Page 151 of Hostile Saint

It was so hard to see through all the water in my eyes when trying to read the names that, unbelievably, matched. They read:

Duke Wolf Bryant

And

Noble Lycan Bryant

Lynx, the man who saved my life… was also giving me his last name.

Not sure how to express how honored I was, I opened my mouth to try but then he handed me another ID and piece of paper. “If Pretty Girl still wants a ceremony, we can give her one, but I wanted you two legal,” he rolled his eyes, “illegally,” he smiled, “so that no one can separate you again.”

Speechless, I read the third ID:

Jamie Lace Bryant

The piece of paper was a marriage certificate.

I was now complete.

And passing on the family’s name.

Strong arms grabbed me and held tight. “You are my boy.” He wiped his face from over my shoulder. “Thank you for being a gift that reminds me there is a God. Thank you for teaching me to not be afraid…” he choked out, “of a name.” He kissed my head then shoved me away.

Then, he faced Elle.

He took a knee. “This time away from you has been the worst,” he peered over his shoulder at me, “and the best.” He looked back to Elle, who was temporarily in shock. “If this kid can face his demons and become better for it,” he began to cry, “then so can I.” He shook off the tears and lifted his chin.

Even on his knees, he was regal and proud.

“Elle, will you be my wife?”

Elle dropped to her knees and stared at him. Finally, her mouth moved. “I already am,” she tapped her chest, “right here, but yes, Duke Wolf Bryant, I would be honored to share the name Bryant with you and your son.”

“Pussified!” yelled a crying Vice. “I am absolutely pussified!”

The laughter was almost as beautiful as that couple kissing on their knees.

Finally, all composed again, I went back to packing, and Vice went back to his earphones. I had no idea he would start yelling. I had no idea, amongst all our joy, there was a devil I never saw coming. “Lynx! Lynx! Goddamnit!”

Lynx, Dagger, and I came running, guns drawn.

Vice was on his feet and more livid than I had ever seen him. He threw his headphones into the wall with such force they practically exploded. “He’s taking her memory!”

“What?” Roared Lynx, so confused.

Vice hit a button on his laptop.

My ears were ringing so hard I could barely make out Doctor Landon’s voice as he spoke to a hypnotized Lacey, telling her not to remember… “No.” I stumbled back. “No.”

That man, the one my instincts tried to warn me about, was now betraying his patient. She had trusted him, and he was punishing her for it.

Dagger punched the wall. “Motherfucker will pay!” He yelled at Lynx, “It’s because of her fucking blood work! He wants to keep this ‘special’ girl to his fucking self!”

Lynx turned to face me, his expression full of the horror quaking my heart.

After all I had been through, everything I fought for to have my girl back, that bastard was taking her from me, all over again. It was so evil, so selfish that I could barely stay on my feet.

I had just held her, made love to her… This was the most severe breaking point for me.