Page 71 of They Will Fall

All in all, it’s a sad day to hear that a Guardian, one of our protectors, was really just a weak man who made a lot of bad decisions. If there is anything that we can hold tight to at the end of the day, it’s that The Society will reign and justice will be served. Mr. Crane has received the full punishment for his crimes. May we learn from his mistakes.

I had to try and keep myself from shaking while reading the draft sent to the involved families for approval. It’s a whole fucking mess, but it seems like everyone will buy it. Which in turn, gets me and the guys off scot-free. My insides are literally dancing with excitement that this nightmare is almost over.

“Honey,” Mom says, stroking my hair from behind me. “We think it’s best for you to come home for a few days. You need to relax, rest, and regroup.”

“No!” I blurt out as I spin to face her while handing her phone back. My eyes move back and forth from her to my dad. “I want to go back to my dorm with Scar. I’m fine now. I promise.” The idea of leaving my guys after everything we’ve been through actually makes my heart ache.

My parents share a look of concern before my dad finally nods in agreement. “Okay,” Mom says. “I suppose since Thanksgiving break is only a week and a half away, you can stay in your dorm.”

“Thank you, Mom.” I hug her again, shivering as snowflakes fall down on us.

“Let’s get you back to campus while your dad handles business with your friends.”

My eyes perk up. “What kind of business?”

“It seems I’ve got an assignment to hand out to Lev Pemberley, and a few words for Stanley Crane before I do.” I stop in my tracks and turn to face him.

“What happens after that? Lev, Ridge, and Maddox? Will they be safe?”

“Have they done anything wrong?” Dad asks, and I shake my head no while my insides are screaming at me to play this cool so they can’t tell I’m lying. He buys it, considering I never lie to my parents. They must give me the benefit of the doubt here and just assume my nerves are on edge, which they totally are. “Everything will be handled officially at their next Chapter meeting. But they shouldn’t have anything to worry about.”

A smile draws on my face. “I love you guys.”

All three of us join for a tight embrace when the sound of feet shuffling in our direction has us breaking apart. I look over my shoulder to see Ridge.

“Hey,” he says softly with a slight wave before dropping his hand to his side.

“Mom. Dad. This is Ridge.” I keep my eyes on him and a smile on my face. “My boyfriend.”

Dad clears his throat but doesn’t say a word.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Ridge offers his hand to my mom first and after they shake, then he extends it to my dad. I’m literally holding my breath in anticipation as I wait for my dad to stop being such a dad and shake the guy's hand.

Finally, he does and I exhale a sigh of relief.

“Thank you for taking care of our daughter,” Dad says, and I can’t help the giggle that escapes me. Ridge has most definitely taken care of me, in more ways than one.

“Of course. I’d do anything for Riley.” Ridge hooks an arm around my shoulder. “Which is exactly why I’m here.” He peers down at me. “I was wondering if I could get you out of here and take you back to your dorm at BCU.” Questioning eyes land on my dad as he looks at him for approval. “If that’s okay with you, sir.”

Sir? Iwant to laugh, but I don’t. Who is this guy and what has he done with my chaotic boyfriend, Ridge? It’s enlightening to see him kiss ass, though. And even better that it’s my dad—the only man in my life until Ridge, Maddox, and Lev came along. The only man the three of them will actually have to foster a relationship with.

“Actually,” Dad says, “I think it’s best if her mother drives her back. With all the chaos going on around us, we can’t be too safe.”

“I’m safe with Ridge, Dad. I swear to you he’d never let anything happen to me.”

“Oh, honey,” Mom says with a gentle hand on Dad’s back. I already wanna kiss her cheek because I know she’s going to side with me. “Let him take her. The perpetrator is in custody. They’re safe now. Besides, I’d like to be here for Gail when she arrives. She’s going to need a friend.”

Gail is Maddox’s mom, and I agree. She’s definitely going to need a friend in the days to come.

“Thanks, Mom.” I lean into her, resting my head on her shoulder.

Dad narrows his eyes. “You call me the minute you get back to your dorm, understand?”

“You got it, Dad.” I say as I wrap him in a hug. I wouldn't say I’m a daddy's girl, per se, but up until I met Ridge, Maddox, and Lev, he was the most important guy in my life.

“No pit stops at the student center or coffee shop. You go straight there.” He looks down at me and I can feel the tension in his voice, the worry and concern for my safety evident. I put my hand on his chest as I make him a promise.

“Yes, Dad,” I say as I step away from him, about to tuck myself back under Ridge’s arm, when my father responds.

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