Burning Truths (Consume Me #2)

16. Ryker

Chapter Sixteen

RYKER

“Where the fuck is he?” I shout.

Haven flinches at the sudden noise which sends West spinning around to face me.

“Easy, brother.” he says, his tone a warning.

My muscles strain with the urge to do something. Continuing to sit here watching them fuck around on computers, watching camera footage, and retracing steps. It’s driving me fucking crazy. Havoc leans over the back of the couch, his eyes trained on me.

“Watch your tone with my sister.” he says, his jaw clenching.

Oakley giggles beside him, her hand trailing up and down his arm, I’m guessing she’s trying to keep him calm. Two protective ass alpha men with their eyes trained on each other? That’s a whole lot of bullshit I don’t have time for. Yet, he’s right. I’m taking it out on his sister who is only trying to help and here I stand demanding more of her.

“Now that I know who I’m looking for it won’t be long. I’ve already found a trace of him in town several months ago.” Haven says, her voice firm.

Haven's fingers continue to fly across the keyboard. Ally steps around the corner coming from the back bedrooms bringing the temperature in the room lower. Ice slides through my veins at the sight of her so I turn my attention back to the computer.

“Don’t you play on computers?” Oakley asks.

Knowing she’s talking to Ally I tune in to make sure nothing pops off. She’s a violent little thing.

Ally’s voice is right behind me when she responds, “Yes.”

It’s a simple answer. Stepping around me she looks down at the monitor that’s lit up with different squares that house several screens in one. Haven has it running separate operations at once to work faster. Not that it's helping at this point. It takes effort to keep my foot from tapping with impatience.

“May I?” Ally asks Haven.

Haven looks back at me before her eyes find West. They don’t speak, but something passes between them before her shoulders relax from the stiff position she sat on. Pushing away from the desk she stands to face me.

“He’s been around town, but not in the last month. The main place he’s been spotted on camera has been near or at the prison. Any reason he’d visit there?” Haven asks.

Haven's question triggers something in the back of my mind that has me spinning on my heels towards the door.

“Ryker.” West snaps at my sudden movement.

Looking over my shoulder I see all eyes are on me. Ally jerks her attention away and takes the chair Haven was just at. Her fingers start to fly over the keyboard faster than I’ve ever seen and a small spark of hope flares in me. Maybe she’ll be useful after all.

“Rye.” West says.

Our gaze meets again. Oakley and Havoc go back to their conversation on the couch while Haven keeps her attention focused on West. These two need to fuck it out of their system before we have a problem. Shaking that thought from my head I turn from Haven towards him. I see the wary look behind his eyes and how exhausted he is from trying to hold this family together. Part of me feels guilty for putting all of this on his shoulders but I’m far too close to the edge to turn back now.

“Kingston. Hank was visiting Kingston in jail when Kenna first came back to town. That’s who he’s been going to see.” I state.

West nods before it fully registers with him. The reminder triggers the same memory I have of our time tracking my little killer.

“Shit. Do you think he set this up to have her removed from our hands?” he asks.

It’s the obvious answer yet for some reason it doesn’t feel right. Kidnapping his daughter?

“I don’t know but I’m about to find out.” I spit.

West reaches out to grab my shoulder. His hand clamps down hard to hold me in place while his eyes bore into mine.

“What are you planning to do?” he questions.

His eyes look over me searching for something. His worry is palpable.

“I’m just going to pay him a visit, brother.” I reply.

Besides, he’s behind bars. What could I possibly do to him inside? West must see the ideas flashing through my eyes because his darken.

“You’re taking someone with you.” he orders.

My fists clench at my sides. Taking two steps forward I face off with my brother.

“You’re taking someone with you.” he repeats.

He doesn’t back down. After a few seconds I laugh brushing off the small pissing contest.

“Fine, brother. I’ll take Haven so she can take her eyes off the computer for a while.” I quip.

Havoc and Oakley’s heads snap towards us with suppressed grins. He wants to push me? Fine, but I’m going to have a little fun.

“Oh shit.” Haven mutters beside West.

Her caramel hair is braided down her back, a fitted black outfit hugs her curvy figure, her wide eyes shining with mirth. West’s arm extends blocking her way to the door when she starts to step towards me.

“It’ll be fine.” she says. “I’ve never been inside a prison before.” she shrugs with a grin.

Her attempt to make a joke does nothing to the broody fucker staring me down but he drops his arm and let’s her pass. When she reaches the door next to me he curls his lip.

“Don’t fucking try shit while she’s with you.” His tone is stiff.

Havoc sinks into the couch, “Haven.” he calls.

Her head whips to her brother sitting next to Oakley.

“There and back.” he demands.

My skin starts to itch while Haven lets out an annoyed sigh. All of this fucking back and forth is wasting my time.

“We’re losing time. Haven, go get in the car.” I look at Havoc, “I’ve got her. Oakley, keep these bastards in check, will ya?”

Turning I ignore the two fuckers bickering behind me to follow Haven out the apartment. It’s midday and visitation ends in a couple hours so we waste no time climbing in the SUV and speeding down the road. Thirty minutes into the silent drive Haven opens her mouth to speak when we turn into the parking lot. Barbed wire, grey buildings, and dull landscaping expand ahead of us.

“This place is depressing.” she comments.

I almost laugh at the conviction in her voice, but I shove it down. I’ve been able to cage the beast in my chest to focus on finding Kenna, but my patience is wearing thin. The way my soul yearns for her touch, the way her cherry flavored lips taste, fuck. I swore I’d kill Kingston if I ever saw him again and now he may be the only one who knows where Hank is. Hank Harlow was a college friend of our fathers. They all went to school here where my father and Kingston took this place by storm. Meeting their wives here they all learned that becoming powerful couples means status. Money. Control. Hank was left behind and long gone from the picture around the time we were in middle school.

Opening my door I go to step out when Haven stops me. From the corner of my eye I can see her hand hovering over my arm with hesitation before it falls.

“Shouldn’t we leave our stuff in the car? They won’t let us move through security if we don’t.” she says.

Once I’m standing I dip my head to look at her.

“They won’t stop me.” I state.

Rolling her eyes she sighs, “That may be, but they will stop me. I have no clout in this town.” she grumbles.

It’s not the first time one of the Wolves bitched about being in Del Mar where their name isn’t a threat falling from tongues. Where our name could straighten a man’s spine theirs is nothing but a cliff note. One mentioned out of curiosity instead of fear. In Del Mar the Wolves are a myth and Oakley would cut tongues if anyone so much as said that to her face.

“You’re with me. Let’s go.”

I don’t wait for her to catch up with me. My strides are long and quick. The first set of metal gates open into a long concrete walkway surrounding us by barbed wire fences. Haven follows behind me keeping up with my pace. Reaching the second gate a loud buzz sounds opening it automatically. Cameras are placed in several areas over us so I turn towards one to show my face fully and the look I convey isn’t one to ignore. Rolling my hand to motion for the second gate to hurry I step through as soon as I know I can fit. Haven sticks to my side like glue but I can see the way she searches the walls looking for something interesting. She’s a curious little kitty.

Once we make it past the gate there are two double doors with glass rectangle windows. Tugging on the handle the door swings open letting a gust of cold air out as we step inside. The bright white lights bounce off the grey walls damn near blinding me but my eyes adjusted with a few blinks. Haven picks up her speed to keep in step with my long strides until we reach a glass box area where you check in to see the inmates. A beast of a woman with a name tag addressing her as Helga slides in front of us.

“Please sign in.” she says, her voice matching her looks. Gruff.

She stands almost as tall as me but my build makes me wider giving me an advantage forcing her to look up at me. Something I can tell she isn’t used to and I don’t give a shit. Haven looks between us before popping a hand on her hip to respond.

“We’re here to see Kane Kingston, so please move.” she smarts.

Her tone is soft but she doesn’t hide the bite in her words. Helga looks down at her like a lion ready for a snack so I sidestep into the beast’s line of sight to cut her off from Haven. The last thing I have time for is trouble with two over protective fuckers about a little brunette kitty cat.

“Ryker Stone.” I hold out my hand for her to shake.

Tossing out my name she snaps her eyes to mine but still she stands there blocking the entrance. I move forward brushing my chest against hers in a challenge when a small lanky arm shoves between us pushing Helga backwards.

“Mr. Stone.” a voice says to my left.

Turning to see a short blonde haired man with large oval glasses resting on his face, my brows furrow. He looks at Helga flashing her a lethal glare before turning his attention back to me with a grim smile. I know that look. The one behind his eyes. Pure fear. This man is pissing his pants right now but he hides it well so I respect that. Motioning with his head for her to move he waves his hand out for us to follow him.

“Well that was almost fun.” Haven whispers beside me.

Shaking my head without a response we follow the man through the metal detectors where he doesn’t flinch when it goes off. We continue past two large metal doors until we reach the third one on the right. The grey brick walls resemble high school walls but with less life. Depressing as fuck. Opening the door he steps back to let us pass him where we enter a large mess hall style room with over a dozen lunch tables spread around. Looking over the room I spot a few vending machines, inmates chatting with family, and guards standing throughout the space keeping an eye on things.

“I’ll have Mr. Kingston brought out. Please, sit anywhere you’d like.” He says, rushing off to do just that.

Snickering, Haven walks over to a table in the corner of the far back wall where we have a view of the entire room. There are three inmates at the table but she just crosses her arms and taps her foot. One of the men is covered in dark ink and swirls of black with a long ponytail down his back. You can tell he’s been here a while by the way body language adjusts when we approach. Sucking his teeth he smiles at Haven with intent but when he sits up straight to speak his eyes meet mine and he pauses.

“Well if it isn’t Ryker fucking Stone.” he laughs.

Looking at the men around him he nods his head when he looks back at me.

“Landon.” I state blankly.

Jumping up he rushes towards me and grabs my arm pulling me into him. Haven jumps back spinning towards me, but stops when Landon yanks me into a hug.

“Call me that again and I’ll beat the shit out of you.” he gruffs in my ear.

Pulling away I laugh, “And what the hell do I call you?” I ask.

Both hands slap his chest, “Python.”

We both let out a loud laugh pulling the eyes of the other people in the room.

“Like the snake?” Haven asks beside me, reminding me of her presence.

We both look down at her but Landon is already pulling up the sleeve on his white shirt flashing her the tattoo of a ball python wrapping around his arm spreading from his wrist to the crease of his elbow.

“That’s right, pretty lady. Snakes for life.” he winks at her.

Moving back to me his eyes roam over my appearance before asking me why I’m here.

“I have an appointment with a certain Kingston.” is all I give him.

He nods in understanding. Landon and his crew have been vital in keeping this place in line on the inside. Every once in a while I have to give Kingston a little visit to show him who still has control.

“Anything new?” Landon asks.

Rolling my tongue ring over my bottom lip I look to the ceiling, “Kenna Kingston is missing. Has been for two months. I’m tearing apart the entire west side to find her. This is just a pit stop for clues.”

He doesn’t ask anything else, just offers help if we need it. Landon taking his groupies to another table giving me the one they were sitting at without a fight.

“That was unexpected.” Haven laughs.

Sitting down on the bench pressed against the wall I lean back to rest on the brick. My eyes search the room when I respond.

“Like I said. Stone family name comes in handy." My tone is flat.

My muscles tense when I spot a familiar face being shoved toward us by a guard. Rolling my shoulders I wait until they reach us before I look the man charged with my father’s murder in the eyes. Familiar grey eyes peer at me sending a rod of lightning through my body. My hand fists, rubbing the ache from my chest, one he notices.

“Ryker.” he greets me.

His eyes are sunken and tired. His clothes are loose and hang from his body showing his weight loss. Kane Kingston looks like he’s lost years from his life.

“You look like shit.” I state the obvious.

He chuckles but it falls flat. Haven shifts in her seat pulling his gaze to her.

“And who do we have here?” he asks.

Haven goes to speak but I interrupt her with a hand held up.

“Don’t speak to her. We have more important shit to handle than you needing to know her name.”

He huffs out a laugh dropping down onto the bench across from me. Folding his hands on the table he asks the one question I hoped he wouldn’t.

“Where’s my daughter?” he looks around the room to check for her but comes up empty.

Fuck, I wish she was here. His gaze searches my face, the way I tense at the question, and he sees it immediately.

“Who?” he asks.

“That’s why I’m here talking to you instead of out there searching for her. We got a name but it’s someone more familiar to you.” I accuse.

He jerks back with his brows dipped. “Who the fuck has my daughter?” he barks.

Kane Kingston may be behind bars. He may be innocent for the murder of my father but Kane Kingston shouldn’t be passed off as a non threat because he’s a fucking Kingston.

“You had a guest here a few months back more than once. Why was he coming here to see you and what would he want with Kenna?”

He rubs his beard with his hand, “Who?” he asks.

Irritation flares through me, “Don’t play games with me. If you have her somewhere safe just to keep from me I need to know now. She’s been gone for two fucking months and I need to know she’s safe!” my fist slams down on the table.

He leans forward inching closer to me, “Two months? She’s been out there with some fucker for two months and you haven’t found her yet?” he sneers.

I can see the vein in his neck throbbing, turning his face bright red.

“Little old man, where the fuck is she?” I’m losing control of the beast.

Haven sits up but with one look she slinks back again.

“Tell me this, Kane. Why was Hank Harlow sniffing around and sneaking to come see you?” I snap.

He sits upright with an alarmed look crossing his face. “Hank?” he breathes.

His hands start to shake, sending me over the edge with worry. Kane may be the man that possibly betrayed my father but he’s Kenna’s dad and seeing this reaction from that name has me on high alert.

“Kane talk to me. What the fuck does this mean? Tell me what he wants from her.” I’m tossing questions at him left and right but he just sits there stuck in thought.

Slapping the table I lash out, yanking him by the shirt towards me. “Look at me, fucker. You need to start talking and I mean now.”

Closing his hand over my hold he twists my wrist, forcing my hold to loosen.

“Touch me again boy and you’ll remember who I am.”

His threat holds weight and gets my attention. My breathing picks up putting weight on my chest. My lungs feel like they might explode.

“He doesn’t want her to get to me or you. He wants her.” he says.

Bile lines the back of my throat at his implication. Some sick old fuck has my girl. Has had her for two months without anyone to stop whatever he has planned for her.

Kane leans in again, “You love her.” he states.

It’s not a question but a blatant declaration.

“What’s love?” I spit. “Affection? Lust? Attraction? Love has nothing on what I feel for Kenna and I plan on making her realize that when I have her back.” my lip curls.

He looks away, licking his lips, “He won’t stop until he finds a way to keep her. You need to get her back before he breaks her spirit.”

“Breaks her spirit? Do you even know your daughter?” I growl.

He looks me in my eyes, “Hank was a foundation member or almost one. He knows how to break even the strongest person. What do you think we were teaching you kids all those years?”

The reminder of those days sends a cold chill down my spine. Fuck, killer.

“What do you know?” I demand.

“I know that I’m only sitting here to protect my daughter. I know that I didn’t and would never set up your father. We both lost someone that day, boy.”

“Call me a fucking boy one more time.”

Haven snickers beside me. Two guards pass by the table with alert eyes but continue walking when I give them a feral look.

“Ryker, I damn near raised you. You are a boy to me.”

“Get back to Hank. Where can we find him?” I ask.

Lowering his voice, “I suggest you look a little closer to home once you do find her. I don’t know where he might take her but I do know he wouldn’t make a move without permission. And that call is made from inside the family.”

What he’s saying isn’t registering with me. Someone inside the family? Stone or Kingston?

“What-” A loud screech stops my next words.

“Visitation hours are coming to an end. Say your goodbyes and all visitors head to the exit.” a shrill voice says over the intercom.

Shooting to a stand I move around the table coming to stand next to Kane. Haven follows but doesn’t move from behind me.

“Find my girl, Ryker. Don’t let the ties you hold keep you from doing what’s needed.” he says, slapping me on the back before walking away.

Haven and I head towards the SUV with more questions than answers. Hank has had two months to break Kenna and now I have to turn inward to find the snake who fed her to the monster.

Fuck .