Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Road nods at me, pulling his man away, because Angel is clearly in need of space.
“What if they still think he’s worth avenging?” Angel asks, meeting my gaze.
I was never that well-versed in the intricacies of club politics, but Prophet is there to speak for me.
“Then we go to war. I know Creep would do the same for us.”
Warmth tickles my chest, but Angel straightens his back and frowns at my prez. “It’s Creed.”
Prophet strokes his dark beard and cocks his head. “Huh?”
“He has a name. So don’t call him Creep. And… I think he might need to see a doctor,” Angel adds, gently pressing on my shoulder, but even that’s enough to make me flinch.
Prophet snorts and raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Let’s go, Creed. Let’s get you to a hospital.”
As Angel gets up, he’s no longer trembling. I stroke his hand. “But you’re coming with me?”
The stern glare he had for Prophet a second ago is gone as he leans in to kiss me. “Of course I’ll go with you. You’re never getting rid of me.”
It’s almost as sweet as his declarations of love, and I stare back at him, breathless until Prophet makes a disgusted noise. “Ew, you two will give me tooth decay. Let’s move.”
I chuckle, unable to make myself look away from the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen.
Epilogue
Angel
“Fire cleanses. Fire is rebirth. May the next season be happy and fruitful for us all,” Brigid says, facing the huge bonfire erected in the central area of Vulture Hollow. Bright flames reflect in her eyes as she adjusts the woven shawl draped over her shoulders. It’s starting to get cold, particularly at nighttime, which makes this a fitting evening to say goodbye to the summer. The air smells of burnt wood and the meat Yeti grilled earlier, but the leaves are starting to fall, contributing to the cool, earthy aroma hanging in the air near-constantly.
I step closer, offering her the wooden bowl containing bits of folded paper. Four times a year, the people of Vulture Hollow write down their wishes to give them to the fire. A degree of effort is still required for the spell to work, and certain events cannot be stopped, but intentions matter, and when Brigid pulls up all four corners of the cotton cloth lining the bowl, tying the scrolls together, I whisper a silent prayer.
I hope for good health for Creed and myself, but that doesn’t make that wish any less important, and I smile when the bundle is thrown into the flames, sending sparks into the heavens.
I’m now Brigid’s apprentice, but with this ritual over, the rest of the evening is my own, so I nod at her and seek out Creed while Luna sings in a language I don’t know.
I couldn’t imagine a better ending to the best summer of my life. I’ve enjoyed bonfires, learned how to kayak, and dared explore the tunnels in the caves. I do have one more wish tonight, but that is something to discuss with Creed.
Thanks to the recording Rooster made, the conflict with the Butchers was put out before it could even start to burn. They didn’t even want Domino’s body, which was probably laziness on their part. Creed was the one to dispose of Domino, and as revolting of a job as it was, by the time Domino became body parts and pieces of meat, I was actually comfortable joining Creed in feeding my tormentor to the vultures, though I did wear rubber gloves.
It felt as symbolic, as it was cathartic, since my new family is known as the Vultures. I’m no longer afraid of the birds, and I’ve also learned that I can trust all the bikers. They may carry guns and wear steel-capped boots, but they’re all my protectors. I’ve never felt as safe as I do in the eye of the storm.
In the months since I’ve moved to Vulture Hollow I’ve met every single member, their families and friends. I’ve started my little beauty salon, and one of the local teens has joined me on the nail care front, but I’ve also learned to help out around the community, whether it’s a bit of gardening, serving food at the canteen, or babysitting. Everyone chips in when needed, yet I rarely feel overworked. The whole village has your back when you need it.
I finally see Creed in the company of Rooster, who sports another elaborate braid-mohawk. When I promised him free hairstyling for life, I did not expect him to milk my offer this often, but it’s thanks to him that we are all safe.
I don’t need to trim Creed’s hair as frequently for him to look like a million dollars.
My man sips a beer, nodding as Yeti whips his hands around while talking. Judging from the gestures alone, he killed a literal giant last week, and I smirk before making my way around the fire. The flames reach for the blanket I’m using as a cloak, and my hair dances in the wind when Creed spots me. His eyes always go dark when it happens, and my heart soars, because the old me wouldn’t even dare dream of someone as loving and attentive as him.