Page 29 of Hawk's Treat
"The party’s in less than an hour," I remind him, though my body has other ideas as he presses me against the counter.
His lips find that sensitive spot below my ear. "We've got time."
"Hawk," I protest weakly, but my head tilts to give him better access. "Angel will kill us if we're late to this year’s Halloween party.”
He pulls back with a groan, his forehead resting against mine. "Tonight then. I'm keeping you up all night, little sparrow."
"Promise?" I grin up at him, loving how his pupils dilate at my teasing tone.
"That's my girl." He claims my mouth in a kiss that promises exactly what kind of night we're in for.
The clubhouse is transformed into a Halloween wonderland—orange and black lights strung everywhere, fake cobwebs, smoke machines, and some kind of bubbling green slime in cauldrons. There are enough carved pumpkins and candles to cast eerie shadows throughout the entire compound.
I stand between Angel and Luna, wearing my official “Property of Hawk” cut. The weight of it, the meaning behind it, still fills me with pride.
"I can't believe it's been a year since you stumbled into our lives," Angel whispers, linking her arm through mine.
"Best breaking-and-entering story ever," Luna adds with a grin.
I laugh softly, remembering that terrified girl who hid in a dusty bedroom, never imagining she'd find not just love, but an entire family. These women have become my sisters, their men my brothers, and this club my home.
Rose catches my eye from across the room, little Lucas sleeping peacefully in her arms. She winks, and I know what she's thinking—the same thing all the women have been hinting at lately. When will Hawk and I have one of our own?
Soon, I think, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. Very soon.
As the evening progresses and couples sway on the makeshift dance floor, Hawk pulls me close, one hand splayed possessively on my lower back.
"You're thinking about something," he murmurs, reading me the way he always does.
I look up at the man who saved me, who claimed me, who loves me with a fierceness that still makes my heart flutter. The man who helped me find my voice, my strength, my purpose.
"I'm thinking about how different my life is now." I press my palm over his heart, feeling its steady rhythm. "A year ago, I was alone, terrified, convinced I'd never escape. Now..."
"Now you're mine," he finishes, his voice rough with emotion. "My ol' lady. My little sparrow. My whole goddamn world."
"Now I'm free," I correct softly. "And I choose you. Every single day, I choose you."
His kiss is tender this time, reverent, and when he pulls back, his eyes are suspiciously bright.
"I love you," he says, the words still sounding slightly awed, like he can't quite believe this is real.
"I love you too." I take a deep breath, deciding this moment is as perfect as any. "And I know our baby will love you just as much."
Hawk freezes, his entire body going still. "Our...what?"
I take his hand and place it on my stomach. "I'm pregnant. About eight weeks along. I found out yesterday."
For a moment, he just stares at me, processing. Then his face transforms—joy, wonder, and that fierce protectiveness all crashing together in an expression that makes my eyes sting with happy tears.
"A baby," he breathes, dropping to his knees right there on the dance floor, pressing his forehead against my stomach. "We're having a baby."
The music stops. Conversations halt. Every eye in the clubhouse turns to us.
"Hawk's gonna be a parent!" Blade shouts, and the place erupts in cheers.
The brothers rush over, clapping Hawk on the back, while the women surround me with hugs and excited chatter. Ghost raises his beer, his commanding voice cutting through the noise.
"To new life," he toasts. "To family. To the Reaper legacy continuing."
