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He spends every day with us, sometimes the entire day.

It just sort of happened. He shows up around breakfast time, usually with donuts or treats, and leaves after Cleo’s bedtime.

He fits into our little life so well, that it’s actually a little unnerving.

But watching him with Cleo makes my heart swell. He’s so good with her and she adores him. We’ve fallen into the habit of all sitting together after dinner and playing a board game or putting together a puzzle, like we’re a real family. He helps me put Cleo to bed, sometimes telling her wild stories about a big black wolf and his adventures in the woods. I recognize what he’s doing,and I am grateful for it. He’s telling her our history—the history of our pack and our ancestors, without telling her that she’s a shifter too.

My wolf is ecstatic, practically begging me to make this real and forever. She loves having Austin close and I know when it’s time for him to go back to the pack, she’s going to mourn.

If I’m being honest, Austin leaving will be hard on all of us, including Cleo.

Last night, after Cleo went to bed, we just sat and talked on the porch with a cup of cocoa and leftover cupcakes. It wasn’t the first time we’d done that in the last few weeks, but last night felt different.

Austin has changed. He’s no longer the selfish, immature boy that I left. He’s turned into a man. An Alpha I can be proud of. He’s kind, caring, protective, and supportive.

He’s reiterated multiple times how proud he is of me and my career. He’s shown his love over and over to Cleo, treating her as his daughter without question. The effort he’s put into supporting Cleo and I these last few weeks is incredible.

He even brought up the past last night without me having to do it.

I replay his words in my mind as I sip my tea.

“It was my fault, Yelena. All of it. I didn’t see you, then. I was too consumed with my own issues to seeyou.And I have regretted that every single day since. The way I treated you, rejecting you and the love you showed me? It’s shameful and it will take a lifetime to make it up to you, if you’ll even let me.”

At the time, his words floored me. I couldn’t even respond because I was so shocked. To have Austin admit wrongdoing would have been unheard of back then. I never expected to hear an apology like this or even an acknowledgment of the pain that he caused me.

It’s melted the ice around my heart and let me hope. Maybe…this could work. Maybe thisisour second chance. Maybe forgivenessispossible.

My wolf is more than ready. I just don’t know if I am.

He rejected me, forcing me to live a lonely life before I had to leave to save myself. That pain is still fresh. Being away from him, our pack, having to raise my child alone and eek a life out for us.

It’s a lot.

And yet…the fact remains that he is my mate. The father of my child. And the one I’ve loved for years.

I know this. I’vealwaysknown this. We were Fated to be together by the Moon Goddess herself. Chosen for each other. There is no one else out there for me that will complete me the way he will.Complete our family.

Don’t I owe it to myself, my wolf, and Cleo to take this final chance and try?

Each day that I spend with him makes my feelings grow stronger…and more complicated.

He’s changed. Go to him. Tell him how you feel. Tell him the truth about Cleo.

I drain my tea and drum my fingers on the counter. Susan is due to come pick Cleo up to take her to her art class in fifteen minutes. They will be gone for an hour.

If I wanted to talk to Austin privately, this would be the best time to do it. A little flutter starts up in my stomach.

I wonder what he’ll say when I tell him. I’m not blind. The kisses we’ve shared have been electric, and the chemistry between us is as strong as ever.

He’s been respectful of my boundaries, not pushing anything. It’s made me want him more.

Decision made, I head up the stairs to get changed. If I’m going to do this, I want to look my best.For my mate.

***

Nerves pool in my belly as I watch Susan and Cleo pull out of the driveway. Austin’s truck is parked in his driveway, and I can see it from my front porch.

All I have to do is walk over there and tell him. Easy peasy.