Kade POV
“I’m never letting you go,” he says, the teasing moment gone, replaced by something heavier, something real. “You know that, right?”
I nod, tugging him closer, brushing my lips against his. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me now, forever.”
His grip tightens around me as he grins. “Forever, huh? Bold claim. I don’t know, Mercer, that’s a long-ass time.”
I smirk, running my fingers along the nape of his neck. “Too late, you already signed the papers.”
“Shit. Should’ve read the fine print.” His laugh is warm against my skin before he presses his forehead to mine. “So,” he murmurs, tilting his head. “Was that worth waiting for?”
A quiet chuckle escapes me as I press a lazy kiss to his shoulder. “Definitely. Though I wouldn’t have minded if we’d gotten here sooner.”
He groans dramat
Rook POV - A Few Weeks LaterThe room is dimly lit, the only glow coming from the small nightlight near the crib. I pace back and forth, arms cradling Nikolai’s tiny body as he fusses, his cries quieting only slightly before starting up again. He’s been restless all night, shifting against my chest, letting out little whimpers that turn into louder cries every time I try to sit down.I bounce him gently, rubbing slow circles on his back. “Come on, kiddo,” I murmur, voice low and tired. “I thought we had a deal. You cry, I fix it. Why am I not fixing it?”Nikolai lets out another frustrated little wail, his small hands fisting into my shirt. I sigh, shifting my grip and trying a different motion, swaying side to side instead of bouncing. It helps, only a little.The door creaks open, and I glance up, expecting Rose for a second before I realize it’s Kade. He leans against the doorway, eyes shadowed
Kade POVMr. Wilson is already waiting near the reception desk, his expression unreadable.“Mr Volkov,” he greets, offering his hand.I shake it quickly. “You got the paperwork?”He nods, handing me a folder. “Everything is here. The mother signed before leaving. There are no complications on her end.”I flip it open, scanning over the signatures, the legalities of it all. “I’ll need to take these with me. Rook has to sign too.”“Of course,” he agrees. “It’s all legally binding from her side. Once Rook signs, everything is finalized.”I exhale, closing the folder. “Where is he?”Mr. Wilson gives me a small smile, one I don’t quite know how to read. “Follow me.”I do, walking down the hall behind him. Each step feels heavier than the last, my mind still struggling to catch up with the reality of this. I knew t
Kade POVDamon, the asshole, doesn’t even try to help. He just watches, completely entertained, as Rook practically shoves me out of the way and drops to his knees in front of the carrier.“Holy shit,” Rook breathes, hands already fumbling with the straps. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing him home today!”“That’s because I couldn’t get hold of you!” I glare, rubbing my shoulder where I slammed into the doorframe. “Maybe if you weren’t busy building a fucking pillow kingdom, you would’ve answered your damn phone.”Rook doesn’t even pretend to listen. He’s too focused on carefully unfastening the baby, his hands surprisingly gentle despite his excitement. As soon as the last strap is undone, he lifts him out, cradling him against his chest with a soft look that immediately makes my frustration waver.Damon, still standing off to the side, crosses his
Kade POV7 Months later.The glow of the computer screen casts a cold light over the office, the only illumination in the dim room. I lean back in my chair, scrolling slowly, staring at the latest set of pictures.Amelia, standing in the dirt streets of some place I’ve never been, her veil caught in the wind, the sleeves of her habit rolled just enough to keep them from dragging in the dust as she hands out supplies to a line of waiting children. A small boy is tugging at the edge of her simple gray tunic, looking up at her like she’s some kind of angel. And she...she’s smiling. That soft, peaceful kind of smile I haven’t seen in years. The kind that makes it seem like she’s found something better than what we had, better than me.I exhale slowly, jaw tight as I move to the next image.This one is blurrier, probably taken by some reporter who didn’t care enough to focus the camera. She&r
Kade POVThe room is filled with the kind of silence that speaks louder than words. The kind that weighs heavy, pressing against my skin like a second layer. It’s not quiet because people are unsure, it’s quiet because they know.This is a moment of history. The kind that is spoken about in hushed tones years later, the kind that determines the future of an empire.I walk forward, my steps slow, measured, my face unreadable. Every person in this room is watching me, their gazes heavy, waiting for the moment that solidifies what they’ve already known. That I am taking over. That the seat of power no longer belongs to Nikolai, but to me.The long table standing in front of me is made of dark, polished wood, deep scratches marking the years of decisions made over it. It’s not just a table, it’s where orders are given, where alliances are made and broken, where men have bled for the choices they made sitting here
Rook POVThe hardest part of yesterday was Amelia. While she was gone he could tell himself stories, make himself feel better. The fact is, when he saw her, he then felt it. He realised what he had tried to pretend wasn't there.He was brooding for the rest of the day then, and I know it's because Amelia didn't stay, she didn't ask to see Harlow. She didn't come back for a coffee, does she even drink coffee? I don't know, I thought nuns didn't do anything fun.He's still brooding today, I didn't hear what she whispered to him. I saw it though, the way his face broken, the way he gave up trying to get her home.I watch Kade from across the room, the way his fingers drum against his knee, his jaw locked tight, his eyes distant. He hasn’t said much since yesterday. He’s here, but he’s not. His mind is somewhere else, somewhere far from me, far from this house.I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Kade,&rdqu