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How many times in my life had she told me that?

But wasn’t it?

She pulled away like she hadn’t just blasted a hole in my foundation.

She had to know better than that. Had to know Elena deserved so much more. So much better than the type of life I could offer.

Like Silas wouldn’t put a bullet in my skull if I got selfish enough to go there, anyway.

Still, I stood there in some kind of daze as everyone congratulated Elena again, half the Crows lifting her off her feet as they hugged her and swung her around.

Elation flooded out of her as she squealed and laughed.

A joy unlike anything I’d ever seen emanated from her being.

“It was truly the best day ever. Thank you all for being here to make it so special.”

“That’s because you are special, Elena,” Silas rumbled as he hugged his sister tight, staying there with her for the longest time before he finally turned to me.

Pulling me into a half hug, he muttered near my ear, “Take care of her, brother.”

Was pretty sure he didn’t mean it the way that Meems had.

I itched, gruffed out my entire truth. “Won’t let anyone hurt her. Never again.”

“I know,” he raked out in return.

After Brinley and Elena finished hugging the crap out of each other, Silas set a hand on the small of Brinley’s back and guided her out.

Phoenix and Brody had their elbows linked with both of Meems’, giving her support.

The slew of Crows piled out behind them. Most strode out to their bikes, a sea of black metal glinting from the parking lot.

Five others spread out to their assigned posts.

Through the windows, I watched Silas secure his family in their SUV, then climb into the driver’s side. Headlights burned through the big paned glass as he started it up.

A thunder of rumbling bikes climbed into the air.

An earthquake that flooded out onto the quiet, sleeping town.

I watched them all go, not sure how the fuck I was supposed to turn around and look at Elena after everything.

I stood there trying to refortify my defenses.

Trying to remind myself of my purpose. Of the oath that I’d taken.

Reminded myself of every fucking reason I couldn’t have her.

Covered in the steel of that truth, I finally turned.

Too bad every cell in my body went pliant.

Fucking goo as I looked at her standing in the middle of the makeshift dance floor.

She appeared a little dazed. Wide-eyed and loopy. Probably a tiny bit tipsy from the champagne, but I was pretty sure it was mostly due to the high she was riding.

My smile was gentle.