Page 10

The word hit like cold water. Daddy.

My hand tightened on the stencil paper, crinkling the edge. Just a word. Just Mandy being Mandy, comfortable enough in her dynamic with Thor to use their private terms in semi-public texts. Nothing to do with me. Nothing to do with Cruz's voice making that word sound like ownership instead of affection.

Another text popped up:

He's the BEST! We can even look at those princess ballgowns I showed you!! ??

The paper crinkled more. I smoothed it out, forcing steady breaths. This was good. Healthy. Mandy had found someone who understood her needs without exploiting them. Thor might be rough around the edges—okay, rough everywhere—but he'd never use her vulnerability against her. Never photograph her in little space to use as blackmail. Never drain her bank accounts while calling it protection.

What Cruz had done wasn't a power dynamic—it was abuse. Thor and Mandy had consent, boundaries, mutual respect. Everything Cruz had perverted or ignored entirely.

Thor found this boutique that does custom veils with hidden pockets for snacks! SNACK VEILS, LENA!

Despite everything, I smiled. Pure Mandy logic—why shouldn't wedding accessories include snack storage? Girl had her priorities straight. My phone buzzed again.

Also Daddy said we can get matching flower girl dresses for our inner Littles. Is that weird? Don't care, doing it anyway! ??

The words blurred. I blinked hard, setting the phone down. She was so open with it. So natural and unashamed.

That's what it should look like—natural, healthy, a part of yourself that deserved love and acceptance. Even snack pockets in veils.

But the envy struck sharp as a needle, precise and deep. Not of Mandy—never of Mandy. She deserved every ounce of happiness Thor's gruff protection provided. But of that freedom. That safety. The ability to say "Daddy" without flinching, to plan little dresses without shame, to trust someone with the softest parts of yourself and know they wouldn't use them as weapons.

I grabbed my phone, thumbs hovering over the keyboard. What did you say to your best friend's joy when it reflected everything you wanted but couldn't have? When her healing highlighted your damage?

You sucked it up and supported her, that's what.

Can't wait! But if you make me wear pink, I'm bedazzling Thor's bike.

There. Light, teasing, normal best friend response. I added a string of emojis—motorcycle, sparkles, middle finger—to sell the joke. Hide the ache under humor, my specialty.

Mandy's response came instantly:

Pink would look AMAZING on you! ?? But fine, you can pick your color. Mia wants purple anyway.

Right. Mia. Duke's girlfriend who'd shown up scared and skinny with a dog and secrets, now slowly blooming under his protection. Another success story of dominant care done right. Another reminder that good men existed, just not in my orbit.

"Also," Mandy continued, "Thor says if you bedazzle his bike, he'll bedazzle your tattoo machines. With glitter glue. PERMANENT glitter glue."

The laugh burst out before I could stop it.

I glanced toward the window. The Serpents supporter had vanished, leaving only normal morning traffic. Good. One less thing to worry about. One less reminder that the world contained more predators than protectors.

Tell Thor I know where he sleeps," I texted back. "And I have access to permanent ink.

Kinky! ??

Gross. He's like my brother.

Brother-in-law soon! ??

The ache returned, softer this time. Brother-in-law. Family. Something I'd never thought I'd have again after Cruz isolated me from everyone who mattered. But the Heavy Kings had adopted me whether I'd asked for it or not. Thor checking in constantly, Duke nodding silent approval at my work, the other brothers treating me like a little sister to be protected and teased in equal measure.

I’d never spoken to either Mia or Mandy about my history with Cruz. I felt too ashamed. Mandy had had a terrible time with an ex before, and it would have been natural to talk to her, but every time I tried, it was like my throat was filled with cement.

I'm happy for you. Both of you. Even if Thor is a pain in my ass.

He says you're a pain in his ass too. Also that you better not be late to dress shopping or he'll carry you there himself.