Chapter 5 One week later…Damien PriestPOVA week ago, at my wedding half of my guest were shot dead and I’ve yet to discover who was behind it. As frustrating as it is we have no leads either.I’ve been in New York since then because the police have been trying to find the culprits for that’s what Rowan believes. It seems as if the police are dragging their feet.“Mr. Priest, I found something, I think you might find interesting…” Daniel says.I look up at him he places his iPad in front of me, I read the news article he had opened up.[19th May 1968 Alessandro Cappitani the head of the Cappitani family found stoned to death in front of the family church with his lover Alessa Romano and their three-year-old son.Eyewitnesses put two men at the scene and those men were arrested the very next morning…] There was a picture of the family of three attached to the article. “I don’t understand?” I look up at him.“Well, I looked into the death it felt sketch. So, when I did some digging,
Chapter 6Amara PriestPOVI bow my head… “I’m sorry but it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to make it to my interview…” I apologize to Liv.She shakes her head. “It’s fine. I’ve been reading the news I know what’s going on. Focus on your family…” she says.I nod. We were video calling, I decided to let her know I won’t be able to be in LA for my interview next week. By the time I made it to Damien’s apartment he was already taken away by the police, and someone tipped off the media so his face was plastered all over the news on how he was arrested for murder.“We’ve already decided to hire you. That being said since you’re a part of the team we’ll help you just this once…” she says before hanging up.I frown. What did she mean by that.=============Rowan PriestPOVI step out of the police station. They won’t let our lawyers or any of us see my brother.The police are insistent not to be of any help to us. What the fuck is their fucking problem. They weren’t this helpful when there w
Chapter 7Rowan PriestPOVI’ve always known life was full of unforeseen events, life would take you places you’ve never imagined possible. Like if you told me a year ago, I’d be happily married with a baby on the way I would have thought you were pulling my leg. I probably shot you in the head for messing with me. But here I was happily married ready to preach the gospel to everyone who would listen about how happy I am.Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been this this happy in my entire life. Grace is spending the day with my mother today. They’re going baby shopping.They’re shopping for baby clothes. I’m sure it’s my mother’s way of trying to find out the gender and knowing my wife my mother’s going to know in the first five seconds.I smile just thinking about it. She’s going to feel so bad for caving so soon. But I know Grace well enough to know we weren’t going to be able to keep it a secret from our family for very long.After the shooting two weeks ago, Grace has been in stat
Chapter 8One week laterDamien PriestPOVI run my fingers through my hair and look at Amara and Grace go on and on about this new hair shampoo they’re using. To be honest I don’t see the difference they’re speaking about.We’re having lunch at my apartment. apparently, we’re celebrating Amara getting a job. I didn’t even know she was job hunting. Though we’re not close enough to be called a married couple. We do our best to avoid one another when we’re alone.I look over at Rowan, he’s not paying attention to what they’re saying but his watching his wife lovingly. Should I be doing the same? Should I look at Amara like she hung the stars and the moon?If I’m being completely honest with myself, I don’t think I’ve seen my brother this happy ever. Not even with that witch who shall not be named. She got what she deserved, and her death isn’t on anyone but herself. Run my fingers through my hair once more. Rowan looks over me and nods toward my office.I stand and make my way over to
Chapter 9Damien PriestPOVGunner is one of my best friends. Well, we’re not really friends, but we work well together. He’s like my work friend. It’s worrying me that a man glued to his phone is not answering it. He’s either got a girl over or somethings happened to him.While Rowan and I file into the car and leave the girls with their guards, the drive in the car with Andre still feels awkward. I haven’t gotten over the shit Angie did. Andre isn’t at fault; I just feel bad that his entire family had to die because of her. Her parents died because of her.I get why Andre didn’t mourn her; she was pure evil.I look over at my brother typing away on his phone. “Dad’s on his way over to your apartment to watch over the girls.” Rowan says.I nod. When we reach Gunner’s apartment. I frown. I didn’t know he stayed in Brooklyn.I walk after my brother. I may be paranoid, but it feels like someone is watching us. I pause and look around.I don’t see anything and walk in after my brother.“
Chapter 10Amara PriestPOVI feel like sheep being led by the Shepard. Grace and I were led out of the house with at least one hundred men guarding us from what I don’t know… But Austin protecting us means something’s happened.Something must have happened and the little head they received must have been a warning for more to come.Grace and I are sitting in her old room. She’s watching tv. I would love nothing more than to watch it with my older sister. I love soaking in all the moments we didn’t get as kids. But right now. I want nothing more than to be involved in whatever is happening.One thing I hate more than anything is being left out and I’m sure this will be a way to protect Grace as well.I am thinking about the deadline Rowan gave me; I should book a meeting with my parents. They’re back in Chicago. I don’t know how safe it’s for them to travel, so I should probably do this over video call.“Do you think I could borrow your laptop to call my parents?” I ask her.She nods.
Chapter 11Rowan PriestPOVDamien and I stand side by side in the vault. We look at one another and nod. We were about to do something insane, and it was going to be a long damn night. I was already drained by what is to come.We place our thumbs on the scanner and look into the mirror.{Fingerprint recognition in progress don’t remove your hand until it’s complete}It takes a minute. For us to hear the ding…The door opens and Damien and I walk into the room. The door shuts once we’re in. and I’m surrounded by darkness.“Lights Den” I say.{Voice recognition In Progress. Light’s will be on shortly Master Slade}The system it’s a few seconds and the lights switch on.“Den down to the control room.” Damien orders.{Voice recognition. Good day Young Master Demon King…}I refrain from rolling my eyes at my brother’s ridiculous username.The doors open and we step into the elevator. This place is meant for Damien and me alone. That’s why the support is upstairs in the safe room.Once Dam
Chapter 12 – One week later.Amara PriestPOVSitting at Damien’s desk trying to get some work done. Liv asked me to get a job at a small café. I don’t know why yet, she told me to get the job first then she’ll let me know what my job is. So, I’m trying to do as much research as I possibly can.I hated the idea of going in blindly. I did as much research on the owner and news reports, but I found nothing. Is this some sort of test maybe?My phone rings, I look up from my laptop and see Damien’s name flash across the screen.“Uhm did you mean to call me?” I answer the call still surprised he called me; I honestly think accidentally called me.After all the shit that’s going on we’ve barely spoken two words to each other. Honestly, it wasn’t what I was expecting when we first got married. I thought we’d argue every chance we got, but with everything going on we barely have time for one another. Yet alone argue.We’ve been married for so long I don’t know a single thing about my husband
EpilogueFive years laterSofia PopovPOVAlex turns me around roughly he glares at my jumpsuit. “What fuck is this? Why won’t the dress go over your hips.” he growls.I bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. “It’s called a jumpsuit. It doesn’t go up your hips, it’s not a dress.” I tell him.“What the fuck is a jumpsuit? Why would Sasha let you something so ridiculous?” he asks.Before I could say anything, I felt him rip the jumpsuit right off me.I stare at the fabric laying at my feet in shock.My eyes move up to my husband.He smiles innocently. He shrugs his shoulders. “I couldn’t get it off you and we don’t have much time before Sasha’s and the kids come looking for you.” He wasn’t joking.Today was Sasha’s wedding day and we were supposed to be downstairs at the reception, but Alexsei wanted some time alone away from everyone.Me being pregnant with our fourth child we barely have any time to ourselves anymore. Ellie’s nearly ten now and the twins Shasha and Dasha are three
Chapter 53Damien PriestPOVA few minutes ago, when my daughter was born, I watched her laying on her mother’s chest. She’s got a head full of dark hair similar to mine."Would you like to hold her?" Amara asks.I nod."Where’s the baby bag?” Amara asks.My eyes widen. “In the car…” I forgot to bring it in with us.I take Sutton from Amara and hold her in my arms. She’s so tiny.“Hello Sutton, it’s your father…” her little fingers form fists. she’s so fucking cute. I’ve never seen a prettier baby.“Why don’t we run a few tests and have little Sutton cleaned and we’ll have her back to you before you know it.” the nurse suggests.I nod handing her over to the nurse.I kiss Amara’s forehead. “You did great momma…” When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect the day to end holding my baby in my arms.What I didn’t expect either was my wife being a fucking trooper through it all. I thought she’d be biting my head off cursing me out. She fucking took the pain I wouldn’t have known she was
Chapter 51{Three months later} Amara PriestPOV I’m sick of this. I’m so fucking sick and tired of this shit!!!!I’m so done with all of this pregnancy shit. I’ve been pregnant forever now. I’ve been pregnant for almost a fucking year.This little shit won’t get out. We’ve tried everything, spicy food, walking, sex we have sex almost five times a day and she still refuses to leave my damn body.If I could evict her I would. Damien’s been walking on eggshells around me because every time I so much as look at him I want to throw something at his fucking head! He put me in this situation in the first place.For the last month I’ve been to the hospital almost every week. I’ve been having those damn fake contractions. They don’t feel fucking fake to me though.Sutton is our rainbow baby; Damien and I’ve gone to therapy and had every hospital check up possible. We made sure she was healthy. Fear grips us no matter what we do.The longer she’s in here the more I worry. On the one side I w
Chapter 50Sofia PopovPOV"Ladies and Gentlemen please help me in giving a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Popov…" The MC’s voice boomed throughout the ballroom.My brothers were very generous when it came to today’s proceedings, Damien paid for the bridesmaid dresses, Rowan opened up his house for us for today.Growing up my brothers and I weren’t close, they had responsibilities they needed to take care of, I had to learn how to take care of a family while they learnt how to protect their own.Alex and I walk into the hall hand in hand. He squeezes my hand as we approach the table with my grandmother and some of my friends from Ireland.Ellie rushes off to her friend. They flew out to America thankfully. Everything happened so suddenly Ellie couldn’t even say goodbye.“Hello everyone.” I greet them. They stand. Wendy Moira’s mom hg me first. I introduce her and her husband Henri. All five of their kids were in attendance. Addis, Adeline, William, Rush, and Moira. Addis and Adeli
Chapter 49 – The WeddingTWO MONTHS LATERAlexsei PopovPOVToday was one of the biggest days of my life. Today I change the last name of the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Sofia stayed over at her parent’s house last night while I stayed over at Sasha’s new apartment.My sister got her own apartment so I could get the house we were staying in, she said it was the perfect home for a family and she didn’t want to get in the way of our family time. I thought it would be better if she stayed with us, but she didn’t feel the same way.I stand at the end of the aisle, watching Sofia’s brothers stand with their wives. Amara was seconds away from popping.I had no idea how far along she was, but she looked ready to pop. Not that I know much about women’s bodies and how they work.A slap on my back brings me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Sasha.Wearing a teal blue dress.“What are you doing out here? You’re supposed to be with Sofia…” I remind her.She rolls her eyes. “Th
Chapter 48 – the dress part 2After everyone told Randy which dresses would look good on me.Randy asks me. "Please this way."He leads me to the dressing room. A woman is waiting for us when we walk in. “This is Samantha, she’ll help you into the dresses and have it fitted to you.” He introduces her.I nod. We talk a little more. After that he goes off to check out dresses.I am told to change into a robe and to wait for him.When Randy returns, he has a huge bag in his arms.“I want you to try this one on. Your father picked this one out…” he tells me.He walks back out.Samantha unzips the bag and I gasp out. The dress was stunning huge but stunning.An A line dress, it looked like a ballgown dress. It was white the material looked like mesh with lace appliques. The top was a boat neck, and the sleeves were off the shoulder.Samantha helps me into the dress, and it fits perfectly. It fit me so well. Tears well up in my eyes just looking at the dress on me.“It looks so good on you.
Chapter 47 – The dressSofia Boyle - PriestPOVToday is one of the best days of my life and the day hasn’t even started yet. Today is my wedding dress appointment.Today I’m getting one step closer to walking down the aisle.I have no idea what the men are getting up today, but Alex said Rowan and Damien asked to see him. I’m also well aware of the fact that if they didn’t, he would find a way to sneak into my appointment. He hates leaving me alone, even when we’re with family.He's constantly looking over his shoulder making sure Ellie and I are okay.Ellie will be joining us at my appointment today, she’s just as excited to pick out her own dress.All the women are joining. My mom, Amara, Grace, Sasha, Mia, Rayna and Ellie"What are you doing up so early?" Damien asks walking into the kitchen."I couldn’t sleep…" I say taking a sip of my coffee.He smiles he leans against the cabinet crossing his arms and legs.“What?” I ask.He shakes his head. “Just I never thought the day would
Chapter 46Four months laterDamien PriestPOVWe’re at a studio getting Amara and my pregnancy photoshoot.She’s only six months pregnant. But there’s are for our baby shower, Amara has this whole plan for the baby shower, she’s been planning it since she found out we’re pregnant again.This being our rainbow baby, Amara’s been extra cautious. She’s handed the reigns over to me. letting me take care of her.Do we still mourn the baby we lost before, yes. She’d insisted we get scans as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She wanted something to hold onto. We didn’t have anything for the baby we lost, no stuffed bears, no scans not a piece of clothing nothing.“I’m so excited to get this done…” Amara says with a smile. “Sutton will look back at these pictures and love them…” her smile bright her blue eyes shining brightly.Sutton our daughter’s name. We found out last month. We haven’t informed our family yet. We’re doing it at our gender reveal in three weeks.Sutton Wren Priest…
Chapter 45Rowan PriestPOVSitting in bed with my wife I keep thinking about how to be there for Andre and Rayna without overstepping.Andre was there for me through my darkest moments, I want to be there for him, help him.I don’t want to overstep by telling Rayna the truth. Andre helped me realize that was in love with Grace, he told me to move on with Grace and I know we wouldn’t be where we are without him.“What’s going on with you?” Grace pauses her show and looks at me.I shrug my shoulders. “This whole drama with Andre. I want to help.” I tell her honestly. Though it wasn’t the whole story, Grace knew there were parts of my life I could never be honest about.She’s never held it against me. When I say Grace is an angel, I’m not lying. She knows I’m a terrible man, that I’ve killed people. That our empire was built on other’s bones, yet she still finds it in her heart to love me.She’s not only an amazing wife but an amazing mom to the twins. I don’t know what I’ll do without