The Wild Wolf Pup (Zoe's Rescue Zoo #9)(118)

“I came to congratulate you on the wedding,” she pauses, cocking her head to the side. “But now that I’ve said it, it sounds ridiculous. I’m so sorry about everything that transpired on what should’ve been such a beautiful day.”

I didn’t even notice the present in her hand until she handed it to Reina.

“Thank you, Grace,” Reina says, taking the present from her.

“Have you heard anything from Vic?” I ask and I immediately regret the question when her smile falters and she shakes her head.

“I don’t expect to either,” she answers, instantly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “No news means he’s still alive, so I hang on to that and hope he’s not suffering,” she says, turning to Reina who is staring down at a silver serving platter that has our names engraved on it. “Vic’s mother gave me one of those when we first got married and when the girls were born we added their names to it. We thought it was silly at first but after we had the girls we used that platter every night we ate dinner together as a family.”

“It’s beautiful,” Reina says, laying it on the coffee table. “And if we ever decide on a name, we’ll be sure to add it to the platter.”

“Grace,” I say, reaching out for her hand. Her tearful eyes lift to mine and I squeeze her hand. “Vic’s a lucky guy.”

“We were both lucky. It wasn’t just one sided,” she argues and then smiles sadly. “Love is precious, its frail, and it’s gone before some even have time to appreciate it.”

Her eyes drift between me and Reina before she continues.

“Enjoy these times, they may be bumpy, they may be hard but they’ll be a memory quicker than you realize.” She sighs wistfully, pulling me into her arms to embrace me. “If I know my husband as well as I think I do, I know he’d want me to come here today and wish you and your wife the best of luck and to tell you that.”

I wrap my arms around her and look at my wife, her face says it all, she doesn’t want to ever be in Grace’s shoes. I’m an outlaw, albeit an out of commission one, but none the less a man who lives to tempt fate. If I had any sense whatsoever I’d take this injury and run. I’d give her and that kid everything they need, I’d give them me. But I’ve already been dealt these cards, and this patch isn’t just sewn to my cut but it’s branded to my soul.

“I should go,” Grace says, breaking our embrace and moving to kiss Reina goodbye.

“Thank you for the gift and for stopping by,” Reina replies. “Our door is always open.”

The smile on Grace’s face is genuine as she nods and I walk her to the door.

“Anything you need—” I say but she interrupts me.

“I know,” she whispers, cocking her head to the side as her warm eyes pierce mine. “Be safe, Jack Parrish, be smart and be attentive. That woman inside accepts you as you are, loves you as you are but her heart will only take so much. It takes a special kind of woman to live the life you and my husband chose. Respect her for trying.”

She leans in and kisses my cheek before turning on her heel. Her words ring in my ears as she walks to her car, reminding me I am a husband and a father first. Quickly her voice fades and is replaced with another familiar voice.

Ride or die.

You are Satan’s Knight.

You are the devil’s disciple.

And there she is, that bitch of a maker.





Chapter Forty-Seven




Frustrated, I drop the pen onto the open textbook sitting on the coffee table and reach for the banana clip next to it. I twist my hair into a bun and clip it in place as the front door opens. I’m used to hearing Blackie’s bike pull onto the street minutes before he walks through the door but with him driving his truck I never know when he’s coming home. Not that I mind, I’m just happy he actually comes home.

Since the hospital discharged us he’s been out a lot, bouncing between the Dog Pound, my father’s house and wherever the rest of the brothers are temporarily staying. It’s only been a couple of days but my heart doesn’t know that and neither does my mind. I’m lonely, missing him and worried sick. It’s different being the girlfriend versus being the daughter. I love both men but it's different with Blackie, my love has no bounds; it completely consumes every fiber of my being. Without Leather there is no leather and lace.

He throws his leather jacket on a chair and steps into the living room. Silently he walks over and drops down onto the couch behind me, leaning forward to unclip my hair he watches it cascade down my back.

“Come here,” he says huskily as I turn to face him. Unfolding my legs from under me I crawl on my knees and move between his legs. He pushes his fingers through my hair as I angle my head and look up at him.

“Miss you, girl,” he murmurs as he continues to stare at me thoughtfully before his gaze wanders to the books behind me on the coffee table. “Do you have a test?”

“Finals are next week,” I say with a nod. “Since you haven’t been around much, I figured I’d get a jumpstart on studying.”

“You feel like taking a break?” He questions, turning his attention back to my face. He cocks his head to the side, the tip of his index finger travels down my neck to the buttons on the front of my shirt.