“No.”
“What?” It was Silas’ turn to be surprised. “No?”
“I won’t marry you,” Elijah said with finality. “I don’t like it at Stonecrest, but I’m starting to understand I was there for a reason. As much as I want to be free, maybe it’s for the best that I go back. And while I’m in there, doing what I can to make myself into the partneryoudeserve, you can focus on getting your life back together after what I did to destroy it.”
Silas was silent, lips parted slightly, gaze locked on Elijah. Elijah shoved his hands into his pockets and let the silence stretch between them.
“And when I get out, and Iwillget out, you can be the one to pick me up and take me home, and we can give this whole relationship thing a try. If I don’t make you crazy once we’re living together, then we can talk marriage again. What do you think about that?”
Time froze for a moment, the seconds stretching out into eternity. Elijah’s heart still hammered in his chest, and his mind was still so fogged that he wasn’t sure what he’d just suggested made sense—but it was said. There was no going back.
“All this time, I thought I wanted an alpha to save me,” Elijah continued when Silas said nothing. “But I’m starting to realize that the only person who can save me is myself. Let me go back to Stonecrest so I can save myself, and we’ll be together before long. If you’re ready for marriage, what’s a few more months of separation before an eternity spent together?”
At last, Silas smiled. He stepped forward, and as the distance closed between them, the tremendous chemistry they shared sparked in the air and prickled across Elijah’s skin until the hair on his arms stood on end. Without even touching him, Silas gave him butterflies.
Waiting was the best choice he could have made. After all, life wasn’t just about him anymore—Elijah had to do what was best not only for their baby, but for their family. Growing into a strong, well-rounded person was imperative for their happiness.
When he was close enough, Silas drew Elijah into his arms and held him tight. Elijah, smiling even as tears gathered in his eyes, held him back. The scent of Silas’ soaps and the hint of his cologne soothed him. How was he going to go through months of treatment without Silas there to keep him grounded?
It didn’t matter. What mattered was that hewasgoing to get through it.
“I’m proud of you,” Silas whispered. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
“I’m proud of me, too.” Elijah meant it. The first of his tears began to fall. “We’re going to make this right. I promise.”
Silas ran his fingers through Elijah’s hair, and Elijah melted into his touch. “You’ve already started to make it right. We’re on the right track. In a few months from now, everything is going to be okay.”
“I love you,” Elijah whispered. The suddenness and the intensity of his words startled him, he knew the emotions were true.
“I love you, too,” Silas whispered back. “And I will no matter where you go, or how long we’re forced to be apart.”
