Page 20 of The Biker and the Single Mom

I nodded, my hands still steady despite the adrenaline. "Thanks, brothers."

"That's what family does," Hammer said. "You'd do the same for any of us."

Later that night, Pope called with an update. Matt had transferred to a department across the country within twenty-four hours. Put in for relocation so fast it was clear he wanted distance between himself and the Hellbound Saints.

He was gone. Really gone this time.

"How do you know he won't come back?" Rory asked that night, curled against my side in bed.

"Because he's a coward." I stroked her hair, breathing in her vanilla scent. "Cowards fold when they're exposed. Matt thought he had power—the badge, the authority, the ability to intimidate you. Today he learned he's got nothing here. The brothers made sure of that."

"I can't believe it's really over."

"It's over." I pulled her tighter. "You're protected. Luna's protected. And he's three thousand miles away trying to forget he ever fucked with an MC."

She was quiet for a moment. Then: "Your hands haven't shaken all day."

I blinked. Glanced down at my palms in the dim light from the living room. She was right.

Usually by now, exhausted and winding down, the tremors would start. The PTSD creeping in. The memories.

But my hands were steady.

"Mine either," I said quietly.

"Why do you think that is?"

"Because I've got a reason to stay steady now." I kissed the top of her head. "Worth fighting for."

"Doc?" Luna's small voice came from the alcove. "I had a bad dream."

"Come here, baby girl." I lifted the blanket, making room between Rory and me.

Luna climbed up, Mr. Hops clutched tight, and burrowed into the space between us. Her small body fit perfectly there, warm and trusting.

"What was the dream about?" Rory asked, smoothing Luna's hair.

“Daddy finding us and being really cross.” Luna's voice was tiny. "But then Doc punched him again and he ran away."

"That's exactly what happened," I said. "And he's not coming back. You're protected now."

"Promise?"

"Promise." I tucked the blanket around her. "You and your mama both. Always."

Luna was quiet for a beat. Then: "Love you, Doc."

The words struck deep. This kid who'd been running scared five weeks ago. Who'd had an asthma attack in my clinic. Who'd watched me punch her father and decided I was worth trusting.

"Love you too, baby girl."

Her breathing evened out almost immediately, exhausted from her nightmare and comforted by our presence. She'd be asleep in minutes.

My eyes met Rory's over Luna's head. Tears tracked down her face, but she was smiling.

"This is everything," she mouthed.

I nodded, throat tight.