Page 110 of Claimed By the Bikers

Rick Cross’s bike is parked outside our compound when we arrive, along with several other Black Wolves motorcycles. The brotherhood that reunited to protect us hasn’t dispersed yet, probably won’t until the cartel situation resolves completely.

“Any word?” Rick asks when we enter the house.

“Twenty-four hours for their answer. But I think they’ll accept terms,” I tell him.

“What terms?”

“Complete territorial withdrawal in exchange for non-interference with their other operations.”

“Generous.”

“Practical. Dead cartels can’t honor agreements, but defeated ones remember the cost of breaking them.”

Ember appears from the kitchen, still glowing from last night’s transformation and celebration. Her auburn hair catches morning light streaming through the windows, making her look like some ancient goddess of war and beauty combined.

“How did it go?” she asks, settling into my lap.

“Better than expected. They have twenty-four hours to agree to withdrawal, or we eliminate their organization permanently.”

“They’ll agree,” she says with absolute conviction. “Smart predators don’t fight battles they can’t win.”

“Spoken like a true federal agent.”

“Former federal agent. Current Bishop-McKenzie-Delacroix family member.”

I kiss her temple, breathing in the scent of her shampoo mixed with lingering traces of last night’s passion. “Current mother of our unborn child.”

Her hand drifts unconsciously to her stomach, still flat but carrying the future we’re fighting to protect. “Current many things.”

“Most importantly, the current survivor of every threat thrown at this family.”

Atlas joins us, coffee mug in hand, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen him in weeks. “Finn’s been transferred to federal custody. Turned state’s evidence in exchange for witness protection for himself and his sister.”

“What did he tell them?”

“Everything about Los Serpientes’ recruitment tactics, operational structure, and planned activities in Colorado. FBI’sbuilding a massive case that should neutralize their organization within six months.”

“Even if they honor our agreement?”

“Even if. Finn’s information gives federal law enforcement everything they need to dismantle the entire network.”

Ember leans back against my chest, fitting against me like she was designed for this position. “So we win either way. They withdraw and leave us alone, or they refuse and get destroyed by federal prosecution.”

“Plus whatever we do to them personally,” Garrett adds, joining our impromptu strategy session. “Can’t forget the personal revenge factor.”

“I prefer the negotiated settlement,” Ember says quietly. “Less chance of any of you getting hurt defending what we’ve built.”

“Less exciting though,” I tease, earning a gentle elbow to the ribs.

“I’ve had enough excitement to last several lifetimes. Ready for boring domesticity with three overprotective men and a baby who’s going to drive us all insane with worry.”

“Speaking of the baby,” Atlas says, pulling folded papers from his jacket pocket. “Doctor Morrison confirmed the pregnancy officially. Also scheduled your first ultrasound for next week.”

“What will the ultrasound show?”

“How far along you are, whether everything’s developing normally, maybe the gender if you want to know.”

“Do we want to know?” she asks us.