Page 11 of Wrath's Redemption

But watching Wrath with Anna, seeing how naturally she fits in his strong arms, I know this is right. Even if it terrifies me.

"The prospects will be here in the morning for the rest," Wrath says, his voice softer now that he's holding Anna. "They'll pack everything carefully."

"Prospects?" Sarah asks weakly.

"Club members in training," I explain, remembering what Wrath told me that night a year ago. It feels like a lifetime has passed since then.

A rumble approaches, and Wrath nods. "That'll be Angel."

"His President's daughter," I tell Sarah, though I'm not sure why I'm trying to make this seem more normal. Nothing about this situation is normal.

Footsteps on the porch, then a sharp knock. Sarah opens the door to reveal a stunning woman in a leather cut, her long dark hair streaked with purple. Her eyes light up when she sees Anna.

"Oh my God," she breathes, moving closer. "She looks just like you, Wrath. Except cuter, obviously."

Despite everything, I find myself smiling. There's something genuine about Angel's excitement that puts me at ease.

"I've got the nursery basics in my truck," she continues. "We can get the rest tomorrow."

"You didn't have to—" I start.

"Of course we did." Angel cuts me off with a warm smile. "She's family now. Iron & Blood takes care of its own."

There's that phrase again. The same one Wrath used. It should frighten me, this fierce loyalty from people I don't know. Instead, it makes me feel... safe.

"We should go," Wrath says, still cradling Anna. "It's late, and she needs her rest."

Sarah steps forward suddenly, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Call me," she whispers. "Any time. If you need anything..."

"I will." I squeeze her back, fighting tears. "Thank you. For everything."

He nods, already moving toward the door with our daughter. I grab the bag I packed and follow, feeling like I'm stepping off a cliff into the unknown.

Outside, Angel's truck is parked behind my Honda.

"Ready?" Wrath asks, looking down at me with those intense eyes – Anna's eyes.

No, I want to say. I'm not ready for any of this. Not ready to leave my safe, normal life behind. Not ready to enter a world of bikers and violence and blood money.

But Anna makes that wheezing sound again in her sleep, and I remember why we're doing this. For her. Everything is for her.

"Ready," I say, and follow him into the night.

The drive to the clubhouse feels surreal. I follow Angel’s truck while Wrath rides beside us on his bike, Anna securely strapped in my backseat. Every few seconds, his head turns slightly, checking on us. Protecting us already.

The clubhouse looms ahead, a large two-story building set back from the main road. Several bikes are parked out front, theirchrome gleaming under the security lights. My Honda looks ridiculously out of place among them.

"Home sweet home," Angel shouts, killing the engine. "At least for now."

Wrath is already opening my door, reaching for Anna's car seat with ease, as if he's been doing this her whole life instead of just the past hour.

"The room's upstairs," he says, leading the way. "End of the hall. Used to be storage, but..." He glances at Angel. "You got it cleared out?"

"Already told you." She sounds almost offended. "Ruthless and the prospects took care of everything."

Inside, the clubhouse is quieter than earlier. A few members are still around, their conversations dying as we pass. Their eyes follow us – follow Anna – with curious interest. These dangerous men, who hours ago looked ready to throw me out, now nod respectfully. Amazing what being Wrath's daughter can do.

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