Page 109 of The Ghost of Rage's War

“You were always loved.”

“Because I had a part ofhim,” Drake stated, and I couldn’t deny it.

I may have, long ago, placed him on a pedestal. Who dare judge me for doing so? But each of those wonderful, special men carried a spark I’d given them to keep memories alive.

“The love you once had in life, you’ve given to me and Phoe, to Chance and Clio, Ace and Artemis, Kate and James, and everyone else. You offered us what you lost. The happy ending that escaped you. That type of love is enduring. Whatever happens, I know I’ll be together forever with Phoe, even if I have to wait here alone. Because that is the gift you gave us from your heart.

“That boon, Elizabeth, I’ll never regret receiving, no matter if my time ends now. I understand what true love is. I recognise what you’re struggling to say. This sacrifice will wipe all misdeeds out. And the piper will be paid, the balance restored.

“Those living will have a pain that’ll remainforever. But they’ll have somebody to emulate, a good man. Someone who will serve as a role model and Rage can ask: what would he have done? They’ll also experience tremendous love. That will heal the hurt. The love and pain shall offset each other. And that is the greatest gift man can share. While this is the only time we’ll meet, know I’m grateful for the epic love story you gave me.”

“Yes, you do understand,” I sobbed, leaning my head on his shoulder.

Drake’s hand came up and cupped the back of my neck.

“Let the grief out, Elizabeth. Whoever pays shall always be loved and honoured because you gave the world that. I wish I knew who so I didn’t have to deal with the suspense.”

I didn’t want Drake to deal with uncertainty, but the end was drawing closer.

Drake and I had little time remaining, and I’d so much to say. And I wanted this precious time together. This time, a piece of Drake was meant for me. But then, Drake had always belonged to me, even if his love was Phoenix.

“And I wish I could tell you who, but I can’t. But do you regret anything, Drake? Did you have a good life?”

“Yes!” There was no hesitation. “I would die a thousand times over to have what I had with Phoe. My legacy is there, should I not return. My children, Rage, my brothers, and family. Everything was magical, and while sometimes blood-drenched, it wasa good life. Never doubt that, Elizabeth. I’d not change a single thing because even in the unknown, beauty lives.”

“I wondered if there were regrets.”

“Not from me, baby girl. What you gave me and the others was a priceless gift. We live, and that can’t be erased. As said, different actions might have led to a different outcome. We wrote our own paths, made our own stories, and found soulmates. You offered Rage everything, and that’s something we treasure, Elizabeth,” Drake said.

“Good.”

“But… the Unwanted Bastards? Elizabeth, they were decimated!” Drake added, outraged.

“People die in war Drake. It wasn’t feasible to kill all those Fangs, and only one person die from the allies. The Unwanted Bastards story was set in stone the moment Inglorious saved Clio. They have a story to tell, and it’s going to be … no pun intended… glorious! The Unwanted Bastards story and legend is just beginning. And believe me, Inglorious is about to create a legend that will rival Rage MCs.”

“Elizabeth,” Drake sighed.

I couldn’t deny I liked the sound of my name on his lips. The paths we’d walked together, the dramas, horrors, and funny times came flooding back. I wanted to reminisce, but there wasn’t time.

“Elizabeth, will we meet again?”

I turned and smiled sweetly.

“Don’t you know, Drake? Ashewaits for me, I’ll always be there for you.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Sadly, I reached out and cupped Drake’s face. We shared a bittersweet smile, and then I faded away, leaving Drake in the darkness. My heart breaking because what came next would break me all over again.

A choice taken from my hands by Fate, a path walked I could not dictate this time. Opportunities missed, and second chances given. A story written I didn’t control.

I left Drake Michaelson in the dark with his thoughts. As I was left alone with my own regrets and tears.

I realised deep down there’d be more stories, more heartache, more drama, and a lot more love. Because that is who I was. The one who gave them a voice.

The Hospital

Two pairs of eyes opened and stared into the worried gaze of their loved ones. A third pair did not open, and a woman collapsed onto his still chest and wept over his body.

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