Page 127 of Grim

Grim glared at Havoc like he was calculating the exact number of punches required to make a point.

But when Sophia leaned into Grim’s side, still giggling, his arm slid around her waist automatically, possessively, protectively.

From the edge of the yard, Fish lifted two fingers in a subtle nod, the closest thing he ever gave to a smile. He’d been watching the perimeter the whole time, quiet, steady, making sure nothing and no one got too close.

It wasn’t belonging that struck her; she’d felt that for weeks. It was joy. Real, bright, unexpected joy. The kind she thought she’d lost forever. And watching Grim laugh with Havoc, nod at Rook, trade quiet words with Stone… that was what hit her. He wasn’t on the outside anymore. Neither of them were.

As the sun dipped lower, Stone called everyone together.

Ghost stepped forward when Stone called his name. “Ghost, you’ve been steady. You’ve been reliable. You’ve earned this.”

Stone held out the fresh patch.

Ghost didn’t smile, but his jaw tightened, eyes bright with something he didn’t let spill over. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

Havoc shouted, “He’s buying the first round!” The crowd roared. Ghost let Stone settle the cut on his shoulders, now complete. A full member. A brother.

The cheers rolled through the yard.

Brick drifted toward Grim as the noise swelled around them.

“I heard what you said,” Brick murmured. “About thinking before I move. About surviving the experience.”

Grim’s expression shifted, subtle but real. “You listened. That’s a start.”

Brick swallowed hard. “I’m trying. I know I’ve got a lot to learn.”

“You do,” Grim said. “But you’re getting closer.”

Brick nodded once, a quiet promise. “Thanks for coming for me. For not giving up.”

“I don’t give up on my own,” Grim said.

Brick blinked hard, then straightened, the moment settling between them like a step forward.

Sophia felt her throat tighten. This wasn’t just a club. It was a family.

As the noise died down, Grim stepped forward.

Sophia blinked. “Maddox?” He didn’t answer.

He faced Stone. “I’ve got something to say.”

The crowd quieted instantly.

Grim turned to Sophia, and the world seemed to fall away.

His voice was low, steady, rough with emotion he rarely let anyone see. “Sophia… you’re it for me.”

Her breath caught.

He swallowed hard. “My woman. My future. The only one I’ll ever choose.”

He took her hand.

The crowd erupted. Cheers. Whistles. Clapping.

Avery cried. Rook grinned. Havoc shouted something inappropriate. Stone gave a proud nod.