Chapter 17
NICKEL
Afew days later, we learn that governments around the world aren’t comfortable with women being bred and their babies sold. They’re willing to look the other way while we do what’s necessary to shut these bastards down.
Church is interesting, to say the least, following Burres’ interrogation.
The Skulls join us via video, and all of them are livid when we share the information Burres gave us. I’ve never seen them lose it like that.
We give them every piece of information we have, knowing how vital they are to our efforts to find the people responsible.
“That’s all we have to report,” Coal finally says. He looks around the table. “Does anyone else have any other business?”
“I do.” Nora stands and turns towards the Skulls, taking a deep breath. “I want to thank you for finding me and giving me a purpose after my family was murdered. Working with you has meant everything to me and helped me to heal.”
She pauses, giving them a small smile as she reaches for my hand. I give it a small squeeze. Her next words shock the shit out of me.
“But I’m done. I’ve found a new home. I couldn’t have done it without you. I got my revenge like you promised, and my family is at peace. I’m at peace. For the first time in years.”
She swallows, and a tear trickles down her cheek. “This family”—she gestures around her—“has welcomed me, and I’d like to stay with them. Help them with their operations. I know you have other snipers and assassins, but if you want my help with training, I’d be willing.”
Cahir gives her a soft smile. “Nora, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. We knew when you started down this path that you’d eventually end up there. We’re happy for you. Cai more so than any of us. It means that another one of his legacies has found his love.”
He glances at his brothers, who all nod.
“Don’t worry about anything. Enjoy the next part of your life.
I’m sure Coal will put your skills to good use in the coming years.
The Skulls wish you and Nickel nothing but happiness.
You’ll always be one of ours, no matter what. If you need us, we’ll come running.”
Nora inhales a shaky breath and wipes the tears from her cheeks, but she’s smiling. “Thank you, Cahir. Thank you to all of you for everything,” she whispers, sitting back in her seat.
I wrap an arm around her shoulders and tug her against me, offering as much comfort as I can while we’re in Church.
Coal nods at Cahir. “I appreciate you letting Nora join us. She’s a welcome addition to our inner circle.”
“We’re happy she found you. I’ll keep you updated on any news about The Nanny. If Sterling finds anything before we do, contact us. Speak to you all soon.” Cahir ends the video call.
“I know you’re already an Old Lady, Nora, so you’re already a Queens Wraith, but not all Old Ladies join us in Church,” Coal explains. “Only those who are part of operations. Nickel can explain it all to you.”
He grins. “With that said, I’d like to officially welcome you to the Tin family and the inner circle of the Queens Wraiths. I’m fucking happy my brother has you by his side. And I’m even more thrilled to have your expertise with operations. I hope you’ll be happy in your new home.”
“Thank you, Pres,” Nora replies, sitting up straight and looking my brother in the eye. “I appreciate the official welcome, and I won’t let you down.”
Coal nods. “I know.”
He raises the gavel and looks around the table. “Does anybody else have anything they want to discuss? No? Good. Stay safe. I’m taking the afternoon off to spend with Thea and Shea. Don’t bother me unless it’s life or death. Church is ended.” Coal bangs the gavel on the table.
Nora and I wait until everyone leaves, and the room is silent. Tugging her up, I turn my chair to face the tapestries that depict our history.
Nora settles in my lap, her face tilted up to mine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, darlin’. Everything is perfect. But now that everything has calmed down, I want to tell you about the Queens Wraiths’ history with the Cursed Skulls. Some of this may sound fanciful, but I assure you, it’s true.”
Nora kisses my cheek. “You forget I’ve been in war zones. I’ve seen things that are hard to explain. Tell me.”
So I do.
In the Church we built, with our insignia on our table, I tell Nora about our history, how our lives are intertwined with the Skulls, and what we’ve been tasked to do.
When I finish, she’s silent. I let her digest everything I’ve thrown at her, waiting to see what she’ll say.
“Wow, that’s a lot. But it also explains so much and answers a lot of my questions about the Skulls.
” She turns to straddle me. “Thanks for telling me. I don’t care, though.
I’m happy I ended up here, and I’ll keep their secret.
The work we do is important, and I’m glad I get to keep doing it.
I’m even happier that I get to do it with you. ”
Nora leans forward, resting her forehead against mine and closing her eyes as she continues. “After my family was murdered, I never expected to find happiness again. Then you came along.”
She opens her eyes and eases back. “I love you, Nickel. I hope we have many happy years together. If we have thousand-year-old ancestors with certain powers watching over us… all the better.”
“Fuck, darlin’, I don’t have the words to tell you how much I love you. Just know now that I’ve got you, and I’m never letting you go. I’ll be marrying you as soon as I can. There’s nothing I’d like more than knowing you’re a Queens Wraith and a Tin.”
She grins at me and lowers her head. “Whenever you’re ready, honey, you let me know, and I’ll be happy to say, ‘I do.’ Now kiss me like you mean it.”
What’s a Tin man to do but obey his lady's wish?
So I kiss her like I mean it.
Like I will every day until the end of time.