make her want it, Vixen. I know that going back will fuck not only with your mind but your sobriety. You’ve worked too hard over the last three or so years, sister. I’ll talk to both Tink and Glory to see if it’s okay. We don’t have any folks in the bunkhouse for survivors. There’s that bank manager Taz and Tink felt sorry for, who’s supposed to manage the different bunkhouses when we do have residents. So yeah, Cynthia and her two kids are in one of the cabins closest to the bunkhouses. And we still have those two street kids, well not kids, both over seventeen in the young adult bunkhouse. Oh, and that one homeless guy Peanut brought back, who was hanging out behind the Wooden Spirits Bar and Grill. That sister’s heart is way too huge. Anyway, I lost my train of thought. So there’s plenty of room for Poodles.”
I feel better with her coming here than me going there. Then Rebel shocks the holy shit out of me.
“Hey, why don’t you call that FBI guy, who’s been trying to bring that no good piece of shit pimp, Juice, down? Didn’t you guys hook up or something? Hey, don’t give me that stink eye look. I’m just saying maybe he’s got some more information and this might help him do his job. That’s all, don’t care who you fuck, sister, for Christ’s sake. We talked about what happened when you first came here with that introduction to Jack Daniels for you and decided to let it go. Don’t be playing that wildcard now. We good, or do we need to have another girls’ night with our best friend Jack?”
Crap, didn’t mean to do that. I don’t want to lose my best friend and club sister, not sure why I’m being so stupid. But the thought of talking or seeing Lucas Dombranski again has my heart pounding right out of my chest, as it’s already been broken in two because of him. He did save me and gave me the chance of a lifetime. Also, the jerk stole my heart at a very low point in my life. When I started to open my eyes and tried to put all the ugliness in the past, he disappeared and I never heard from him again. Though he did reach out to Tink or Shadow, don’t remember which one, to give them an update about the case he was working on. I have no idea if he’s ever reached out after that because I told them I didn’t want to know.
“Rebel, damn, sorry, girl. This is what happens when the past comes knocking down my door, thumping my barriers out of the way. Right now I just want to get some sleep. Once my head is clearer, I can then make a decision. Will I be able to talk it out with you then? Please?”
All I get is a tight hug, then she’s up and out of my bed, grabbing her boots, and heading toward the door. Damn, I hurt her feelings again.
“Rebel, please don’t leave mad at me. You’re my best friend and I love you with all of my heart. I’m fucked up, you’ve always known that. I’ve been brutally honest, well, at least to you.”
Turning, she gives me a smile first.
“Sister, we’re all good. I don’t envy you. Not only me but every one of our sisters will always have your back. I’m sorry for bringing up his name. That was so wrong, my bad. Go ahead, get some Z’s. Tomorrow, or later today, things will look clearer. And know I love you too, V. Always will, Mira.”
Damn, fuck, she’s hurting because of me. Rebel only uses my given name when she’s either drunk or emotional. Nothing I can do though right this minute since she’s gone. Lying on the bed, I wait until I feel strong enough to face it. Then I get up and go to my walk-in closet and pull the box down that is way in the back on the middle shelf. Opening it, I pull out a few pictures on top. Looking down, it hits me square in the chest. Lucas Dombranski is the one and only man in this entire world who I let in, and he turned his back on me like I was a bag of trash. When he first showed interest I warned him I was, indeed, trash and he was too good for me. He told me if it was the last thing he ever did he’d prove to me I wasn’t anywhere near trash. After spending my last couple of months pregnant in his company, he told me I meant the world to him. Then, not two weeks after the babies were born and taken, he ghosted me. I’ll never forgive him. Never ever.
With that thought, I drop the pictures back in the box and go back to bed, praying I’ll be able to get some sleep and not dream of those sexy hazel eyes of his or the smirk he usually wore on his gorgeous face when with me.
TWO
‘VIXEN’
MIRA
fter tossing and turning most of the night, I struggle to get out of bed and start my day. Once again, I walk into my closet to grab that dreaded box and look at those pictures again. It still hurts deeply because I have no idea what I did for Lucas, or as his FBI Hostage Rescue Team called him ‘Ironside’ because of his strength and bravery, to ghost me. They looked up to him and would follow him to hell and back. They did that day in Las Vegas when, between the FBI and the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, they raided Pepe ‘Juice’ Rodriguez’s prostitution house of horrors.
Needing a cup or pot of coffee to deal with all the shit running through my mind, I finish getting dressed, put the pictures away again, then head to the kitchen. Hearing voices, I swing the door and almost lose myself at what I see. Hannah, or as we call her Squirt, is sitting on her, I’m guessing, boyfriend Presley’s lap. Damn it, just what I don’t need to see. The beginnings of new love. I’ve never experienced that in my entire life. No one man has ever cared enough to share that with me. I grew up in the foster care system in Las Vegas. That’s how I got suckered in by Juice. Hot guy shows interest in the young eighteen-year-old girl, just out of foster care, looking for somewhere to live and work.
