Page 78 of War

We are met with whistles, clapping, and sounds of congratulations.

“Serpents, show her how we welcome her,” Dad calls out, and War lets go of me, only for the club members to line up in front of me. Bones is first, lifting my hand to his lips and pressing a kiss there. “I’ll protect you with my life. I promise to forever be your taste tester and try everything you bake. And if anything happens to War, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”

“Thank you, Bones.” I laugh.

War mutters something about murder.

Skull is next, copying his twin with a kiss to my knuckles. “Welcome to the family, Ora. I’ll always protect you.”

“Thank you, Skull.”

He steps aside for Lore, who has the biggest, warmest smile on his face. He also kisses my hand. “Adore you, Ora. You know I’ve always got your back.”

“Adore you more, Lore.”

War makes a growling sound.

Lore simply shoots me the cockiest smile, and I can’t help but smirk.

Haze comes next. His lips are warm against my skin. “Anything you need, I’m here.”

“And same to you, Haze.”

I have a feeling he’s going to need me. His amber eyes bore into mine, and he looks like he wants to say more but hesitates. “You’re perfect for War.”

“I hope that’s a compliment,” I tease, and he laughs.

Angel doesn’t kiss my hand but dips his head respectfully. My eyes land on the scar that runs down his cheek. “I will kill for you. Protect you. And step in any time War asks me to.”

“Thank you, Angel,” I whisper.

A man I’ve never met before stands in front of me—slate-gray eyes, perfectly tousled dark hair, and glasses. “I’m Suit,” he introduces, bending to kiss my hand. “And my gift to you is letting you know that War is officially divorced.” His gray eyes twinkle. “So now you can put that man out of his misery.”

I smile, liking him already. “Nice to finally meet you, and thank you for all your hard work.”

“Anything for you.” He winks.

War grips my hips and pulls me back against his hard body.

Ghost approaches me quietly, and like Angel, he doesn’t touch me. He does, however, pull out his blade and bow down. He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t need to.

“Thank you, Ghost,” I rasp, clearing my throat as emotion hits me. This beautiful, broken man I was once scared of would lay down his life for me, and I know that now.

One by one, the rest of them step up, kissing me, hugging me, or offering me words of welcome and loyalty.

The last man to step up to me is Omen. His hazel eyes are filled with apology as he studies me. “I fucked up. It won’t happen again. Iwillprotect you with everything I am.”

I want to tell him it wasn’t his fault but now is not the time or place.

“Thank you, Omen. Glad to see you back here.”

“I hear I have you to thank for that,” he replies, kissing my hand and then stepping away from me.

I’m overwhelmed with emotion. The men here pledged their lives for mine and promised to protect me like I am their own. I’ve never felt so loved or protected.

I’m wearing a cut that says I’m the property of a man. I never thought I would proudly wear something like that, but I feel so very proud to be War’s. Outsiders might see it as me being owned, a piece of property, but the truth is, I hold my own power here. All of the men just proved that.

“I’m going to fuck you wearing nothing but that cut tonight,” War says to me, placing an open-mouth kiss on my neck. “I’m so fucking hard for you right now. This better wrap up soon, or I’m not going to make it.”

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