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‘Hell, why does everyone, including my parents, see me as some baby factory? When I shared about you, it was the first thing they said.’

He lurched. ‘You shared us,mi reina?’

She took an inhale. ‘I’m so sorry, honey. I forgot to tell you.Naam. I told them about you.’

He narrowed his eyes at her. ‘And?’

She tilted her head, her eyes glinting. ‘They were opinionated to say the least.’

He knifed up. ‘Savvine.’

His growl was a warning, and she bit back a grin at his solemn, worried expression. ‘They think you’re quite something.’

When he snarled, she relented. ‘They respect you, Xander, and the selfless effort you took to save me and theEterna. My parents are also the most welcoming people on the Wildlight and didn’t care one iota about your lycan abilities. They also can’t wait to meet you.’

His smile softened, and his tense deltoids relaxed, but the longing didn’t leave his eyes.

She caught onto it as her fingers traced his temple and brushed damp hair from his forehead. ‘Back to what you said. You want to be a daddy?’

‘I do,’ he rasped. ‘Especially since meeting you.’

Her throat tightened.

‘I’ve been a badass aunt,’ she declared. ‘I think I’d be a damn good mum too.’

Xander’s eyes lit up. ‘Fokk,’ he whispered. ‘I love you.’

He fell silent as if searching for words.

His rasp was raw with emotion when he unearthed his expression once more. ‘I thank the stars I found you, the woman my human heart and lycan soul are so gone for. I didn’t realize how lost I was until you illuminated the way,mi cielo. Youare every wish I never dared to make, each dream I thought impossible, and now, you are my whole damn life.’

She kissed him with a smile on her lips. ‘Ever the freakin’ poet. I love you more, Alexandr-Alexandr Levine Roman.’

Wrapped in each other and morning light, they fell asleep on the swaying terrace swing.

At peace, for once, with the war and the battle for their hearts behind them.

31

The Wolf And The Lioness

SAVVINE

Caffè Ballarin on Deck 27 was a belovedEternastaple.

The family-owned pasticceria was a favorite that paid homage to the charm of a long-standing Italian tradition of hot, delicious beverages and desserts.

Its walls featured photos and holos of the old world’s magnificent architecture, beautiful landscapes, sumptuous cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Its furniture tried to imitate a Venetian cafe, from its curved alcoves lined with arboreal panels and antique Bianchi murals, to the striped chairs and tablecloths.

Its windows’ vista was of an atmospheric garden dome, where an artificial dawn painted the ferns and flowers in gentle golds, plus a few olive trees for authenticity.

The scent of clove syrup and steamed chicory hung in the air, mingled with the warmth of fresh flatbread and herb-whipped butter.

Savvine sat at a side booth with a steaming mug of amberkahawabetween her hands, not trying to meet her friends’ eyes.

But she wasn’t fooling them, not in the least.