Page 49 of Raptor

The clubhouse feels like a haven compared to the chaos of the past few weeks. Mallory leans against me as we enter. It’s a comforting feeling taking in all the familiar scents and sounds surrounding us. Chloe leads the way, glancing over her shoulder every few steps to make sure Mallory’s still here.

There’s so much guilt in her eyes, it makes me wonder just how much she’s been told. I know Mallory would never want anyone to know the full truth of what’s been going on.

As we step into the main room, the chatter dies down instantly. All eyes are on us, on Mallory, on Shay. I can practically feel the tension in the air, the unasked questions, along with the unspoken support. Wrath and Bozo stand up and greet us both with bright smiles.

I guide Mallory to a seat, Shay still cradled in my arms. He’s just like his mom, taking everything in right now. Mallory’stense, no doubt remembering what happened the last time she was here.

Wrath and Bozo stand sentry close by. I’m not sure what they’re expecting to pop off, but I’m grateful for their support. I catch Chloe giving them an appreciative nod before taking a seat opposite Mallory and I. It's not long before Pyro joins her, pulling her close to him.

"You're safe here, Mal," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple. She nods faintly, her grip on my hand tightening.

I glance around the room, meeting the gazes of my brothers. Each one them meet my gaze and then join us.

Chloe takes a deep breath, clearly steeling herself for what she's about to say. "I know there’s a lot that I don’t know, but I want you to understand that I love you, Mal. You’re my best friend and I hate that you’ve been going through shit alone. You’re never alone, understand? Never." Her voice is steady, unlike the emotions swirling in her eyes.

Mallory's shoulders relax marginally at Chloe's words, and a flicker of gratitude crosses her face. “I know. It’s just hard to let people in. You, of all people, know that.”

That was what Mallory and I discussed before coming here. Mal doesn’t want Chloe to know the full extent of the pain she’s been in, nor does she want her to know about Micah—something Pyro wasn’t happy about but ultimately agreed to. We came up with what Mal should say, and telling Chloe she doesn’t let people in was the best choice. While it’s not the truth, it is something Mallory struggles with and something Chloe would believe.

Chloe reaches out, squeezing Mallory's hand gently. "I understand, Mal. And I respect your boundaries. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what. We all are," she says, her gaze flicking toward Pyro and me.

Pyro nods in agreement, his expression serious yet supportive. "You’re safe here, Mal. Both you and Shay."

My brothers nod in agreement and I feel a swell of pride for my brothers. The unwavering loyalty and love they have for me will never change, and that has now passed on to Mallory and Shay too. I’ll be claiming Mallory as my old lady, and I can’t fucking wait for that day to arrive.

Mallory manages a small smile, and it’s a genuine one. She was worked up about coming here today, and in the end, it’s been worth it. "Thank you,” she whispers, her voice filled with emotion.

“Now it’s time to meet my nephew,” Chloe says, rising from her chair and reaching out to take Shay from my arms.

I hand my boy over to her and she presses a kiss to his cheek. I can’t help but chuckle when he makes a kissing noise back to her. Chloe loves it and continues to kiss him, and he returns the favor. My gaze moves to Pyro, who’s watching with a scowl.

“Brother, that’s your nephew,” I snarl. “Stop lookin’ at him like he’s the fuckin’ devil.”

Py’s not in the least bit affected by my words. “The little shit knows what he’s doin’, flirtin’ with my woman.”

The clubhouse erupts in laughter and I sit back against my chair, watching how at ease my woman now feels here. I’m fucking glad. This is home, something that I want her to feel. I want my son to grow up around my brothers, around his cousins.

As the laughter dies down, Mallory leans into me, her hand seeking mine under the table. I entwine our fingers, feeling the warmth and comfort of her touch. I’m so fucking gone for this woman. I’m just waiting for her to catch up.

Chloe returns Shay to me, his chubby cheeks now flushed as he babbles away. He reaches for my finger and holds on tight. It’s funny how someone so little can mean so much to you. Themoment I found out about Shay I was in shock, but knowing that I had a son, I felt such a sense of duty, to love and protect him with everything I am. The past three weeks have given me an insight into how Mallory’s been feeling, how protective she is. I get it. Boy, do I fucking get it. Every decision she’s made since giving birth has been the right one, because it’s kept our son safe. She tried to contact me after he was born, tried to speak with Chloe, but nothing worked. I don’t blame her for that.

I have my family now. I have everything I could ever want right here in my arms. Mallory and Shay are my light. They’re my world. They make sense of my life. I don’t hold grudges against her for keeping the pregnancy from me. It’s forgotten. It's forgiven. I’m here with them both now, and that’s all I could ever wish for.

“Thank you, honey,”Mallory whispers, her eyes shining bright with so much emotion.

We’re at the clubhouse, in my room. Shay is with Hayley and Wrath as they’ve assured us they’ll watch him tonight. They have their own son, James. I know they’re wanting another child, but Hayley gave birth almost a year ago and is wanting to bond with James first before they add another kid to the mix. They already have Eva, who’s nine and the image of her mother.

“For giving me everything,” she continues, pressing a kiss to my lips.

I can’t hold back. I slide my hand into her hair, dragging her close to me. It’s been nine months since I’ve fucked her. She’s healed and I need her. I slant my lips over hers and deepen the kiss, loving the soft moan she releases.

She’s wearing my tee and nothing else. I slide my other hand along her thigh, getting closer and closer to her pussy. “Please,” she mewls.

It’s one thing I love about Mallory. She runs hot. So fucking hot. Sliding my tongue into her mouth as I push a finger into her pussy has her clinging to me like a vine. I’ve dreamed of this day for months. I’ve craved her for what seems a fucking lifetime.

Mallory gasps, her hips arching instinctively as I finger-fuck her. Her pussy clenches around my fingers and her breath hitches as I bring her higher and higher.

She pulls her mouth from mine, releasing a low groan. Her nails leave shallow marks on my back as I continue to pleasure her, her moans echoing in the room. Her body tenses and quivers with every thrust of my finger. I slip another finger inside, stretching her as I once again kiss her deeply, our tongues caressing one another.

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