Page 89 of Alpha Chained
A lump forms in my throat as I think about everything he’s endured to get to this point. The years of torment, the loss of his pack, being torn from his sister and forced into a life of violence and brutality. He’s been so close to losing his humanity entirely.
But now, lying here with me, his body still joined with mine in the most intimate way, I can see the man he was always meant to be emerging.
Tears prick my eyes as I vow silently to do everything in my power to help him reclaim those lost years. To shower him with the love and tenderness he was so denied for all that time.
“Hey,” he murmurs, stroking the hair back from my face. “What’s wrong, gorgeous?”
I shake my head, blinking rapidly to clear the unexpected tears. “Nothing. Everything is…perfect.” I let my fingers trail down the line of his jaw. “I was just thinking how far you’ve come. How much you’ve overcome.”
His brow creases slightly as he studies my face. “It was worth it to find you,” he says. “All of it.”
A tremulous smile curves my lips. “I’m going to spend every day making up for those lost years, Riot. I promise you.”
He exhales a soft sigh, gathering me closer to his chest. His lips brush my forehead in the tenderest of kisses. “Just being here with you…that’s enough. More than I ever dreamed.”
I tilt my head back to gaze into his storm-colored eyes, so full of raw emotion. “We’re going to be so happy,” I whisper fervently. “Our lives are just beginning.”
The corner of his mouth quirks up in a small grin. “Our happy ever after, huh?”
Warmth blossoms in my chest at the certainty in his words. We’ve both been through hell to get here, but our journey is far from over. We have an entire future stretching out before us, ripe with endless possibilities.
“Yes,” I murmur, nestling closer. His arms around me feel so secure and protective. “Our happy ever after.”
Epilogue
The sun shines down on the meticulously manicured lawns, the blades of grass a vivid emerald hue. A soft breeze carries the sweet scent of freshly cut grass and the delicate perfume of blooming flowers.
In the distance, the gentle chirping of birds can be heard from the ancient oak trees that line the perimeter of the old property, their gnarled branches reaching up toward the clear blue sky. They were here before the suburbs began to develop around the centuries-old club. It almost seems like they’ll be here long after those neighborhoods crumble.
On the terrace overlooking the rolling green expanse, two tall wingbacks are arranged, their rich leather upholstery gleaming in the sunlight, arm-rests well-worn by the heavy palms of the select few who belong here.
“Your drinks, sir.” A man in a dark suit holds a tray bearing two cut crystal tumblers. A thick hand reaches for one, passing it to his companion before taking the other for himself.
“Thank you, Jones.” It’s not an expression of gratitude; it’s a dismissal, and the server moves away.
Amber liquid sloshes gently as the man takes a sip of the expensive liquor. The other sits back, a thick cigar clamped between his teeth, tendrils of pungent smoke curling up from the smoldering tip.
“Boys were on form on the field today.” It’s a smooth voice. A refined voice. A voice that speaks of privilege.
“Certainly were. That new pony Preston brought in looks like it’s going to shape up.” Another puff of smoke forms.
“I’ll grant you that. Those Argentinians know how to breed good horseflesh.”
“Their women aren’t bad either. If you like that sort of thing.”
There’s a snort. “Who doesn’t? As long as Missy doesn’t find out.”
“What would she do that couldn’t be resolved with a new Bentley?”
A bark of laughter startles a bird from a nearby topiary that’s been pruned to perfection. “She’d have a fleet by now if I did that every time.”
“Well, I don’t know…” Ice clinks as a glass is raised to tight lips. “Can never have too many Bentleys if you ask me.”
“Quite right.” Leather creaks. There’s a contented sigh that stretches out into more silence.
Finally, it’s broken again. “Pity about that business with Parker, eh?”
“Yes. A pity. Good man, that Parker.”