That cheerful feeling followed me all the way to the naval base, as the second we’d driven through the emergency gate on the backside of the base, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. We were home. My family was whole again, and for once, fate seemed to be on our side.
I squealed when Sam opened the door to our apartment—or as he called it, the penthouse suite. I wouldn’t use that term. To me, a penthouse was on a very top floor of a high-rise building and overlooked a city like Boston. We were only on the fourth floor, and our view outside was of the base prison.
I lugged Ellie and Luna into the apartment in the carriers, which weighed me down. Thank God we had an elevator in the building. “I can’t believe we’re actually here.”
When I’d packed up to leave for Jo’s house in Maine close to seven weeks ago, I honestly thought the building wouldn’t be here if we ever returned. Intruders had wormed their way onto the base that day. With the large mob of humans that had been outside the gate, I wasn’t confident that many of the structures would be standing—or that we would be either, for that matter. Although if my dream and Abbey’s vision came true, then my days were numbered.
I couldn’t control the outcome. So I kicked the last thought to curb and padded deeper into the open floor plan as the moon cast a glow through the wall of windows.
We’d left Boston later than the rest of the team. Sam, Greta, and Tripp wanted to scour Boston for Dane.
Sam set Orion and Rorie on the couch in their baby carriers. “Greta helped me clear away the dust and cobwebs.”
I followed suit with Ellie and Luna, then unhooked my bag from around my chest. “The place looks amazing.” I inhaled the fresh pine scent wafting in the air, making a mental note to thank Greta.
She’d stayed in Boston to continue her search for her alpha. Cooper and the Gray Pack were on edge that Dane might be hurt and couldn’t shift—or worse, he was dead. According to Cooper, if Dane could shift, he would’ve done everything he could to call.
I flicked on the light in the kitchen that overlooked the spacious family room. Formula and baby bottles were organized on the counter. The stainless steel appliances sparkled, and a chalkboard sign leaning up against the backsplash near the stove read Welcome Home and was signed by Greta.
Sam skirted the island, swaggering in and wrapping his arms around me. “I just love seeing you happy. It’s been too long since we’ve been able to kick back. I know we have a busy week ahead, but we’ll steal time here and there. Plus, we have nights together in our own bed.” He waggled his eyebrows.
I buried my face in his chest, absorbing his sandalwood scent. “That last part sounds amazing.” I pressed my hands into his six-pack abs. “You might have to settle my nerves before my first day tomorrow.”
He gave me a roguish grin. “Anything your heart desires. I’m here to please you.”
“First, you’ll have to pinch me. I can’t believe I have a job.”
He chuckled, the sound melting my heart. “My father is thrilled to have you as his liaison. And you’ll do great with your first TV interview.”
“Nothing like throwing me straight into the fire,” I said playfully.
Steven had thought it might be too soon for me to dive into work given Jordyn’s condition, and I had the babies to care for. I didn’t want to wait. Jordyn was on the mend, and my grandmother Agnes had agreed to babysit. She was staying with Jo, Webb, and Abbey at their house on base. I was reserving Sam’s old bedroom for Jordyn when she was released from the infirmary.
Sam combed his fingers through my hair. “You’ll be a natural on TV. Right now, we should get the kids to bed so we can do something I’ve been thinking about on the drive here.” He guided my hand to his groin. “It involves him.”
I whimpered, feeling his cock grow against my hand.
His fangs slid out as he dragged his lips up my neck to my ear. “And this spot right here. I want to taste you so fucking badly.” He rubbed a hand along my inner thigh.
I whimpered again as butterflies tickled the lining of my stomach. There was nothing more erotic than him piercing his incisors into my flesh and drinking from me.
Tonight was a chance for Sam and me to really reconnect in our own bedroom, bed, and en suite and unwind without worrying about anything other than him and me.
“We should put the babies to bed. Then we can start with a bubble bath.”
“Baby doll, I’m not sure I can wait to fuck you.”
I pouted, thrusting my hips into his erection. “No foreplay first? And don’t forget what you just told me. ‘Anything your heart desires. I’m here to please you.’”
“Your wish is my command, queen.” His lips curled at the corners, his dimples winking at me.
I giggled. “I might have something in mind for our first round of foreplay, then.”
The vampire wasted no time in collecting two of our children and beelining it for the nursery.
I giggled as I ambled over to the couch and lifted my two daughters, who were sleeping, and met Sam in the nursery.
He was already kissing his son on the head before he placed Orion in a crib. “I love you, baby boy. You are the stars, the moon, and the universe.”
