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ARI

Ari teleported to their room where Sage was sitting on her laptop, still trying to work out the antidote for the serum. He’d let her keep working as it was her happy place and didn’t want to alarm her.

But that time had now passed.

“Sweetheart.”

“Yup, hi. I’m going to be here while,” Sage replied, not looking up.

Ari gently took the laptop from her, his heart fucking breaking as her eyes snapped up to his. Ignoring the questions within them, he put a hand on the mattress and leaned down, kissing his mate that he’d waited an eternity for.

“I love you. I love you so fucking much,” he said, cupping her face.

“Ari, what is going on?”

“I thank God that I met you, Sage, and experienced the utter joy of being your mate.” He was being selfish, scaring her, but he was giving himself this moment. “Tell me you love me.”

“More than the air I breathe. Plus, you’re hot. But you’re also scaring me, Ari. What is going on?”

The one thing I cannot save you from.

Ari pressed his eyes closed and fought the emotions rolling through him. He’d taken his selfish moment, and now it was time to do what was needed. Opening them once more, he kissed her firmly on the lips, then climbed off the bed.

“Come, we need to join the family.” Ari lifted Sage to her feet, wrapped his arms around his mate, then teleported back to the king.

Brayden, Willow, Isabella, Kate, Vincent, and Lucca were there. Before he could say anything, Craig walked into the room with Brianna.

He was somber, not his usual grumpy self, which confirmed to Ari that Brayden had told him. The commander deserved to know and would keep it from the others.

These last few moments had to be one of peace and joy for those who didn’t need to carry this burden.

“We’re going to join the others in the dining hall,” Craig said, clasping Brayden’s hand and man-hugging him.

Fuck.

Ari looked away, knowing the two males were saying goodbye.

The commander had always been an extended part of the Moretti family, so it was right for him to take this moment with them.

Willow and Brianna were also best friends, as humans and now as vampires.

They could have stayed, but he respected that Craig wanted to be with his warriors. That he could hold space for them as the world went up in flames. It was a credit to his strength and loyalty.

Ari had sensed the Moretti blood running in the big vampire’s veins when he first met him. Ari didn’t know how or why it didn’t disappear as usually happened, but it bonded him to the family in a way he was sure Craig didn’t understand.

Maybe Brayden didn’t either.

But it was there.

Only the Moretti’s knew of the power of their blood and clearly the vampire had kept it a secret for as long as he’d had itinside of him. For that, Ari was grateful and respected him even more.

“Okay, can someone tell me what is happening here?” Brianna asked.

“I can’t.” Sage shook her head.

Ari watched the two males share a longer look, and his heart tightened. Then Craig drew in a breath, shook Vincent’s hand, and turned to do the same to Ari.

“Say goodbye to the princess,” Craig said, and startled as she did as was told, racing over and hugging Willow.