62. Camille

Spring Break

The sun was blazing, warm and bright, as I stretched out on the beach. After everything we’d been through, this paradise—blue skies, soft waves, and the kind of peace that felt almost unreal—was exactly what we needed. Bianca, Simone, and I were soaking it all in while Elise was off doing her thing with some cute guy she’d just met. She still had the occasional nightmare about our dad, but honestly, during the day, she seemed to be doing so much better. It was like she was finally finding herself again.

Not far from us, Callum was talking to some girl who was trying way too hard to flirt with him. Not that it mattered—his attention kept drifting back to Elise. It was so obvious.

“Yikes,” I muttered, catching Bianca’s eye. She smirked, her laugh soft but knowing.

“Callum’s got it bad ,” Simone said, shaking her head with a grin.

I laughed. “No kidding. Poor girl doesn’t even know she’s wasting her time.”

Bianca rolled onto her side, propping herself up on an elbow. “Speaking of wasting time, what do you guys think about Ryker and Declan? Like, they’re total opposites, but both are dangerously hot in their own ways.”

Simone pushed her sunglasses up and sighed dramatically. “Ryker’s got that bad boy energy, you know? Like the guy you know is trouble but still can’t help wanting to text at 2 a.m.”

“And Declan,” I added, “is all intense and broody, like one of those storms that just sneaks up on you. You know you should steer clear, but you still kind of want to see what’s underneath.”

We burst out laughing, letting the conversation bounce between guys, movies, and whatever random stuff came to mind. Even with the bodyguards hanging back in the shadows, watching us like hawks, it felt like we were just regular girls again. For once, we didn’t feel weighed down by the chaos we’d been through, and honestly? We deserved this.

As the sun dipped lower, turning everything golden, Elise wandered back with this sheepish little grin on her face. Her eyes flicked to Callum, and they had this tiny, unspoken moment. I swear, it was like something out of a movie.

“That was cute,” Bianca said, nudging me.

I just smiled. These little moments? They were everything. No drama, no danger—just us being together.

A few minutes later, I spotted Kage, Ty, and Dante heading our way. Even from a distance, they were a whole vibe. They walked like they owned the beach, laughing and relaxed for once. Ty was shirtless, and yeah, his scars were still there, but there was something lighter about him now, something almost hopeful.

“They actually look...happy,” I said softly, watching them.

Bianca leaned closer, smirking. “Happy? Cami, they’re thriving . And it’s because of you. I never thought I’d say this, but they’re actually starting to like each other. Can you imagine what Kage has planned next? He’s totally going to outdo this place.”

I grinned, feeling my chest tighten with all kinds of emotions. “Actually, this was Dante’s idea,” I admitted. “He used some of his investment money to rent it for us.”

Simone raised an eyebrow, her jaw dropping. “Wait—Dante? Investment money ?”

I cracked up. “I know, right? But yeah, he’s been putting money into opening a rehab center. And he finally told Jane’s son the truth about Rhianna. They’re working together now to help her. It’s...a lot, but he’s really trying.”

Bianca tilted her head. “And Kage? How’s that whole thing with his mom going?”

I shrugged. “They’re...trying. For his sake, at least. But he’s made it super clear that I’m the one he’s marrying. It still feels surreal, honestly.”

Bianca and Simone both made exaggerated “awww” noises, and I rolled my eyes, laughing. But then my smile faded a little as my thoughts drifted. Kage and his crew were still chasing down the Old Guard. It was heavy stuff—whole families being killed for refusing to cooperate. I just hoped Ty found some kind of peace in believing his parents fought back. Even so, it didn’t take away the pain of losing them.

Simone must’ve noticed the shift in my mood because she leaned in closer. “How’s Ty holding up?”

I let out a breath. “Better, actually. He’s still doing his art, which helps. He’s been seeing a counselor too. And get this—he’s taking us to Italy for Christmas.”

“Wait, all of us?” Bianca asked, her eyes wide.

“Yep.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. “We all agreed. Out of the country means we all go if it’s okay with you. After all, we’re family.”

“Damn, girl,” Bianca added, bumping my shoulder. “You’re living the dream. And looks like we get to live some of it with you. The PG parts, at least.”

I laughed, standing and stretching. “I know. Believe me, I know.” As I looked out at the horizon, I couldn’t help but feel this overwhelming mix of gratitude and disbelief. Somehow, after everything, we’d made it here.

I started walking toward Kage, Ty, and Dante, already suspicious of the way they were glancing at each other like they were up to something. “Okay, what are you three plotting?” I called, crossing my arms but grinning like an idiot.

Kage smirked. “Plotting? Us? Never.”

Dante snorted. “We were just discussing Italian architecture.”

Ty raised an eyebrow. “Sure, let’s call it that.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Fine, keep your secrets. But just know, I’m onto you.”

Kage slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “Trust me, it’s going to be unforgettable.”

Ty’s eyes met mine, his voice steady. “Everything we do is for you.”

Dante nodded. “Always.”

And just like that, I felt it—the warmth, the love, the safety I hadn’t even realized I’d been searching for all my life. How could I know it would come to me in threes?

Whatever came next, I knew we’d face it together.

Because that’s what family does.

**Thank you for reading Theirs to Rule. I hope you’ve enjoyed spending time with Camille, Kage, Dante, and Ty!