Page 108 of Queen of Spades

Ward puts me on the cushion closest to the chair Vale and Cooper are in and takes the seat next to me. He stretches his arm around the back of the couch and pulls me closer until my head is resting on his chest.

I pat his stomach, smiling up at him. “Thanks.”

“Always.” Ward bends, kissing my forehead.

His eyes crinkle at the edges, and a warm, fuzzy feeling fills my chest. It’s so unexpected, I bite my lip to keep from gasping. Everything has moved at super speed, but I’m pretty sure that giddy excitement that comes as I smile back is love.

Holy shit.

That’s wild.

It took me years to admit that I love Grady, but with a bond, everything is more intense.

I think it’s a product of being able to feel their thoughts and emotions toward me. We’re all linked on such a deep level now.

Ranger clears his throat, studying Ward closely. “Exactly how old are you?”

“Don’t fuck with Granddad,” Grady says. “We’ve got bigger fish to fry.” The way he purposely thickens his accent makes me smile.

“I see,” Ranger says coolly, but I’ve got no idea what he means.

Cassian comes to take the seat next to Ward, but Grady and Kane stand around like they’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Ranger glances at me and back at Kane. “You’re bonded?”

“We are.” Kane crosses his arms over his chest.

“Did Cassian share his news?” Ranger raises an eyebrow. I’m not sure why it feels like he’s just trying to stir the pot, but I don’t like it.

“Your bullshit plan to marry her off to Forbes?” Grady chuckles darkly. “Yeah, we heard all about it. We’re just going to need you to work your magic and add the other three of us on there.”

“I still don’t know what name is on my supposed marriage certificate,” I say indignantly.

Dealing with Ranger is always a shit show. He’s smarter than anyone I’ve ever known, but instead of using his intelligence for good, he uses it to calculate the possibility of every outcome. Then he makes the coldest, most manipulative choice possible, as long as it suits his end goals.

“It’s been a long few weeks.” Ranger looks at me. “I’m sure you’re still recovering from the drive, and I have a surprise for you.”

My eyes widen.

Ward leans closer, kissing my temple. The move helps with some of my anxiety, but I’m still on edge.

“How about you settle in for a bit?” Ranger suggests. “My other gift is still in transit, but it should arrive this evening. You drove most of the night. Wouldn’t you like to rest and shower?”

“It’s a great surprise,” Vale says, stretching over the arm of the chair to pat my hand. “Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck around here. All Kate and Ranger do is annoy each other.” She laughs. “It even got on my nerves.”

I exhale heavily.

I have no idea who Kate is. All my exhausted brain can come up with is that Kane mentioned Ranger had an omega staying with him. She must be the one who ran from Lucien.

“A surprise and some rest sounds great,” I force myself to say.

“Perfect.” Ranger nods. “Garza, you take your offspring. Vale, you come with us.” He looks at me. “She can help you settle in while I speak to your pack.”

Oh, there it is.

My eyes narrow.

He thinks he’s going to get me settled into a room so the men can talk business.

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