Page 92 of Rage

“Hear, hear!”the group cheers, clinking glasses.I hear another round of bikes and car doors slamming.

“Is this everyone?”Sarah asks, and I shake my head.

“We have the Devils Souls princesses coming.”

As if on cue, a chorus of laughter and excited chatter fills the air.I turn to see a group of young women making their way toward us, overnight bags slung over their shoulders and swimsuits already on display.

“The Devils Souls princesses have arrived!”Vanessa announces with a dramatic flourish, her dark hair gleaming in the sunlight.As Alisha and Techy’s daughter, she’s inherited her mother’s flair for the dramatic and her father’s quick wit.

Tiana follows close behind, her athletic build and confident stride marking her as Lane’s granddaughter and the enforcer’s daughter.Her eyes scan the area with a practiced ease that belies her young age.

Cassandra, the president’s daughter, carries herself with an air of authority that reminds me so much of her father.Her piercing gaze softens as she takes in the relaxed atmosphere, a rare smile gracing her features.

Mia, her arms laden with medical textbooks despite this being a vacation, offers a shy wave.“Sorry, I have an exam next week,” she explains, looking a bit sheepish.“But I promise to relax too!”Her dedication to becoming a pediatrician is admirable, and I can’t help but feel a kinship with her passion for medicine.

Trixie, Jackson’s daughter, is already eyeing the pool with eager anticipation.Her scrubs are peeking out of her bag, hinting at the long shift she likely just finished at the hospital.

Tiffany, Lane’s daughter, saunters over with an easy grace.Her eyes light up at the sight of the wine bottles, and I make a mental note to keep an eye on her intake.Lane would have my head if anything happened to his little girl.

Lastly, Gabby, Travis’s daughter, brings up the rear.Her artistic soul is evident in the intricate tattoos adorning her arms and the sketchbook tucked under her arm.“I hope you don’t mind,” she says, gesturing to the book.“Inspiration strikes at the oddest times.”

“Ladies!”I call out, raising my glass in welcome.“Grab a drink and join us!The water’s perfect.”

The newcomers waste no time integrating themselves into the group.Vanessa and Tiana immediately start a splashing war with Sarah and Jenny, their laughter echoing across the water.Cassandra settles into a lounge chair next to Elle, the two quickly falling into conversation about the club’s latest charity drive.

Mia hesitantly sets her books aside, accepting a glass of wine from Tiffany with a grateful smile.Trixie cannonballs into the pool, sending up a spray of water that has everyone shrieking and giggling.Gabby finds a quiet corner, her pencil already flying across the page as she captures the scene before her.

As the Devils Souls princesses settle in, I notice a few more familiar faces arriving.Leah, Aiden’s daughter and Reid’s sister, strides confidently toward us.Her long blonde hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and her toned physique speaks to the hours she spends training at the gym.Despite her tough exterior, there’s a gentleness in her eyes that reminds me of her father.

“Sorry I’m late,” Leah calls out, dropping her bag on a nearby chair.“Had to finish up some paperwork at the garage.”

Not far behind her are Michaela and Trinity, Tristan’s daughters.The sisters couldn’t be more different, Michaela with her fiery red hair and outgoing personality, whereas Trinity is more reserved with her dark curls and thoughtful demeanor.Yet the bond between them is evident in the way they move in sync, finishing each other’s sentences as they greet everyone.

“Dad said to tell you all he expects us back in one piece,” Michaela jokes, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Trinity rolls her eyes good-naturedly.“As if we’d let anything happen on our watch,” she adds, her quiet voice carrying a hint of steel that marks her as a true protector.

As everyone joins the festivities, I can’t help but think of the younger girls who couldn’t make it.Arianna, Maverick’s daughter, is probably buried in schoolbooks right now, her dedication to her studies rivaling even Mia’s.Konrad’s daughter, Loretta, is likely at dance practice, perfecting her routines with the same intensity her father brings to his role in the club.

And then there’s Oaklyn, Walker’s daughter.At just fifteen, she’s the baby of the group, but already she’s showing signs of the strong woman she’ll grow to become.I make a mental note to plan another gathering soon, one where all the girls can attend.

The energy shifts as everyone mingles, conversations flowing as easily as the wine.Leah and Tiana start up an impromptu arm wrestling contest at the edge of the pool, their competitive spirits on full display.Michaela joins Vanessa and Sarah in their splash war, while Trinity gravitates toward the quieter group with Elle and Cassandra.

I watch as Mia tentatively approaches Trixie, the two bonding over their shared experiences in the medical field.Gabby’s sketchbook is making the rounds, each page eliciting oohs and aahs from the group.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the scene, I feel a sense of pride swelling in my chest.These women, from the seasoned club members to the youngest princesses, are a force to be reckoned with.Strong, compassionate, and fiercely loyal.

“Hey, Meadow!”Leah calls out, breaking me from my reverie.“You gonna join us in this arm wrestling tournament or what?”

I laugh, setting my wineglass down.“You’re on, Leah!But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because I’m a doctor.”

As I make my way to the edge of the pool, I can’t help but marvel at the scene before me.Women from all walks of life, bound together by the ties of family, friendship, and shared experiences.The air is filled with laughter and chatter, punctuated by splashes and the occasional squeal as someone gets dunked.

Leah grins as I settle in across from her, her blue eyes sparkling with challenge.“Ready to get your ass kicked, Doc?”

“Big words from such a little princess,” I tease back, clasping her hand.

Trinity steps up to referee, her quiet voice carrying surprising authority.“All right, ladies, I want a clean match.No cheating, no biting, and absolutely no powers of healing allowed.”She winks at me with that last bit.

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