Page 47 of Judge's Justice

"I'm in love with her," I confess. "With both of them. Nora and Grace. I know it's fast. I know it's complicated. I know we're in the middle of a war and this is probably the worst possible timing. But I'm in love with them, Phoenix. And I want to be with them. Want to build a life with them after this is over."

Phoenix doesn't react. Doesn't move.

"You slept with her," he says. It's not a question.

"Yeah."

"In the medical room. While you were supposed to be recovering."

"Saint told you."

"Saint's face told me. Kid looked traumatized when he came back." Phoenix almost smiles. Almost. "So. You brought a civilian into the clubhouse for protection. Started a relationshipwith her. And now you're asking me… What? Permission? Blessing?"

"I'm telling you what's happening. Whether you approve or not, I'm with Nora. I'm going to be part of Grace's life if they'll have me. But I also know I'm your VP. I know my decisions reflect on the club. So, if you have a problem with this, I need to know now."

Phoenix is quiet for a long moment. He drums his fingers on the desk, thinking.

Then he speaks.

"You remember why I started this club?"

The question catches me off guard. "Because the Vipers became something you couldn't stomach. Because Demon corrupted everything your parents built."

"That's part of it. But the other part?" Phoenix leans forward. "I started this club because I wanted to build something good. Something that protected instead of destroyed. Something that gave men like us: broken, damaged, violent men, a purpose that mattered."

He pauses.

"You know what I see when I look at you right now, Judge? I see a man who found his purpose. Who found two people worth protecting, worth fighting for, worth building a life around. And yeah, the timing is shit. Yeah, it's complicated. But you know what? That's exactly what this club is supposed to do. Give men like us a reason to be better. A reason to fight for something that matters."

My throat tightens.

"So no," Phoenix continues. "I don't have a problem with you and Nora. I don't have a problem with you becoming a fatherto Grace. What I have is respect for the fact that you found something worth fighting for beyond the club. Beyond the war. Beyond all the shit we've been through."

"Eli…"

"I'm not done." His voice is firm but not harsh. "The Vipers are going to come for them. For Nora and Grace. They know they matter to you now. They're going to use that against us. Against you. Are you prepared for that?"

"Yes."

"Are you prepared to kill for them? Because that's what it might take. Demon doesn't play nice. You know that better than anyone."

"I'd kill every Viper in that club if it meant keeping Nora and Grace safe."

Phoenix nods slowly. "Then we're clear. You protect them. We protect them. The whole club stands behind you on this. But Judge?" His eyes are serious. "Don't lose yourself in this. Don't let your feelings for them cloud your judgment when we need you tactical and clear. Can you do that?"

"I can."

"Good." Phoenix stands, comes around the desk, and offers his hand. "Then congratulations. You just became a family man."

I stand slowly, because my ribs are still screaming, and shake his hand.

"Not officially. Not yet. We're taking things slow with Grace. Don't want to rush her. We're not telling her about us yet."

"Smart. Kid's been through enough upheaval. Let her adjust to being here first. Let her get comfortable. Then when you're both ready, you tell her together." Phoenix claps me on the shoulder,my good shoulder, thankfully. "Now get out of my office and go be with them. You've earned it."

Family man. Actual family. The family I've wanted my entire life.

I'm walking toward the door when Phoenix speaks again.