Page 107 of Queen of Spades

My hand digs into his back as I sob. I swore I wasn’t going to cry. Maybe I’m still extra hormonal from my heat.

Who knows?

I don’t.

My face wiggles around his plain white T-shirt as I clutch at his lithe frame. He’s the only family I have left, outside of the pack I just built myself, and I don’t think I let myself realize exactly how lonely I’ve been these last few years.

I’m eternally grateful that I had Grady, but as Ranger wraps his arm around my back, patting my head and shoulder, it just feels different.

“Ohmigosh, why isn’t anyone taking pictures?” a bright female voice asks. “This is an important moment.”

My entire body jolts as I stretch around Ranger, spotting a woman with a baby cradled to her chest.

I’m pretty sure my shock is evident as my jaw falls.

“Holy fuck! You have a kid?” I sputter.

“God no,” Ranger scoffs. “But I am Aurora’s godfather.”

Wow.

Exactly how much has changed around here?

And more importantly…

Who the fuck would make Ranger their baby’s godfather?

We’re led inside past the doors that I know lead down to Ranger’s basement. The chemical smell is always unmistakable. This isn’t the only entrance or exit. There’s also a tunnel that ends in storm doors somewhere in the yard.

The bubbly blonde bounces down the hallway like she owns the place, and my confusion only grows.

I follow her as Ranger gives me a helpful little shove.

“That’s Vale. I asked her to be here because I thought it might make you feel more comfortable.” Ranger gives what I think is supposed to be a comforting smile. It basically fails, but I’m so overwhelmed, it’s impossible to tell what shows on my face.

His words are kind of reassuring, though.

It’s hard.

I don’t know what I’m feeling.

It’s confusing.

It’s several hallways and a decent walk to make it into the living room.

Vale takes a seat in the lap of a man I don’t recognize. He has shaggy blond hair that falls over his forehead and light gray eyes. He’s a beautiful man, but he’s clearly taken.

Also, my pack is complete. I still have eyes, though.

“Hey,” the guy says, flashing a smile filled with perfect white teeth. “You’re alive. That’s awesome. You have no idea how many dingy bars and clubs I searched, trying to find you.”

“Cooper.” Vale laughs, slapping his thigh. She looks at me. “He just means it’s great that you’re safe.”

The commotion of my guys following us into the spacious living room fills the air.

Ranger pats my hip, nodding to the empty sofa. “You can have a seat if you’d like.”

Ward comes to my side, holding out a hand. “Come on, lass. I’ll sit with you.”

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