Page 40 of Ranger’s Protection

Phoenix stands, and we follow suit. "For now, you both can rest. We're still on high alert, but there's no immediate threat. Vale's intel is being processed, operations are being planned, but that doesn't require immediate action from either of you. Delilah, Eden wanted to get you properly set up with more clothes and supplies. Ranger, you're free to... continue whatever you were doing."

The knowing look he gives me is impossible to miss.

"Thanks, boss," I say.

We leave the office. Diesel is still in the hallway, talking quietly with Canvas now. They both look up as we emerge.

"Everything good?" Canvas asks.

"Everything's good," I confirm. "Vale talked, gave us actionable intel, but Demon's still in the wind."

"So, business as usual," Canvas says. "High alert, full security, wait for him to make a mistake."

"Basically."

"Well, on a lighter note," Canvas continues, grinning, "Eden wants to meet Delilah properly. Something about making sure she's settling in okay and has everything she needs."

Delilah looks at me, uncertain.

"Go," I tell her. "Eden's good people. She'll take care of you. I'll find you later."

She goes up on her toes and kisses me quickly, in front of everyone, before heading down the hall toward where Eden is waiting.

Canvas watches her go, then looks at me with raised eyebrows. "So. That happened fast."

"Yeah. It did."

"How fast we talking? Like 'we're fucking' fast or 'she's my old lady' fast?"

I consider the question. Consider what I feel when I look at Delilah, when I think about her, when I imagine a future that includes her in it.

"Old lady fast," I admit. "Don't know how. Don't know why. But yeah. She's mine."

Canvas grins. "Welcome to the club, brother. The 'fell stupid fast and don't regret it' club. We have jackets."

Diesel shakes his head. "You're all fucking insane. Meeting someone and deciding they're forever in less than twenty-four hours? That's not love, that's temporary insanity."

"Maybe," I agree. "But if it is, I don't want to be sane."

Canvas claps me on the shoulder. "Come on. Let's get breakfast and let you experience the joy of everyone giving you shit for being loud last night."

"Can't wait."

We head toward the kitchen, and I can already hear voices and laughter and the chaos that is the Iron Phoenix family during breakfast. Somewhere in that chaos is Delilah, being welcomed by women who understand what it's like to find safety in unexpected places.

And I realize Phoenix was right.

This is what we do. We protect people who need protecting. We build something honorable in a world that often isn't. We stand between the vulnerable and the predators.

And now Delilah's part of it.

Part of this family. Part of this mission. Part of my life.

Mine to protect. Mine to keep.

The threat isn't over. Demon is still out there, still dangerous, still hunting. The war isn't finished. But we're ready. Alert. Prepared for whatever comes next.

But now I'm not facing it alone anymore.