Page 115 of Wild Card

“That douche-canoe deserves the STDs.”

Pretty sure that last one came from Bex.

“He did borrow Pepper to impress her,” Ember confirms. “Cruz told me about it when he heard I was meeting you tonight.”

“I’m going to strangle him at my dress fitting next week. He was in on the secret!” Rowan’s shriek has several male heads turning our way.

“Jesus, Bridezilla, want to squawk a little louder? Not sure the dead are rising yet,” Shayla teases.

Rowan blushes, bumping her. “I’m not bridezilla”

Whatever is said next is drowned out as my gaze is drawn to the edge of the firepit where Talon is staring at me intently. His eyes roam over my face and his mouth splits into a side-grin. He may not know the exact conversation, but he’s aware that we were in the starring role.

His eyes crystalize and send a shiver through my system.

Feelings I’ve never felt consume me.

And not one bit of it scares me.

A warmth glidesover my neck as the band around my stomach tightens. Slowly, my mind stirs awake as my eyes try to focus in the pitch-black room. Talon’s hard body is pressed close, his breathing shallow against my skin. I savor the feel of him, the serenity he’s giving off as he sleeps.

Outside of Monday in the hospital, the last five nights I’ve spent curled into him, he’s always the first awake. I’ve questioned if he even sleeps. But now, I get the full experience of having this.

The comfort of his sweatshirt, the feel of his hold, the scent of him cocoons me.

Pieces of last night replay in my mind.

Any hesitancy I had about sharing my Talon story was smashed when I learned of some of the other tales.

Those girls should create a reality series about fairytales coming true.

They’ve been through a lot.

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, kidnappings, torture—all of it terrifying.

I felt myself slipping into my fears. Bex noticed and took control. She only had to say a few words to set me straight. These men are selfless, determined, badass heroes.

They fight hard for their idea of justice.

It’s not a nine-to-five job, but it’s what makes them who they are.

One glimpse at Talon and all the apprehension was gone.

Strong, powerful, smart, gorgeous, courageous, kind, gentle, caring, patient… my god-like unicorn.

After that, the night took a turn.

Kids were fed and hyped up on s’mores, running off their energy and keeping the dogs wild. Ford, Ace, Talon, and Major grilled the food, Rowan brought out side dishes, and the drinks kept flowing.

There were no more heavy subjects. Ronnie, Bea, and Janice were definitely women I could see my grandma getting along with—maybe too well.

At some point after dinner, they took all the babies back to Jewls and Major’s house.

Robbie, Finn, and Ford set up the other kids in the media room with a movie.

It became a party.

Declan, Raven, Harley, and Ace disappeared without explanation.

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