LikeI’mthe only signal in the world.
WhenIreach him, he doesn't wait for the preamble.Hereaches out and pulls me to his side, his arm wrapping around my waist like a clamp.
"Weare gathered here,"Loganstarts, his voice booming, "to witness the union of our brother,Daniel, andKaila."
Helooks atDaniel. "Youvow to protect her?"
"Withmy life,"Danielsays immediately.Nohesitation.Noscript.Justfact.
Loganlooks at me. "Youvow to stand by him?"
"Ido,"Isay.Myvoice is steady. "I’mnot going anywhere."
"Rightthen."Logangrins. "Bythe power vested in me asPresidentof theBrokenHalosMC, and because the town ofPineValleyknows better than to argue with us,Ipronounce you man and wife.Kissher,Tracker."
Danielturns me to face him.Hecups my face in his hands, his thumbs stroking my cheekbones.
"Mine," he whispers, low enough that onlyIcan hear. "Everycode.Everysecret.Everybreath."
"Yours,"Iwhisper back. "Everyglitch.Everyfirewall."
Hekisses me.It’snot a polite, wedding-day peck.It’sa claiming.It’sdeep and slow and thorough, tasting of coffee and possession.Theroom erupts in cheers, whistles, and the stomping of boots, butIdon’t hear them.Ionly feel the low, steady thrum of his presence against my chest.
Thereception is a barbecue in theClubhouseyard.Evenin the snow, theGunnarsknow how to throw a party.Thereare heat lamps, fire pits, and enough whiskey to tranquilize a grizzly bear.
I’msitting on a bench near one of the fires, watching the chaos.Kevinis laughing withRafeandNick, gesturing wildly as he recounts some story.Helooks happy.
"Cold?"
Daniel’sheat broadcasts itself behind me before he even moves.Hedrapes his heavy leather jacket over my shoulders.Itsmells like him—gun oil, leather, and the cold mountain air.
"No,"Isay, leaning back against his legs.Hestands behind the bench, his hands resting on my shoulders. "Justwatching."
"He’sgoing to be a goodProspect,"Danielsays, following my gaze toKevin. "Smartkid.Weneed brains.Wehave enough muscle."
"Hewants to stay?"
"HeaskedLoganabout it an hour ago.Hewants to earn his keep.Sayshe doesn't want to be the victim anymore."
Inod, a lump forming in my throat. "Ithink that’s good."
"Andyou?"Danielbends down, his lips brushing my ear. "Youhappy,Mrs.Gunnar?"
"Mrs.Gunnar."Itest the name.Itsounds heavy.Permanent. "Theair is easier to breathe.IthinkIam."
"Youcan look over your shoulder,"Danielsays. "Butyou’ll just see me."
"Isthat a threat?"
"It’sa promise."
Hecomes around the bench and sits next to me, pulling me into his lap.Icurl into him naturally, fitting against his chest like a missing puzzle piece.
"So,"Itrace the patch on his cut.Nomad. "Youreally gave it up?Theroad?"
"Roadwas lonely," he murmurs. "Andcold.Ifound a better view."
"Yeah?"Ilook up at him. "What’sthe view?"