The end

The end
Hera POV

Three months later.

I stare at the woman reflected in the mirror and I can't help but smile. She looks so different with makeup on and happy.

I am happy.

It's been three months since Mason and the others rescued me.

In the past three months, so much has happened. Lily finally attended her therapy sessions and regained her speech.

Mason managed a clean exit from Shadow Riders and left Zero to manage the club. He has been dedicating his days to keeping Lily and I company.

Chloe and Zero held a flash marriage and moved in together.

Nyx and Ghost have been dating. I'd say, I never expected that Nyx would be into someone like Ghost.

He is hot tempered, just like she is. I thought she would go for a soft spoken person but she proved me wrong.

That's not the most funny thing. It's the fact that Ghost is no longer the hot headed man I knew, at least not at the presence of Nyx.

She has tamed him and he is happy. That's the most important thing.

The door to my room is pushed open and Chloe saunters inside, her lips stretched into a smile.

“ It's delightful to see you this way, Hera.” She says, standing behind me. Her happy face is reflected in the vanity mirror.

I smile back at her.

“ Do you remember what we promised each other when we became friends?” She asks and I nod.

“ How can I forget? We promised to be by each other's side during our weddings. You ended up having more weddings yourself.” I reply and we both laugh at that.

“ Yeah. I have been married several times but today, I do feel accomplished. Watching you in your wedding dress and ready to walk down the aisle for a man who would give you the world, it feels heavenly, like a blessing.” Chloe says and I notice her eyes glistening with tears.

“ You are not doing bad yourself, Chloe. Zero adores you. He would go to the end of the world to protect you.” I reply, placing my hand on top of hers.

“ We have been through a lot to get here, Hera.” Her voice breaks at that. I turn around to face her, my tears threatening to fall too.

“ That's why we have to enjoy what life has given us. Of course, it wasn't easy to get here but we are finally where we dreamt to be. Let's be happy, Chloe. Heaven is finally smiling down on us, let's not shed tears on such a special occasion.”

Chloe nods frantically, wiping her tears.

“ I didn't mean to cry. I wouldn't want to smudge my makeup. It took me hours to attain this godly look.” Chloe grumbles and I laugh, shaking my head.

“ I am the one getting married, why would you spend hours doing your makeup. You are even more anxious than I am, the bride.” I muse.

Chloe playfully nudges me then proceeds to dab her face.

“ I can't help it. I can't believe it's finally happening.”

“ You better believe it Chloe. After today, Hera will not only be my boss and friend but also my sister-in-law.” Nyx's voice sounds followed by the door opening.

She enters the room, followed by Raven.

“ Are you trying to show off to me?” Chloe fires back, pouting. For some reason, the two of them have been bickering since Mason and I announced our wedding.

Nyx knows Chloe is jealous yet she doesn't waste any opportunity to tease the poor lady.

“ That's enough, both of you. You are really making me feel jealous.” Raven complains, rolling her eyes at the duo.

I find myself just smiling at their friendly banter.

I never realised how happy and fulfilling it was to have a family, a friendly and loving family.

We are not related by blood but our bond is strong.

It's funny how I found a family among strangers and my blood family turned into strangers.

After my last encounter with my sister, Tara and our mother back in Vegas, we stopped talking to each other, not like we had any decent communication before. It was always me reaching out and forcing myself where I wasn't wanted or appreciated.

After we decided our wedding date, I sent them a wedding invitation.

I never got a reply to confirm their attendance. Not like I expected them to have that decency. Still, I can't sit here and lie to myself that their lack of concern doesn't sting.

But what's the use of sobbing over spilled milk? They had made it clear to me severally that they didn't need me in their lives and I was going to do the same – pretend they never existed and embrace the life I have now with my new family.

“ I have made my decision, I am leaving Shadow Riders and joining Killer Angels officially.” Raven announces. The room falls into silence for a moment.

I had requested her to join Killer Angels and help Nyx manage the club.

I was planning to withdraw from managing the affairs of the group and concentrate on my marriage.

Nyx and Chloe were my first options until Chloe informed me that she was expecting and not so eager to be a full member of the Club.

That's why I turned to Raven and made the request.

“ You have?” I ask to make sure she is not playing another one of her pranks.

She nods.

“ I have given it much thought. I am the only remaining woman there. Fiona, well, you all know what happened. She won't be returning to America. I can't always remain amidst so much testosterone. Taking your offer to join the club is my best shot.” She replies.

“ Did Shadow agree with your decision?” Nyx asks the questions I was about to ask.

Raven nods.

“ He did. He said it's for the best.”

“ Welcome to Killer Angels. With you two around, I can rest assured that everything will be perfect.” I say, giving her a handshake.

“ Alright. It's about time you walk your path now.” Chloe says, adjusting my veil.

“ I'll go and make sure Lily is in position. She is excited, maybe more than the groom himself.” Nyx says and we giggle.

She is right, Lily has been overexcited lately or should I say ever since she learnt that her father and I were getting married.

Raven and Chloe escort me to the entrance. We settled for a church wedding.

At the door, Lily runs to me and clings to me.

“ You look beautiful mommy,” she whispers, her eyes twinkling.

Yes, she calls me mommy now.

“ You look beautiful too, princess.” I reply, bending to place a kiss on her chubby cheeks.

“ Are you ready?” She asks and I nod.

Slow music starts playing and she blows me a kiss before walking ahead, throwing rose petals along the aisle.

I follow behind her, memories of how Mason and I met, our first kiss, our first misunderstanding, our first fight. It all comes rushing back at me and I find myself smiling.

I lift my face and spot Mason standing at the altar, hands shoved into his pant pockets. He smiles at me and I realise that this is the perfect ending for me, for us and for all our dearest readers who have laughed, cried and even cursed with us along the road.

Dearest gentle readers, as the story comes to an end, I will take this moment to say, thank you for coming this far.