Page 106 of Queen of Spades

She’s the most magnificent woman I’ve ever seen.

“Just to be clear,” Kane says, helping Annika out of the vehicle. “Are you purposely trying to bait that psychopath?”

Anni quirks an eyebrow, glaring at Kane.

“Nah, I was just trying to help her relax.” I shrug. “No one should be that anxious to see their family. It kinda gives Ranger a bad look.”

“I vote we do not allow Grady to do the talking.” Ward laughs, slapping me on the shoulder. “Really, anyone else, feel free to take the lead.”

I smirk, shaking my head. “Sure, put yourselves in his line of sight. That’s fine by me.”

“I’m still not sure if we’re actually married.” Cas groans, extending an arm to our omega.

She scoffs but walks into his chest and wallows around a little. “I still don’t even know what name would be on the certificate. Maybe we can do a quick internet search? I’m pretty sure marriage licenses are part of public records.”

“No more procrastinating,” Kane says, gesturing to the open garage door. “It’s time we get this over with.”

“Yay.” Annika snorts.

I feel her out in the bond. It’s not easy to decipher, but I think she’s equally excited and terrified.

“I should have strapped you into the daggers in the bottom of your go-bag,” I tell her. “It’s probably a bit late for me to run back and grab them now.”

“You’ve had my daggers this whole time, and you didn’t give them to me?” She sounds so indignant that I bark a laugh as Cas tugs her toward the garage door that leads into the house.

“Not yours, but I did pick you up a backup set.” I follow them in.

“Unbelievable,” she mutters.

“We’ve discussed this,” Kane chuckles. “For the safety of dicks everywhere, you’re cut off from blades.”

“I feel like that kind of choice should come down to a pack vote,” Ward says, grinning over at Annika.

Unfortunately, she’s staring at the door that leads inside with abject terror on her face.

My eyes fly to the door.

Ranger grins. “You arrived in one piece. It’s good to see you, Sparrow.”

She better not get pissed at me if I do have to kill her brother.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Annika

My feet tangle together, and I trip forward. Cas’s hand tightens on my hip, and he seamlessly yanks me into his chest.

“Hey, Ranger,” I choke out, raising a hand and waving awkwardly. My heart races, and my stomach feels funky, like I’m seasick.

He looks so much like his father. He inherited his icy aqua blue eyes and strong jaw. I know he has dimples, but he smiles so rarely that most people will never know.

Our fathers planned it so each had one bio kid. I got my dad’s light brown eyes. We both got our mom’s wavy brown hair and Sicilian complexion. Only, Ranger’s dad, who we both called Father growing up, was Irish. My dad, who we both called Dad, was also Italian, like Mom.

Ranger gives me the same look he used to give me when I was a kid. The one where his eyebrows rise as his icy blue eyes narrow. He’s grown out a brown beard since the last time I saw him. He looks the same, just a little older.

My knees actually tremble as I toss myself toward his chest. Cassian steps with me, likely to keep me from hitting the ground, but he releases me as I land against Ranger.

His watch catches in my hair as he palms my head. “I am extremely relieved that you’re okay.” He clears his throat awkwardly. “I missed you.”

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