Axton (Creed’s Lake MC #3)

Chapter Thirty

Axton

“I was just in a room down the hall.” I chuckled as Belle sprinkled me with kisses.

“I didn’t stop praying the entire time. I was so scared for you, our new family, and my brothers.”

I cupped her face but mainly to make her stop kissing my entire face. “I have done everything I could to avoid any of them being hurt. It was big, Belle. There were at least three hundred very evil men storming Creed’s Lake. I don’t know yet if any of your brothers were injured, but I’m about to go find out. They’re setting up the banquet room for me to address them. I can’t hold all of them here and they’re all likely to face charges. As soon as we can, we will create and mobilize a task force to head to Arizona. It may be several weeks before we know what’s going to happen and if the feds want to be involved. We just have to be patient.”

Tears were streaming down her face. “I just love you so much.”

I pulled her face in and kissed her. “I love you, too.” I whispered against her lips. “You’ll be down here for probably a couple of days. Less if we can get the cleanup done. On the bright side, Morgan is having contractions.”

Her eyes widened. “We may have another war coming because I have a feeling Addie’s getting little brothers.”

“Don’t say that out loud. You’ll conjure her up and she’s dangerous.” I was amused then looked at Koty. “I’m having each cult member photographed for you to identify. I do not want you to leave this apartment. There is still a bounty out on you.”

He looked at my mom then gave me pleading eyes not to leave him with her.

“We’ll take great care of him.” Mom said and I caught Koty roll his eyes. I know buddy, I know. Then I noticed her rubbing up and down his arm and scooting closer. Nope, not going to dissect that anytime soon.

“I can’t even go see Baros and Magnus?” Kayla asked.

“They’re going to be with me. You are to stay put, no excuses. If you need anything ask the prospect outside the door. By tomorrow you should be able to leave the apartment and explore some parts of the bunker.”

I gave my wife one last peck on the lips and headed topside. By the time I made it upstairs, the cult members were all seated in the banquet room under heavy guard. Creed was with Morgan, and she was doing most of her labor in their apartment. They hoped she would make it until at least the medical center could be cleared before she needed her drugs.

Magnus and Irons were both waiting for me in front of the room. There was a podium, and I set what I needed down on it. It was a pretty thick file. Unfortunately, there was no Jeremiah in attendance.

“Are they all accounted for?” I asked.

Magnus confirmed with a nod.

“Who is John Henry Ashford?” I asked and a nearly elderly man stood.

“Explain how such Godly people ended up with some of the most evil men on the planet.” I demanded.

He cleared his throat. “By orders of our profit.” He answered. “All we want is our sister returned to us safely.”

“All of Belle and Koty’s brothers please stand so I can address you.”

Fucking twelve men stood. Mostly they were of average height, that was a surprise judging by Koty’s height.

“I demand to know what kind of place you are holding us!” John Henry demanded.

I stood with my hands clasped behind my back. “I’d say you’re in quite the predicament then, because from where I’m sitting, you’re trespassing and don’t get to make demands. You put the lives of every man, woman, and child in this community at risk. For what? A false profit?”

“He has received the gift of the prophets.” John Henry said.

“From what I understand, there was to be no prophet until your sister married her intended. Your father helped Belle and Koty escape because you betrayed him. Jeremiah Brown is a false profit, and Belle was never meant for him.”

The cult members started whispering to each other like that was new information to them.

“We were never told such a thing. We were told our brother Koty took her against her will.” John Henry said.

“It was never her will to stay, in fact, she was saved for me. Mind repeating your father’s prophecy for me as it concerns Belle?”

“Are you saying you claim our sister and will be our next prophet?” They laughed at me. “God will send his most loyal warrior to defeat the false prophet, that faithful soldier is Jeremy Brown. He will bear the mark that matches hers, and lead us to the holy land. Bellemy will know him when she feels his presence near.”

I swallowed hard, damn that shit was nuts, and I found myself and the Originals questioning a few things. “Does he bear the mark that matches hers?”

“That part of the prophecy is up for debate.”

“Have you not seen her birthmark?” I was confused.

“We have, but our father didn’t specify which mark it is in his official written prophecy. Jeremiah has a birthmark on his upper thigh. We have not seen her thigh, but we have been assured it is there.” John Henry said.

I did, I saw her thighs, and there was no birth mark. “But the birthmark was verbally described by your father, was it not?”

“We must go by the official written prophecy.” He said.

“Wasn’t it also in the official prophecy her intended was a soldier?”

“Yes, but that’s also up for interpretation. A soldier doesn’t mean he must serve in the military. It means he is a soldier of God, sent to us as our next prophet and bishop that will fight evil to spread the word of God and help others cleanse their souls.”

I looked down at the will printed out in front of me. “We have a copy of that written prophecy that was attached to your fathers will. Have you seen the will?”

His face turned white.

I looked at Magnus and he lowered the lights after Baros put the copy of the will and the written prophecy up on the screen. I looked at John Henry since he was the highest ranking member present. “I’m taking it that you’ve not shown many people in your cult his official written prophecy?”

Another man stood. “No, they claimed not to have the official copy on hand. It’s up north, and we are not a cult. We are members of a strict religious community that protects our minds and souls from the influence of the outside world.”

Baros snorted and Magnus elbowed him. The man literally just gave the definition of a religious cult. I turned and pointed behind me. “Who has seen this written prophecy?”

Only three people raised their hands, and I knew who the guiltiest parties were. “I believe there’s a motive behind that, so please read the third paragraph with me.” I read from the copy on the podium.

“God’s soldier will appear as a man of earth, but he will wear the earthly soldier’s uniform with pride as he fights evil around the world. Once he takes his spiritual bride, he will relieve us of our troubles and defeat the false prophet. He will do as he wishes with The Order Of The Unseen Hand, and it may cease to exist if he chooses. Let it be so, as he will take our burdens and our weary may finally rest and allow them to live in peace. He will do God’s work and carry the burden alone.”

The cult members gasped then whispered among themselves.

I looked at John Henry. “You and the others kept this written copy to yourselves. Your northern communities do not have a copy, do they?”

John Henry didn’t answer.

“You didn’t want Belle to take an honorable husband that would shut down your cult, so you hid the true prophecy. You are obviously not a man of God if you lied to your church. Let me guess, money laundering through your business and the church?”

I nodded at Baros, and he flipped the screen over to the picture they needed to see, and it was my Army photo. “My name is Michael Corey Axton, and I am the husband of Bellemy Ashford Axton. We have been married, and I am God’s soldier.” Ugh, God’s Soldier. I sounded like one of them.

I heard some arguing and ordered them to calm down.

“You can’t marry her without my permission!” John Henry snapped at me.

“I am her legal husband and will claim the inheritance to help free your women and children from the confines Jeremiah has placed them in, as he is the true false prophet, and they are not safe until he is apprehended.” I confirmed.

“A marriage isn’t so if it’s not blessed by our almighty father! A spiritual marriage cannot occur without the permission of either the father, oldest brother, the bishop, or the eldest parishioner.” He argued. “You are not the soldier of God!”

I flipped back to the written copy of the prophecy. “Paragraph two, read along with me here. I believe he’s been caught in another lie. Your prophet was very specific about the mark.”

You will know him by his mark. He will share the same birthmark as his bride, under his left arm will be the giving hand of God.

I rolled my sleeve up and walked around the room to show all of them. “Touch it if you don’t believe it’s authentic.” Fucking gullible pieces of shit. I believed the old man had some sort of insight, although Belle didn’t want to believe it anymore, because she didn’t want me to think she was only attached to me because of her father’s prophecy. I didn’t know what to believe, but wondered if the old man knew about us and maybe contacted Allred himself to setup the perfect escape for Belle and Koty. He knew Jeremiah was evil but also wanted to give his followers peace if it meant I would shut down the cult. I was on the Creed’s Lake website, granted, my birthmark wasn’t featured on it of course, but I did ask Creed to give her a call and ask for the truth. It wouldn’t change how I felt about Belle. I needed her as much as she needed me, and if the brainwashed followers of a cult needed to believe I was to be their next prophet and bishop, then that was what I would allow them to be. There wasn’t much I wouldn’t have done for Belle at that point. She had my heart, mind, and soul in the palm of her delicate and loving hands.

It was getting heated in the room. The followers were pissed off.

“Do you have proof of a spiritual marriage to Bellemy?” One elder asked.

“It’s not necessary, all we need is a legal marriage.” I answered.

“How can we trust your word if you’re not willing to accept God's blessing of the marriage?” Another one asked.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t willing.” I needed their trust if I was going to have any luck with the women and children in their cult. They needed someone to trust to help all of them adjust to life in the outside world.

“As her eldest living brother, I will not permit such a union.” John Henry said.

“Strip John Henry of his eldership, put the faith of our church in Paul’s hands! He is the next eldest brother, and John Henry has betrayed our almighty father!” The followers weren’t calming down, and most were turning on John Henry. They all spoke loudly, and it was chaos for a few long moments.

Another senior citizen stood. “I will not endorse this marriage until its spiritual.” I believed him to be Paul.

“You can’t strip me of anything! You don’t have the power!” John Henry growled.

The doors opened and Darren walked in with some FBI agents, and a few state boys. Oh boy, here we go.

“We only wanted our sister returned safely!” Total chaos broke out again as they were all arrested. They’d be out in no time because they only had them on trespassing. None were armed and they didn’t have enough evidence of the child brides quite yet.

“Jeremiah had a bounty placed on Koty’s head. Did he not tell you that much? Why do you think all those evil men out there agreed to help Jeremiah? Why so many different gangs stepped up to find both of them. He placed that bounty not even a day after their crash. He knew Koty had influence with Belle, that she fled and wouldn’t come back if Koty was still alive.”

One of the younger men of the cult went to pounce on John Henry, but Magnus stepped in to stop him. He had to hold him back. “You were going to kill my brother?” He was small like Koty, so I presumed they were full brothers with the same mother.

“We will protest the will if you do not marry her in the eyes of God!” The old man I believed was Paul yelled out as Darren took John Henry away in cuffs.

Jeremiah was too much of a pussy to show his face at Creed’s Lake, so Darren would interrogate the men to find him and the women that traveled with him. I told Darren not to take Paul away until I had a moment to speak with him.

Darren stayed back with Paul as Magnus and Baros helped law enforcement with the rest of the men. “Have a seat.” I instructed the gray-haired man. Darren not so gently helped him sit when he refused.

“I presume you’ve left men with your women and children at home?” I asked as I took a seat.

He glanced at the wedding band on my finger, but didn’t answer me at first.

“Your silence makes me believe you might be as guilty as John Henry.”

His spiteful eyes met mine. “I would never betray my father or my church and beliefs that way!” He snapped at me. “John Henry will burn in hell if he doesn’t seek forgiveness.”

“I have a feeling your brother is a non-believer and that’s the last of his concern. I am asking because my legal marriage to Belle is enough for me to claim that inheritance, and I also have a feeling your father knew she would choose a husband wisely. He didn’t know which ones of you to trust with his followers, so he made a gamble. He chose to trust Belle to find a man to collect everything your father has set aside. That means I am responsible for every woman and child that lives on those compounds. Do they trust you?” I asked.

“You won’t see that money, it’ll be tied in probate if you dare try to claim that inheritance without making a Vow to god and my sister doesn’t submit to God’s will for the marriage.” He practically snarled.

“I was hoping to gain your trust. You won’t be behind bars for long, and if I am to share a portion of this inheritance with your fellow cult members to get them on their feet, I’ll need to gain their trust.” At least for the women and children. If I had it my way they would lock up every man that took a child bride.

“Why are you afraid to face God with your intentions? You’re avoiding your responsibility to make that marriage a spiritual one. You will not gain anyone’s trust until you do so, in front of us, her family.”

“What exactly is your problem with me? I’ve saved all of you from what Jeremiah had planned by marrying her. Before I met Belle, I never had a desire to become a husband or a father. I’ve taken her as my wife and she will always be cared for, no matter what happens.”

“Have you taken her innocence and purity without the Lord’s blessing?” He asked.

Belle was far from innocent. “Belle is a virgin still.”

His eyes landed on mine. “You’ve respected her virtue?”

I sat back and crossed my arms. “I already answered your question.” I wasn’t about to say too much and lie about the fact that his sister wasn’t as innocent as he thought. I knew what it felt like to have an innocent young sister, and I did do things of a naughty nature with his.

“If you want my trust, you will wed her the way she deserves and respect my father’s wishes for her to be in a marriage that was blessed by God.”

“Will that also gain the trust of the other followers?” I asked.

“It’s a start.” He said. “I realize you fit my father’s prophecy, but a man of God wouldn’t have married her without the Lord’s blessing. If you want to save Belle and our religious communities, you will marry her and respect our practices.”

“I will not be a follower, or a leader. I will though, help the innocent members start new lives and use your father’s estate to do it. Jeremiah is involved with human trafficking, there are missing women and girls from Indigenous families that are missing and presumed dead. I will use the rest to help them.”

He tilted his head. “You’re not blaming Jeremey for that?” He wasn’t convinced.

“His brother is one of our suspects and Jeremiah, or Jeremy as you all seem to call him, seemed to visit him often.”

Paul swallowed hard. “Jacob?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Wait...” He looked puzzled and troubled. “No, that can’t be right. Jacob was shunned and went to prison. We haven’t seen him in years.”

“How do you think Jeremiah got involved with those bikers?”

He looked very concerned.

“When did you last see Jeremiah?” I asked.

“Two days ago, when we left them in New Albany. We were in motel rooms, but he said he was taking my father’s two wives somewhere safer.” He answered.

“Are these the mothers of Belle and Koty?” I was assuming they were.

“Yes, but he’s not alone. He has others with him. People that tried to help us rescue Belle. It’s not going to end for Belle as far as Jeremy is concerned anytime soon, married or not. He is obsessed with her and has warned us over and over again that he will stop at nothing to marry her. This goes beyond my father’s prophecy, he has loved her since they were children.”

“You mean he has more of the type of men that also wanted to collect the bounty on Koty?” I wanted that to sink in.

Belle

Koty was sleeping on the floor next to the sofa. I told Kayla and Pammy to take the bed while I sat up and waited for my husband. I knew he said everyone was safe, but I didn’t feel safe without him. Koty seemed scared of Kayla, and he was uncomfortable around Pammy. I was sure he was scared of Kayla because she wasn’t exactly as well behaved as Michael believed, although she did nothing to him, but Pammy kept trying to sit a little too close for his comfort.

Finally, I heard the beep of the door being unlocked and I stood as Michael opened it. Magnus was standing behind him. I ran to Michael and threw my arms around him.

“Hey now, I’m fine. I told you it was over, and I was just addressing your father’s followers.” He hugged me back, but it felt like he was taking me in, and I melted into him.

“I missed you.” I shut my eyes and took in his scent. I still worried for him, but I also felt safer in his arms.

“We need to wake your brother up. Him and Baros are going to room with Magnus, and Baros is giving my mom and sister his apartment so we can be alone.” He kissed the top of my head.

“Okay, I’ll help you.”

I let go of him and got Koty up while he went to the bedroom and woke his mom and sister up. I gave Magnus and Baros a hug and thanked them for everything they did to help us.

Once in the bedroom, I bit my bottom lip as I watched him undress to get ready for bed. My eyes took in every tattoo, every muscle and that adorable face of his.

“Keep looking at me that way and neither one of us are going to get any sleep.” He threw his t-shirt at me. “Pajamas.”

I stood and watched him as I threw off my shirt. Yes, I was once again trying to tempt him. His bottom lip went between his teeth as he watched me. Slowly, I took off my jeans and he looked up at the ceiling.

“Jesus give me strength.” He prayed.

I reached behind me and unclasped my bra then let it fall to the floor. His eyes took in my body as I stood in only my white lace panties. He ran his hand down his face as I tried to tempt him. “We have got to get some sleep, but damn, Belle.” I watched his face fall when I picked up his shirt and threw it on.

We curled up in bed and he held me tightly. “Your brothers were arrested, but I’m sure they won’t be held long, at least for now. The other men were taken into custody by various other government agencies.”

“Did anyone get hurt?” I asked.

“None of the men from your community were hurt, but the other men were very bad men, evil to be honest, and there were casualties. Our men had a few injuries, but nothing serious. Also, they didn’t just strike us because of you. We’ve had our run ins with various groups, and we are allies with their enemies. They simply didn’t realize they were storming into a fortress and had no chance.”

“How many of my brothers were with those people?” I asked.

He kissed my head. “Twelve, but we have photos for you and Koty to identify all of them. They gave us their names on paper, but we’d like the two of you to see who was all involved.”

I lifted my head and stretched my neck to peck him on the lips. “Anything else I should know? Any news about Morgan?”

“Creed is with her in their apartment. They’re saying she’s not exactly in active labor yet, but it is happening. It could be as early as a few hours from now or could even be tomorrow or later. I don’t know much about childbirth and I’m more than fine with that for now.”

“What else?”

“They did confirm your father’s death although you are aware since we were able to get a copy of the death certificate.” He sighed. “Belle, we haven’t found Jeremiah yet, but he has your mother and Koty’s. Your brother Paul said he was treating them well, but he separated from the group with them saying he needed to keep them safe.”

My heart pounded against my chest. “Why does he have them?”

“My best guess is as bargaining tools. I will get them and bring them here safely, I promise.”

I was so scared for my mama. Tears breached my eyes. “When?”

“Soon.” He kissed my head. “Your brother, John Henry, was a part of everything with Jeremiah. The other members endorsed Paul as the elder over you. He will not recognize our marriage if it’s not spiritual.”

“But the will doesn’t mention a spiritual wedding. You can still get the inheritance and help my community.” I was still more upset about mama than anything else.

“But I can’t help that community if they don’t trust me. I need Paul and the others to help bridge some sort of relationship with them so I can get their trust. They won’t trust you or Koty either because they think Koty kidnapped you and would probably think I brainwashed you.”

“Did Paul agree to give you his blessing?” I asked.

“He has to face the county judge because he did break the law, but he would like to meet with Koty when he’s released. I do not want Koty outside of these gates for any reason, so he will have to meet with him here.”

“Did he give any hints that he would help?” I was anxious, I wanted my mama and Koty’s to be safe, but I also wanted my community to be safe.

“He said if he agreed, it would have to be witnessed by the church.” He ran his fingers up and down my back very lightly. “I told him it would not happen on any religious cult’s land.”

I sat up and looked at him. “Are you considering it?”

He pulled me back down and rolled on top of me. “Not today or tomorrow. I’d also need your consent.” He chuckled. “But if I propose, and you make the decision to say yes, we will make plans.”

“Yes!” I giggled. “Yes, yes, yes, today, tomorrow, next month, or even twice this Sunday, whenever and wherever you’d take me.” I lifted my head and pecked his lips, then felt a sadness. “I’m scared for my mama.”

He pecked my lips. “Besides keeping you and Koty safe, she’s my priority.” He pecked my lips again. “Irons is acting President since Creed said he’s officially on paternity leave. I have the command center and our investigators on it. Darren is questioning the cult members, and we are looking for them, Belle. We will mobilize and go get them as soon as possible.”

I knew he would do exactly what he said. He was not a man to say anything he didn’t mean, just to make me feel better. We were both exhausted and he laid back down to hold me as we fell asleep.

The next day, we were finally permitted to leave the apartments. I was overly joyed to finally be reunited with Heidi, Steph, Kayla, and Melissa. For the first time in my life, I had friends, like real girlfriends. We were free to converse about anything we pleased, which sometimes I regretted when Melissa and Kayla told stories. We were missing Morgan, Valerie, and Wrenly, but they were all doing things that were very important.

It was afternoon by the time I was able to catch up with them in the cafeteria. Michael woke earlier than me and I woke up briefly when he kissed my cheek and said he would be back in the evening. I learned there were some of my clothes in the dresser, which Michael must have sneaked out of my room at some point. I was just a little amused because I figured out that I didn’t need to sleep in his shirt, he just wanted me to sleep in it. Creed attempted to keep us updated about Morgan. She was doing good, the contractions were still a bit too far apart, and she was only dilated to four centimeters, which I was sure was a disappointment after so many hours of labor. We volunteered to take Addie for them, but Morgan had three great ladies on her team, and Addie wanted to stay with Morgan. Her mom, grandmother, and sister were all with her and Zoey checked on her as much as possible, but she had other patients since some gang members were gravely injured and needed care.

“I think the daddy and daughter dates are a good idea. Ryan doesn’t mind the idea because he wants to set a good example of what a good man looks like to our daughter.” Steph said.

“It would also be a good idea for a family like the Creed’s. Addie just got her forever family and with the twins coming it’s a good idea for her to have some alone time with her daddy. Morgan expressed that Addie felt like she was being replaced with the twins, and I’m sure after what she’s been through it’s scary for her.” Steph said, and I wholeheartedly agreed. I remembered when I had my papa’s full attention when we spent time together and I loved it. I was sure Addie struggled at times with some insecurities.

“Totally agree, and I think if the daughter’s dad is out on mission, we should encourage the dad’s friends to get involved.” Heidi agreed.

A vote went around, and that was when I learned I was officially the newest member of the lady’s guild because I was the wife of an Original. It was a unanimous vote, and Steph would have Felicity add it to the schedule starting in two weeks.

I tried to appear happy, but I was sick for my mama and her situation. I imagined she was scared or injured, and it made me sick. She was never in a good situation, and she was deeply rooted in the beliefs of the church. I didn’t know if I could ever convince her of a future that would include happiness. I wasn’t even sure she knew the definition or if it was something she sometimes hoped would be in her life.

After time with the girls, I spent time with Pammy and Kayla, then we had dinner with no sign of Michael. I had no doubt he was going to work night and day to find my mama for me.

I fell asleep in that apartment, but was woken by Michael in the middle of the night when he kissed my cheek. “Hey, I hate waking you, but they’ve given the all clear to go topside and Morgan is about to have the twins any minute. Would you like to go up and wait with me or stay here and sleep until morning?”

That woke me up quickly. “And miss Addie’s tantrum? Yes! I am definitely going with you!” I was about to see several brave men cower to a pint sized Queen.

Axton

We sat in the waiting room of our own hospital as we all prayed Morgan, and the babies were safe and healthy. Addie sat in the corner, and I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Addie was reading to Belle, and she was so patient with her. Belle had her reread the paragraphs if she stumbled on the words. I never saw such a beautiful site. Addie was my niece, and I loved her dearly, but she was a handful a lot of the time. She didn’t even seem like a challenge for Belle. She had such a kind nature, yet Addie may have respected her for stepping in to stand up to our little bully. Holy shit, that woman over there with those gorgeous eyes and unique copper hair just looked up at me and smiled. She was my wife, and I could barely wrap my mind around it.

I realized just how dark of a place I had been living for pretty much my entire life. It was like the light was always far off in the distance and I worked every single day to get closer to it. I came close to grasping on to it once, but it was ripped further away from me when Natalie died. Then one day, out of nowhere, a blinding but warm light blasted down on me, delivering to me once again, the hope, love, and dreams I once had. She was such a beacon of light that I could barely see anything but her, and I felt alive for the first time I could remember.

I looked around and saw Magnus as he slouched in his chair with his arms crossed while bouncing his knee. He was in deep thought as his best friend and tormentor was risking her life to safely deliver my best friend’s babies.

I thought back to the first time I met Creed, then my memory showed me a short film of how our friendship developed. We were so damn young, looked a hell of a lot alike, and faced hell for it. I swear we had to work ten times harder than other soldiers just to earn any respect from our superiors. We had fun going out on the weekends, finding women and drinking, making more friends, then finally learning Creed’s secret. I was pissed at him for a while, but then realized he wasn’t the only one with secrets.

Then I remembered the first time he saw Morgan in person. We were at a bar for a poker run and Patrick brought her in to use the bathroom. I never saw a man tense up so fast as Creed did when he saw her. I watched as his eyes trailed her to the bathroom, and I knew he was a goner, and he quickly put every barrier he could up to protect himself. Now there I was waiting for news of the lives he created with the girl that got under his skin so quickly in that bar.

I was never a believer of love at first sight, and I never will be one either. To me, anyone who says that shit might as well paint a red flag on their forehead. Love is an end result, a conclusion to several moments of time that started with just a spark of attraction. If the victim was like me, they felt an intense attraction in an instant, then that attraction grew to curiosity, then infatuation, and eventually love. From where I was sitting, and my past experiences, anyone that ever said it was love at first sight ended up being a psycho. Men said that about my mom, then they would end up being carted off to jail. Love was gentle, kind, and forgiving. It doesn’t hit anyone in a matter of seconds. It gently and slowly, and I knew I was still experiencing something that was growing each day.

Melissa was sleeping as she leaned against Drakos, and he was blankly staring up at the ceiling. Granger was by himself and slouching in the chair as he slept. Steph was home with their children. Irons was leaning against Wrenly, and they were both sleeping.

Bolton was curled up against Darren sleeping as he had a whispering conversation with Morgan’s dad. Patrick was looking at his laptop, probably doing someone’s family tree. He took up being an amateur genealogist over the last six months or so. It was a hobby, and he definitely needed one. The guy probably already slept with most of Sinclair County. His other sister was next to him looking at her phone.

I laid my head back against the wall and remembered how significant of a night it was for Creed. I remembered every damn time I almost lost him. We went on plenty of missions together, we were captured for over twenty four hours at one point, then I was chosen to lead command on a few of his missions he had to take without me. A few of which resulted in me having to drop in and save his ass. Jesus, just the lives I had to take to get him to this moment alone was unbelievable. Even after leaving Delta Force, I had to drop in and save his ass in war zones twice, and almost went to prison the first time. I’d never forget the look in his eyes when he would realize the torture was ending when he looked up and saw me. I had seen him beaten to an inch of his life, sometimes as he was tied down and others as he hung by his wrists with blood all over him. It didn’t matter the situation, when I showed up to kick some ass and get my best friend home, I would see the relief, admiration and dare I say love in his eyes. The thankfulness those eyes always communicated to me. I lifted my head to see Creed walk through those doors of that miniature hospital, his wet eyes met mine, and I saw it once again. My best friend just fell in love again twice and his children were born. He nodded, and I knew what he was saying to me. ‘Brother, if it weren’t for you, I never would have had this moment.’ I gave him a nod just as I felt tears building in my own eyes. Every knife wound, every graze of a bullet, every day of starvation while held captive, and every brother in arms I held as they took their last breaths came down to that one moment. Creed was now a father of three, and I was so damn proud of him.

He looked around the room and his eyes landed on Addie. He took a deep breath and composed himself like I saw him do many times and he spoke the words Addie most dreaded in the world. “Colton and Cole can’t wait to meet their big sister.”

Everyone gasped instead of cheered the way they should have been able to, because Addie was about to have the meltdown of a lifetime. The eardrum busting scream that left her body had all of us covering our ears.

I looked at Belle, her jaw was dropped in shock over the high pitched scream, and the look on her face probably matched my own. I saw Creed battle with his fight or flight instincts and almost run back through those doors and leave Addie to us to deal with, but he made three big strides and knelt down to Addie.

She stopped screaming and looked at her father with a level of anger that I had never seen on her before.

“Addie, they’re just tiny babies and they need you…” Her job dropped and she screamed again until Creed grasped her little face and gave her a look that probably scared the shit out of the girl. “Like it or not, little girl, these two innocent babies need a big sister like you to protect them. These two little guys are going to look at you like you hung the moon, because you are brave and smart, you will always protect them like me and everyone in this room has done for you. These babies need you, Addie, just like you need all of us.”

She looked around the room. “You no more love me, daddy.” She whimpered, and we all knew that was the trouble all along. She hadn’t had a year with Creed and Morgan after everything she went through and a few times in foster care during her lifetime

“Do you love mommy and daddy less because you love your aunts and uncles so much?” He asked.

She shook her head no.

“I’ve told you time and time again. Love grows and there’s always enough for everyone. Today, you’re about to meet your two bestest friends ever and they are going to love you as much as mommy and daddy do.”

I could see the moment Addie gave in and decided she would at least meet the two little intruders. Creed gave her a hug then stood. “Colton Darren Creed was born first, and he came into the world at a whopping eight pounds three ounces, and Cole Tanner Creed came five minutes later at eight pounds five ounces. Morgan and the babies are healthy and everything went very smoothly. Her mother is with her now and she’s trying to breastfeed, but Zoey said everyone can come back and meet them soon.”

“Those are huge twins!” Wrenly said.

“No wonder she was so miserable.” Bolton said.

“Any word on her gastrointestinal issues?” Magnus asked.

Creed chuckled and shook his head. “So far, so good. She’s overwhelmed and so am I, just this is crazy.”

“It’s the hardest you’ll ever fall.” Granger said.

Creed nodded. “Intense to say the least, they’re absolutely perfect with a lot of dark hair and they have all their fingers and toes.”

Everyone hugged him and congratulate him, then he announced he was taking Addie back and would come back for us when it was time.