Page 114 of Daughters of Chaos

"Knox." I let the sound roll off my tongue, relishing how it feels.

His eyes dilate as I repeat his name a few more times, loving that he's giving me more and more of himself as time goes on. "I love you, Knox," I say, pulling his hand over my heart. "I love you. And this, this beating heart in my chest, she's only ever come alive for you."

I'm not sure which of us moves first, but we tumble back to the sheets, becoming a mess of limbs and breath and sex. We get lost in one another, showing how hot our fiery passions burn. When he makes me come again, I scream his name. Not Reaper, but Knox—the one he shared with me, the one he trusted me with after confessing his feelings.

“Knox. Knox. Knox.”

Hearing his real name spill from my lips sends my man into a primal frenzy. He makes me come twice more before his orgasm hits him so hard he looks like he's been to Eden and back. Panting and glistening with sweat, Knox collapses onto my chest. His arms tremble as he wraps them around me.

"Never thought it could be like this," he mutters against my boob, making me chuckle.

"Never has been," I tell him. "Not untilus."

Neither of us speaks again as we fall into a peaceful sleep. Nothing is left unsaid, not since we laid ourselves bare, giving the last pieces of our hearts to the one who was destined for them all along.

Epilogue

Phoenix

(A few years later)

The bar is buzzing with energy as my friends and family come together to celebrate. This moment has been a long time in the making. "Congratulations, Phoenix and Kat! We knew you two could do it!" Jesse shouts as he pours a fresh round of drinks for everyone.

Lifting his glass, Miguel adds, "To Arizona's newest and prettiest nurses. May we always have you watching our backs."

"Here, here!"

Cheers ring out through the room as laughter spills from my lips. Happiness—pure, unfiltered happiness—is all I feel. Katand I finally did it. We finished school and passed our boards. We’re now officially RNs in the state of Arizona. It feels like a dream come true.

Warmth spreads across my back as steady arms circle my waist. I can't help the smile that spreads over my lips as Mason leans in and whispers in my ear, "Congratulations, baby. I'm so fuckin' proud of you."

I turn in his arms, bringing our lips together as he holds me tight, molding my body to his. When we pull away, my eyes catch on Dad standing by the bar. He watches us for a second, a tiny smile tugging at his lips before turning away. I swear I see a twinkle in his eye.

Acceptance.

That's what I see in his gaze. Pride and acceptance. It took us a while to get to this point, but he finally seems to accept the relationship Mason and I have. Over these last few years, Mason has proven he'd do anything to keep me safe, but more than that, he's proven his love for me time and time again, earning Dad's utmost respect.

The same can be said for his enforcer. Ever since Raven's rescue, the big bad Reaper has done nothing but prove his loyalty. To the club, to my dad, and most importantly, to my sister.

When she first told me how things sparked between them, I wasn't sure they'd both stick it out for the long haul. Rae's never been the relationship type and Reaper didn't seem to be either. I'm so glad they proved me wrong. My sister finally found her match, and I couldn't be happier for her.

I watch from the corner of my eye as Rae leans over the bar top, saying something to Dad. He laughs, shaking his head as he replies. When Raven smiles back in response, my heart swells. Their relationship has improved so much since we first arrived. Gone are the days when they communicated in scowls andcursing matches. Rae has finally accepted him into her life as our father, no longer scorning him for his past mistakes.

It’s another piece of our story that's fallen into place, making what was once fractured a bit more whole.

Sipping on my drink, I look for Kat, finding her at one of the tables cozied up with Tweak. My smile widens as I look at my friend. All I see in her is happiness. Martin may have taken that from her for a time, but my strong, resilient friend fought to build it back.

I look around the room at everyone gathered to celebrate. Kat's family mingles with our friends from school and Ms. Day, our favorite professor. Doc, who'd helped secure Kat and me jobs here in town, is chatting it up with Bear and Hammer. Raven smiles as she fills a pint glass for Miguel, shooting a sly wink to her man, who leans on the bar a few feet away. Lace is perched on Stitch's lap as he, Bones, and Archie—both now patched members of the club—raise shot glasses.

Every member of the Sons is here to partake in the celebration. The club still conducts illicit business, but they no longer leave Rae, Lace, and me in the dark. They can't tell us everything, but what they can, they do. Deals are still struck, and goods are still exchanged outside the confines of the law, but for today, they set everything aside to celebrate Kat and me.

Today, there are no wars to fight or rivalries to contend with. No worries over the Sheriff breathing down the club's back, waiting for the Sons to step out of line. Nothing is stirring in the background that will steal away this moment in time. For a while, we can just be—just enjoy this time together and let our family relish in happiness.

My heart feels so full, and a sense of peace washes over me. Life is pretty fucking spectacular.

My senses start tingling when someone tinks a spoon against their glass. Everyone turns to give Mason their full attention.

He clears his throat before eyeing the crowd. "You all know I'm not big on public speaking, but I have something important to say."

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