Epilogue
Gwen age 22
Knight age 26
Gwen
The lot between the two buildings that made up the compound was full of bodies. The grills were going. The fire pit was ablaze. Gruff laughter filled the air around me and I had a smile permanently plastered on my face.
I looked around and felt at home. This was my family and the man currently walking towards me with eyes that only saw me, was my heart. The moment he was close enough to touch me, he pulled me into his arms and held me close. Then he was kissing me, right there in front of everyone, claiming me for all those who could see. And I didn’t mind one single bit.
Dad was here and so was Knight’s dad, Cringer. In fact, over half the club from Gray Fort had made the long drive to be here.
What was this exactly? A huge club celebration all for me. I had walked across that stage and been handed my degree just hours before. I closed a chapter in my life and was looking forward to starting a new one. And all of my loved ones were here to be a part of that. My night had been full of hugs and proud congratulations. I could honestly say that I’d never had that many embraces in one day, but I loved every second of it.
“So what now, baby?” Knight asked as he pulled back and peered down at me.
“Well…” I started as I looked up at him with my best up to no good eyes. “I was thinking we could sneak off to your room and…”
His head tipped back as he laughed.
“As much as I want to take you right now, your dad’s here and so is mine, for that matter. And this is your party, which means, we will be easily missed.”
“It’s not like they don’t know we have sex,” I said in a joking, harsh whisper.
“Yes, but knowing and have it actually thrown in your face are two different things. I would like to keep your dad a happy man when it comes to thoughts of me. Don’t make me ruin that.”
“You’re no fun.” My lip poked out in a mock pout.
“I’ll make it up to you.” He kissed me lazily and I forgot what we were even talking about. “I promise.”
“Princess,” Ky said handing me a fresh beer. “You did it.” He flashed me a big smile, which I matched with my own, as he pulled me in for a huge bear hug.
“Yeah, I guess this means I’m like an adult now, huh?” We laughed.
This was it. The moment I had wanted for so long, and it wasn’t just about graduating. It was about being happy and settled. Surrounded by people that filled me to the brim with warmth, love, and a sense of security. A family so big I couldn’t even begin to count them all.
My family.
I wouldn’t say I got over the fear and panic of what happened to me as easily as I’d let on. And while it would always be there in the back of my mind, I had moved on from it. I no longer looked over my shoulder. And it took a long time for me to trust new people that tried to come into my life, but I eventually did. I made friends outside of the club. I vowed not to let Tara ruin me. And more importantly, change how I saw people. I didn’t want to shut down and close myself off. I knew if I’d done that, in the end, she would have won because it would have killed my soul.
My dad had once said I had a light and warmth that needed to be shared. I held onto that every single day and in those times I felt myself locking up when people approached me, it helped me remember who I was and who I wanted to be.
I never knew what happened to her after I walked out of that building. I had faith that Knight would make sure she was taken care of the way I’d asked. I had a good idea that he kept an eye on her. But I tried my hardest to push her out of my life and move on. I’d given her more than enough that day when I asked Knight not to put a bullet in her. It was probably more than most people would have done. And I decided that was as much of me as she would ever get again.
Life was great. I focused on what I had and what was ahead of me instead of fearing what could happen to me. And while it wasn’t something that happened overnight, I was in a good place.
It helped that I had my rock there every time I felt like I was going to break down. And he always seemed to know when that was coming. I never had to ask Knight to be there, because he was always just there.
I was lucky that we’d somehow managed to find each other again. I truly believed that we were meant to be. I wasn’t much of a fairy tale kind of girl, but I thought Knight and I were one for the books. I had only ever witnessed a love so fierce and warm a few times in my life. And I was going to hold onto that forever.