It was all I wanted, and I was going to ensure that it happened.
No matter the consequences.
10
SAMANTHA
Just as Tabitha relaxed onto her crystal mat, Shadow appeared beside Mera. I mean, I was sure he walked into the room, but the dude existed in shadows, and it was as if he just appeared from nowhere.
Tabby didn’t react, even as she stared up at the giant beast. “Her eyes are brighter,” Mera said. “The color is stronger.”
Everything about her was stronger, especially her energy. Which I was still the only one to be able to feel.
“Are you ready?” Shadow asked. Aurora was in his arms now, removed from her carrier, and when Mera held out her hands for the little girl, the beast placed her right into them.
“Hello, my sweet, A,” Mera cooed, and there was no mistaking how much Aurora adored her mother. Her baby face went soft as she reached out and pressed both hands to her mom’s face. “You’re hungry,” Mera said suddenly.
“She communicates with you?” I asked, shaking my head. “How old is she?”
“She’s a few months old,” Mera replied with a smile, and I was surprised because the child appeared much older. “She sends me emotions through touch, or if she feels like it, from across the room. Just brief senses of what she needs.”
“That must make parenting easier,” I laughed.
“If she didn’t keep vanishing to visit her friends, it would be really fantastic,” Mera added with her own laugh. “She’s always jetting off to Damon, Angel and Reece’s little one. They’re giving us immortals wrinkles.”
Shadow huffed. “You’re perfect, Sunshine.”
It was her turn to soften. She looked at her mate the way Aurora looked at her parents, with the sort of unconditional love that would destroy worlds. The pair remained locked in a moment together, but then they got back to business.
The business of releasing memories.
Mera kissed her daughter on the head and leaned down to place her just off to the side of Tabitha’s crystal bed. “Can you wait a few minutes for boob?” she asked the infant.
Aurora let out a low gurgle and smiled at the same time. Mera must have taken that for a yes, because she didn’t pick her up again. All three of us watched them, waiting to see what would happen if they touched.
Only they never did.
Aurora, who was an inch or so smaller than Tabitha, just remained where she was, happily waving her hands in the air. Tabby was no different, and surprisingly, after a few minutes, she too started to wave her hands in the air, strong and sure.
“She just learned from her,” Mera breathed. “Holy shit. Maybe the fae young need other babies around them to grow and develop?”
Shadow shook his head. “It can’t be that. Fae don’t have many children,” he reminded her.
“There will be a book in the fae section,” Mera said, jumping to her feet. “Are you okay here while I run and check it out? I know Len will be a great source, but he’s not here yet, and I don’t want to wait.”
I desperately wanted to say no. I needed her support during this memorial retrieval. Not only because her mate was a scary beast, but for many other reasons.
What if my past was better left hidden?
I didn’t say a word though. Tabitha was my top priority and finding out anything about fae children could only help with her health.
“We’ll be fine,” Shadow said. “Gaster has finished his task and is entering the room as we speak. He’ll ensure that this is done as painlessly and safely as possible for Samantha.”
“Two of my current favorite words,” I drawled. “Also, alive. That’s one that we need to put on repeat. Keep Sam alive. Keep Sam alive.”
Mera waved me off. “Most of us have died once or twice. We come back stronger, so don’t stress on that. I’ll stroll into the underworld and retrieve you if I have to.”
“You won’t,” Shadow growled. “You will leave the underworld to me. We’ve already been looking into it for Alistair. If there’s a way, we’ll figure it out.”
