Page 54 of Tank

And as we ride out that night, the roar of our bikes splitting the air like a battle cry, I feel a sense of purpose burning in my veins. This is what I was meant to do, to fight alongside my brothers and sisters, to bring hope to the hopeless.

I am Sophie, student, survivor, Iron Reaper. And together, we will bring the reckoning.

The sun hangs low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink as I step out onto the porch. Tank's already there, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the fading light. He turns when he hears me, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Hey, little one," he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "C'mere."

I step into his arms, breathing in the scent of leather and motor oil that clings to his skin. For a moment, we just stand there, holding each other, the rest of the world fading away.

"You're fuckin' amazing, you know that?" Tank murmurs, his lips brushing against my hair. "The way you've fought, the way you've survived... it takes my breath away."

I tilt my head back to look at him, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you," I whisper. "You gave me a reason to keep fighting, to believe in myself again."

Tank's eyes darken with emotion, and he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath catches in my throat as he sinks to one knee, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Sophie, you've been through hell and back, but you've never let it break you. You've got a strength inside you that fuckin' humbles me. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, supporting you, loving you, fighting for you. Will you marry me, little one?"

Tears blur my vision as he opens the box, revealing a simple, elegant ring. A symbol of our love, our commitment, our future.

"Yes," I breathe, my voice trembling with joy. "Yes, Tank, I'll marry you."

He slides the ring onto my finger, his hands steady and sure. Then he's standing, pulling me into his arms, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that steals my breath and sets my soul on fire.

In this moment, everything we've been through, all the pain and the darkness, it all fades away. What's left is love, pure and unbreakable, a bond forged in the flames of survival.

We've come so far, Tank and I, from those first terrifying days when I stumbled into the Iron Reapers' world, broken and lost. But together, we've found healing, purpose, and a love that will last a lifetime.

As the last rays of sunlight disappear below the horizon, I lean into Tank's embrace, my heart full of hope and promise. Our journey is just beginning, but with my fiancé by my side and our Iron Reaper family at our backs, I know we can face anything.

The road ahead may be long and winding, but we'll ride it together, forever bound by the love that saved us both.

EPILOGUE

Chloe

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, tugging at the curve-hugging emerald green fabric of my bridesmaid dress. Damn, I clean up nice. Who would've thought this broken girl could be standing here, in the Iron Reapers clubhouse, about to watch her best friend walk down the aisle?

My hands tremble slightly as I adjust the sweetheart neckline. Nerves and excitement swirl in my stomach like oil and water. Sophie's getting hitched today. My little bird, who flew into my life battered and bruised, ready to spread her wings again. I blink back the sting of tears. We've both come so damn far.

Snatching my bouquet of red roses and baby's breath, I stride to the door and yank it open.

The hallway pulses with frenetic energy - a whirlwind of leather and lace. Brothers and their old ladies scurry about in their wedding finest. Raucous laughter and raunchy jokes bounce off the walls, mingling with the steady thump of bass from the sound system. I inhale deeply, the scent of whiskey, cigarettes and Sophie's favorite vanilla candles filling my lungs.

I stroll down the corridor, my heels clicking on the scuffed hardwood. A brother passes by and wolf-whistles. I roll my eyes but can't suppress my smile.

I round the corner into the main room and halt, drinking it all in. Twinkling fairy lights cast a magical glow over everything. Delicate tulle and satin ribbons drape the walls, softening the harsh edges. Who knew Perdition could clean up so good?

And there, in the center of it all, stands my radiant girl. Sophie. A vision in white, her dress flaring out from her tiny waist like a bell of fresh cream. Butter yellow rosebuds peek out from her wild tangle of flaxen curls. She's biting her plump bottom lip, eyes round and shining with unshed tears as she looks around in wonder.

In this moment, she's not that broken little bird anymore. She's a phoenix, risen from the ashes. Strong. Powerful. Incandescent. And I'll be damned if I let anyone clip her wings ever again.

I stride toward my best friend, my sister, grinning so hard my cheeks hurt. "Let's get you hitched, baby girl."

I weave my way through the bustling room, dodging patches and leather cuts, until I reach Sophie's side. She turns to me, her face alight with joy and nerves.

"Chloe," she breathes, clasping my hands tight. "I can't believe this is really happening."

"Believe it, babe." I tuck a stray curl behind her ear, cupping her face gently. "You deserve every bit of this happiness. Ryder's head over heels for you."

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