Page 68 of Justice

As the door clicks shut behind Christopher, I let out a shuddering breath, sinking back into the pillows. Meadow moves to my side, her warm, comforting presence a balm to my frayed nerves. She sits on the edge of the bed, her hand gently resting on my arm, her eyes filled with concern and compassion.

Christopher fought himself the whole time as he left me, but Meadow, my mom, Amelia, and Tiffany are all here with me.

Trust me, I don’t think I will be left completely alone for a long time, and I can’t blame them from the fear of everything that has happened.

I glance down at Miracle, sleeping peacefully in my arms, her tiny rosebud lips pursed in a contented pout. "I just want to give her the world," I murmur, my fingers gently stroking her dewy cheek. "I want her to grow up knowing nothing but love and happiness and safety. I never want her to experience the pain and fear that I did."

Meadow leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Miracle's forehead. "And she won't," she says firmly. "Not with you and Christopher as her parents. Not with an entire club full of badass uncles ready to lay down their lives for her. That little girl is going to be the most cherished, protected child on the planet."

I laugh softly, the sound a little watery but genuine. "She's going to be so spoiled," I say, shaking my head. "Between Christopher and my dad, she's never going to want for anything."

I look up at Meadow, my eyes brimming with tears of gratitude. "Meadow, I don't even know how to begin to thank you," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "You've been there for me through everything, including danger.”

Meadow's eyes soften, her own tears threatening to spill over. She reaches out, grasping my hand in hers, her touch warm and comforting. "Oh, Elle," she says, her voice filled with love and understanding. "You never have to thank me. Being here for you, supporting you, it's not just my job as your doctor. It's my privilege as your friend."

I squeeze her hand, a watery smile spreading across my face. "You're more than just my friend, Meadow. You're family.”

Meadow brushes a stray tear from her cheek, her smile radiant and full of love. "Seeing you now, holding your beautiful baby girl, so full of love and hope for the future… it makes every moment worth it. You're an incredible mother, Elle. Miracle is so lucky to have you."

I gaze down at my daughter, my heart swelling with a love so fierce and all-consuming it takes my breath away. "I'm the lucky one," I whisper. "Lucky to have her, lucky to have Christopher, lucky to have you and everyone else who has stood by me.

I feel a sense of settledness in my heart knowing that this is over, and soon that fucker will be dead and he won’t be a threat to Miracle.

I know I’m softer than the rest of the girls in the club, and it’s something I’ve had to fight myself on.

But I’m just not someone who’s down to bust someone’s head in, but I do know if someone tried to hurt someone I care about I could kill them with my bare hands.

I run my finger along Miracle’s soft little cheek. I would do anything to protect her and make sure she’s safe.

Just the way my family is protecting me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Miracle stirs in my arms, her tiny fingers curling around mine. Her eyes flutter open, staring up at me with pure innocence and trust.

In that moment, I know with absolute certainty that I would move heaven and earth to keep her safe, to give her the life she deserves.

I smirk to myself, thinking about all of the things they’re going to do to Mr. Evans. Torture him over and over.

If only I were a fly on the wall.

Christopher

Leaving her is fucking hard after all of the shit that happened today.

The fear on her face as she looked at her teacher will forever fucking haunt me.

I ride my bike to the clubhouse where I know the others are waiting for me and Derek who’s been at the house with us until we got Elle settled.

I pull up to the clubhouse, my heart pounding with a dark, vengeful anticipation. The atmosphere is so thick with tension I’m not sure how the fucker isn’t choking on it.

I stop outside of the door, giving myself a moment. This is something I’ve waited for and craved for, for months.

The door swings open with a screech, and everyone turns to look at me at once. My dad walks over to me.

“How’s Elle?” Mason asks me.

I shake my head, my jaw clenching with barely restrained fury. "She's shaken up but putting on a brave face. Meadow and the other women are with her now." I glance around the room, taking in the hardened expressions of my brothers, the cold steel in their eyes.

I look over Mason’s shoulder, my eyes going tohim.His eyes are almost swollen shut from the ass beating I gave him. “I think it’s time to try out the specially ordered tools I have, don’t you?” I smirk at Mason.

---