Page 19 of Blade’s Protection

"Safe. Happy." She pressed against me, soft curves molding to my body in ways that still made my brain short-circuit. "Wondering when you're going to make this official."

"Funny you should mention that." I pulled the leather from my back pocket—a patch that read "Property of Blade, Pike Creek Riders MC." "This is yours if you want it."

Tara squealed from beside us. "Oh my God, yes! Another old lady! We're going to be sisters!"

Tiffany took the patch, fingers tracing the letters. "Property?"

"It means you're mine. Protected by the club. Family." I cupped her face, making sure she understood. "It also means you're choosing this life. The danger, the judgment from people like Jenkins, all of it."

"I chose it the minute I walked into your apartment and didn't run from what I saw there." She went up on her toes, pressing her mouth to mine. "I choose you. All of you. The club, the life, everything."

"Church is starting," Viper called out, but his tone held amusement.

I kept Tiffany's hand in mine as we headed to the meeting room. Traditionally, old ladies didn't attend church, but this was about her.

"Brothers," I said once everyone was seated. "You all know what went down yesterday. The threat's been dealt with, but that's not why we're here."

I pulled Tiffany forward. "This is my woman. My old lady. I'm claiming her officially, asking for the club's blessing."

"About fucking time," Phoenix said, earning laughs around the table.

"Anyone got objections?" Viper asked, following protocol even though his smile said he already knew the answer.

"She makes damn good coffee," Phoenix offered.

"She patched me up after that bar fight last week," Tank added.

"She's got more balls than half the prospects," Crash said with approval. "Using herself as bait? That takes stones."

"All in favor?" Viper called.

Every hand went up. Unanimous.

"Then welcome to the family, Tiffany." Viper stood, offering his hand. "You need anything, any of us, any time, you call. That's what family means."

The next hour became an impromptu celebration. Beers appeared, music cranked up, and Tara dragged Tiffany around introducing her to everyone as "Blade's old lady" with infectious enthusiasm. I watched from my usual spot at the bar, something settling in my chest that had been fractured since Afghanistan.

"You look different." Dr. Tad's voice made me turn. The old doctor stood beside me, beer in hand despite it being barely noon.

"Didn't hear you come in."

"Viper called me. Said I should be here for the claiming." He studied me with those sharp eyes that missed nothing. "You look peaceful. First time I've seen that since you came to town."

"She makes it quiet," I admitted. "The noise in my head, the memories. When she's around, they don't scream as loud."

"That's what the right woman does. Makes us better than we were." He took a pull from his beer. "She's good people, that girl. Strong. Compassionate. Exactly what a broken soldier needs."

"Not broken anymore." The words came out sure, surprising me with their truth.

"No," Dr. Tad agreed. "Not anymore."

He clapped my shoulder and moved off to talk with Viper, leaving me to watch Tiffany navigate my world with natural grace. She laughed at something Tara said, the sound hitting me in the chest. Her hand gestures animated her story, probably about yesterday's confrontation. When she caught me watching, her whole face lit up.

"You gonna stand there staring, or you gonna come dance with your old lady?" she called out.

"I don't dance."

"You do now." She crooked her finger at me, and my feet moved without permission.