“Caleb…” she murmurs, seemingly not knowing where to start after everything, and letting that guilt hold her back. “I’m sorry… I’ve never done that before. It could’ve hurt you, or thrown you off, but I couldn’t just stand by—”
“You didn’t,” I say directly, voice rougher than anticipated as I reach for her, putting a gentle hand against her cheek even as my body aches. “You helped me win, just like any strong Luna would.”
Lila’s eyes meet mine, swimming in subtle confusion and disbelief.
Pulling in a breath, I carefully brush my thumb along her skin, finally settling on the fact that she’s right here. Right in front of me and in my grasp.
“Whatever you did, I’m here because of it. I felt you, and I felt all of it,” I murmur, taking in her features and just how pale her skin looks. “It took a lot out of you.”
“It was nothing compared to what you did,” Lila says, still holding onto the edges of her concern. “But it was worth it.”
“It didn’t feel like what I’ve always been told magic feels like,” I admit softly, reaching for her hand with my free one, gently stroking her inner wrist to feel the way she shivers. “It wasn’t cold, or wrong.”
She blinks up at me, still somewhat cautious despite how hope breaks through her fear.
“It felt like strength. Yours and mine together,” I add, holding her gaze while our connection burns at this proximity. “It felt like love.”
Lila’s eyes soften, and despite herself, she can’t form the right words.
I reach for her waist, being mindful as I carefully draw her closer until we’re skin to skin, and my heart slows to a steadier beat, even if I’m subtly leaning my weight against her to stay standing. After everything, being this close feels like coming home after being gone for far too long.
“I’m not angry,” I murmur, wrapping my arms around her as I press my face into her neck and hair. “Not at this, or at you.”
Her pulse spikes, and she releases a relieved breath as she returns the embrace, fingers pressed against my back as she hugs me fiercely.
“I’m just glad you’re both alive, and that this is over.”
Lila trembles faintly in my arms, nodding and clinging to me.
Then, as if reminded, she pulls back, eyes wide with concern again. “Astrid…”
“Is safe,” I say without hesitation, gently brushing her hair back. When I glance past her and into the tree line, I smile subtly. “Speaking of…”
Resting a hand on Lila’s hip as she turns around, shielding me, Dominic approaches while holding Astrid’s hand, guiding her along through the clearing before he lets go, letting her run forward.
“Mama!”
Utter relief cloaks Lila as our daughter bounds forward, catching her in a tight hug. At the same time, Dominic gives me a grin and tosses a pair of sweats in my direction.
“Thank you… And thanks for keeping her safe,” I say to him as I slip the pants on, feeling a bit more put together.
He nods, arms crossed. “No problem, boss. It’s a shame I didn’t get to watch you kick ass, though.”
Boss. I huff at that, well aware of his teasing undertones. “Maybe next time.”
“No next time,” Lila interjects, throwing a glare in my direction while she holds Astrid close.
At that, I give her a sheepish smile, putting my hands up in defense. “Right… no next time.”
She eyes me still, but looks mostly satisfied by the response. Dominic just chuckles and claps a hand against my shoulder before heading back. “I’ll leave you to it. Shout if you need anything.”
I nod, watching as he goes for another beat before I face Lila and Astrid, and something in my chest immediately twists at the sight of them.
My mate and my child.
My daughter.
For too long, I watched this little girl thinking she was a piece of Lila and someone else, and that I only wanted to protect her because she mattered to Lila. I dismissed all the instincts I had to hold her, to make her laugh, and to care for her like she was my own.
