Page 85 of Reaper

I blush furiously, feeling the heat crawl up my cheeks, but Reaper simply grins, his eyes sparkling with unapologetic pride. Our secret adventure may have been discovered, but itdoesn’t matter. We’re surrounded by love and acceptance, and that’s all that truly matters.

The stars above us seem to shimmer in anticipation. I feel a gentle nudge on my shoulder and turn to find Talon grinning at me. His eyes dance with excitement. “Give me two minutes and then tell everyone to look up.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.” Talon chuckles before slipping away from the group.

After two minutes have passed, I call out to everyone gathered around the fire pit. “Guys! Look up!”

As we all tilt our faces toward the heavens, a sudden explosion of color bursts through the darkness. A magnificent firework display unfolds before our eyes, showering us in vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold.

“Wow!” I hear Ace exclaim as he watches the spectacle, his young face lit up with wonder.

Around me, I see tears glistening in the eyes of those I love, tears of happiness and joy, reflecting the beautiful chaos in the sky.

Julia and Scar share a tender embrace, their smiles bright even in the dim light, while Matrix wraps an arm protectively around Daisy.

Nitro and Holly hold their kids in their laps with one hand, while reaching for each other with the other.

Trencher and Ninaoohandawwat the kaleidoscope of colors.

Reaper stands beside me, his strong hand finding mine, and I feel the warmth of his love wash over me like the cascades of light above.

“Can you believe it?” I whisper to him, my heart swelling with gratitude. “We’re all here, together, as one big happy family.”

He squeezes my hand gently, his voice low and full of emotion. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better, Lexi. This is our family, your family now, and I wouldn’t trade them, or you, for the world.”

As the fireworks continue to paint the sky, I close my eyes and savor the moment. Though life has thrown countless challenges our way, I’m grateful that fate led me to the motorcycle club and to the incredible people who make up this unique, unbreakable family.

And as I stand here, surrounded by love and laughter, I know we’ll keep fighting for justice by shining light into the darkest corners of the world, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure no child is ever forced to fight their monsters alone.

***