Page 85 of Savage Loyalty

Istood on the back deck, a beer in my hand, watching the chaos unfold in the backyard. Grace was running through the grass, her golden curls bouncing as she chased after her little brother, who was toddling as fast as his chubby legs could carry him. Laughter rang out, clear and bright, as Delilah called after them, her voice full of warmth and love.

She stood near the edge of the yard, her hand resting on her swollen belly, a soft smile on her face as she watched the kids. Even pregnant with our third, she was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen. My wife. My everything. And damn, I couldn’t seem to stop knocking her up. Not that I’d ever complain. Delilah Kane was hot, and the life we were building was more than I ever thought I’d have.

The backyard was alive with energy. My MC brothers were scattered around, some sitting at the picnic tables we’d set up, others standing by the grill, beers in hand. The sound of their laughter and the smell of burgers and ribs filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of freshly cut grass. It wasn’t just them, though. Their wives and kids were here, too, turning our backyard into a playground of running feet and squealing voices.

“Wraith,” Grim’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling my attention back to the deck. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm but easy. “You look like a man who’s got it all figured out.”

I chuckled, taking a sip of my beer. “Nah, just trying to keep up, man. These kids? They’re faster than they look.”

Grim grinned, his gaze shifting to the yard. “Gotta say, I never pictured you with the whole family setup. But it suits you.”

“It does,” I said, the truth of it settling deep in my chest. “I didn’t think this was in the cards for me, but now? I can’t imagine life any other way.”

Torch strolled over a plate of food in his hand, and smirked at me. “Who knew Wraith would turn into Mr. Suburbia?”

“Watch it,” I said, pointing my beer at him. “I can still kick your ass, suburban or not.”

The guys laughed, the sound easy and familiar. The backyard was full of my brothers and their families, the air buzzing with the kind of energy that only came when the Reapers got together. Axel and Mia were there too, sitting at one of the picnic tables while Grace showed off her latest “art project” to Mia. Axel caught my eye and raised his beer in a silent toast. The truce between us had held, stronger than I’d ever expected. He wasn’t just an ally anymore; he was part of our extended family.

Delilah made her way back toward the deck, her hand pressed to her lower back as she climbed the steps. I moved to her side immediately, taking the plate of food she was carrying and setting it down on the table. “You should be sitting down,” I said, my tone more protective than I intended.

She rolled her eyes but smiled, leaning into me. “I’m pregnant, not helpless, Ryder.”

“Yeah, well, humor me,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

She laughed softly, letting me guide her to one of the chairs. As she settled in, she rested a hand on her belly and glanced up at me. “You’re hovering.”

“Damn right I am,” I said, grinning. “You’ve got my kid in there. Again. I’m allowed to hover.”

She shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re impossible.”

“You married me,” I shot back, leaning down to kiss her.

Grim’s voice cut in, amused. “Alright, lovebirds, save it for later. You’ve got an audience.”

Delilah laughed, the sound light and easy, as the kids ran up to her, Grace dragging her little brother by the hand. “Mama, look! Danny found a bug!” Grace said, holding up her brother’s chubby fist, which was tightly closed around something wiggling.

“Oh, good,” Delilah said, her voice full of mock enthusiasm. “Let’s not bring it inside, okay?”

Danny grinned, his gap-toothed smile lighting up his face as he opened his hand to show off his prize. Delilah leaned closer, inspecting the bug with exaggerated interest. “Very impressive, buddy. You’re going to be an explorer just like your daddy.”

I crouched down beside them, ruffling Danny’s dark hair. “That’s right, little man. Keep your mama on her toes.”

Grace giggled, tugging on my arm. “Can we have cake now?”

“Cake?” Torch called from the deck. “Now you’re speaking my language, kid.”

Laughter rippled through the group as everyone gathered around the table, plates and drinks in hand. The cake was a masterpiece, covered in frosting flowers that Grace had insisted on helping decorate. She stood proudly beside it, her little hands clasped together as everyone sang. Danny clapped along, his face smudged with dirt and pure joy.

As I looked out over the backyard—at my kids, my wife, and my brothers—I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This was my life. A family I’d never expected, a love I’d never dared hope for, and a future that felt brighter than I’d ever imagined.

Wraith might have been my name in the Reapers, but here, I was just Ryder Kane. Husband. Father. And the luckiest damn man alive.

The sharp ring of Grim’s phone cut through the laughter and chatter. He pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen before his brows furrowed. “Give me a second,” he muttered, stepping off to the side to answer.

I watched him from the corner of my eye, the easy atmosphere dimming just slightly. Grim’s expression shifted as he listened, his jaw tightening and his eyes narrowing. Whoever was on the other end of that call wasn’t bringing good news.

When he hung up, he turned toward me, gesturing with his chin. “Wraith, need a word.”

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