Epilogue Alexis

The last five years have been the happiest I've ever known. Life has never been better.

Damian and I got married a few months after I was rescued from the human auction. It was a small, intimate ceremony at the church his parents married in—just the close family and friends who have stood by us through it all. The look of pure joy on Damian's face as he said his vows is a memory I'll cherish forever.

Just three months later, our daughter Alice was born. Named in memory of Damian and Nat's sister, she has brought so much light and laughter into our lives. Damian is the most doting father I could have ever imagined, and watching him with our little girl makes my heart swell with love.

Two years after Alice, we welcomed our son Luca into the world. With two tiny terrors keeping us on our toes, Damian and I have our hands full. But we wouldn't have it any other way.

Juggling the responsibilities of raising our growing family has certainly been a challenge, But we have a strong support system with Nat, Edo, and the rest of our trusted inner circle always there to lend a hand.

Part of that inner circle contains my father, Bobby Shields.

I've come to call Bobby "Dad" over these past five years. He's made good on his promise to use Invicta's power for good, and we've made significant progress in cleaning up the streets. We've teamed up with the Santiagos in Milwaukee and have done our best to stamp out any human trafficking rings in the area.

It's my personal mission.

Of course, we still deal in weapons—we have to make money somehow. But the animosity between the Iacopellis and Invicta is officially over. There aren't any needless wars being fought anymore, which has been a relief.

Although, I did authorize a hit against Suzanne and Dennis Carter about six months after I gave birth to Alice. They were executed swiftly and efficiently in Boca Raton, Florida, where they had been hiding out, desperate to escape The Brotherhood.

Too bad they should have been more afraid of me.

Overall, I'm proud of the work we've done. Dad and I have made a real difference in our community. We're cleaning up the streets, protecting the innocent, and ensuring the criminal element knows there are consequences for their actions.

Damian has been an incredible partner in all of this. He's fully on board with our mission, using his resources and connections to bolster our efforts. And of course, our children, Alice and Luca, are the light of our lives. Seeing them grow up in this new era, free from the constant threat of violence, fills me with hope for the future.

There are still challenges, of course. Old habits die hard, and we've had to ruthlessly eliminate any pockets of resistance. But I firmly believe that what we're doing is right. We're using our power and influence to make a positive impact, to create a safer, more prosperous world for our family and community.

As I wrap up my day at the Invicta headquarters, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The negotiations with a Cuban Mafia Family for new weapons were long and exhausting, but I managed to secure an excellent deal for Invicta.

Just as I'm about to head home, Dad stops me.

"Alexis," he says, a stern look on his face, "you know you're not allowed to come here unless you bring my grandbabies with you."

I can't help but chuckle at his playful demand. Ever since Alice and Luca were born, Dad has been completely smitten. He insists on seeing them as often as possible, and I have to admit, it's one of the sweetest changes I've witnessed in him over the years.

"Don't worry, Dad," I assure him. "I'm headed home now. Katie will be joining us for the barbecue, and you know how much she loves spending time with the kids."

Ever since we rescued Katie from the auction all those years ago, we've kept in close contact. Her parents were initially horrified to find out their daughter's "guardian angel" was the girlfriend—now wife—of the Iacopelli Crime Family's Don. But they've come to accept it, especially since Damian seeds an armored car to pick Katie up whenever she wants to visit our mansion.

As I step into the back yard, I can already hear the joyful laughter of my children. Damian is attempting to grill some food while Edo shit talks about Damian's grilling abilities. Katie chases after Alice and Luca, her face alight with pure happiness as Nat hurries after them, ordering the children to come here so she can feed them a snack.

It comes as no surprise to anyone that Edo and Nat have finally gotten together after years of dancing around the topic. Their chemistry and close bond have been obvious to us all, but they've always been content to keep things professional—until now, that is.

Watching them together, it's clear they're a perfect match. Nat's fierce determination and unwavering loyalty complement Edo's calm, methodical approach, and the way they look at each other with such affection and trust. It's really quite adorable.

What's perhaps most surprising is that they've decided not to have children of their own. With Alice and Luca keeping them more than busy as the doting aunt and uncle, they seem perfectly content to pour their love and energy into our little ones.

I can't help but smile whenever I see Edo and Nat playing with the kids, their faces alight with joy. They may not have chosen the traditional path, but the love and care they show is no less meaningful.

In a way, our children have become the shared legacy that binds our Families together.

My two whirlwinds of energy come barreling toward me, their little faces alight with excitement.

"Mama! Mama!" Alice shrieks, her tiny arms reaching up. Luca toddles along beside her, his chubby cheeks dimpled in a wide grin.

I scoop them both up, peppering their faces with kisses as they giggle and squirm.

"Hello, my darlings! Did you have a good day?"

Before they can answer, Nat swoops in, snatching Luca up and tossing him over her shoulder. "Alright, you little terror. Time for your snack," she declares, eliciting more delighted shrieks from my son.

"Auntie Nat!" Luca protests, though the laughter in his voice betrays his mock outrage.

Nat grins mischievously. "A growing boy needs his nourishment, little man. Can't have you wasting away on us, can we?"

As she carries Luca off toward the table, I turn my attention to Alice, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "And how about you, my sweet girl? Were you good for Daddy today?"

Alice nods emphatically, her big hazel eyes shining. "Uh-huh! I helped Daddy in his office, and then we had a tea party with Biscotti!"

I chuckle, picturing the scene. My fearsome Don of a husband, patiently sipping imaginary tea with our daughter and the dog. It's a sight that never fails to melt my heart.

Katie approaches me as Alice runs off, a bright smile on her face.

"Alexis!" she calls out, rushing over to wrap me in a tight hug.

I can't help but marvel at how much she's grown in the years since I rescued her. At thirteen years old, she's blossoming into a beautiful young woman, her features softening into graceful lines.

"Hello, Katie," I say, affectionately smoothing a hand over her hair. "My goodness, look at you. You're practically a grown-up now."

Katie beams up at me, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I've missed you! And the kids, of course. Can you come to my soccer game next week?"

"Of course I can! I'll bring the kids."

Katie sneaks a glance at Damian who is throwing his spatula at Edo, a scowl on his face. "But don't bring Damian, okay? The boy I like is going to be there, and Damian is… scary."

I laugh. Damian and Katie's father have gotten along in the years since Katie's rescue since they both have a common goal—protecting Katie. Katie's father loves the fact that Damian can make any boy disappear "like Jimmy Hoffa."

Damian appears at my shoulder, a steaming plate of hot dogs and hamburgers in his hands. "I heard that, Katherine," he says sternly, though his eyes show amusement. "And I resent the implication."

Katie groans, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Damian," she whines. "Nat's been teaching me how to shoot, and Edo's teaching me self-defense, too. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can," Damian responds, ruffling her hair, smirking at Katie's indignant squawk. "But I'm still going to that game."

As I watch the exchange, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude and wonder. The little girl I once rescued is now a thriving, confident young woman, and I'm honored to have played a part in her journey. And knowing that Damian and the rest of our Family will always be there to protect her? Well, that just makes my heart swell with love.

Later that evening, after Katie had been taken home and Alice and Luca are tucked into bed, Damian and I collapse into our bed, exhausted.

Damian pulls me close, his strong arms wrapping around me as we sink into our mattress. "You okay?" he murmurs, his voice low and soothing.

I let out a contented sigh, relaxing into his embrace. "I am now." I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Being with you always makes everything feel right."

He brushes a stray lock of hair from my face, his touch gentle. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably get into a lot more trouble," I tease, my fingers tracing the lines on his face.

Damian chuckles, the sound rumbling in his chest. "Probably." His expression turns serious as he cups my cheek. "But I mean it. You and the kids… you're my whole world."

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "And you're ours. Always."

Our kiss deepens, filled with a familiar heat and urgency. Our hands roam, reaffirming our connection as we lose ourselves in each other's embrace.

All I want is for him to be inside me. I want to feel every inch of him.

He pulls back. "Sit up," he commands.

I slowly move myself into a sitting position. He reaches down and removes my shirt, and I unhook my bra as he undresses himself.

As soon as my breasts are exposed, he wastes no time and presses himself onto me. His lips trail down my neck, eliciting shivers and anticipation.

I can feel his hardness against me, making me ache for him even more.

With effortless grace, he slides my pants down my legs, his fingers trailing lightly over my skin. My breath catches in my throat, and I gasp as his hand grazes my clit while he works his way back up.

"I love it when you react like that," he whispers with a mischievous grin.

Without hesitation, I pull him back on top of me, feeling the weight of his body press against mine. My arms wrap around his broad, muscular back as I subtly move my hips toward him, hoping he'll pick up on my desire.

"Impatient," he growls seductively in my ear.

"Please, Damian," I plead with him. "I need you now."

As soon as I utter the words, a spark of desire ignites in his eyes and he plunges into me. His hot tongue swirls around my mouth while he thrusts in and out with slow, deliberate movements.

I can't resist arching my back in pleasure as he continues to ravish me with his passionate lovemaking.

As he picks up speed, our bodies move together in perfect harmony. I can't help but dig my nails into his strong back as he fucks me with both passion and tenderness. In this moment, there is nothing else but us and the electrifying connection between our bodies.

The sensation is intense, our bodies pressed together in a frenzy of desire. It's like we are melding into one another, giving ourselves over completely. Nothing else matters but this moment, this connection between us.

Our breaths mingle and our hearts beat in unison as we reach the peak of ecstasy together. Our bodies tremble with pleasure and release, leaving us both drenched in sweat and gasping for air.

We lie here, unable to move, basking in the aftermath of our passionate union. Damian kisses my head and tucks me against his chest. "I love you, Alexis."

I smile sleepily, snuggling into him. "I love you, too."

As I drift off to sleep, cradled in the safety of Damian's embrace, I can't help but marvel at how my life has unfolded. Never would I have imagined that my happily ever after, the family I so desperately craved, would come from within the world of the Mafia.

And yet, here I am, a powerful figure in my own right, leading with a compassionate heart while also surrounded by a devoted husband and beautiful children. It's a far cry from the uncertainty and fear that once consumed me.

As sleep claims me, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This life, this family, it's more than I ever could have dreamed of. And I know, without a doubt, that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.