Page 109 of Unmasked
I hear Stryker and Jaxson laugh, but I’m too busy glaring at Zayne.
“Hold up.” Delaney steps forward. “It’s my fault. Stryker was trying to protect me but was ambushed by my brother, who broke into my cabin without my knowledge.”
“Oh.” I shake my hand, my knuckles sore from punching Cole and now Zayne. “Sorry, Zayne.”
He rubs his jaw, then opens and closes his mouth. “No apology necessary after an impressive punch like that. Damn, girl. Good job.” He holds out his fist, and I grin, bumping it with mine. “Did Stryker teach you how to punch?”
His arm slides around my shoulders. “Nope. That’s all her.”
“Danelle.” My father runs into the house, out of breath. His hair and clothing are disheveled as he jerks to a stop, surveying the room. Cole and my mother are lying on the floor, their wrists and ankles bound.
“What the hell happened?”
I grip Stryker’s hand, which hangs over my shoulder. “Your wife tried to sell me to Cole. I was supposed to go to the pier with that asshole…” I glare at Cole before turning back to my dad. “And get married to him. Your wife was going to be a witness.”
“W-What? Danelle, is that true?”
She glares at me, then looks up at him. “You and I both know she shouldn’t be with that scum.” She sneers at Stryker.
“Danelle!” My father steps toward her, his hands clenched into fists. “You don’t send a man to kidnap our daughter, drag her here against her will, and force her to marry the guy who tried to assault her when she was seventeen.”
I gasp. “You finally believe me?”
My dad turns to me, an apology brimming in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Mallory. I should’ve listened to you and not her. Your mom told me you seduced Cole and lost your virginity to him. That you were embarrassed because she found out, and you lied, claiming that he tried to assault you.”
“I never seduced him.”
“Edward explained everything on the plane.”
He turns back to my mom. “What you did is kidnapping.And a host of other crimes.” He turns to me. “Do you want to press charges against Cole and your mother?”
I look up at Stryker, unsure what to do. He pulls me closer. “It’s your decision, and I support whatever you decide. But you need to think about the pros and cons.”
I debate for a few minutes before turning to my father. “I want to press charges. They need to be held accountable.”
He nods. “I’m calling the police. They’ll handle it from here.”
Epilogue: Mallory
“My God, you look gorgeous.” Mandy steps back, tears rolling down her face. “I’m so happy for you.” She flings herself in my arms, squeezing me so tight I squeal.
“Easy. I’m about to walk down the aisle and get married.”
She pulls back, a smile on her face. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to injure the bride.”
Megan strolls into the room, a garter belt in her hand. “I found something blue.”
“Thank you. I don’t know how we forgot that.”
Mandy lifts my dress while Megan slides it up my leg.
“I’m sorry your mom ended up being such a bitch. If she would’ve been normal, she’d be here, thrilled that you’re marrying the love of your life.” Mandy squeezes my arm.
I shrug. “It’s okay. I have plenty of people here who love me.” I smile, conviction in my voice when I say, “Family isn’t blood. It’s those who love and accept you for who you are.”
“We love you just the way you are,” Devyn, Keira, Mia, and Delaney say in unison as they enter the room, smiling brightly.
Tears fill my eyes as I take in my newfound family. “You’re all so amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”