The Vulture’s Queen

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Morning Rituals

The scent of sizzling bacon and warm toast filled the air, drifting through the halls of the compound. Sunlight poured in through the kitchen windows, casting a golden glow over the counters.

Ronan stood by the stove, cracking eggs with practiced ease. His sleeves were rolled up, tattoos on full display, and he moved with a casual precision that somehow made even breakfast look powerful.

Jules leaned against the counter nearby, tossing him a slice of bread to toast. “You know,” she said, “for a man who can dismantle a weapon in ten seconds, you make a surprisingly mean omelet.”

Ronan smirked, flipping a pan expertly. “Gotta keep the women around here fed. Otherwise, I lose their loyalty.”

Jules laughed. “Damn right.”

Evelyn stepped quietly into the kitchen, drawn by the smell and the soft sounds of conversation. She moved to pour herself a cup of coffee, but before she could even lift the pot, a voice called out behind her.

“Don’t even think about hiding in the corner,” Remy said, lounging at the table with her own cup of tea. “Come enjoy the show with me.”

Evelyn turned, smiling despite herself, and walked over to join Remy. She sat beside her, cupping her hands around her mug.

Remy leaned in conspiratorially. “Look at him. All broody domestic. Sexy as hell and knows how to make hash browns. What more could you want?”

Evelyn's eyes drifted toward Ronan. He glanced back at her briefly, just long enough to catch her gaze and hold it for a heartbeat. Then he returned to flipping bacon with calm efficiency.

Something warm bloomed in her chest. Familiar now, but still thrilling.

She whispered to Remy, “This feels like home.”

Remy gave her a soft smile. “Because it is.”

As Ronan plated the last of the food, Jules raised an eyebrow and leaned across the counter.

“Since we have your attention, oh mighty president,” she said with a dramatic flourish, “we were thinking it’s about time we do something fun. You know, with the whole club. It's been a while.”

Remy nodded in agreement. “We need a break. A party. A ride. Something. You keep us too locked up in strategy mode.”

Ronan looked at them both, then over at Evelyn who gave him a small hopeful smile. The corner of his mouth twitched.

“Alright,” he said, setting the plates down on the table. “I’ll talk to Maddox. Maybe a club night or a bonfire out by the ridge. We could all use a release.”

Jules raised her cup. “Now we’re talking.”

Remy grinned. “Just make sure you’re wearing that same shirt, Ronan. You’ll keep the morale real high.”

Ronan chuckled under his breath as he slid a plate in front of Evelyn. “You three are trouble.”

“The best kind,” Evelyn said quietly, her smile widening as she looked up at him.

And just like that, the day felt lighter.

Plans or not, they had each other. And that was more than enough for now.

After breakfast, Ronan kissed Evelyn softly on the cheek and excused himself to meet Maddox. He left with a promise to check on the bonfire plans later that afternoon.

Evelyn and Remy stayed behind to clean up, the kitchen quieter now but still filled with a sense of warmth and laughter lingering in the air.

As Remy dried a plate, she gave Evelyn a sideways glance. “So, tell me something, sweetheart...”

Evelyn looked up from wiping the table. “What?”

Remy leaned casually against the counter. “Are you on any kind of birth control?”

Evelyn blinked. “Um... no. I never...” She trailed off, feeling her cheeks flush.

Remy nodded, unsurprised. “Alright. Listen, I’m just saying—if you don’t want to start that mom life just yet, we should sort that out fast. Especially with how things are heating up between you and our dear president.”

Evelyn nodded slowly, her voice small. “Okay. I didn’t think about that.”

“That’s why you have me,” Remy said with a warm grin. “We’ll make an appointment in town. Something discreet. No pressure, just being smart.”

Evelyn smiled back, grateful. “Thanks, Remy.”

Remy winked. “Of course. That’s what sisters are for.”

Later that morning, Remy found Maddox in the garage going over logistics with one of the prospects. She waited until he finished, then walked over and touched his arm.

“Hey,” she said. “Evelyn and I need to head into town. Some personal errands.”

Maddox nodded without hesitation. “I'll have two of the guys drive you in one of the cars. Stay close, keep it tight.”

Remy kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, baby.”

True to form, Maddox had it arranged within minutes. By the time Remy returned to Evelyn, the car was already being pulled around.

Evelyn glanced at her in surprise. “That was fast.”

Remy shrugged with a knowing smile. “Perks of having connections. Let’s get this sorted out.”

Evelyn exhaled with appreciation. She was still adjusting to this new life, but the people around her made it easier. Made it better.

And today, she was going to take another step toward owning her future.

The trip into town was quick and smooth. The appointment was handled swiftly, thanks to Remy's network. Within the hour, Evelyn was squared away, birth control sorted with no hassle.

As they left the clinic, Remy hooked an arm through hers. “Well, that’s handled. Now, since we’re out, let’s make the most of it.”

Evelyn smiled. “What do you have in mind?”

Remy grinned. “Shopping. Especially if that bonfire night happens. And if I know Ronan—and trust me, I do—you’re riding on his bike.”

Evelyn flushed a little but didn’t argue.

“Which means,” Remy continued, leading her into one of her favorite boutiques, “we skip the dresses. You need tight jeans and a top that hugs all your curves. And maybe something lacy and sinful underneath. You know, just in case things get... intense.”

Evelyn laughed softly but followed her lead. The thought of Ronan seeing her in something that made her feel bold? That was a thrill all its own.

Remy held up a pale blue lace set. “Trust me. You’ll thank me later.”

And Evelyn believed her.

Because Remy had a way of knowing exactly what she needed—before even Evelyn did.

Back at the compound, the sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything. Evelyn returned feeling lighter, arms full of bags, and heart full of quiet contentment.

Instead of heading to her room, she helped Remy and Jules in the kitchen and laundry area. Folding towels, prepping vegetables, organizing the pantry—nothing big, but enough to keep her hands busy and feel like she belonged.

The girls never asked her to help. But they also never stopped her.

And Evelyn liked being useful. She liked this feeling of purpose, of camaraderie, of spending time with women who didn’t see her as a burden.

Midway through chopping vegetables, Maddox strolled into the kitchen with his usual commanding stride.

“Ladies,” he greeted with a grin, nodding to Evelyn. “You’ll be happy to hear: bonfire’s happening Friday night. We’ll be up by the ridge. Good view. Good company.”

Remy clapped her hands together. “Finally.”

Jules whooped from the back of the pantry. “Time to break out the leather and tight denim.”

Evelyn couldn’t help but smile, her pulse quickening.

Friday night.

Something was definitely coming.