Page 57 of Reaper

In that moment, something shifts within me, a tectonic grind of self-realization. She’s right. The darkness I’ve harnessed has been a tool, a weapon wielded for justice. I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t looked into the face of evil and survived.

I step forward and wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a hug that speaks volumes more than words ever could. Her arms circle my waist, and I feel the tension easing from my muscles, the constant guard I keep up relenting under the comfort of her embrace.

“Thanks, Nina,” I murmur. “You gave me a helluva lot to think about. As usual.”

She pats my back before pulling away. I look down at her and silently thank God for bringing her into my life. I don’t know where the hell any of us would be right now if she hadn’t found us. She saved us in a way no one else could. For that, I’ll forever be grateful. And I’ll also think about what she said. She’s a smart woman. Ignoring her advice would be stupid.

“Whatever path you choose, just remember—you’re not alone,” she says, giving me one last reassuring smile. “Sometimes, the scariest choices lead to the best outcomes. You won’t know until you try.”

“Guess not.” I nod, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak.

“Take care and tell Lexi hi for me.”

“I will.”

As I ride off, the cool air rushes past, and Nina’s words echo through my mind. Maybe I’ve been thinking about this all wrong. Nina’s right. Not all darkness is evil. Not all light is pure. And somewhere in the balance, there’s a place for a man like me—a man who can be both the storm and the calm, a reaper and a savior. And maybe a father too.

Chapter 22: Reaper

The heavy scent of our leather cuts fills the air as Scar pounds his gavel against the solid wood table, calling Church to order. All eyes turn toward Matrix, who’s leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin plastered on his face. I lean forward in mine.

“Matrix, you got something for us?” Scar asks, even though we all know why we’re here.

“Daisy and I think we cracked the code,” he announces, barely containing his excitement. It’s no secret that they’ve been working nonstop on that damn keycard. It’s been a top priority since the day we got it.

“You think there’s a chance that piece of plastic won’t get us through the door?” Scar asks, eyeing Matrix with some skepticism.

“Shit can always go sideways, brother,” Matrix replies with a shrug.

We all know it’s true. Nothing’s ever certain when it comes to breaking into the lion’s den. So far, we’ve gotten close, but not close enough.

“Someone needs to test it,” Nitro says.

“I’ll go,” I declare, my voice cutting through the murmurs of anticipation. “I’ll test the card at Blackstone’s mansion.”

I cross my arms over the faded patches on my cut. Volunteering isn’t just about the thrill. This is personal. More personal than before because I’m sure Blackstone was trying to get his disgusting hands on my kid. Blackstone’s got a debt to pay, not just to me because of what he did to my brothers and me, but what he wanted to do to Ace.

“All right,” Scar says, turning to me. “What’s your play if the card’s a dud?”

“If it doesn’t work, I’ll walk away. No mess, no trail.” When I see hesitation in Scar’s face, I pat the leather over my heart, “I swear on my cut I won’t fuck this up.”

“You swear on your cut?” Nitro asks, arching a brow. “Since when do we do that?”

“Since now.” I scowl, willing him to shut up for once. He’s always got some shit to say when he should be keeping his mouth shut. If my brothers want to fight me on this, then I’m ready to battle. This is my mission. I want it more than I’ve wanted anything in a long-ass time.

“No need to be dramatic,” Scar snarks. “Get in, check the card, get out.”

“Got it,” I confirm, my mind already racing through various possibilities. Tonight’s going to be one hell of a ride. I’m more than ready for it.

Talon leans forward, the low light of the clubhouse glinting off his shades. He must be hungover as fuck to be wearing them indoors. I wonder what he and Jessica were up to last night. They don’t have any kids, so they can fuck around a lot more than the other brothers. Scar’s always teasing Talon about settling down for real with a kid, but Talon just brushes him off. I don’t blame him. Fatherhood isn’t for everyone.

“We’re all hung up on what to do if the carddoesn’twork,” he says. “What about when it does? What’s our next move? We’ll finally have access to Blackstone’s playground from hell. Then what?”

I clench my fists, fire burning in my chest. “Then we kill him,” I spit out. “After the hell he put us through as kids, it’s only right.” My need for justice roars in my veins.

Scar shakes his head, his jaw set hard. “Even if the card works—”

“Why is anyone doubting it?” Matrix asks, interrupting the conversation.

---