Page 84 of Savage Loyalty

A YEAR LATER

The sun was warm on my skin as I sat cross-legged on the soft grass, watching Grace toddle across the backyard with her chubby hands reaching out toward a butterfly. Her giggles filled the air, pure and unrestrained, and I couldn’t help but smile as I rested a hand on my growing belly. Life had changed so much in the past year, but it was everything I’d ever wanted—and more.

We’d settled into a rhythm, Ryder and I. A balance that seemed impossible when we first started this journey together. He was still Wraith, the Vice President of the Crimson Reapers, and one of the most dangerous men in the MC world. But he was also Ryder Kane, the best husband and father I could have ever asked for. He’d proven over and over again that he was nothing like my father. Where my dad had been cold and controlling, Ryder was warm, protective, and fiercely devoted to us.

I looked down at my wedding band, the sun catching on the simple but elegant design. We’d gotten married eight months ago when I found out I was pregnant with our second child. It wasn’t a big ceremony, just a small gathering with close friends and family, but it was perfect. Ryder had insisted on doing everything the right way, making sure I knew how much he loved me and our growing family.

“Mama!” Grace’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I turned to see her holding up a small flower she’d plucked from the grass. She toddled toward me, her tiny feet unsteady but determined.

“What do you have there, sweet girl?” I asked, holding out my hand as she placed the flower in my palm.

“Pretty,” she said, her wide eyes shining with pride.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, tucking the flower behind my ear. Grace clapped her hands, clearly pleased with herself, before turning her attention back to the butterfly that had landed on a nearby bush.

I chuckled, leaning back on my hands and letting out a contented sigh. The past year had been a whirlwind—adjusting to life with Grace, navigating our new roles as parents, and finding our place in the world. Ryder had worked hard to make sure we had a home that felt safe and steady. He’d even built Grace’s swing set in the corner of the yard, spending hours making sure it was just right.

The screen door creaked open, and I looked up to see Ryder stepping onto the deck. He had a plate of sandwiches in one hand and a mischievous grin on his face. His dark hair was mussed from the wind, and his tattoos peeked out from the short sleeves of his shirt. Even now, he still made my heart skip a beat.

“You two having fun out here?” he called as he made his way down the steps.

“Always,” I replied, smiling up at him. “Grace found a butterfly.”

He set the plate down on the small table beside me and crouched down to kiss my forehead. “She’s got good taste,” he said, his voice soft as he glanced over at our daughter. Grace was now trying to chase the butterfly, her little giggles making us both laugh.

“What’s for lunch?” I asked, reaching for a sandwich.

“Nothing fancy. Just keeping the girls fed,” he teased, brushing his hand over my belly. “And the little guy in here.”

I smiled, placing my hand over his. “He’s been active all morning. I think he’s going to take after you.”

Ryder’s grin widened. “Another Kane causing trouble? I can handle that.”

The screen door creaked again, and Axel’s voice called out, “Hope you saved some food for us.” He and Mia stepped out onto the deck, Axel carrying a cooler and Mia holding a tray of drinks. The truce between Axel and Ryder still held strong. It wasn’t a friendship—not exactly—but it was a mutual respect that had grown over the past year.

“Uncle Axel!” Grace shrieked, abandoning the butterfly to run toward him.

Axel caught her mid-stride, hoisting her into the air as she squealed in delight. “Hey there, kiddo,” he said, his face breaking into a rare smile. “You’ve been behaving for your parents, right?”

Grace giggled, clearly not understanding the question, and Axel laughed. Mia walked over to me, set the tray down, and sat beside me on the grass.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, glancing at my belly.

“Good,” I said, smiling. “Just tired. Grace keeps me on my toes, and this one doesn’t let me rest much either.”

“Boys,” Mia said with a knowing grin. “They’re trouble from the start.”

Ryder plopped down beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Trouble? Nah. Just keeping life interesting.”

I leaned into him, letting out a contented sigh as I watched Grace play with Axel. My life wasn’t perfect—far from it. But it was ours, and it was everything I’d ever hoped for. Ryder Kane might be Wraith, the Vice President of the Crimson Reapers, but to me, he was just Ryder. The man who loved me, who cherished our family, and who had given me a life I never thought I could have.

And as I rested my hand on my belly, feeling the soft kick of our son, I knew our story was just beginning.

EPILOGUE TWO

RYDER

ONE YEAR LATER

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