Demon (Brotherhood Series #1)

Bound by Brotherhood: Epilogue - A Promise Unbroken

Tony

As I stand in the doorway, a warm breeze dances through the air, carrying with it the sounds of laughter and chatter from the backyard. The sun casts a golden hue over the scene, illuminating the faces of my family gathered in a tight-knit circle, their smiles radiant with joy. Today marks a special occasion – Malakai's second birthday – a momentous event that brings us all together in celebration.

Despite the urgency of my business at the 'Lady Luck', I couldn't miss this precious moment for the world. As I step into the backyard, the rich aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked cake fills the air, mingling with the sounds of playful chatter and children's laughter.

In the center of it all stands Malakai, the birthday boy, clinging to Pops' leg with chubby little hands, his eyes wide with wonder as he takes in the scene before him. My brothers and my wife gather around him, their faces alight with fascination and adoration as they marvel at his every move.

"Da, da, da, da," Malakai sings gleefully, his tiny voice carrying across the yard as he toddles towards me, his steps unsteady with the excitement of the moment. My heart swells with pride and love as I scoop him up in my arms, his laughter ringing out like music to my ears.

But just as quickly as he reaches me, Malakai stumbles and falls, a small gasp escaping his lips as he tumbles to the ground. Instantly, my heart leaps into my throat, my instincts kicking into overdrive as I rush to his side, scooping him up and cradling him close, my arms a shield against the world.

As I look into his eyes, I see the same determination and resilience that I've come to admire in myself reflected back at me. In that moment, I know that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, we will face them together, bound by a love that knows no bounds.

And as I hold Malakai in my arms, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I am reminded once again of the true meaning of family – a bond forged not by blood, but by love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. And in that moment, as Malakai's laughter fills the air, I know that I am exactly where I belong – with the ones I love, in a world filled with endless possibilities.

With a rush of fatherly instinct, I close the distance between us and scoop my little girl into my arms, the familiar weight of her small body a comfort against my chest. "Did you miss me?" I ask, my voice soft with affection as I brush a gentle hand over her tiny hands and knees, smoothing away the dirt and grass stains.

In response, she rewards me with a sloppy kiss on the cheek, leaving a trail of baby drool in her wake. I can't help but chuckle at her adorable antics, my heart swelling with love at the sight of her bright eyes and toothless grin. "I'll take that as a yes," I murmur, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

But her attention quickly shifts when she catches sight of Slasher holding a plate of food, her chubby little arms reaching out for him in eager anticipation. Without hesitation, Slasher steps forward, his expression tender as he cradles her in his arms, his touch gentle yet firm.

As he holds her close, he showers her with kisses, his voice a soothing murmur of affection as he whispers sweet nothings in her ear. "Mi pequeña Princesa," he murmurs, his words a testament to the deep bond that exists between them. And in that moment, as I watch them together, I am reminded once again of the power of love – a force that knows no boundaries and binds us together in ways we never thought possible.

"I missed you," Mallory murmurs, wrapping her arms around my waist in a tight embrace. "Can you believe she's two-years-old already?" she adds with a hint of disbelief in her voice.