Page 69 of Deadliest Throne

Travis comes to my side and lays down next to me on the bed. He kisses my temple, making me sigh contently. God, I missed them so much. I was worried that it really was all over, that my father had won.

He's dead now. I killed him, with the help of my sister. She's here too. Titus has made sure to get her checked out. Being locked up for years, who knows the last time she saw a real doctor? I saw her briefly before they took her in for tests. She said she wanted to come back with me to Black Ridge. Titus and his men did not seem to like that idea.

I’m not sure what their relationship with her is, but she made it seem like she hardly knows them. By the way they watch her, I don’t think she understands just how much they care about her.

It’s fucked up and sweet, just like my guys. And I find myself very protective of her. I’m excited she’s coming back with us.

I was going to suggest she stay at the house, but it's already crowded as is, so Link suggested that she stay at Safe Haven with the moms. I think it's a perfect place for her. There's something about mine and the guys' moms that just makes them perfect for girls like her and Leah. I think the two of them will get along great. Leah is still there with baby Jack because, in her words, she has never felt more safe and loved.

"So, do we have a name for this little one?" Link asks softly, brushing his fingers over her cheek. God, this man throughout everything has made my fucking heart melt. Who knew all he needed were babies to make his soft side come out? I love seeing the growth in him, to see him becoming a loving father. It's everything.

In this moment, when he looks at his daughter, you couldn’t tell he was killing people merely hours ago. Man, our life is fucked up.

“I mean, I like Baby Bird.” Hunter grins. “We could call her Birdy for short.”

“Fuck off. We are not naming our daughter after the little thing they hit around with badminton rackets,” Link growls.

“Shit. Forgot about those.” He laughs. “Remember that one time in gym class you made that bitch bleed?”

I smile big and shake my head before looking at Link. “Don’t worry, we won’t be naming her Baby Bird.” I shoot Hunter a look. “Or Birdy.”

“I vote for the name we all seemed to like,” Taylor pipes in from his spot at the edge of the bed.

“I’m down with that,” Hunter agrees.

“I like it.” Quinton smiles.

“It’s perfect,” Travis murmurs.

“Alright then. Haisley it is,” Link declares.

“My sweet baby, Haisley,” I whisper.

An hour later, Andy and the moms show up. I burst into tears as Mom puts Andrew in my arms. I smothered his sweet little face in kisses. Then we spent the next half an hour talking and visiting, making sure to take lots of photos.

“I’m proud of you, Raven,” my mom tells me, kissing the top of my head as she cuddles next to me on the bed. Haisley is in Lisa’s arms as everyone coos over her.

“Thanks.” I smile up at her as Andrew sleeps soundly in mine. “If you asked me two years ago what my life would be like now, I don’t think this would have been my answer. I don’t even know if I’d be able to conjure up anything like this in my mind. But to me, it’s perfect. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted. I’m happy, Mom.”

“I can see that.” She smiles. “That's all I ever wanted for you. And I’m sorry you had to go through what you did.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I never wanted you to have to see that monster again.”

“It’s okay, Mom.” It’s not, and she knows it. But there’s nothing we can do about the past. “He’s dead. He’s gone. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. For giving me a life without that pain and suffering. We’re free”

“You were worth it, Raven. You still are. Always will be. You're my baby girl, and I’d die for you.” I’d die for her, too. She lets out a disbelieving laugh. “I never thought that day would come. I’ve lived in fear, looking over my shoulder for years, wondering when he would find me and make me pay.”

My heart hurts for her. “Never again.”

She cups my face, putting her forehead to mine. “Never again.”

Chapter 22

Raven

“Thank you so much for the call,” I tell the doctor and hang up.

We're at the warehouse having a massive birthday party for the twins. They didn’t want it, but I don’t care. They deserve to be celebrated by the people who love them.

We we’re in the middle of having cake when I got a phone call from my doctor and excused myself.

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