Page 108 of Her Redeemed Protector

“Juliet… I didn’t mean to kill her.”

“It wasn’t your fault, I’m sure.” I see the guilt flash in her eyes, a shadow darker than the darkness of the night. I’ve known that feeling too well, and I don’t want her to taste even a drop of it. She doesn’t deserve that kind of pain. “You fought her for a reason.”

“She was going to hurt my—” She puts her hand on her belly. “Our…”

Rage burns in me. Suddenly, I’m glad that woman is dead. Juliet was going to hurt Savannah and her baby? Our baby? That woman deserved what was delivered to her! I feel sorry for her daughter, but Juliet doesn’t deserve a sliver of sympathy from me! And in time, I’ll convince Sav that Juliet doesn’t deserve hers either.

Savannah’s fingers tremble against her belly. I envelop her hand in mine, applying a small pressure as I guide it in circular motions.

“You knew?” she whispers, her eyes searching mine for confirmation.

I respond with a sly twinkle, craving to hear the words from her. “Knew what?”

She exhales, a smile breaking through. “I’m pregnant, Hux.”

The world seems to halt around us, background noise fading into a distant murmur. Our bodies press close, lost in a deep kiss as if nothing else exists.

Then I pull back slightly, confusion creases my brow. “When did we make the baby, Sav? I can’t remember us ever skipping protection.”

Her eyes hold mine, filled with a calm certainty. “I’m not quite sure myself, but it’s meant to be,” she says, her voice laced with conviction that this new life was destined to be part of our journey.

Just then, Chase Samson appears, racing downhill toward us.

“Told ya, a Grizzly can hit forty miles an hour,” I quip to Savannah as we observe his rapid approach.

Chase towers before us, pausing to catch his breath. Then he kneels, his eyes sweeping over us. “Are you both okay?”

We nod. Amusement and appreciation light up Savannah’s smile.

“Thank you, Chase,” she says, straightening up and reaching out to him.

“Anytime, Savannah.” Chase wraps her in a gentle hug.

In that moment, I shift to hook my arm around him. He’s more than just my partner at Red Mark. Beyond the bonds of duty, we share a brotherhood shaped by grueling training and the missions that push us to our limits. I give his back a firm pat. “I owe you one, Chase Samson.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” he replies, then steps away, allowing us space.

I draw Savannah back into my embrace, feeling her snuggle closer. As I tighten my hold, I silently vow to never let her go.

As the cold of the night begins to recede, Sav murmurs, “I’m home.”

The words are poignant. I know it pains her, knowing the valley home she loved is no longer hers to return to.

Then, with clarity, she adds, “You. You’re my home.”

44

SAVANNAH

The lingering aftermath of that harrowing night still haunts me. I can’t help but think of Kayla. The girl always sensed her mother was cold toward her, and she hadn’t spent a lot of time with her, but there’s a lot that Kayla will have to grapple with. Fabian, now freed from the looming custody battle, has vowed to support Kayla’s healing in every way he can. Despite his generally irksome nature, he proves himself a dedicated father in these trying times.

Meanwhile, the menace of the Blackwater Brutes has been eradicated for good. The sole remaining member, who was merely a courier for a ransom note intended for Fabian, was arrested by state troopers the day after he completed his delivery. It’s a small victory in the wake of such a nightmare.

Juliet’s extensive fraud now falls under the scrutiny of the FBI, as her illicit activities reached across states from California to Washington. The depth of her deception remains to be fully uncovered, but I suspect the revelations will be far from benign. She had been underestimated by everyone. If only she had chosen to channel her intelligence and cunning toward something positive.

Today, I’ve finally been cleared to leave the hospital. Despite the fractures in several bones of my left foot and my heart condition prompting extended observation, I’m ready to go home. Ever the attentive partner, Huxley has been mindful and sweet, practically wrapping me in cotton wool.

“You okay?” he asks as he extends the crutch toward me.

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