“Okay.”
“I’ll have someone with you if I can’t be.”
“Okay.”
I search her face.“You sure?”
Her light-blue eyes hold mine.“Yes.”
I shift so I can stand, keeping her in my arms.
She blinks.“What are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed.”
A blush rises in her cheeks.Even now.Even after everything.“Logan.”
“Not for that.”I head down the hallway with her cradled against my chest.“Though I like where your head’s at.”
She lets out a tiny, startled laugh, and it soothes something raw inside me.Good.I want her laughing.Smiling.Teasing me.I want every trace of that man and what he did replaced with me.With us.With home.
When I carry her into the bedroom, I set her down gently on the bed and move around the room, grabbing what we need.Clean clothes, water, and another blanket.Tucking Vivian into bed, I rush into the shower, needing to wash the blood from my skin.
After a quick shower, I tug on clean clothes, grab a washcloth, and wet it.I take a deep breath and return to my mate.
Vivian watches me quietly while I kneel in front of her and gently wipe the dirt from her arms and face.My chest aches the whole time.I should have been there sooner.I should have?—
Stop,my bear growls.She’s here now.
He’s right.
The second I’m in bed, she curls against me.My mate, my home.
I wrap her up carefully, tucking her into my side until there’s nowhere in the world she could be but here.
She lets out a long, slow breath.“Logan?”
“Yeah, Vivi?”
“Thank you for finding me.”
I close my eyes and press a kiss to the top of her head.“There was never a world where I wouldn’t.”
She goes quiet after that, and I think maybe she’s drifting off.
Then she whispers one more thing.“I’m glad I stayed that first day.I’m glad I gave this a chance.”
My chest tightens, and I hold her a little closer.“Me too.”
Outside, the mountain settles into the evening.The wind moves through the trees, and somewhere in the distance, I know the Midnight Haven guys are still out there making sure the body is gone, the trail is covered, and that no one comes near my cabin tonight.
My bear finally lies down inside me, still watchful, still alert, but calmer now that our mate is back where she belongs.
I stroke my hand slowly up and down Vivian’s back until her breathing deepens and sleep pulls her under.
Resting my chin on top of her head, I stare into the dark.
Let them come, let every last one of them try.
