I turned my head to look at him. He was staring at the ceiling, jaw tight with guilt.
“I understand why you did it,” I said. “Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.”
“I know.”
“You should have trusted me to handle it. To decide for myself what I could take.”
“I know that too now. I fucked up.”
“Promise me. No more secrets. Even if you think you’re protecting me. Especially if you think you’re protecting me.”
He turned to meet my eyes. “I promise. No more secrets. Even when I think I know better.”
“Good. Because I have a black belt in holding grudges.”
“I am aware. It is terrifying.”
“Good. Fear keeps men honest.”
His mouth twitched. “You are magnificent when you threaten me.”
“I’m still mad at you.”
“I know.”
“But I’m slightly less mad than I was three days ago.”
“I will take slightly less. I will take any version of less mad.”
“You’re also sleeping in here from now on. Killian’s right. It’s warmer with all three of us. And both of us are tired of feeling your sadness.”
“Yes, my queen. Whatever you want.”
“Good answer.”
I leaned across Killian carefully and kissed him. Soft and sweet and tasting like coming home after a very long journey. When I pulled back, Mal was looking at me like I’d given him the entire world.
“Hold me,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “Please. I’m tired of being scared and confused. I just want to feel safe in your arms for five minutes.”
“I will always hold you, little mate,” he said immediately, arranging us so his arm was around both me and Killian. “For as long as you need. Forever, if you want.”
I rested my hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady under my palm. Killian was warm between us, breathing peacefully, finally getting the family sleeping arrangement he’d been campaigning for.
“We’re going to figure this out,” Mal said softly. “All of it. Your bloodline, Killian’s powers. Together.”
“Together,” I agreed, my eyes closing.
“I love you,” he murmured. “More than I can adequately express.”
“I love you too. Even when you’re an idiot.”
The last thing I saw was his beautiful smile.
9
— • —
Wen
