Page 98 of Talon
“Asshole,” Scar says, laughing.
“But I am,” I continue, ignoring everyone but Jessica.“I went to hell and back, but I’ve got a mission now. I’ll never stop fighting for people who need the club’s protection.”
I pause, remembering the horrors Blackstone put me through. The prospects haven’t been let in on that secret, so I keep the details to myself. The guys and Jessica know, and they’re the ones who matter.
“Those dark days forged me into a warrior. For a long time, I thought that’s all I was. That it was my destiny. But there’s more to it. Jessica,” I cross the room to take her hand in mine.“You taught me how to truly love again. I thought I’d lost that when I lost my parents. You resurrected that part of me that I thought was dead. It wasn’t.”
“Damn right it wasn’t,” Reaper says in his low, gravely tone.
A hush falls over the room.
“Earlier this morning, Matrix told me what happened to my parents. They died in a car accident. That’s why they never came back for me. But I’ve got a new family now. All of you.”
“Hell, yeah, brother.” Matrix slaps my back.
“Jessica, I want you to be a part of my family, too. I’m going to protect you and love you forever.” My voice trembles slightly as I reach into my pocket and pull out a small, velvet box. I let go of her hand and get down on one knee.“Babe, I love you. Today. Tomorrow. A hundred years from now. Forever. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Jess, will you marry me?”
Her eyes glisten with tears as she nods. She’s speechless as I slide the glittering diamond ring onto her finger.
“Yes,” she finally whispers, her voice full of emotion.“Yes, Talon, I’ll marry you.”
The room bursts into cheers and applause. Love from our family radiates around us. But before I can get swept up in the celebration, I remember the little surprise I’ve prepared for Jessica—or rather, her puppy, Loki.
“Wait, I have something else for you.” I grin and grab a colorful gift bag from behind the couch, where Nina hid it earlier. I pull out a tiny leather jacket.“Well, it’s not exactly for you. It’s for Loki.”
I present the Underground Vengeance MC leather jacket to Jessica, complete with“Loki” embroidered on the back of it. Hearing his name, Loki jumps out of Daisy’s lap and scampers over.“It’s for you, buddy.”
“It’s adorable,” Jessica says, laughing.“Loki’s officially a member of the club now, too!”
I slip the jacket onto our puppy. He proudly prances around the room while all the members of the club welcome him in as a patched member.
“Don’t think we’ve ever patched in a dog before,” Nina says, grinning while shaking her head.
As we share this lighthearted moment, Matrix’s phone beeps loudly, cutting through the laughter and chatter. He glances at the screen and instantly turns pale, his eyes widening in shock. A sinking feeling develops in my gut as I watch his reaction.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Guys, you won’t believe this,” he mutters, swallowing hard.“Jonathan Blackstone just announced he’s running for president of the United States.”
The room falls silent, a weighty tension settling over all of us. That man has caused so much pain in our lives, and now, he’s attempting to grab even more power? It’s a sickening thought.
“Blackstone can’t become president.” I clench my fists.“We’ve got to stop him.”
Scar’s voice cuts through the tense silence that has enveloped the room.“We’ll deal with Blackstone’s announcement later. Right now, we have something to celebrate.” He raises a glass and signals for everyone else to do the same.“To Talon and Jessica, and to our newest club member, Loki!”
“Here, here!” the others echo, clinking their glasses together.
Immediately, the atmosphere in the room shifts. Music starts playing, people begin laughing and talking again, and the party truly begins. My body relaxes as I wrap an arm around Jessica’s waist, pulling her close.
“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear, the warmth of her breath caressing my neck.“For everything.”
“I can’t wait to get you naked later,” I whisper in her ear before pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
As the party picks up momentum, I watch Nina chatting animatedly with some of the guys. Randolph, who’s sitting nearby, occasionally glances over at her with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He warned us not to play matchmaker, but I don’t think it would hurt anyone if the two of them spent some time together. I bet Scar and I could arrange that.
“I love you, babe,” Jessica murmurs, wrapping her arms tightly around me.
“I love you, too.”
As I look around the room one more time, taking in the laughter and camaraderie of those I care about most, I allow myself to truly feel content for the first time in my life. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m going to have an amazing life with Jessica by my side, and I can’t wait to marry her. But for now, we celebrate—together, as a family.
***