I thought it was empathy and harmless affection. But all along, it was natural, and because she really is my blood.
Now, I know she’s mine, and everything hits me so much harder. That primal pull in my rubs when I look at her doesn’t need to be dismissed. And when she glances at me with that almost shy, bright stare, it lands differently now.
I give her a soft smile. “How are you holding up?”
She clutches Lila’s shirt a bit tighter, but doesn’t look away. “Good… are you hurt?”
The question is so honest and innocent, and it makes my chest ache even more, given how the bruises along my body are clear enough for her to see.
“A little,” I admit, hoping that some optimism will be enough reassurance. “But nothing that won’t heal soon enough.”
Astrid looks at me for a long while, then, completely unprompted, she reaches for me, and it dislodges something in my chest.
Lila smiles as she hands her over, letting me collect the little one in my arms. Her expression is still a little sad and worn out, but there’s something warm and tentative just beneath the surface, seeming more like hope.
While in my hold, Astrid examines me closely. “Are you really my dad?”
Her voice is so small and fragile, and the question catches me off guard. I didn’t think Lila had said anything to her yet. But as I glance at her, she nods once, like permission and an apology twisted together.
Then I focus on Astrid again, bringing my opposite hand up to gently nudge her chin.
“Yeah,” I murmur, trying harder than anticipated to stay composed. “I’m your dad.”
She stays like that for a short moment, then she gives me a small smile before closing her eyes and pressing her forehead against mine. Her arms wrap around my neck, holding onto me like it’s as easy as anything.
“I wanted you to be,” she whispers back, sweet and far too gentle for my own good.
That small gesture is enough to break me entirely, throat closing. But I pull her even closer, breathing in her familiar scent as I close my eyes and soak it all in.
Then, Lila’s arms wrap around both of us, leaning into my side like she’s drawn to us both. I reach for her, pulling her in without hesitation.
For a long while, everything shrinks to this moment. To the three of us, pressed together and surrounded by a tenderness I’ve been longing for since before I can remember.
It’s everything I’ve ever needed, and with their faith completely in me, safe and sound, I know every struggle and sacrifice was worth it to get us here.
After a long, quiet stretch, the brush of the cool nighttime breeze reminds me that we’re still in Wraith Peak, and still in the woods. I pull back enough to look at them both.
“I’m taking you two home now… let’s get out of here.”
Not needing to be told twice, Lila nods, and I keep a hand on both of them as we steadily make our way back through the forest. We move slowly while I heal little by little, but there’s no rush.
Every step feels new, like I’m walking towards something solid and real. A life that’s finally mine to fight for, and one I’m welcoming freely.
Lila keeps pace despite her exhaustion, and even with her tired posture, she keeps her chin high. She helped take down enough wolves to change the outcome for her and Astrid, and she wielded that magic to give me the strength I needed to see it all through.
She saved herself, our daughter, and me, too.
She isn’t the timid girl I walked away from years ago. She’s a fierce protector, a mother, and my mate.
For the first time in a while, I feel it all so clearly.
I’m on the right path, with a daughter far stronger than she might ever know, and a mate who would do anything in her power to protect what matters most.
And I’m not going to waste another second pretending this isn’t exactly what I need.
Chapter 29 - Lila
Before we even reached the house, Astrid was fast asleep in Caleb’s arms, sleeping away the trip back home. It was a relief to see her more relaxed and at peace after everything, and while I’m sure we’ll have to talk about the things she witnessed tonight, it can wait for another day.
