Page 105 of Sacrifice
"Good. She needs to feel safe. We can give her that." He's quiet for a moment. "Plus, she's important to you. That makes her important to me."
"You're a good man, Emil."
"I'm a killer who'd burn the world for you. That's not exactly good."
"It's good for me." I kiss his chest, right over his heart. "My killer. My protector. My old lady."
"Old man," he corrects with a laugh. "You're the old lady."
"Whatever. Mine."
"Yeah," he agrees softly. "Yours."
We lie in silence.
Outside, I can hear bikes leaving, the clubhouse settling for the night.
Tomorrow there'll be more planning, more preparation for whatever comes next.
But tonight, we're safe. Together. Official.
"Love you," he mumbles, already drifting.
"Love you too."
I lie awake longer, processing the day.
This morning I woke to a crisis. Tonight I'm wearing his name, planning our future.
The threats aren't gone—more Los Coyotes will come, other dangers will rise.
But for the first time, I'm not afraid.
I have Emil. I have the club.
I have a leather cut that marks me as protected, claimed, loved.
And soon, I'll have dogs.
Big, scary, drooling dogs that'll help keep our fortress and family safe.
My phone buzzes—text from Elfe.
Elfe:
Already looking at dogs online. Found a Cane Corso who’s bonded to a German Shepherd and a Rottie at the local Humane Society.
Me:
Of course you are. Send me links.
Elfe:
Sending now. Also, thank you. For telling me about Emil's offer. For including me.
Me:
Family includes family. You're like a sister to me.
