Page 176 of Claimed By a King

“When Baz and Dante came to the clubhouse, I found out it was my dad’s fucking actions that escalated the war with the Reapers. Or reopened it…” I trail off, not sure how to best word it. Then I shake my head. “Semantics doesn’t matter. The point is that my dad was the reason for the loss, heartache, and brutality we’ve all been through. And I’m so fucking sorry for that.”

I pause and take Gray’s hand, needing his touch to draw strength from.

“And it’s Gunner’s obsession with me that propelled the shitshow along. Rose,” I look at her. “It’s because of me you lost your fingers and hair.” Then I look at Alana. “You were shot because of me.”

They both open their mouths, undoubtedly to contradict me, but I hold my hand up to stop them.

“Slasher, you lost your twin because of me.” Despite not wanting to, I look at Rocco. “And you lost your place as Prez and the ability to walk because of me.”

Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply before looking at Cara. “Yet the only person here I will apologize to is Cara. Because despite everything I just said, she’s the only person who suffered consequences I controlled. The rest of you might have lost something because of me, but it wasn’t my doing. Cara losing her place in the club was because I couldn’t cope. So that’s my fault—”

“The hell it is,” Gray growls. “Cara set you free because I lost sight of my humanity. So that’s on me.”

I shake my head and give him a sad smile. “You’re not understanding my point, Gray. What I’m trying to say is that out of everything we’re all angry and heartbroken about, there’s only one situation we were in control of. It doesn’t matter how it came about, it’s still the reality.”

“She’s right,” Titch says.

Rose, Beth, and Cilla are next to voice their agreement.

Cara smiles and dips her head respectfully. “You were born to lead, Zoe. Continue being unapologetically you and the club will be fine. All hail Mama fucking Z.”

As one, they all reach for their glass or bottle and raise it. Then they repeat Cara’s words. “All hail Mama fucking Z.”

Tears distort my vision, but for once, they’re not born of hurt, anger, sadness, or any other negative emotion. I’m touched and overwhelmed by the love and support I feel wrap around me like a blanket.

Wanting to offer Cara some sort of comfort, I say, “You know you’ll always have a place with us, right?”

She leans closer to Rocco and whispers something I can’t hear in his ear. The eyes of the former Prez dart to the new one, Gray, and then he nods slowly.

“We’re leaving,” Cara announces as she steeples her fingers together in front of her.

“Say fucking what now?” Cain sputters. Damn, I’d almost forgotten he’s here. That’s how quiet he’s been. “But you can’t leave.”

“Dante’s arranged for a private recovery facility for Rocco,” Cara explains. “And Baz has generously offered to let us use his private jet to get there. We’re leaving tonight. But we could probably delay it if you need—”

“No!” Gray and I practically shout at the same time.

Forgetting all about their previous ire directed at Cara, the Cunts sniffle.

“Well, fuck,” Slasher murmurs.

“The hell,” Titch mutters at the same time.

“We know the timing is horrible,” Cara continues. “But… we both need this.”

As I look at her small hand in her husband’s large one, I feel a warmth spreading through me. Even though he banished her, they’re here, and they’re leaving together.

I selfishly want Cara to stay, but I’m selfless enough to want this for them. They’ve given their all to the club, and now it’s time they focus on themselves.

Leaving Gray’s side, I get up and walk over to Cara. I crouch next to her and take her hand. “Thank you foreverything you’ve done for me,” I whisper. “You’ve shown me what it means to be a Mama and taught me how to reach my inner strength. I can’t thank you enough.”

Her eyes glisten. “Promise me you’ll take good care of them, Zoe. All of them. Don’t grow complacent like we did. Have Gray’s back and help him even when he doesn’t think he needs it.”

“I promise,” I say, my voice thick with emotions as I fully realize this is goodbye.

“Zoe.” I tilt my head so I can look at Rocco, who’s holding his hand out to me. “I’ve never apologized for my role in what happened to you. I should never have held you responsible for your dad’s sins.”

Cocking my eyebrow, I say, “No. You shouldn’t have.” Then I allow a smile to spread. “But I don’t accept your apology, Rocco. It’s not needed. Because the path you chose gave me more things than I can count. Love, a family… hell, a fucking purpose. So for that, I should thank you.”

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