Page 105 of Declan's Dove

“And here is the first,” he says. “I will deliver the other when he’s completed his task.”

“Son,” Nate says, staring straight at Hawk. Without thought or hesitation, Hawk raises his rifle and shoots Nate in the leg, dropping him to the ground. Turning back to Pres, who’s now scrubbing his face with his hands. His expression mirroring my own disbelief.

Hawk tips his head between Gabe and his traitorous father sprawled out on the ground holding his now bleeding leg. “Pres, I’m going to go home. You good?”

Gabe nods. “I’ll be right behind you, son.” When Pres says it, Hawk accepts it with a nod of his own. “Round up the trash!” Gabe shouts.

“Time to go home, baby. Carter’s already there waiting.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Violet

When we arrive at the clubhouse, no sooner than we walk through the front door does Carter plow into me, squeezing tight. His face is pressed hard into my chest and the warmth of his tears soak through my shirt. Declan stands with his front to my back, one hand on my shoulder, the other embracing us both, and in that moment my heart is full.

This is everything I need. Them. My men.

I kiss the top of Carter’s head and let him cry. He hates crying in front of people, but tonight he ignores everyone else and lets himself feel the weight of everything that’s happened.

“Where is he?” Carter whispers, his tear-filled eyes looking up at me expectantly.

Declan tilts his head around, looking down at our little man and, with six little words, breaks the chains that have held me captive all these years. “He will never hurt you again.” It’s been promised before, but hearing those words from Declan’s mouth, I know he means it. And I know what he intends to do.

I should probably be frightened—worried that he’s capable of killing someone, but I’m not. To be honest, I feel relieved. Everyone we’ve ever sought help from has either denied us or been limited in what they could do.

Even Kayce.

Though he and his men rescued us and brought us to Oakridge, they couldn’t guarantee our freedom. They could only guarantee help should he ever find us. But even the help came with limits and strings.

James isn’t the head of the octopus, he’s more like a tentacle, one of many, in the ring of people Kayce seeks to destroy. Ending his life wouldn’t benefit Kayce’s overall plans. Much like the octopus, when a tentacle is broken off, another grows in its place over time. The same can be said for the organization Kayce and his men are fighting to destroy.

Vincenzo’s protection comes at a cost. One I gladly paid and would pay again, but still, he didn’t rid me of my problem or the fear that comes with living life always looking over my shoulder. He provided me with a home and a job, making it easier to give my son a more normal life. It just wasn’t a life of freedom. Not fully.

But Declan and the Kings of Fury, they want us to have a life full of freedom, family, and love. It’s the life we’ve both always wanted. Carter will have role models, good men, who will teach him how to be one himself. They’ll teach him about loyalty and honor. About brotherhood and respect.

Though teaching him to respect women while the brothers fuck around with whores might be an argument we’ll have to have at another time.

“Declan?” Carter looks up, releasing me, and he makes his way to stand between us. “I heard you say Mama was yours. Does that mean I’m yours now too?”

Declan smiles, his eyes are a little misty, and I watch as he swallows hard. “Yeah, kid. That’s exactly what it means. From now on, you and your mama are mine. My family. You good with that?”

“More than good.” Carter hugs Declan tight. I hadn’t realized we had an audience, but the sniffles being heard around the room makes it a little more obvious. I appreciate them giving us a minute to gather ourselves.

Gabe comes charging down the hall. “I need the officers in the basement. We have a rodent problem that we need to get handled.”

“I have to go, baby. I’ll be back soon. You two hang out here with the girls until I get back, and then I’ll take us all home.” He kisses my head, and scruffs Carter’s, then disappears down the hall with the rest of them.

Sadie grabs her backpack and heads over to us. She mimics Declan and scruffs Carter’s hair. He grumbles when she does it. “Stop it,” he whines, and Sadie laughs.

“Get used to it, kid. I hear you’re part of the Kings now. That means I get to fu—mess with you whenever I want. Club rules.”

“What?” Carter gripes. “You’re shitting me, right?”

“Carter Dupree!” I snap. His face pales and his eyes go wide.

“I-I-crap! I forgot you were standing there,” he says, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Mama. I’m only supposed to say those words when you’re not around. It’s the bro code.”

“Oh,” I drawl. “Is it now?” I know a certain bro who has some explaining to do.

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