Melody pulled her phone out. “Take your time. I found a word-puzzle app on my phone, and I haven’t figured out today’s word.”
Salem led me down the back hall.
When I spotted Catcher following, I pointed for him to leave us alone. After a reluctant snort, he turned away and guarded the hall entrance.
Salem gestured to a door. “Do you want me to rent one of these private rooms so you can sit down?”
“No, this is fine. I’ve been meaning to talk to you, but there hasn’t been an opportunity.”
He gripped his wrist and leaned against the wall. “I hope he hasn’t swayed your opinion. I’m giving you a solid offer—one we’ll both benefit from. That Vampire could hurt you. And do you think a wealthy man like him really wants to live in a pack? He’ll get tired of it fast, and then what? Will you upend your life and move in with him? I can offer you security, a father for the baby, companionship, stability?—”
“But not love.”
He shrugged. “Love fades. It’s just chemicals reacting to one another.”
I stepped closer. “Have you ever been in love, Salem? There’s more to a relationship than a business transaction.”
He arched an eyebrow and gave me a solemn look. “Is love enough? This is a onetime offer, Joy. I’ve given up my life to help you.”
“And I will always love you for that.” I clasped his hand in mine, gratitude overriding any animosity for what he had done in the past. “You have a good heart, and you wouldn’t be making this offer if you didn’t. You’re kind, intelligent, and helpful. But each night when we went to bed, you had nothing to say to me except maybe asking about my heartburn. I can’t imagine that being my future. This isn’t just about me anymore; it’s about the baby. I want a father who isn’t just there to patch up a skinned knee but to kiss the pain away. A father who tucks them in andtells them a bedtime story. Someone who will scoop that child up in his arms and make them feel loved. So yes, love is enough.”
Salem lowered his head. “You might regret this.”
I let go of his hand. “Salem, you’re my packmate, and I hope you never leave because of this. You’re not just a healer to our pack; they enjoy your company… even if you’re closed off. That’s just your way. Save yourself for someone who deserves you.”
He scratched his forehead. “Is it because of what I did?” His lips pressed into a thin line, and his brown eyes glittered with guilt.
I cupped his cheeks in my hands. “As far as I’m concerned, everything you’ve done for me, my baby, and this pack absolves you from your ties with that lab.”
He tried to turn his head away but failed. “I ignored the possibility that people were suffering.”
“Look at me.” When Salem risked a glance, I said, “Honey, I forgive you. It’s time that you forgive yourself.”
When Salem leaned forward, I wrapped my arms around him. I didn’t blame him anymore. It was obvious that he would always be affected by the choice he’d made. No wonder he was desperate to be a better man, but mating shouldn’t be an apology.
While I expected a quiet sob, Salem stoically leaned out of my grasp and heaved a sigh. Something was broken inside him. Either that or he just didn’t feel things the same way others did. For a healer, he was a dispassionate man, and it made me realize how I needed something more than a casual friendship with a partner.
Atticus not only expressed his emotions but was attuned to mine. We were physically affectionate and easily communicated our thoughts and opinions. We cuddled at night, shared secrets, and I still got butterflies thinking about him.
Salem would make a wonderful uncle—someone my child could talk to about practical matters and learn from. But Atticus… he would make a wonderful father.
When I stepped back, Salem dipped his chin and stared into my soul. In that moment, he had relinquished all responsibility to me, and a quiet acknowledgment passed between us before he walked away.
I hurried into the bathroom and splashed water on my face. Even though we would remain packmates, it felt like we had ended things between us, and I didn’t expect the sudden grief. I was indebted to him and always would be.
“It’s going to be okay. Everything’s going to be all right.”
My hands clutched the sink when a dull pain radiated throughout my lower abdomen.
All I could think about was Tak getting the dreaded call that Atticus didn’t make it—that someone took his head. And what if something happened to Krys? We weren’t close, but it would devastate Archer.
I dried my face with a paper towel.
The door swung open, and Melody appeared. “Are you okay? Salem bolted without a word. Did you two have a fight?”
I wiped my tears with the paper towel so she wouldn’t notice. “Everything’s fine. We just never had a chance to settle things between us. Does it seem hot in here to you?”
“It’s these old lights,” she said, pointing up. “Come on. Let’s see if we can talk Calvin into heating up some burgers. I happen to know for a fact there are cooked patties in the fridge left over from lunch. Bear always saves a few extra plates in case one of us shows up. You didn’t eat much at dinner.”
