Page 157 of Caged
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The End.
Final Song- Sleep Token, Say That You Will.
EPILOGUE
MILA
“A circus is new. Who decided to put this on?” I ask Nikolai.
We’re gathered with his friends and family at Alexei’s home.
Except, it isn’t. It’s been transformed with a bouncy house, ball pits, and even clowns.
“The thing about Alexei, you never, ever, know what to expect.” He gives me a sideways smile before tipping back his beer.
“What’s all of this for?” I’m kind of blown away that there’s even a magic show going on at one end of the yard by a clown with a giant poof of green hair.
Nikolai shrugs. “It’s his birthday. He likes to have stuff for the kids. He’s everyone’s favorite uncle.”
Jax saunters over with his wife, Sofia. I haven’t spent much time with her, but she’s much nicer than Lara.
Her maroon hair hangs over her face as she looks down at their tiny new baby, then up at me. “Did you want to hold him?”
My heart melts that she’s entrusting me with him.
I can feel Nikolai squeeze my hip lightly before I step nearer to her. “I’d love to!”
Baby Maverick is so little, I’m worried I’ll hurt him. But, holding him against my chest, just feels, well, right.
Sofia leans against the bar and brushes an errant lock behind her ear. “You’re a natural. Maybe one day, you’ll have your own.”
Jax laughs, and slaps Nikolai on the shoulder. “Better get on that, Niki,” he laughs.
I catch a glint on his eyebrow when he moves. “Did you get a new piercing?”
Jax runs his finger lightly over the gemmed rod by his temple. “Yep. It’s the kid’s birthstones. I guess when we have more I’ll get them on the other side.” He grins at Sofia and pulls her close for a kiss.
“I fared better than Alexei. Mine didn’t hurt at all.” Jax turns, and leaves to redirect Maeve from wandering too far.
His little girl looks just like him, curly dark hair.
I can see his resemblance in Elena, also. It’s so much clearer once Nikolai explained he’s her uncle.
“Did I miss anything?” Mikhail appears next to Nikolai. “I had a business call.” He squints over his mask.
Does he ever take that thing off? I wonder what he looks like.
A squawk and a flurry of pink make all of us turn to see Alexei awkwardly chasing a flamingo across the yard.
He half runs, half limps while holding his crotch. “Sheila! Wait!” he cries.
His bird flaps its wings and hops into the large kiddy pool taking up a portion of the lawn before settling into the cool water.
A grimace of pain flashes across his face as he stands at the edge. “Sheila, come here!” He demands.
Lara follows him, laughing. “Alexei, if she wants to swim, let her.”