Marissa's POV

When we stepped into the hospital I felt my whole body tense. Sean and Owen held my hands as we walked into Dr. Torres's office. We checked in while Raven and Corey sat in the waiting room chairs. "Hello, I'm here to see Dr. Torres," I told the receptionist as Sean and Owen chatted just behind me.

"Name please?"

"Marissa Ryland."

"Ahh, yes, Ms. Ryland, I have you here. Are there any insurance or emergency contact changes?" the woman asked, eyeing her screen.

"Um, not since last week. Is something wrong?" I asked when she frowned.

"Well, we have a note here that your husband called about your care, but he isn't listed as a contact, so I wasn't really sure." My heart stopped. I clenched Sean's hand and felt myself beginning to shake.

"Marissa? What's wrong?" he asked, turning his focus to me.

"Tell him," I said to the visibly upset receptionist, then motioned for Raven and Corey.

"Well sir, we had a gentleman caller who claimed to be Ms. Ryland's husband, but he isn't listed in her file," she explained as they all now listened intently. Raven had his arms around my waist and I seriously believe I'd have fallen down otherwise. I saw all of their expressions darken.

"Did he leave his name?" Owen asked.

"Yes sir, um, it says here, Jackson Porter. He asked that Dr. Torres contact him immediately." The woman showed Owen the screen notes. "He called just this morning. So do we have your permission to add him to the file, Ms. Ryland?"

"Absolutely not! That man is not the father, nor is he my husband!" I said in a hateful tone. "Did anyone in this office acknowledge that I was even a patient?"

She paled. "I...I'm not sure, ma'am, I didn't take the call and it...it's not in the notes."

"We need to see Dr. Torres immediately," Sean said. "Raven, Corey, have her sit down away from any windows." Raven sat us down just a few feet from the desk and they both flanked me. I watched as Sean and Owen had a rather animated conversation with Dr. Torres who looked furious and glared sharply at his receptionist. Sean motioned for us to come. "Sweetheart, are you still up to the test?"

I nodded, "Yeah, we need to get it done, and no offense Dr. Torres, but I'm not sure I can continue care with your office after today."

He shook his head, "No offense taken. I'd just said the same thing to Sean and Owen. I think we should complete the tests and then I'll find you a referral. I'll send the original file with you as well so that nothing is here, just in case." He held his hand out to me, "I'll also be speaking with my staff to determine exactly what if any information was released and/or confirmed."

"Thank you," I said softly as we followed him back to the exam room. Corey helped me onto the table and I lowered my pants below my stomach.

"This will be a bit uncomfortable, but you can all watch on the monitor. I'm going to give you a local to help with the pain, but you will still feel pressure," Dr. Torres explained.

"I can't watch," I whispered and turned my head towards Owen's stomach. I felt the first needle that injected the pain medication, then after a few moments, I could feel the pressure from the amnio needle. I gripped the guys' hands so tight I thought I would break them.

"Almost done, Marissa," Dr. Torres said as he finished taking the sample. I felt a cool sensation on my stomach as he pressed a bandage over the insertion point. "I should have your results in a couple of days. I'll call and one of your fiances can come and get your file at that time. Again, I'm so sorry for what has happened. I'll notify you all immediately if he tries to contact the office again."

When we got back in the car I finally lost it. Corey pulled me into his lap as I sobbed, my hands gripping his shirt. "Shh, it's okay, little one, we've got you," he whispered in my ear. I felt Raven press up against us, his familiar cologne filling my nostrils.

"We will keep you safe, malen'kaya shalun'ya," his lips pressed against the top of my head as he stroked my hair. "You are strong voin."

I lifted my head, rubbing at my eyes as Owen spoke from the seat across from me, "Don't you think it's awfully convenient that Corey got the report from Officer Kline about the marriage certificate, and the next day Jackson is contacting her doctor?"

I swear I felt my blood boil. "Are you fucking kidding me? Mother fucking, no good, piece of shit Academy," I ranted. "It has to be them. They're protecting their own! I'm a goddamn loose end." The car pulled into the garage and I rudely shoved my way past all of them. "I need to be alone," I grumbled and stormed into the house. I heard several of them call out to me as I slammed the door behind me, but I didn't respond. I couldn't handle anything more, not right now.

I slid down the door, half crying, half screaming. I am so done with this three-ring fucking circus. "Mama isn't going to let anything happen to you, my little love," I whispered as I put my hand over my stomach. "I've lost too much already. I'll be damned if they're going to take you away from me or your daddies." I took a steady breath and stood up. "I'm done. This ends now," I growled to no one. Taking out my personal laptop, I sent a message to the only person I had any hope left of helping. I didn't know what the price would be, but it couldn't be worse than what was going on now. I let out a sigh as I clicked the send button. "Time to dance with the fucking devil," I whispered and put the laptop back under my bed.

I went into the bathroom and splashed water on my swollen eyes, then put my hair up in a messy bun. I threw my sweater on the ground and pulled on a robe, then slipped down the hallway toward Axel and Brandon's room. I'd only managed a single knock before the door flew open and I was being pulled into Axel's embrace.

"I'm going to fucking kill him," he growled against my neck.

"Not before I do," I replied. He pulled back and studied my expression. "Yeah, I'm there," I said when his eyes widened.

"Shit, Angel, what did you do?"

"The only thing I knew to do - decided to fight evil with evil." Axel shook his head and led me to the bed. He sat me down and then knelt in front of me.

"Okay, tell me everything," he said.

"I know you all told me that Raven's family asked for the favor all those years ago, but it was still the Giovanni's that helped. And just like back then, we can't have Raven's family connected, so I reached out to Dominic," I explained. Axel sucked in a breath between gritted teeth. "I know the risks, Axel, but I also know if the Academy is pulling strings we need help. None of you have ties anymore and that also means you don't have sway. Dominic can get answers we can't."

"Fuck, this is huge," he swore, "We need to tell the others. The last thing we need is Raven freaking out when Giovanni or his men show up. You know him, he'll shoot first and ask questions later." I hid my giggle behind my hand and nodded. "Angel, you realize you're downright scary sometimes, right?"

I batted my eyelashes and pulled him to me. "Are you scared of me, Daddy?" I asked in a husky tone. His eyes darkened instantly and his hand clasped my throat. Giving a small moan, I pressed forward until my lips met his. His other hand slid between my legs and pressed against my aching core. I rolled my hips against his hand and moaned again. "Daddy, please," I begged.

Axel quickly pushed the robe off and leaned me back on the bed. He pinned me down and searched my body, taking in every inch of me, then said in a deep growl, "Tell me to stop now if you're not ready for this little angel, because once I start, I won't stop."

I put my hand on the side of his face, "Make me feel safe, Daddy." He groaned and slammed his lips to mine as he pushed my knees open. There was no foreplay, no gentleness, not this time. Instead, he gave into his hunger and slammed into me, making me cry out as my fingers dug into his shoulders. I bucked up against his thrusts, trying to ease the ache in my core. He bit into my shoulder and I moaned.

"Fuck, Angel," he groaned as his mouth closed around my nipple, his teeth grazing against my skin. He gripped my hip as I lifted my legs higher around his waist, and plunged deeper inside of me. I felt my stomach tighten as he came inside of me and I fell over the edge with him.

Slipping out of me, he rolled over and pressed a kiss to my forehead. I laid my head on his chest as he stroked my arm, lost in thought. "I wish I hadn't been so afraid back then," he said quietly. "I wish we had asked you to join the family - you and Winston. I know it would have been different, but I hate how much time I lost."

I leaned up on my arm to look at him. "We can't change it now, Axel. But we sure as hell can make the most of the time we have now." I giggled and kissed him lightly, "This was a really good start."

He playfully swatted my bottom, "Oh yes, this was a good start. Are you still up for tonight, or should we postpone?" I could see the hope in his eyes.

"I still want to go. I know I'm safe with you," I told him and I meant it. I felt safe with all of them, but something deep in me knew that Axel would fight to the death for me. "But I think you're right, I need to tell them what I've done and see if Dominic responded."

He groaned into my neck, "Okay, let's get you back to your room so you can clean up and check your email. I'll let everyone know we need a family meeting." He ran his tongue along my earlobe, making me shiver.

"You're making it awfully difficult to want to get up," I told him.

He chuckled and placed my hand on his hardening cock, "I seem to be having no problems, Angel." I rolled my eyes and giggled at his sassy response. My giggle was cut short when he pulled me on top of him, pressing his cock inside of my folds.

An hour later I finally made it to my room.

I took a quick shower and threw on the outfit laying on my bed. I swear Gabriel is just as much of a ninja as Luke. He gets in and out of my room without a sound, just leaving outfits all the time. This time he'd left a simple dress with bell sleeves and ballet flats - no panties of course. He really was enforcing that rule. I pulled out my laptop and checked my email.

Will arrive Tuesday ~ D.

Now to tell my men that I'd just invited the devil into our home. I sighed and headed down the stairs. They were all in the family room, their voices low. Their eyes fell on me as I came into the room. "Little one, how are you feeling?" Corey asked.

"Better. I'm sorry I pushed all of you away earlier. I just couldn't handle anything at that moment," I apologized.

Brandon gave me a smirk, "I take it Axel solved that situation?" I blushed and nodded. "Good, I'd hate to think you screamed that loud and weren't satisfied," he teased. Oh good grief, now I want to hide.

"Quit embarrassing her asshole," Gabe said. "Personally, I love hearing her fucking screams."

I rolled my eyes and sat down next to Raven. "Bear, I need you to promise not to yell." He gave me a confused look. "I need to tell you, all of you something, but you're not going to like it. Please just hear me out before you start yelling. Corey, don't let him get his gun." Now Corey looked confused and concerned. I took a deep breath and began to explain. "After we got home, I was furious. I think Owen and Corey are right. The Academy is pulling strings and I'm paying the price. I don't know if they are protecting Jackson or targeting me, but whichever it is, we need help. Like I told Axel, all of you have stepped away from the Academy and all that's left is a corrupt organization. I've decided to fight fire with fire."

Raven tensed, "Malen'kaya shalun'ya, what have you done?"

No time to get shy now. I looked him straight in the eyes. "Dominic Giovanni will be here Tuesday." The room went completely silent for a moment then imploded.

"Ty sdelal chto? Ty ne mozhesh' imet' delo s d'yavolom, o chem ty dumala, malen'kaya rasputnitsa? (You did what? You can't deal with the devil, what were you thinking little minx?)," Raven boomed as he jumped up from his seat.

"The mafia? Marissa why?" Kota yelled.

"Who the fuck is this guy that he has everyone so freaked out?" Silas asked.

I stood up and yelled, "Shut the absolute fuck up!" They all froze, their eyes on me again. "If you will listen, I'll explain. Yes, Raven, I realize what I'm doing - I know the risks, but right now we don't have any options."

"My family could help," Raven tried to say but I cut him off.

"No, they can't. That would put a mark squarely on your back as well as the rest of the family. Just like you did back then, I'm going around the issue. I'm not asking Dominic to kill anyone, but with the way the Academy is now, he can find information we can't. He'll be able to find out who is on their payroll and sweeping information under the rug."

"What about his payment?" Corey asked. "You know he will want something in return."

"I have no doubt of that, he didn't get his nickname for nothing."

"Sugar, can you explain that last part?" Luke asked.

"Dominic is known as the devil because he makes deals that require a steep price - like the old phrase 'dancing with the devil'," I said. "He's coming to negotiate on Tuesday. No deal or contract has been made at this time."

"I want us to be present at this meeting," Owen stated. "You are not making this deal alone, mia bella regina. We are a family and will deal with this as a family." He stood and walked to me, pulling me up. "I won't lie and say I'm okay with this, and I wish you had talked with us before contacting him, but I do see your logic. We will all do whatever it takes to keep you and our child safe." He kissed my hands, then leaned in and softly kissed my lips.

I gave a quiet sigh, "You're right, I should have talked to all of you first. I reacted out of anger. My mind just created a thousand scenarios where Jackson captures me and our baby and no one will help because of those fucking forged papers. I'm scared."

He pulled me against him, his hand at the nape of my neck, "I know, my love, we all are. I'm furious that I can't fix this."

I looked into those stormy grey eyes. "I love you, Owen. I'm scared about all of this, but the one thing I know is that you all will never leave me, and I will never leave you." His eyes watered as he pulled me into a kiss, and I felt my body relax.

Author's Notes: I'm still struggling to write, but it does help.  Thanks for all the messages and check-ins ~ I appreciate each and every one of you, my lovelies!

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