by KC Kean
“It’s a safe place to stay.”
He must be joking. After all the shit I did to Luna, this has to be a fucking lie, but the gentleness to his eyes tells me differently. It’s hard to remember not everything comes with a price like it does with my father. My dead father.
I slowly take them, and he steps back. “I will tell her,” he says, and my heart sinks. “It’ll be up to her what she does with that information, but for now, we both know you need to leave. Just remember this is Featherstone, so there isn’t really much point in running. Trust me, I would know.”
With that, he turns and leaves. I’m left standing alone, and for once in my life, it feels like heaven. No expectations or harsh consequences. Just me, Wren Dietrichson. I just have no clue who the hell that actually is.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
(Luna)
The sun glares in my eyes, pulling me from the best damn dream of my life. Heat and pleasure still ripple through me, from the hot sex playing in my mind as I slowly wake up. Stretching my arms above my head, I sink further into the mattress, gasping as fingers trail softly against my clit.
What the fuck? Lifting the quilt, Roman peers up at me, hunger in his eyes with a wicked grin on his face. Damn, it wasn’t a dream after all. Even better. Not speaking a word, his tongue follows the same path as his fingers. A shudder runs through my body, my mouth falling open as a moan slips from my lips.
Hot damn, that mouth. Wrapping my legs around his head, I grind against his face, taking everything he has to offer. Happy to oblige, he sinks two fingers deep into my pussy as he sucks against my clit. Holy shit. I think this is my new favorite way to wake up. One hand wraps in Roman’s hair as the other squeezes my pierced nipple, and within moments I reach my climax.
Roman plays my body perfectly, drawing every ounce of pleasure from me, leaving me in a sex induced haze. Slowly kissing my thighs, my body quivers beneath him, while he trails his lips all the way up to mine.
“Good morning, Princess,” he murmurs against my lips, and I smile.
“Good morning, baby.”
“We have a surprise for you today.” He grins against my neck, his lips brushing against my pulse.
“What surprise?” I whimper, feeling my body react to the length of him against me.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you now, would it? So, get your cute ass up. I’ve drawn you a bath. Jess will be here soon.” Kissing my lips with brute force, my hands hold him close until he shuffles back down the bed.
Kissing my clit one last time, he gets up and walks out of the room, but I don’t miss the strain of his cock against his boxer briefs. Good morning to me.
Finding the strength to rise to my feet, I finally notice no one else is in bed. The sound of the front door shutting makes me frown, and as I step into the lounge, it’s empty. Straining my ears, the sound of Christina Perri – A Thousand Years plays gently through the sound system. Stepping further into the room, my eyes fall on vases and vases full of red roses.
What on earth is all this?
Petals line the way to the bathroom. Following the trail, I can barely contain my beating heart. Standing at the door to the bathroom, candles flicker on every surface, bubbles up to the top of the tub, with the smell of vanilla filling the room. Stepping into the tub, I smile wide at the hot mug of coffee perched on the side, waiting for me. Damn, they know me too well. Sinking into the water, the bubbles up to my chin, I feel giddy.
I can’t bring myself to soak in the water forever, like I usually would, wanting to get out and find out more of what this surprise is. Never would I have believed my Aceholes would do this for me, but I shouldn’t really be shocked. Now, I’m intrigued.
Wrapping a towel around my body, I make a fresh cup of coffee and head back into the bedroom to put some clothes on. Placing my mug on the bedside table, my phone vibrates.
Red: On my way up, wear your pjs!
Shaking my head at her sassiness, I throw on one of Roman’s longline t-shirts and a pair of shorts when the knock sounds at the door. I rush to the door, swinging it open to see her holding large white boxes in her hands.
“What the hell, Red. What’s all this?”
“This is Project Queen. No, I didn’t get to name it, but it’ll be worth it. Even if it does have a stupid name,” she says, rolling her eyes dramatically, and I chuckle. I’m rubbing off on her way too much. “Well, don’t just stand there. You guys all overslept, and Roman refused to wake you. So now we have about forty minutes.” She shoos me into my walk-in closet, as I glance at the time. How the hell is it two in the afternoon already?
Making sure to grab my coffee on the way, I take a seat at the vanity, and watch as Red places the boxes on the floor and starts pulling all the make-up out of the drawers that I never use.
“I have to wear make-up?” I ask, but not really bothered, becoming more curious with what’s going on.
“Nope, they actually told me to give you the choice, but screw them. I deserve some fun too.” I raise an eyebrow at her, taking a quick sip of my coffee before she gets to work. She knows I’ll let her do this even if I couldn’t really be bothered with it.
Relaxing into my chair, I think about everything that’s happened in the two weeks since Totem died. It was agreed that finally eliminating Totem was a good enough substitute for the third round of The Games. Now we get to enjoy the rest of the school year, and at the end of the final term, discussions will be held to determine when we will step up and take on more responsibility as members of The Ring.
Not that it was really needed, but Bryce and I did a DNA test to squash the slither of doubt Totem placed in my mind. Needless to say, it came back a definite match. I’m glad that man no longer holds anything over my head anymore.
“How’s Kai doing? You know when I ask him, he just shrugs me off,” Red asks, as she applies eye shadow to my lids.
“He’s actually doing really good. He completely refused to take any medication, but it helped having him use the oxygen machine daily in the beginning. He doesn’t have any scarring on his lungs or throat, so we just have to make sure his shoulder heals properly, and we’re all good.” I answer, feeling lighter than ever. Twice I’ve come close to losing him, and against all odds, I still get to stand by his side.
“Done,” Red murmurs, and I blink, catching tears in her eyes.
“Red, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, nothing,” she says, waving her hand at me. “Just emotional, that’s all.” A knock sounds from the door as she sniffles. “Would you look at that, saved by the door. You grab it, I’ll get the boxes ready.”
I stare her down for a moment, but I know she’s not going to talk, so I head for the door. I did not expect to see Rafe standing on the other side in a suit. A perfectly fitted grey suit, against his olive skin, and his hair is even brushed back neatly into a man bun at the back of his head.
“Right, drop the shit. What the fuck is going on?” I demand, my pulse picking up as I try to process what’s happening. Rafe smiles wide at me, love and pride radiating from him.
“Your Aceholes, as you like to call them, wanted a proper celebration of your marriage, so here we are.”
Holy. Shit.
“What does that mean?” I whisper, my heart pounding in my ears.
“It means you need to get dressed, darling,” he says softly, and I nod, walking back to the closest in a daze. When I step into the bedroom, Red stares nervously down at the bed, a white lace gown lying on top of the quilt, with a pair of rose gold heels on the floor next to it.
My breath catches as I take it all in. I bite my lip, hard, to stop myself from crying, but it’s really fucking difficult.
“So, uhh, all this was their idea?” I murmur, and Red smiles brightly.
“Everything, except for the dress. They actually listened when I said they shouldn’t see.” I nod along with her like it all makes perfect sense, but my mind is blown.
Trailing my fingers against
the lace of the dress, I feel like I could burst.
“I’ll give you a moment while I change in the bathroom.” I hear the door click shut behind her, but my gaze doesn’t pull from the dress.
Slipping out of my clothes and into the layers of fabric, I pull the body-hugging dress over my hips, and the spaghetti straps over my shoulders. The back is all open, with the zipper stopping at my hips, and the sweetheart cut at the front dips low between my breasts. I’m thankful it hits the ground at my feet, but there’s no train behind me.
Stepping into the low heels, I take a glance at myself in the floor-length mirror. How is this me? So happy, and smiling, my heart full of love. I head for the lounge, close to tears if I stay in here much longer. The second I open the door, Rafe stands to his feet, twirling to see me.
“Darling,” he whispers, swiping at his face. He’s close to setting me off too. I force myself to look at the ceiling, steadying my breathing as I fan my face.
“Oh my gosh, will you guys stop!” Red cries out, a tremble to her voice too.
“We are the biggest set of fucking pansies,” I grouch, and they laugh, forcing a smile from my lips too.
“Let’s go. I should never have given them all my number. I can’t deal with one more message from them,” he mumbles, his eyes wide in disbelief, and it makes me relax. I want to get out of here and see my Aceholes. Taking the elevator down, Ian waits by the door, a tear in his eye too. I’m going to kill them when I get my hands on my guys. I am in no way ready for this level of emotion. I can’t hold it in much more.
The sky is clear, with a few clouds scattered around, but the chill in the air is ice cold. Ian chauffeurs us over in a Rolls, with Rafe sitting upfront with him. I can’t speak the whole ride, squeezing Red’s hand tight, but my heart stops as we pull up beside my little secret garden. On autopilot, I step from the car and head for the opening, but Rafe catches my hand, slowing my pace. Red waves before stepping past the hedges and my heart is in my throat.
Walking down the aisle, covered in scattered petals, Oscar, Kai, Roman, and Parker all stand under the gazebo, in matching navy suits. Heaters blast from all corners, warming the space, and I can’t feel the usual chill in the air. I catch the lyrics of All of Me by John Legend, playing softly in the background, and goosebumps prickle my neck.
I don’t know how I make it to the gazebo, bypassing a handful of people, but I don’t see them, only seeing my four men. My Aceholes. When I stand in front of them, all lined up next to each other, Parker strokes his thumb against my cheek and I’m shocked to realize I’m crying.
“Don’t cry, angel. This is good, right?” He asks, worry in his hazel eyes, and I manage to nod in response.
Clearing his throat, Bryce stands before us. “So, it was all their idea for me to officiate your ceremony. Is that okay with you, Meu Tesouro?”
“Of course, Pops,” I murmur, unable to say more than a few words.
I get lost in the words we murmur to each other. I hope someone records this because their eyes hold me captive, and I can’t digest everything properly.
“I guess you may now kiss the bride, who I might remind you is my daughter,” Bryce says, emotion in his eyes too, as the small crowd giggles. Roman leans in and kisses me first, his full lips devouring mine. When he steps back, Kai fills the space before me, stroking his finger down the side of my face, goosebumps rising at his touch. He kisses me softly, and I feel light-headed. I hear someone clear their throat, and Kai reluctantly moves. As Oscar moves towards me, Parker spins me to him, his lips crushing mine in an instance. My hands clutch the fabric of his suit jacket, but he’s pushed to the side.
“These fuckers are winding me up on purpose. Kiss me, baby girl,” he groans, and I smile wide at that damn big mouth of his. Stepping into his arms, I lift on to my tiptoes, joining our mouths. Hearing the claps and cheers around us, our moment is cut short, but the heat in each of their eyes holds a promise for later.
“Let’s get the party started!” Aiden calls out, and suddenly I’m being whisked over to the Weaponry building, where the whole space has been transformed like the Main Hall was for the Fall Ball. Rose gold and white flowers fill the room, with matching decorations covering the walls. A huge billboard size picture is propped up against the long wall of the guys and me all smiling wide at the camera while we were at the beach house.
Intimate tables cover the outer area, with a dance floor in the middle. This, this right here, is perfection. I never asked for a day like this, yet they delivered me one anyway, and it makes my heart glow brighter. A DJ booth is set up in the corner, blasting out the latest hits.
I spot Bryce standing side by side with Rafe as Mia sits with her parents, lost in a deep conversation. West waves from the other side of the room, and even Maverick nods in greeting as we pass.
When the time comes for us to dance, Silence by Marshmello floats out through the speakers, and I feel the words in my veins, as we all huddle together.
“To new beginnings,” Kai says, smiling at me without the weight of the world on his shoulders, and I grin back.
“To hot sex on every surface,” Oscar adds, and I laugh as he wiggles his eyebrows at me.
“To freedom.” Parker squeezes my hip a little tighter, as his words ring out around us.
“To family,” Roman murmurs with a cheeky wink, his playful side showing.
“To never kneeling for others. And, more importantly, to love.” The guys holler at my words, and I grin wide. Some motherfuckers wanted to take everything from us, piece by piece, but I’m in this Featherstone business to stop people like Totem from deciding how I live … if I live. I can’t control that this is my destiny, but I much prefer my life in my own hands.
I’ve found more than I ever dared to dream about. My forever. My solace. My Aceholes.
EPILOGUE
(Red)
My heels click against the stone flooring in the quiet hallway as I step away from the loud bustling hall where the party continues. I can’t stop the smile from gracing my face, remembering the pure love and happiness in Luna’s eyes today, a complete contrast to the girl I first met.
I want that so much, the love you only read about in books, but my love life is in complete shambles.
As I push against the cool wood of the bathroom door, the hand at my side is pulled, and I’m whirled around. My back hits the wall softly, my eyes closing, as the knowing scent of leather and sandalwood invades my senses.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmurs huskily, my legs shaking at the feel of his knuckles grazing my cheek. I swallow hard, feeling his body heat surrounding me, his thumb stroking my bottom lip before his mouth meets mine.
Slowly, his lips consume me, my palms stroking up his chest, feeling his heart beating just as frantically as mine. The grip on my waist tightens, as the door to the hall opens and the music fills the space around us.
“Somebody better start fucking explaining what’s going on here,” Oscar growls, ruining the moment.
As I finally open my eyes, I know the secret is out … but I can explain.
AFTERWORDS
HOLY MOTHERFUCKING SHIT!!!!!!!!!
I’m so fucking emotional right now, that the time to lay these Aceholes to rest has come!
The journey Luna and her men have taken me on is one I will never get over.
Back in May, riding the COVID wave, I decided I was going to put pen to paper and give this a try, and it has been the best decision I have ever made <3
Boy have these guys had me on a rollercoaster! The love, the heartache, the pain and rage. I’ve felt every ounce of their emotions and I’ve loved every second if it.
I know this doesn’t really offer a HEA and more of a HFN vibe, but that’s because Featherstone Academy has so much more still to offer. Will there be another Luna & The Aceholes book? Never say never, but for right now, no. Val is probably sick of hearing me say, I never want to over do something and everyone gets bored, because I somehow go
t repetitive. Besides, I think they need a minute to breathe LOL
With that being said, did you see the epilogue????? Does it mean what you think it means??
HELLLLLL YEAHHHHHHH
Oh my days, from the second I wrote her into My Bloodline, Red has screamed at me for her own book LOL so here we finally are. Our red-headed, quick witted BFF is getting her time to shine. But with who you might ask? Well, we all know I like to tease, so you’ll only know this if you read it here - She’s got three men vying for her attention, and YES you have already met them all <3 I refuse to say anymore for now though LOL
If you’ve read this far I’m impressed LOL I’ll shut up now and get back to typing!
THANK YOU
I want to start this time with saying the biggest thank you to YOU! For picking My Bloodline up and making it this far! I wouldn’t have carried on writing if it wasn’t for you!
To my partner, and two beautiful children, who are used to mummy going off into the world of Featherstone, and not returning for a few hours <3 Your patience, understanding, and love helps push me to continue finding my dream <3
I always call her my Alpha Queen, and damn she is, but Valerie is my partner in crime. The friend I never knew I needed, and my biggest supporter. Your random thoughts, and uncanny ability to live inside my brain blows me away! Thank you for putting up with me, and the crazy things I say and do. Thank you for always participating in my GIF wars, but mostly, thank you for loving these Aceholes just as much as I do <3
Where are my BETA bitches at??
Kristen, Hope, Emma, Monica and Katy <3 My favorite ladies!
Thank you so much for your eyes and your minds. Somehow taking lesson from Valerie and clawing a further 3k words from me LOL
Your effort and love for the Aceholes means so much to me, I can’t even begin to explain. Thank you for being here, this has been a crazy ride, and I show my appreciation with the next installment of Featherstone Academy! Haha!
