I stood in Edgar's study while a pack healer stitched the knife wounds. One across my ribs and the deeper one on my shoulder. Kellan was beside me, sporting a split lip, bruise on his arm, and bruised knuckles but otherwise intact.
"You should have called for backup," Edgar said, his voice tight. "You could have been killed."
"We handled it."
"You got stabbed." He pushed.
"Superficially." I nodded my thanks to the healer as she finished. "And now the enemy and his accomplice are eliminated. Your daughter is safe."
"Is she?" Leilani asked from where she stood by the window. "She just watched you kill two men. She's pregnant and doesn't know the first thing about being a mother. She's been living with you for weeks and hasn't even bonded." She stopped herself.
"We know," I finished quietly.
"Why not?" Edgar's question was direct. "You're her scent matches. She's carrying your child. What's stopping you?"
"Her choice." Kellan spoke up. "She gets to decide if and when she wants that bond. Not us. Not biology. Her."
"Even if it puts her at risk?"
"Especially then." I met Edgar's eyes. "She's spent years being controlled by fear and circumstances. By people who thought they knew what was best for her. We're not going to add to that."
"But you love her." Leilani eyed us both.
It wasn't a question. But I answered anyway.
"More than anything."
"Then tell her that." Leilani's voice was gentle. "Tell her she has a choice, yes. But also tell her what that choice means to you."
"We have," Kellan said.
"Have you?" She moved closer. "Or have you been so focused on not pressuring her that you've never actually told her what you want? What you need?"
I exchanged a look with Kellan.
Had we? We'd told her she could leave. That we'd respect her choice. That we wouldn't force anything. But had we ever actually told her that we wanted her? We need her. We choose you, and we're hoping you'll choose us back?
"Where is she now?" I asked.
"Her room," Edgar said. "Kira is with her. They've been up there since you brought her back."
"I need to see her."
"You need to rest," the healer interrupted. "Those wounds need time to heal."
"They're fine. I'm fine." I was already moving toward the door. "Kellan?"
"Right behind you."
We found them exactly where Edgar had said she was. Kira was sitting on the bed beside Naomi, holding her hand, speaking in low, urgent tones. They both looked up when we entered.
"How is it?" Naomi asked immediately, her eyes going to my bandaged shoulder.
"Superficial. I'm fine."
"Kellan?"
"Couple bruises. Nothing serious." He closed the door behind us. "How are you?"
