Page 129 of Accepting Fate

Out of nowhere, it hits me that knowing Mike is locked up means he will never hurt me or anyone else ever again and it’s finally all over.

I wish I could feel complete relief, but I don’t think I will until he’s no longer breathing, and Grayson’s brothers feed him to the sharks.

"Landon told him to hold off in case you wanted to talk to him…” Grayson looks apprehensive, and I can tell he is worried about the idea of me being in close proximity to that demon again.

"I do. I have so many questions I want to ask him, but I’m terrified it’s going to mess me up more than I already am.”

Grayson moves to sit next to me. It’s a shock he is able to cram his giant body into this tiny bed. He lifts his arm to drape it around the back of me and gently pulls me to lay my head on his chest. I reach out and thread our fingers together, resting them in his lap.

He places a kiss to the top of my head and speaks softly. "I’m not going to lie, Angel, I don’t want you anywhere near that fucker, but I think you deserve answers. I’m not saying this to upset you, but I think there is more to your mom’s story than what it looks like. I really fucking hope I’m wrong, Angel, but if I’m not, I would hate for you to never know the truth.”

I know he’s right, but could I handle finding out that my mother’s death was more horrific than it already was?

"I know it’s going to be hard," he adds, "but you’re the strongest person I know. No matter what you decide, I will be by your side the entire time. You are not the same scared little girl you were all those years ago and I think it’s time you show him that.”

He’s right. I didn’t survive this long to let him go without getting the truth I rightfully deserve. That man made my life hell and it’s time for payback.

"Okay, but I want everyone there in case something happens. I know you’re big and strong, but I want as much backup as possible.”

"Whatever you want,” he agrees.

Exhaustion hits me out of nowhere and I snuggle into Grayson’s chest. I take a deep breath, inhaling his woodsy scent, my body instantly relaxing.

As I drift off to sleep, I whisper, "I love you, Bear.”

"I love you, too, pretty girl.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Grayson

"Bear,Iloveyourparents,but I don’t understand why we can’t just see them tomorrow?” Logan pleads from the passenger seat of my truck.

My girl was determined to get out of there, so she slept on and off throughout the day. She woke up a few times, panicked, but I never left her side. As soon as she saw me, she relaxed and went back to sleep.

They let us go from the hospital this morning and it took us over an hour to get on the road. Every five seconds, we were stopped by someone asking Logan how she was doing.

I almost snapped at the pharmacist that took forever to give us Logan’s medication. I know it’s not his fault, but I’m wound the fuck up.

Logan told me it’s not my fault but no matter what she says, I will carry this for a while. The moment I saw those beautiful green eyes open, I wanted to drop to a knee and propose to her, but she deserves better than a hospital proposal.

I know she wants to go home but I need to introduce her to the thing that made me late. She hasn’t asked me why I was late yet, and I hope all of this was worth it and that she loves the newest addition to the family.

We pull into my parent's driveway and I’m nervous as fuck. They have been keeping me updated on the pup and sending me pictures. Noah went to check on Oliver to get a break from Mike and he said the little dude was depressed as shit.

"We won’t stay long, I promise,” I say to Logan, who looks like she’s seconds from falling asleep against the window.

I’m not surprised to see Noah here. He has been texting me every hour to check on Logan.

"Don’t move,” I tell Logan and then hop out of the truck.

Opening her door, she turns sideways and faces me.

Lifting her gently out of the seat and placing her on the ground, I tuck her against me and walk toward the front door.

Before we reach the door, it swings open, and Noah and my mom run down the steps. Mom shoulder checks Noah out of the way and gently pulls Logan into a hug.

"Oh, sweetheart." Mom backs up and looks Logan up and down. "It’s so good to have you home. How are you feeling?”