Leo glanced toward Adara, still sleeping peacefully with Snuggles beside her. “Let me do the protecting.”
“You haven’t forgotten I’m a dragon shifter?” she asked, raising her head to look at him.
“Not for one moment,” he replied. “But even dragons need protecting sometimes. They need to know they can lie down their heads and rest without worrying about what’s out there...”
That sounds like an offer we can’t refuse,her dragon said.
It does,Estelle replied, suddenly feeling bone-tired but thankful she had finally found somewhere to rest.
Even if only for tonight.
Chapter Twelve – Leo
Our mate has been through so much,his bear said, wishing he could make it right for her. But there was no easy way to undo what she had lived through.
She has,Leo agreed.But she’s not alone now. She has us. And always will.
Always,his bear rumbled in agreement.
Leo gazed down at Estelle and Adara, both asleep now on his couch. After their talk, he had gently moved Adara from the floor, and Estelle had curled up beside her daughter, exhaustion finally claiming her. Firelight played across their faces, catching the faint furrow that still lingered between Estelle’s brows even in sleep.
They’re finally resting,his bear said with satisfaction.In our den. Where they belong.
Leo nodded, something deep inside him settling. This wasn’t only about protection anymore. It was about belonging. About building something lasting. A life together where Adara could grow and thrive.
I want to give them everything,he said.Safety. Stability. Somewhere, they don’t have to keep looking over their shoulders.
His bear rumbled in agreement.Our family.
Our family,he echoed.
It was true. He hadn’t just met his mate. He’d gained a child, too. A child he already loved with a fierceness that surprised him.
Estelle stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked disoriented for a moment before her gaze found his.
“I fell asleep,” she murmured, carefully untangling herself from Adara.
“You needed it,” Leo said softly, offering his hand to help her up.
Estelle took it and stood slowly so she wouldn’t wake Adara. “What time is it?”
“Just past midnight.” He kept his voice low. “You can take my bed. I’ll sleep out here with Adara.”
Estelle shook her head. “I can’t take your bed.”
“You can,” Leo whispered. “Or we both can. Your choice.”
He watched the conflict move across her face, desire warring with caution, need battling years of habit.
“Adara...” she began.
“Will be right here,” Leo assured her. “The door stays open. You’ll hear if she stirs.”
A flicker of anxiety crossed Estelle’s face, her shoulders tightening. “I need some air,” she said suddenly, moving toward the door that led to his back porch.
Leo followed her outside, where she leaned against the railing, her face tilted up to the night sky. Moonlight washed over her, turning her skin pale and luminous.
She’s so beautiful,his bear whispered, awestruck.And she’s ours.
