“This is all because of me,” I sniffed, my voice cracking.
“Stop.” Koa’s hand covered mine, his touch firm but gentle. “Seri, look at me.”
Reluctantly, I lifted my gaze to meet his.
“None of this,none of it, is because of you.” His eyes blazed with conviction. “This is because Arabesque Harrow is a monster who raised monsters. You are not responsible for her actions or her daughters’ choices.”
“But if I hadn’t—”
“If you hadn’t what?Existed?Been born with magic she wanted to steal?” His voice grew rough. “Been so damn lovable that three dhampir brothers claimed you at first sight?” His thumb brushed across my lower lip. “None of this is on you, baby. And just to be clear, we’d do it all again. In a heartbeat. Do you think Cas or Zane see it that way? That they’re suffering because of you?”
“No, but—”
“There is no ‘but.’ We’re not sufferingbecauseof you. We’re fightingforyou.Withyou. There’s a difference.” His kiss against my temple was feather-light. “And not one of us would choose differently.”
I hadn’t realized I was crying until he brushed away a tear with his knuckle.
“I’m not a burden?” The question emerged smaller than I’d intended, and his laugh was gentle thunder.
“The opposite. You’re the reason we’re finally living instead of just surviving.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I love you. We all love you. Casimir would walk through hellfire for you without a second thought.”
“I’d rather he didn’t have to.”
“That’s what makes you worth it.” He kissed me properly then, a slow press of lips that tasted like promise and protection and the strange, wild fire that had bound the four of us together from the moment we’d met.
“I don’t deserve you,” I whispered. “Any of you.”
His hand captured mine, pressing my palm flat against the steady thunder of his heart.
“You’re our gravity, Seri. Without you… Without you, we’d still be Lucian’s attack dogs. Now hush and drink your tea.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. Despite weeks of their devotion, of their unwavering support, part of me still couldn’t believe I deserved their love. That I wasn’t somehow bringing disaster to their doorstep.
He pulled me into his arms, and I went willingly, burying my face against his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady.
“I just hate seeing them like this,” I mumbled against his shirt. “Especially Simmy. That must have been horrible to live through.”
“I know, beloved, but he’s strong. And we’re right here to help him through it.”
I nodded, allowing his confidence to bolster my own.
“Thank you, Koko.”
“For what, sweet girl?”
“For being you. For taking care of him. For taking care of me.” I lifted my head to look at him. “For taking care of all of us.” A smile curved his lips, and I caressed his cheek, my heart swelling with gratitude for this strong, steady man. “I love you, Koko.”
“I love you, too.” He leaned down to kiss my lips, but the baby monitor crackled to life, and he froze.
Looking at each other, we listened to Zane sleep-mumbling about using cheese balls for bullets, then burst into laughter. Even now, unconscious and drained, he remained our Zane.
28. Worth Fighting For
Seri
The rumble of engines cut through the evening quiet just after sunset. Setting aside my cup of tea, I moved to the foyer as Brumous abandoned his post upstairs, trotting down to investigate with curious energy.
“Someone’s excited.” I scratched behind his ears as we waited in the foyer.
