Something in my chest cracks.
“Hey.” Callum’s immediately by me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I wipe at my eyes, sniffling, frustrated by my damn tears. “I just…no one’s ever…”
“We know,” Baylin says quietly, settling on my other side. “You’ve been alone. But you’re not anymore.”
“Never again,” Arkan adds, joining us on the bed.
They feed me, bringing food to my lips, making sure I eat enough. And despite my protests that I can feed myself, I let them. Because these brutes won’t take no for an answer!
But the truth is it’s because it feels good. Being cared for. Being wanted. Beingtheirs.
When I’ve eaten enough, Callum sets the tray aside.
“Better?” he asks.
“Much,” I grin, staring into his handsome face, then lean back against the pillows, beyond happy. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us for taking care of what’s ours,” Baylin rumbles with a wink.
“What happens now?” I ask quietly. My question has a different weight now. “With… everything. The kingdom. Snow White. Me. Us…”
The three of them exchange glances.
“What do you want to happen?” Callum asks.
I consider. What do I want?
“I don’t want to kill Snow White,” I say first. “That was the mirror’s poison, not me. I was jealous and bitter, but I don’t actually want her dead.”
“Good,” Arkan approves, nodding. He tenderly tucks a curl behind my ear like he’s happy, proud of me. “We weren’t going to let you kill some innocent girl.”
“I need to see her. Apologize. Make sure she knows she’s safe.”
“We’ll go with you,” Baylin states.
“I need to do this alone…”
All three of them growl.
I roll my eyes. “Fine. You can come.”
Callum asks, “What else?”
“The kingdom…” I trail off. “I’m the queen. I still have responsibilities.”
“So be the queen,” Arkan replies simply. “Just not alone anymore.”
“You want to help me rule the kingdom?”
“We want to be wherever you are,” Callum says.
The bond pulses warm in my chest.
“This is forever. No going back.”
“When you’re in heat, we’ll be there. When you’re pregnant with our pups…”
