“I have an idea,” I start off sayin’, not planning to tell them about Dex . . . but since we’re puttin’ everything in the past I wanna trust them again. There hasn’t ever been secrets between us, and there won’t be now. I just hope they forgive me for not telling them a few things earlier.
It’s time to work together again.
Epilogue
What’s coming is better than what’s gone.
~ Unknown
Natalie
It’s crazy to think Christmas will be here in a little over a week. Where has the time gone?
Working for the Reapers being their cook has been great. It’s a great bit of extra income I can use to pay rent in advance. I still work at Herold’s, and I’m sure I’m going to work there for the rest of my life, or his. You know, whoever croaks first.
I never asked Zane about the details of what happened that night with David, but he’s assured me I don’t have to worry. I may not be the brightest all the time, but for the most part I can read between the lines. The Reapers might not have known my family for a long time, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dedicated to keeping us safe. They see me as Grim’s woman since we’ve been dating for almost a month and a half now. I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever not be with him.
He brings me an insane level of happiness that I’ve never felt. I’m not the type of woman who believes in souldmates or any of that, but I do have faith in trusting what feels right, and what the universe brings your way.
Grim Braxton is a gift from the universe, or at least that’s what I’m going to keep thinking.
“Mum, I wanna go play out in the snow!” Sorcha whines, handing me her snowsuit. I help her get it situated while her sisters stand and wait beside her.
“C’mon Sorcha! Let’s go build a snowman!” Noelle, Ashley and Blackjack’s daughter, hollers from the doorway.
Sorcha rips away and zips up her own suit, running out the door with her friend. “They’re going to be a riot when they grow up, aren’t they?” Ashley giggles from beside me.
“I have no doubt about it. They’re already bloody riots right now.” I chuckle, shaking my head.
Davina and Aggie go through the doors the girls just went through to watch over them and have their own fun.
“You alright?” Ashley asks me, placing her hand on my arm.
I nod, “Yeah, better than alright.”
“You look a bit clammy.”
Turning my head, I glance around the club, seeing who’s nearby. Luckily, we’re the only people within ten feet or so. I lean into Ashley and whisper, “I’m pregnant, but shh. I’m not telling Grim until Christmas. Plus, it’s still really early.”
Ashley pulls away and nods, trying to hide the massive smile on her face. “He’s going to make a great father.” She keeps her tone low, and I nod in agreement.
“He already is. He’s more of a dad than the girls ever had. I’m so lucky to have him.” I state, feeling the tears come out from behind my eyes. Shit. I’m so emotional. I’ve noticed that over the past few days since I found out. I’m a fucking mess.
“No one else will say this, but I don’t care. I haven’t seen Grim this happy in a long time. After everything with Shiloh it’s like another part of him died . . . but you woke it up in a way I’ve never seen before.” Ashley puts her hand on my shoulder and rubs it reassuringly. “I can’t wait to hear how you tell him, so you’ll have to tell me.”
“Tell him what?” Alexa comes up, giggling. She’s a very interesting woman. Super giggly, but also makes me feel like she would have no problem knocking me out with a brick. She’s Bull’s ol’ lady.
Ashley looks to me, and then back to Alexa. Fuck it. It can’t hurt telling one more person.
“I’m pregnant,” When I say it this time, I feel happiness shooting out of me like a tanker that’s about to blow. It feels so good saying it, telling people. Before, after Aggie was born, I was terrified to tell David, because he never had a good reaction. With Grim though, I know it’ll be so different.
For a moment I catch the way Alexa seems to be shocked, but she’s quick to plaster on a fake smile and congratulate me. She’s been with Bull for a couple years now and I don’t ask for details about their relationship, but I have heard whispers that she can’t have kids. “That’s such amazing news. I’m gonna go figure out what Bull’s up to.” Alexa quickly walks off.
Ashley grimaces and huffs, watching Alexa go off to the other side of the club. “I’m sorry. I think she’s been a little frustrated with her own infertility problems.”
“I didn’t take any offense by it. I can’t imagine how she feels.”
“I’ve been there, but never as bad as her . . . but I’ll let you in on my little secret too.” Ashley wiggles her eyebrows.
“What?” I inquire.
“You’re not the only one expecting a bundle of joy. But, this is the last time for Blackjack and I. I told him he can put his pogo stick up me, but he’s not gonna keep shooting glitter and makin’ babies.”
Lord help me, but this is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m unable to hold back my laughter, but as the feeling settles over me I know to count my blessings. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, and I can’t wait to go on this journey called life with the man of my dreams. The man who doesn’t only have my heart, but my daughters’ hearts as well.
Author’s Note
I know what you’re thinking. Holy shit. I was thinking that the last day I was writing this bad boy too. Around the forty-thousand mark I didn’t even know what the heck I was doing. Grim’s storyline went left, but I’m quite certain you guys love that.
I can only imagine the plethora of questions you’re all having right now.
Will Zorro and Ruby have a happily-ever-after, or does Zorro simply think he’s a phase in her life?
You knew this was coming, but you’ll have to read Zorro to find out.
Why did Grim let David live?
The only reason he let him live is because of Davina and Aggie. If it wasn’t for them being there and what Aggie went through after being grabbed by her father, he would’ve gutted him like a fish. Personally, I wish he would’ve. I despise David and what he did to Natalie and their family. Pig.
Will we see much of Stonewall University in Dex’s book?
Yep, you sure will! Make sure you pre-order The Elites for .99 cents. Y’all will be getting such a dive into Dex’s world as a college student. You’re going to see his mother’s side of the family which has never been discussed before, as well as the dynamic at this school. If you thought the fraternity who attacked Ruby was bad . . . just wait. Y’all know she’s part of the Scorpio Society . . . but you don’t know what that means.
There isn’t any way to get out once you’re in. Those who try— they die.
Chaz’s story is next in the Reapers, and I hope you’re all ready for it. After being through so much, will Chaz get the happily-ever-after he deserves? Pre-order to find out!
Chaz
Reapers MC Book 14
Playlist
If I Hated You — FLETCHER
Cold as Stone — Kascade feat. Charlotte Lawrence
Crazy — Kiana Lede
People I Don’t Like — UPSAHL
Whore — In This Moment
Unbreakable — New Years Day
Iris — DIAMANTE & Breaking Benjamin
I Should Probably Go To Bed — Dan + Shay
Nobody’s Love — Maroon 5
Black Sheep — Kailee Morgue
hate u love u — Olivia O’Brien
Do Me — Kim Petras
Rager Teenager — Troye Sivan
Midnight Sky — Miley Cyrus
Acknowledgments
My Alpha Team: Courtnay, Michele, Jai, Janet, Taneesha, Kim, Isabelle, Heidi, Cynthia, Jojo, Vikki, and Lisa— Another one for the books, ladies. Thank you for all you do, but most of all for your invaluable feedback. Your input helps me make these the best books
they can be, and I love you all.
My Beta Team: Heidi, Rebecca, Danaca, Christy, Heather, Kristine, Stephanie, and Emma— You guys are my last line of defense before my books are published, and I’m super grateful for the work you put in. I appreciate all of your input, whether it’s negative or positive. All of your feedback has only helped make the books better before they’re on the market and I’m forever grateful.
My Blogger Team— Thank you all for continuing to support me, regardless of the road I’m going down. I will say this until the day I die, but, without you I don’t think I’d be a fraction of where I’m at today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
My Editor, Kim and Proofreader, Jackie— And, we’ve done it again. I’ve said this numerous times, but we’re really the dream team over here. I can’t wait for what’s coming your way and I hope you’re both excited too!
Rae B. Lake, E.C. Land, April Canavan, Jen L. Grey, and Iris Sweetwater— You ladies are my rocks when I need it the most. Thanks for always being here for me through thick and thin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
You’re the woman who inspired Chaz’s character, with GG’s pronunciation of your name. I think I owe his creation to both of you, haha.
You’re not only my personal/virtual assistant, but a dear friend and confidante. I’m so thankful for not only the business relationship we have, but the personal one as well. You’ve been here for me in some of my hardest times and I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.
Thank you for being here, and thank you for being such an integral part of both my professional and personal life.
Love you, girl.
Prologue
I am a black sheep. I refuse to exist when I can live. I refuse to follow when I can lead. I will seek and embrace my true purpose. I will live life on my own terms. I will leave footprints that change the world. And fingerprints that change history.
~ Amanda Louise
Crina
Christmas Day . . .
“What is wrong with you, Crina?” My eldest half-brother, Mircea, snarls at me from across the table while my mother weeps dramatically. Father simply runs his hand across his face, as he always does when he’s displeased with me.
I can’t believe he has the audacity to ask me this question. Sorin, my other half-brother, glares at Mircea in disgust. “I’m not a piece of meat to be sold to the highest bidder, unlike what you think.” I shift my focus to my father, to the man my mother had the stupidity to sleep with— her boss.
“You are a Romanian woman of a high bloodline. Mircea will be inducted into the Clans very shortly and you don’t wish to maximize on where our family is headed?” Father speaks, though it’s more like a question.
I inhale sharply, trying not to lose it. Whenever I do, it only upsets my mother. And even though she’s made poor choices in the past, I do love her. Hell, I even love my brothers. I’d say I love my father, but that would be a stretch. He’s only ever viewed me as less than. He’s a product of the man who raised him, ensuring him the world would always be a man’s world. I bet my dear grandfather never expected women to unite together and get pissed about things like equal pay, being treated fairly, and the plethora of other things we’re realizing in this day and age.
“You have never once given a damn about me. I’m sorry, brothers, but you’ve never given a damn about me in the way you do for Sorin and Mircea. I’m not jealous in the least bit, so don’t even attempt to spin it that way.”
“Things are changing, Crina.” My father tells me with a growl.
“I want no part in the change coming to our family. Don’t you see?” He only wishes to put a collar around my neck and hand my leash to a prominent Romanian man so I can do something positive in his eyes. So, I won’t simply be the product of his affair. I’ve been the black sheep my entire life and I’ll never be anything less than that.
I rise from the plush cushioned dining room chair and stare into his callous eyes. “What is it you’re doing, Crina?” He questions, still with the same frustration he’s had from a few moments before.
“Weren’t you listening? I said I wanted no part of this.” I state, pushing the chair under the table.
“Crina, please don’t leave . . . your—” my mother begs of me.
“If you leave today, you’d best not ever come back to this table again.” My father sneers, balling his fists.
As if it would even matter. “You’ve only just invited me here.” I walk over in the direction of the foyer when the sound of glass breaking against the ground causes me to stop right in my tracks.
“Crina, I mean it. If you walk out of that door, I will never welcome you back into this family.” He goes on with his threats.
Turning around, I look to my dysfunctional family. Mircea seems just as furious as our father does, while Sorin seems plagued by the events that’re going down. “I’m not a cow you can sell off to another rancher for him to brand and use me as he wants. Things might’ve been done that way hundreds of years ago, but now there’s something called consent, and I sure as hell don’t give it to you.”
“You are dead to me.” He grumbles.
I can’t help but allow what he’s said to hit me right in the heart, and the only way I know to hurt him, is to hurt the only person he’s ever given a damn about. My mother. “I don’t know how you ever fell for such a vile man.” It’s the last thing I say before I head to the front door. One of my father’s household staff members already has my duster coat and purse. As my purse is being given to me, heated footsteps come in heavily behind me.
I slide my hand into my purse to get my keys and just as I’m pulling them out, they’re ripped from my hands. My father glares at me with flaring nostrils in what must be his ten-thousand-dollar suit. “This is mine,” he dangles my keys in front of my face.
“Oh, really? I thought you gave me the BMW for my birthday.”
“I own it. My name is on the car.” He completely ignores what I’ve said.
I see what he’s doing here. “Okay.” Digging into my purse, I take out my wallet and pull the black cards that’re connected to the family accounts, and anything that might have something to do with money he’s given me. I throw them all on the floor. “You’re trying to intimidate me into doing what you want? Fuck that and fuck you.”
Before my very eyes he rips his hand back and starts to bring it toward me when Sorin comes in the middle and shoves him back a few feet. If it weren’t for him, our father would’ve struck me. “I think I’ve had enough of our typical melodramatic Christmas.” He states, glaring in the direction of our father.
Though, Mircea . . . he’s probably sitting at the table like the prodigal son he always is.
“C’mon, you need a ride?”
“Yes, please.” I state lowly.
“No problem.” Sorin replies, wrapping his arm around my waist he walks me out of our father’s Las Vegas mansion.
We’re to his car and speeding out of the driveway in no time. “Thank you,” I mutter to Sorin, slinking down in the seat beside him.
“You don’t need to thank me for anything. Dad’s a dick. I think we’re all aware of that fact.”
“Everyone except Mircea.” I point out.
“Yeah, well, Mircea has more on the line than any of us.”
“Why do you always make excuses for him?” I question, watching as Sorin’s dark chocolate eyes land on mine.
“I’m not excusing his behavior, Crina. I’m only saying things are different for all of us. I’m your frate. It’s my job to defend you both.” He speaks in Roman-lish again, which is my personal slang for Romanian-English. If it weren’t for Sorin, I wouldn’t know a bit of it. Our father never had the patience to explain things to me. “You going to stay with me tonight, considering father has probably disabled your keycodes?”
Shit. I didn’t even think of it. “Yeah.”
“I have an extra room, so you can stay as long as you need.”
> I appreciate his offer, but I won’t put him out. Sorin is going to die a bachelor and I know it. He has quite the reputation around Las Vegas for throwing the best parties. With his condo overlooking the Strip, he’s in the prime location.
“Just give me a couple of days. I’ll sort something out. Okay?” I only have one option, or one that is realistic at least.
“What’re you going to do, Crina?” Sorin knows me better than anyone else.
“Whatever I need to. I’m not going to live off his money or look to you. I’ll sort this out, okay? I know people.”
He grips the steering wheel a bit harder. “I don’t like the way you said that.”
“I’m sure you don’t, ‘cause it means I’m up to something and you hate it when I’m a mischievous little brat.” I smirk, trying to lighten up the situation.
“Fine, whatever, but if you get into trouble or need something . . . promise me you won’t be a stubborn, little, shitty, brat. Okay? I’m your big brother, kid. It’s my job to protect you.”
I nod my head like I’m agreeing, but I won’t vocalize it, because I’m an adult. It’s my job to take care of myself, and it certainly isn’t his, or our father’s for that matter.
I got myself into this mess, so I’ll get myself out.
Chapter One
Sometimes you need to give up on people, not because you don’t care, but because they don’t
~ OurMindfulLife.com
Chaz
Christmas Day
“It’s snowing babies in Montana! Ah!” Raven screams in the middle of the clubhouse, jumping up and down like it’s damn near the happiest day of her life. Her two sisters, Danica and Bridget, are right by the tree. Meanwhile, Luna’s trying to crawl wherever she can right now. Shit, that lil’ one is growing like a weed.
Mayhem: A Reapers MC Boxset Page 56
