Seth wanted to rail at the man—tell him he was a goddamn idiot for risking his life. But thankfully, there’d be time for that later.
Seth swallowed hard and rasped, “Thank you, man. I owe you…everything.”
Beck lifted his head slightly and managed a weak smile. “I told you not to fucking die.”
It was completely out of place, but Seth laughed. “You did. Guess I need to learn to listen.”
Suddenly, his mother rushed over, sinking to her knees beside Beck. Tears streamed down her face as she carefully touched his uninjured arm.
“You saved my son.” Her voice broke as she cupped his face, her expression both fierce and tender. “You saved his life! You’re truly a Cooper…now and forever.” Her voice softened. “If you want, you can call me Mom, too.”
Seth’s chest constricted so hard he thought it might cave in.
His mother—his traditional, Catholic mother—had just claimed Beck as her son. Not in theory. Not out of obligation for his role in Seth’s and Heavenly’s lives.
But because she’d chosen him with her heart.
Seth blinked hard, his throat too tight to speak. He met Beck’s gaze across the room. The surgeon’s eyes were glassy, his expression stunned.
“I’d be honored,” Beck said, his voice rough.
Grace pulled him into a careful embrace, mindful of his injuries, as Heavenly wiped tears from her cheeks. Beck sagged against his mom, his face slightly crumpled before he pulled himself together.
Seth looked away, giving them the moment. His hand was still steady on his gun, his eyes locked on Gene.
The bastard wasn’t getting another chance to get away. Justice had come for the son of a bitch, and Seth had appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner.
He let the sounds of his family fade behind him. What waited in front of him was unfinished business.
He turned his focus on Gene, his voice cutting through the room like a machete. “Matt. Nik. Pat that motherfucker down. Every inch. I want to know if he’s hiding so much as a fucking toothpick.”
Matt dropped to one knee. As he began running his hands over Gene’s legs, the prick thrashed and kicked at him. Nik growled and put a boot on Gene’s forehead, pinning the asshole into place. When Matt started skimming his torso, Nik flashed a taunting smile and aimed his gun straight at Gene’s face. The prick glared, but didn’t dare move.
“Clean,” Matt said finally, stepping back.
“Thank you.” Seth turned back to the other men in the room. “Carl. Hudson. Take the women upstairs. Lock the door and turn on some music.”
His son looked confused. “Music?”
Seth nodded. “Loudly.”
Understanding crossed Carl’s face. “On it.”
“Hold up,” Seth called out, glancing at Nik. “He needs a gun. Got an extra?”
The Russian didn’t hesitate. He reached behind his back and produced a Glock 43, offering it to Carl grip-first. “Is loaded. No safety. Point. Shoot.”
Carl gripped the weapon, with a nod. “Thanks.”
Nik inclined his head.
Seth nodded at his son, then told Carl, “If anyone other than me, Matt, or Nik comes through that door upstairs, kill them. No questions asked. Clear?”
“Absolutely,” Carl assured. “Come on, everyone. Let’s go.”
Hudson started to protest, but Heavenly wrapped an arm around his shoulders and shook her head, guiding him toward the stairs.
But Seth’s mom stood like a statue, her furious gaze locked on Gene. Finally, she addressed Seth. “What are you going to do?”
