Chapter 25
Selene
I’m wrapped in warmth from all sides, cocooned by steady heartbeats and familiar scents.
It’s peaceful in a way that feels almost unreal.
With my men surrounding me, I feel safe.
Loved. It makes me crave our future—whatever that may look like.
I know our world will never be without chaos or danger, but with them, I feel invincible.
The sun begins its slow climb across the sky, casting a golden glow over the room.
Carefully, I slip out from their arms and pad to the bathroom.
After using the washroom, I head out to the balcony, needing a breath of solitude.
The early morning air is crisp, grounding me as the orange tones of dawn stretch across the horizon.
I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I’m still here surviving. Thriving.
A lesser person would’ve shattered after losing their father. A weaker soul might’ve given up after a bullet tore through them. A bitter heart would’ve turned away from love, from forgiveness. But I’m none of those things.
I’m me.
And I finally understand—everything happened for a reason.
So, I let go. Of the grief. Of the guilt. Of the pain that tried to bury me.
Tears fall freely, but I don’t hide them. They’re not just for sadness—they’re for joy. For freedom. For the love I never saw coming.
Footsteps approach, and I turn toward the sound.
“Princess,” Keir’s voice is quiet, tinged with worry. “Why are you crying?”
I smile softly through my tears. “I’m just… letting myself feel everything.”
He pulls me into his arms, warm and steady. “You’re allowed to feel it all and still be the strong woman you are.”
Dario appears next, rubbing his eyes. His gaze lands on me, and his expression crumples. “Pumpkin, you’re crying.”
“They aren’t all sad tears,” I reassure him, and he pulls me into a hug, kissing each of my eyelids.
“Oh thank God,” he breathes, grinning. “You know you’re a badass, right?”
I laugh. “Yes, love. I know.”
“Fuck yeah! I got a cute name!” He pumps his fist in the air proudly.
A throat clears, and Kaz steps into view—dark, brooding, beautiful. Dario lets me go, and I walk into Kaz’s arms. He wraps me tightly against his chest and presses a kiss to my forehead.
“You okay, malyshka?” he murmurs.
I open my mouth to answer, but something catches my eye. Ink. A new tattoo—right above his heart. A crescent moon with my name etched into it.
My breath stutters. I reach out, fingertips brushing the design. “What is this?”
“You have my heart,” Kaz says softly. “You’re the brightest sliver of moon on my darkest days.”
Emotion swells in my throat.
“It’s pretty neat. Mine’s better though,” Dario says, smug.
I whip my head toward him—and gasp. Above his heart is a tiny pumpkin with my name curled around it. The delicate lines are soft and almost whimsical.
“You have my heart,” he says, voice tender. “You’re a force to be reckoned with, but always my pumpkin.
I step back, eyes darting to Keir, and sure enough, ink blooms over his heart too. A gothic-style princess crown with my name woven beneath it.
He takes my hands. “You have my heart. I never dreamed I’d be able to find someone like you.”
And just like that, I’m crying again. Overwhelmed. Full.
Keir gently spins me around. All three of them kneel before me, and Keir pulls out a small box.
“Be strong. Be independent. Be brave. Kick some ass,” he says, opening the lid.
Inside is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen—an onyx coffin-cut diamond surrounded by white diamonds on a silver band.
“But let us love you,” Kaz adds.
“Let us lend you our strength,” Dario says.
“Let us be your everything, as you are ours,” Keir finishes.
I take a breath and pretend to hesitate—just to tease them. They all tense, and I bite back a laugh.
“I never thought I’d have this—you,” I say. “But now that I do, I never want to let go. You’ve stolen my heart, my mind, my soul… and I don’t want them back. From this day to my last—yes. I will marry you.”
Keir slips the ring onto my finger, and they pull me into a tangle of muscle and warmth and joy.
“You had us there for a second, pumpkin,” Dario breathes.
“Well, I’ve got to keep you on your toes,” I smirk.
Laughter erupts around us—until my stomach grumbles, loud and unapologetic.
“Let’s feed you, Princess,” Keir says, lacing his fingers through mine.
We head back inside. I throw on sweats, brush my teeth and hair, and find everyone in the kitchen. Lily’s the first to spot me.
“Oh my God!” she squeals, racing over. “Let me see the ring!”
She grabs my hand, and her eyes go wide. “Holy shit, it’s gorgeous.”
“They did good,” I say with a proud smile.
Katherine hurries over too. “Wow. How does that suit you so perfectly?”
I glance at my guys. “Because they see me.”
Max catches my eye and tilts his head toward the back patio. I nod and follow him out the French doors, cheeks flushing at the memory of last night.
“You happy?” he asks quietly.
“I am. I wish Dad was here, but…” I shrug.
Max pulls me into a hug. “He’d be proud of you.”
“I know. It’s just hard.”
“It always will be,” he says. “But the pain gets lighter.”
I rest my cheek against his chest. “You know I couldn’t have done this without you, right?”
He chuckles, the sound tight. When I pull back, I see the emotion in his eyes.
“You deserve happiness too,” I say, squeezing his shoulder. “You’re not the only one looking out for me anymore.”
He sighs, glancing inside at Lily dancing around the kitchen.
“I’m not even sure how to go about it…”
“Be honest. Tell her how you feel. Life’s too short not to.”
With a final squeeze, I head back inside. My guys watch me like I’m their entire world.
As they are mine.
This journey has been brutal—full of pain, loss and blood. But every dark moment led me here. To them. To this life.
To love.
Because this life is a dangerous game…