Page 32

Nine Months Later

T he heat of the scorching Arizona summer sun makes me smile.

Bet this is what hell is like.

“What’s got you grinning like the cat who got the canary, wife?” Ace walks up, swiping a bead of sweat off my brow.

“Oh, you know. Just giving Lucifer the middle finger. Always brings a little joy to my heart.”

“Hmmm. Sure it doesn’t have anything to do with your latest garden project?”

His hands slide around my narrow waist, which was born out of hard work and sheer stubbornness. Aunt Charlie lovingly referred to my baby bump as a torpedo belly. From the back, you wouldn’t have even known I was pregnant, but the second I turned to the side, my protruding baby bump was impossible to ignore. My body somehow defied gravity, managing to maintain balance despite looking like I’d simply topple over.

Now, with our little one finally here, it’s nice getting back to my old self again. And sure, maybe my hips are a bit wider and my ass a smidge fuller, but my guys don’t seem to mind. They love me, and I’m finding I do too. Finding the balance between motherhood and womanhood is something I didn’t think would be as complicated as it is, but I’m finding the struggles oddly rewarding.

I look out over the little patch of land that sits behind our home. It’s blooming with bright flowers and green plants, as well as a small vegetable garden near the back. It’s a tiny oasis right here in the middle of the desert that I’ve painstakingly cared for. It's turned into my own slice of peace right here on Earth.

Of course, I say painstakingly , but the pain involved wasn’t exactly my own.

“Turn it on?” Rogue asks beside the wood chipper.

Killer is running circles around his best friend, anxiously waiting for what he knows is coming—a new bone to chew on. Morbid, but what did you expect?

My grin widens. “Go for it.”

The sound of the machine whirs through the otherwise quiet mountainside where a man hangs from the pulley system that’s been permanently installed on a nearby tree. He killed his wife and intended to kill his three-year-old daughter after his inappropriate relationship with her was discovered. Somehow, he managed to get off on a technicality over a year ago, but now he’s learning that justice has a way of catching up to you.

“Angel, you make those gardening gloves look damned sexy,” Saint murmurs with a wicked smirk plastered on his kissable lips.

Our little girl is strapped to his naked tattooed chest in a baby carrier, chunky legs kicking wildly, oblivious to her daddy’s filthy thoughts. The sight of this man is damn near enough to have my ovaries exploding.

For fuck’s sake. It’s too soon for more babymaking, Remington.

I roll my eyes, ignoring my out-of-whack hormones. “I’m sure it has nothing to do with my short shorts or the tank top that my mama tits practically spill out of.”

“That doesn’t hurt either.”

He leans in, blowing raspberries on the side of my sweaty neck. My laugh rings out along with Raven’s giggle. All of us completely ignore the muffled screams of the man who’s about ready to become fertilizer for my garden. She’s too young to understand what Mama and Daddies are doing, but when that time comes, we’ll have to be a little more careful of our garden projects .

The last nine months have been blissfully quiet. We’ve settled into our home, making it a space where we can come together and enjoy the life we’re building away from the rest of the world. My demons, for the most part, have been relatively quiet, but when they start to get antsy, the guys know exactly what to do. We’ve only had a couple of garden projects here so far, but it’s enough to ease that burning need that tends to rear up unexpectedly.

And the club is thriving. Ace has earned the respect of the old Havoc Reapers, and as they’ve watched their pockets grow from the numerous successful, and legitimate, businesses we’ve been able to establish with Rock’s brilliant investing, it was hard for them to do otherwise.

“Where are Grant and Trip?” I ask.

“They went over to Etta’s place to help them with something,” Ace responds just as the sound of motorcycles roars up the drive.

My sister and her guys bought the property just south of us. Close by, but enough space for privacy. It’s been nice having her at my side again. The distance those ten years put between us was hell on us both.

“How’s Mama doing?” Trip asks, walking up and gripping my hips. He draws me back against his chest, kissing my temple.

“I’m perfect, handsome.”

“You really couldn’t wait on Lincoln Barnes until after dinner, Rem?” Grant eyes the man slowly being fed into my murdery toy.

“He started dating a woman with a child, Grant. Hell no, I wasn’t going to sit around and wait for him to hurt that little girl too. Every second counts.”

You see, I may have said goodbye to the Avenging Angel, but motherhood brought about a more focused target. Those who hurt innocent children. So I changed up my M.O., said goodbye to my list of transgressions, and now simply complete the circle of life a little faster than Mother Nature intended. It’s a win-win in my book.

“As soon as you’re done out here, you should head inside and get cleaned up. Mama and my sisters are coming for dinner tonight. They’re excited to see you, Raven, and the house.”

“Aunt Charlie and your new uncle Owen will be here too,” Grant quips, failing to hide his grin.

“Uncle Owen still sounds so weird. They’ve only been married a couple weeks.” I roll my eyes. “But don’t worry. I won’t be long. Why don’t you guys go in and get everything started? I’ll meet you inside shortly.”

Trip drops a kiss on my forehead. “You got it, baby girl.”

“I’ll help him.” Ace kisses my cheek, following after his VP.

I side eye Saint. “Why don’t you hand her off to one of the others so you can go get cleaned up too? You’ve been out here sweating your ass off.”

His hand softly strokes over Raven’s peach fuzz on the top of her head as his eyebrows bounce up and down. “Wanna shower with me?”

“You’re a heathen. Now, go on.” I shoo him toward the house. “Raven might not care if you stink, but Mama will give you hell along with a lecture on what type of soap is best for aging skin.”

“Aging skin? Angel, I may be older, but you’re the one reaping all the benefits of my years of experience.”

My eyes narrow and fists clench at my side.

Grant chuckles. “Oh, you’ve done it now. Give me our daughter and run.”

“You want to talk about those years of experience when I’ve got a sharp pair of scissors in my hand, Saint?”

He slowly backs up, gently clutching little Raven like she’s his saving grace. “Ah, hell. You wouldn’t hurt me with our little sweetheart right here, would you?”

“You know how good my aim is, Saint.”

“Fuck, angel. You know you’re the only one I’ve ever loved. You own my heart and soul.”

“Give Raven to Ace so he can change her diaper, then clean yourself up.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He turns and jogs toward the house.

“He’s an idiot,” Rogue murmurs, stepping up to my side. “But he’s an idiot who has always loved you.”

I sigh. “I know. That’s why he’s still got his balls.”

“Vicious.” Rogue kisses the top of my head. “Garden project is complete. I gave the machine a quick rinse down, but I’ll do a full clean-up later. I’m heading in now too. Jay just messaged and said him, Etta, Big Mack, and the others are on their way.”

“Perfect. I’ll be right behind you.” As he starts to walk away, a sudden thought has me grinning wickedly. “Oh, and shut off the hot water heater until Saint’s done with his shower.”

Rogue smirks. “You got it, gorgeous.”

He whistles and Killer trots after him, a small bone tucked between his teeth.

Grant’s laugh makes me smile, and when I turn, he pulls me into his arms.

“I fucking love you, Remington Masterson.”

“And I love you, Grant Wilson.”

My best friend kisses me under the midday sun, and my entire world rights itself.

I may have been born from the ashes of my own demise, but it turns out that was just the beginning of this newest chapter in my story. With each and every passing day, I learn more about the woman I’m becoming and how the choices I make are forming the foundation of what I want for my future. And sure, the darkness will exist inside me forever, but the men I love will always light my way back to them.