The four men who stole something from me before I even realised it was missing.
My trust. My loyalty. My heart.
Pieces of me I didn’t mean to give, but did anyway.
Chapter 34
RONAN
“Do you think they heard us?”
I let out a satisfied grin as I tug my joggers back into place, eyes landing on Cherry by the window. She’s fully dressed now—one of my shirts hanging off her shoulder, paired with leggings that somehow make her look even softer. Comfy. Safe.Mine.
I lean against the wall, arms crossed, just watching her. She’s stunning without even trying, and she doesn’t have a clue. That’s probably my favourite part.
A lot of women throw themselves at the Veilguard members. Some want power, others just want the thrill of screwing someone who hunts monsters for a living. Can’t blame them—dangers apparently sexy. And sure, I’ve dipped a toe in that pool once or twice. I felt good at the time.
But here’s the thing—quick fucks and fake moans get real old, real fast. I figured out pretty early I’m not built for meaningless flings. I like connection. Fire. Someone who’ll argue with me, then steal my shirt and eat the last cupcake just to prove a point. Someone who sees the mess and stays.
And I found her.
Her hair was a wild mess of white curls, the red-tipped ends catching the light like embers. And those eyes—silver, streaked with violet—like the stars had finally figured out how to look back at me.
“Do you want me to lie?”
“Ronan,” She warned, voice laced with that familiar mix of exasperation and affection. “I’m being serious.”
I smirked, crossing the room in a few strides and wrapping her up in my arms. “So am I,” I said, voice husky as I looked down. “You’re pretty damn loud when you come.”
Her lips twitched like she was fighting a smile, then she groaned and buried her face in my chest.
“Oh my god. I can’t believe Daleyza and Drew heard us.” She mumbled.
I laughed, pressing a kiss at the top of her head. “Pretty sure the whole house heard us, Cherry. You only have yourself to blame.”
“I wasn’t exactly thinking… clearly.”
Neither was I. I blame the pretty naked lady.
She leans back just enough to meet my eyes, that little crease between her brows. There’s softness there, something warm and steady that’s just for me. Even with the realm falling apart around us, she wears happiness like it was made for her, subtle but impossible to miss.
“Obviously,” I breathe, my voice low as my hand slides to the back of her head, fingers threading through the mess of hair. I pull her in and kiss her softly. She tastes like heat and wild things, like the calm before a storm I never want to end. Every part of her is familiar and addicting, and for the first time in a long time, the ache in my chest begins to settle—like maybe she’s the place I’ve been searching for all along.
“I love you,” I tell her again because once will never be enough. I could spend the rest of my damn life saying it and still not scratch the surface.
Her small hands tighten in the fabric of my shirt, clinging like she needs to anchor herself. “Do you really mean it?”
It’s a silly question, but coming from her? Not surprising. After everything she’s been through, I get why she questions it.
I cradle her face in my hand, gently, not breaking eye contact. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and like I told you before—even if all I get is a piece of your heart, I’ll still love you with every damn part of mine.”
She doesn’t say anything, just looks at me—eyes steady, a little glassy. A tear slides down her cheek, and I wipe it away with my thumb. Her skin is warm under my hand, and even without words, I know exactly what she's feeling.
“I know it's complicated… with Malrik.” She trails off, nibbling her bottom lip, and I catch the hesitation in her voice.
She’s quiet as she thinks about the situation, and I know there’s something between her, Darian and maybe Kieran too. There’s history with Darian, one that’s not easily forgotten. But they’re my brothers, and if loving her means navigating a relationship only vampires and shifters have, then so be it. I will do it without question.
“But you have my whole heart, Ronan. It’s not split into pieces for each of you, it's whole for all of you.”
