She blinked up at me, completely calm.
Completely trusting.
Something dark and absolute settled in my chest.
“No one is taking her from you,” I said flatly. “Or from me.”
Laney’s breath hitched.
“You don’t understand how much power they have.”
“Then I need to talk to him.”
Her eyes widened.
“No! You can’t—”
“Laney.” My voice hardened. “Until I know exactly what’s happening, you’re staying here. Both of you.”
She shook her head.
“You don’t know what you’re inviting into your town.”
“I do,” I said quietly.
“And they’re not walking out with my daughter.”
The word felt right.
Mine.
Laney sagged slightly, like the fight had drained out of her all at once.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked more softly. “About her.”
She looked away.
“Because you left before I even woke up.”
“I had a job, in Alaska. You were still sleeping. I left my information.”
“I know.”
Silence stretched between us.
Heavy.
Complicated.
“Laney,” I said quietly, “you’re not alone anymore.”
Before she could answer, Wolf walked in.
“Who do we have here?”
“Wolf, this is Laney Rossi,” I said.
I looked down at the tiny girl in my arms.
