“My anaiah,” he whispered, kissing her softly.
He laced his hand with hers and pressed it against his heart.Home.
He was finally home where he belonged, in the arms of his mate.Exhausted but filled with joy, Raiden held her close and rested.
Chapter 36
Raidenwoketofindhimself alone in Daya’s bed.She’d been right about his body’s need to recover from the ordeal of becoming Hannelore’s shield.Thankfully, the pain had disappeared, and his mind had settled.He felt like himself.Different.Stronger.Yet still himself.
Daya’s presence surrounded his soul.A gentle caress brought her immediately into his mind.You’re awake.
How long was I out?
Two days.Neka and I have been monitoring you.
It felt more like a week based on how hungry he was but, otherwise, didn’t feel like he’d been out for that long.
He’d held on to consciousness long enough to hug the girls when they’d returned to the house.But not long enough to talk other than to assure them he was alive.Opal must have been panicked with the severing of their bond.The way he’d been when Veda’s was cut.
Your girls are eager to see you,Daya said.I’ll keep them outside until you're ready.
Our girls.
There was a brief hesitation followed by a swell of emotion across the bond.Our girls.Ryan showed me the papers you brought.You didn’t have to name me as their guardian with you.
Of course I did.You’re mine.We’re a family.That makes you their mother.And my mate.If Hannelore had a problem with it, I wouldn’t be here.We’re doing this our way, Daya.
The desire to hold her close and kiss her while they had this discussion was strong.
Our way,Daya agreed, her gentle spirit moving against his.We’ll find some time for us later.They need you first.
Tonight.
After changing and getting ready for the new day, he made his way to the kitchen.The smell of food didn’t surprise him.Nor did the sight of his best friend standing at the counter with two mugs of tea.
Turning, Ryan stared at him for a few heartbeats before finally taking a full breath.
“Took you long enough.”
“It was a pretty bad crash,” he joked.“You must not be too mad if you’re willing to feed me.”
Ryan gave a forced laugh.
Stepping forward, Raiden reached out and pulled his oldest friend into a hug.“I’m alive, Ry.I made it.”
Ryan gripped him back.“Didn’t feel like it.The severing.It felt like you died.”
Kavesh.How had he not realized that the transformation would affect Ryan?He’d talked with his sisters at length, tried to prepare Opal.But he hadn’t thought about the impact to his teammates.Especially Ryan, who held a brother’s place in his heart.
“Ry—”
“You’re an idiot, and I love you.”Ryan let him go with a squeeze to his healed sword arm.“Did you not realize how strong our bond was?It feels like having a limb cut off.”He ran a shaking hand over his jaw.
“I’m sorry, Ry.”
“I knew it would happen, but…” Ryan shook his head.“What Thalia must have gone through with Jax, with an even stronger mate bond.Zevat, Con.I can’t imagine.”
“Me neither.But that type of bond—it’s worth it.”No amount of fear could convince him otherwise, not anymore.
