Page 180 of Undisputed Chaos
Because there’d never been one worth bringing home.
The unspoken truth remained between us. My son, who'd collected women like trophies, had found someone precious enough to guard. Someone worth my judgment.
The sound of laughter drifted from the main living area, feminine voices mixing with the deeper tones of Connor and Adrian.
"They're all here," Jax said, his voice carrying that note of wonder that still surprised me. "The whole family."
Family.Over ten years ago, I'd collected two broken boys and forged them into the men they'd become.
Now they and Jax found their own pieces to complete the puzzle we'd started building in blood.
"Daddy's home!" Adrian's voice carried that familiar note of manic glee as I entered the expansive room.
He bounded toward me like an overgrown dog, his neon green crop top a garish contrast to the elegant surroundings, but his grin was pure joy.
"Adrian." I caught him in a brief embrace, noting the muscle beneath the ridiculous clothing, the happiness radiating from every pore.
This was what contentment looked like on my most psychotic son.
"Still dressing like a refugee from a rave, I see."
"It's called style, old man," he retorted, but his grin was pure affection. "You should try it sometime."
Connor rose from the sectional with that brooding aura that marked him as my most quiet son, but now he had a petite brunette tucked against his side.
Sierra, the sweet thing who'd somehow convinced my granite-hearted Connor to smile.
"Wade," Connor's greeting was respectful but not servile. Perfect.
But his voice carried something I'd never heard before—pride. Not in himself, but in the woman beside him.
"Connor. My boy." I clasped his shoulder, feeling the iron muscle beneath his black shirt, but my eyes were drawn to the brunette who was studying me with intelligent eyes that held no fear, only curiosity.
She seemed unsure at first, but there was steel in her spine as she stepped forward.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you, sir. Everyone speaks of you often."
Her voice was soft, respectful, but not intimidated.
I found myself genuinely impressed as I bent to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.
"All terrible things, I'm sure, sweetheart. But please, call me Wade. We're family now."
The word 'family' seemed to resonate through the room, and I watched Connor's hand tighten protectively on her waist.
My son, who'd spent his life not ever dreaming, had found someone who loved him.
“You’re the bookworm I've heard so much about," I continued, turning to Sierra. "Connor tells me you're managing the academy’s library.”
She blushed, and Connor's expression softened as he watched her. Pride. Pure, unguarded pride in his woman's accomplishments.
"I'm just helping, really," she demurred, but Connor's low growl of disagreement made her smile.
The sound of rapid footsteps announced another arrival, and I turned to see a striking, tall woman hurrying into the room with a small boy at her side.
My breath caught in my throat as I got my first real look at Estelle, not through a pixelated video call, but in person, in full, devastating clarity.
She was everything Jax had described and more.
