“Because Hope is our sister,” Balthazar said, his voice rough. “Because we’re supposed to protect her.”
“From what?” I asked, stepping forward again. “From love? From happiness? From a man who’s willing to give up everything—his role in the club, his identity, his entire life—just to be with me?”
Balthazar’s eyes snapped to mine, and I saw the crack widen.
“Reaper took him off executioner duties,” I said quietly. “Permanently. Chapman will never work in the tomb again. He’ll work construction with Ravage, check in with Reaper weekly, and live under constant scrutiny. He gave up the darkest part of himself, the part that defined him for years, because he loves me. Because he wants a life with me and Aurora.”
Balthazar’s expression crumbled slightly, and I saw the war raging behind his eyes.
“So tell me, Balthazar,” I said, my voice soft but unyielding. “If Chapman is willing to give up that much, what right do you have to stand in his way?”
The room went silent again.
Reaper’s grin had faded into something more thoughtful, more approving. He leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. “She’s got a point,” he said finally, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “Chapman gave up thetomb. That’s not nothing. Most men would rather die than walk away from that kind of power.”
“He didn’t have a choice,” Zeke said, but his voice lacked conviction.
“He had a choice,” Reaper corrected, his tone sharp. “He could’ve walked away from Hope and kept his role. But he didn’t. He chose her. And that means something.”
Balthazar’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, and I saw the struggle written across his face. He wanted to protect me. Wanted to keep me safe from the darkness he knew too well. But he also knew that I was right.
“Hope,” he said finally, his voice rough. “If he hurts you—”
“He won’t,” I said firmly.
“If he does—”
“Then I will deal with it,” I interrupted, stepping closer. “I’m not a child, Balthazar. I’m not Mom. I’m a grown woman who’s capable of making her own choices and facing the consequences. And I’m choosing Chapman. Not because I’m naïve or afraid. But because I love him. Because he’s mine. And because no one, not you, not Zeke, not Reaper, not the entire fucking MC world, gets to take that away from me.”
Balthazar stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded.
“Okay,” he said quietly.
I blinked, surprised. “Okay?”
“Okay.” He looked at Chapman, his eyes hard. “But if you hurt her. If youevermake her regret this choice, I will end you. Golden Line-Up or not. Reaper’s orders or not. I will fucking end you.”
Chapman met his gaze steadily, his voice rough but clear. “Understood.”
Zeke stepped forward, his expression tight but resigned. “I was lost when I found Joan,” he said quietly. “I walked awayfrom everything because I didn’t know what else to do. Joan saved me, and yes, I love her more than the patch on my back and wouldn’t think twice before walking away for her. So I get it, Chapman. I do. But Balthazar’s right. You hurt my sister, and there won’t be anywhere you can hide. Not from us. Not from the club. Not from anyone.”
Chapman nodded slowly. “I won’t hurt her.”
“You better not,” Zeke said, his voice low and dangerous. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Fuck. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but... welcome to the family, I guess.”
Charity let out awhoopof triumph, and Joy grinned, her eyes shining with tears.
Digger clapped Chapman on the shoulder and said, “Told you it’d work out, brother.”
Stella smirked and crossed her arms. “Well, that was entertaining. Anyone else want to argue about who can date whom, or are we done here?”
Reaper stood, his grin returning in full force. “I think we’re done.” He looked at me, his expression almost approving. “You’ve got spine, girl. I’ll give you that.”
I met his gaze steadily. “I learned from the best.”
He laughed, a sharp, genuine sound, and shook his head. “Chapman, you’re a lucky bastard. Don’t fuck this up.”
“I won’t,” Chapman said, his voice rough.