Page 66 of Demon

“Close your eyes,” he says, and I obey. “Open them.”

When I do, he holds a club vest in his hands, its text reading “Property of Demon.” My breath catches in my throat as I recall Sophie saying that this is the equivalent of a wedding ring. With tears streaming down my face, I reach up, tangle my fingers in his hair, and kiss him deeply. The room erupts in cheers and catcalls as I slip the vest on. I’m the luckiest woman alive.

Jett turns to Sammy. “I have something for you too,” he says, waving her over. Cash hands him a tiny leather jacket, a miniature version of mine. I gasp. It’s adorable. “This one is yours.” Sammy slips her arms into it, and I notice the front patch says “Property of Ivy and Jett.”

Beaming, she points to her jacket and exclaims, “I’m part of the motorcycle club now!”

Jett crouches to her level. “You’re part of the family.” Sammy throws her arms around his neck and clings to him tightly.

“Can I call you Dad too?” she asks shyly.

His voice cracks as he replies, “I’d be honored.”

Tears stream down my face, my heart overwhelmed. Watching the two of them together fills me with a joy I can barely contain. Sammy pulls Jett along to admire her gifts, and I can’t help but chuckle, remembering how he’d willingly let her paint his fingernails gold yesterday.

I smile wistfully. God help the boys who someday try to date her. Jett’s going to make it so hard for them. And honestly? I love him even more for it.

* * *

Demon

It’s the afternoon.I sit on the seat outside, with Ivy on my lap. We watch Sammy on the swing, Ava behind her. “Higher,” Sammy yells. Conan is barking and running around her with his tail up. He’s not sure of the playground equipment yet. It might take him a while to get used to it.

Some people seem to have gone to see their own families at around lunchtime. I’ve heard a few bikes and cars pull up recently, so it sounds like many have returned. Ivy and I are going to see Maddy later.

Elena is on top of the slide with Hope on her lap. “Ready?” Elena says to Hope. Hope kicks her legs. They slowly go down the slide. The sound of giggles coming from Hope is heavenly. I knew the kids would love the playground.

I’ve never felt as at peace as I do now. Ivy made me realize how empty my life was. I hold Ivy that bit tighter when I think of what I could have lost. I revel in the pressure of her body against mine. I’ll never let that happen again. When she was taken, it was as if the sunshine was stolen from my life, but luckily, I got her back, and she’s bought the sun back with her. She’s my air, and I’d die without her. She flows through my veins, and she’s branded my soul. I’ll devote my life to her and Sammy.

She sees the real me and loves me for who I am. I wasn’t sure if I, a monster, was capable of love. But... I guess I am. Ivy and Sammy have shown me only unconditional love. Ivy’s made me question whether I’m as much of a monster as I think I am. She’s dimmed my violent nature. I no longer have a need to endlessly play with my knife. It’s as if she’s taken my monster by its reins and now has my beating heart.

Feeling like I truly belong somewhere is like stumbling upon a part of my soul I didn’t know was missing. It’s as though I’ve discovered I was meant to have wings all along, and for the first time, I’m not just surviving but soaring, free and weightless, after years of barely managing to keep my head above water.

Her vest rustles against my own. I’m proud to have her wear my property vest. I smile, grateful to have her and Sammy in my life. Ivy turns to me. I’ll never get sick of the way her face lights up when she’s around me.

“I love you, Jett Miller.”

A warmth spreads through me, but there’s a tightness in my throat. I’m still getting used to her saying it. “I love you too.” I mean the words, but saying them isn’t enough. There’s no poetry in the world that could describe my feelings for her. I never thought I’d be in this position—loving someone and being loved in return.

She looks me dead in my pupils and says, “No, like really... I’m utterly obsessed with you.”

I laugh, and there’s a vibrant explosion of happiness on her face, as if she can’t get enough of me being happy. “Little Bird... I’d burn the world down for you.”

Everyone’s walking out the back door, a mix of confusion and angst in the air. They crowd around us. Zara and Bomber’s family walk out last, which surprises me. Once everyone is settled, Zara takes Bomber’s hand and they move to the front of all of us. We all stay silent.

“Would you like to do the honors?” Bomber asks Zara.

She nods, smiling. “I’m pregnant.”

“Holy shit,” I say under my breath, while everyone claps. The women all rush to Zara while Zara’s mom sobs. I’ve never seen Zara so happy. I step over to Bomber. “I hope it’s a girl so you can go through what we’ll be going through.”

Reaper chuckles. “I second that.”

“Congrats man... Everyone’s getting knocked up,” says Axle. “I hope Elena doesn’t get any ideas.”

With the way she’s been doting on Hope, I’m not too sure about that.

“Sophie doesn’t want kids, so we’re sweet,” Viper adds.

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