Reaper's War (Creed MC Book 1)

Ch 13: Finding Peace

The sunlight streams through the windows of the bar as I wipe down the counter, the faint hum of country music playing softly in the background. It had been a busy day, with regulars coming and going, sharing stories and laughter. The bar felt alive again, like it had missed the energy of people filling its seats.

Maybe it was I who missed the energy of this place.

Draven's voice echoes from the other side of the bar, his laughter join by the giggles of Blade and Everleigh. I glance over to see him crouched down, helping Everleigh tie her shoelaces while Blade stands nearby, explaining—rather dramatically—why he thinks the bow should be bigger.

He's always been a dramatic one. Actually, that's a lie—Everleigh always will be the dramatic one.

"You know, tying shoes isn't supposed to be an art project," Draven teases, his hands working quickly to fix the knot.

"It can be if you try hard enough," Blade replies with a Draven grin.

That grin used to squeeze my heart as it reminded me of Draven. Now, it makes me grin more—oh no.

"Daddy, don't mess it up!" Everleigh says, her brow furrowed as she watches Draven's every move.

The princess has spoken—don't mess up.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Draven says, finishing with a flourish. "There. Perfect."

Everleigh beams, hopping to her feet and giving her newly tied laces an approving nod. "Thanks, Daddy!"

Blade smirks, crossing his arms. "Let's see if you can do it again next time."

He's a cocky little one—just his father.

"Oh, I'll be ready," Draven says, standing up and ruffling Blade's hair. "Bring it on."

Dear lord, challenge has been accepted.

Their playful banter fills the bar, a sound I hadn't realized I missed until now. It's the kind of laughter that makes the space feel like home—a feeling I'd almost forgotten.

Home—this place is starting to feel like home again. Home before everything that had changed.

As I set the cloth down and lean against the counter, Draven glances over at me, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You okay over there, Mac?"

I think so.

"Yeah," I respond with a nod. "Just taking it all in."

"Don't mind us." He gestures toward the twins. "We're just perfecting the art of shoelace tying and being a general nuisance."

"You're doing a fine job of it," I reply, unable to hide my smile.

The twins dash off toward the jukebox, Everleigh already deciding which song to play next. Draven walks over to the counter, leaning on it with a casual ease that is as familiar as it is disarming.

"They're getting more comfortable around me." His voice is soft, his gaze following the twins.

"They are," I agree, my voice equally quiet. "You're good with them."

He turns back to me, his green eyes meeting mine. "I'm trying."

I can see that as well.

"I know," My voice even smaller, swallowing the lump in my throat. "And it means a lot."

Before he could respond, the sound of Everleigh's chosen song starts playing—a cheerful tune that has both twins dancing in the middle of the bar. Draven turns toward them, clapping along as Everleigh spins in circles and Blade attempts something that vaguely resembles a moonwalk.