Page 35 of Reaper's Justice

"Right," he drawls, clearly not believing us. "Well, Blade says it's time for cake before this little wolf gets too cranky."

The celebration continues. Cake smashed more than eaten by the birthday boy, presents opened with parental assistance, stories shared of the past year's milestones and mishaps.

Later, after the party winds down and the clubhouse empties of all but the most dedicated revelers, Jackson and I retreat to our quarters. Jamie, exhausted from the excitement and sugar, falls asleep almost immediately in his crib.

We stand watching him sleep, Jackson's arm around my waist, my head on his shoulder.

"He's perfect," Jackson murmurs, his voice thick with an emotion he no longer tries to hide from me.

"He is," I agree. "And he's going to be a wonderful big brother."

Jackson freezes, then slowly turns me to face him. "What did you just say?"

I smile up at him, suddenly nervous despite knowing how he'll react. "I'm pregnant. About eight weeks along."

His face transforms. Shock, joy, wonder cycling in rapid succession. Then he lifts me off my feet, spinning me in a circle that makes me giggle like a teenager.

"Careful," I caution, though I'm not truly worried. "You'll wake the baby."

"The baby," he repeats, setting me down gently. His hand moves to my stomach, spanning it entirely. "Another boy?"

"Or a girl," I suggest. "Might be nice for Jamie to have a sister."

"Boy or girl, doesn't matter." He kneels suddenly, pressing his lips to my still-flat belly. "Just healthy. Just ours."

I run my fingers through his hair, marveling at this man who can be so feared by enemies yet so tender with his family. "I love you, Jackson Kane."

He stands, cupping my face in his massive hands. "And I love you, Evelyn Kane. More than I ever thought possible."

As he kisses me, I think about the journey that brought us here. From auction block to birthing room. From captive to wife. From broken to healing.

Not perfect. Never perfect. We both carry scars that will never fully fade. But perfect isn't what either of us needed.

We needed safety. Acceptance. Understanding. Love fierce enough to protect, patient enough to heal.

We found it all in the most unlikely place, amid violence and danger, within the protective circle of the Outlaw Order MC.

I place my hand over Jackson's heart, feeling its steady rhythm beneath my palm. Outside these walls, threats still exist. Charles is long gone, but others have tried to test the club's strength over the past two years. They've all failed.

Here, in this room, with my husband and son and the new life growing inside me, I am not afraid. Not anymore.

I am Evelyn Kane, Reaper’s wife.

And I am finally, completely, home.