Page 16

Telling Harper that Callum is her father was the easy bit. After all, she had heard most of it at the craft fair. Confirming it over breakfast felt like a formality, as she nodded while continuing to play with the little toys Sara had brought around for her. She took it all in her stride, and I was just glad she had woken up seemingly unscarred by last night's events.

On the other hand, Callum looks more nervous than I think I have ever seen him as she shows him her toys and listens to us explain. He fidgets with his coffee cup, eyes darting between Harper and me. I can feel the tension in the air and don't know how to break it. I try to make small talk to ease the tension, but each word feels forced out of my mouth.

Everything felt much simpler last night. There’s certainly no denying how much we seem to want each other. My wolf feels closer than ever, and I know that’s because she senses her mate, something that pisses me off because I needed her to come back for Harper and me, not him. But that was physical, and hasn’t he shown before how easily he can have sex with me without it meaning anything more than that?

But right now, this is about Harper and her father, who wants to step up. Part of me is screaming at me to trust him, that this could help Harper—could help both of us. But another part remembers what happened before and how easily he can hurt me again.

He clears his throat and puts down his cup, taking a deep breath before speaking. "So...um...do you think we could maybe practice your magic later? You know, in the meadow? After I’ve finished some work." It takes me by surprise, but it also warms my heart that he wants to spend time with Harper on something they can connect about.

Harper looks to me, and I nod. "Sure," I finally manage to say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. Everything feels so out of balance today.

We finish breakfast, and as I look out the window at the quiet street, I suggest walking to the park while Callum does his work. Despite the enormity of her morning, Harper seems completely unfazed and leaps from the table to get ready. As I wash the dishes and get our things ready, I wish I had her youthful innocence for just a moment. Something tells me Callum might just feel the same as I catch him watching me. He looks as though he’s going to say more, but then turns away. I find myself wondering if he regrets what he said last night. It’d natural if the emotion of finding out about Harper confused his feelings.

I shake my head, knowing I have spent so much of my life trying to understand Callum’s feelings, and that deep down, they are intrinsically linked to the pack. From what I saw at the craft fair last night, the pack will never change its feelings about my place here. There’s no point even considering my feelings about Callum. In some ways, I feel as though they are almost insignificant. My feelings have always been insignificant.

Except where Harper is concerned.

When we finally make it outside and head toward the park, the air is crisp and clean. I hold Harper’s hand tightly, feeling protective after last night and just grateful the streets are quiet. I was tempted to stay in the house, but with Callum there and the weight of last night's revelations, a part of me wants some time alone with Harper to gauge how she’s really feeling.

As we walk, she chats excitedly about everything she wants to learn from Callum and how big and strong her daddy is. She seems genuinely thrilled at the prospect of spending time with him. I’m not sure what I wanted to hear; I want her to be happy, but hearing her enthusiasm only makes the pit in my stomach grow.

We arrive at the park, and I watch as Harper immediately runs to the swings, her laughter ringing out in the air. It’s such a simple thing, but it feels like everything is right in my world when she's happy. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding and try to push aside my worries for a moment to join her, feeling the wind ruffle my hair as I sit in the swing next to her. The sun is still warm on my face, but a fresh chill in the air makes me shiver.

I hear the soft squeak of the swing chains as we start moving, and the world around us fades into the background. Harper's smile is infectious, and I can't help but smile back at her as we swing higher. We stay like this for a while, Harper is fearless and although I have to help her a few times, it amazes me how far she has come since being here.

Eventually, I look around and realize more people are out now. Pups are heading for the park, which means their parents will, too. The sound of laughter soon fills my ears, and I realize a couple of families are setting up on the other side of the park. Harper looks at me, and I notice concern in her eyes. The incident with Sam and last night’s craft fair has affected her. “Everyone loves the park, Harper. They’re just here to play, too,” I say soothingly, and she nods.

I try to concentrate on pushing Harper on the swings, but eventually, I hear it—the whispers, full of talk about last night. People look at me with a mixture of confusion and disdain. It makes me feel exposed and vulnerable. I stand up quickly, pulling Harper with me. "Okay, sweetie," I say, trying to keep my voice light, "let's head home."

I almost expect her to argue, but instead, she looks up at me questioningly as we gather our things and start walking back toward the gate. My heart feels heavy in my chest as the whispers grow louder with every step we take away from the park. I distract Harper by telling her what we’ll have for lunch, and then she’ll play with Callum.

She squeezes my hand and says, “Daddy, not Callum.”

My heart clenches, but I nod and offer her a smile. I don’t know why, but I expected some resistance to the idea. She’s so young, though, and Callum has been so nice to her; she welcomes the idea, perhaps because of the bond they share with the magic. Maybe she feels the connection. It would make sense.

We get back to the house, and Callum is waiting for us on the porch, finishing a call. I see something like worry flash in his eyes as he studies my face, but I brush it off.

"Park was great, wasn’t it, Harper?" I say brightly, trying to sound upbeat. She nods, and I just hope he wasn’t watching our quick exit from the park. I hate that he thinks I’m weak.

Callum frowns but doesn't press the matter. Instead, he ruffles Harper's hair and winks at her. "Ready to practice our magic?"

She bounces on her feet with excitement and beams at him. "Yes!" she squeals, practically vibrating with excitement. He shoots me a look over her head, and something in his eyes softens as he says, "We won't be long. Why don’t you get coffee?"

"It’s fine, really, take your time," I say, watching them disappear through the house toward the meadow at the back. I see them holding hands, and my heart aches.

I’m about to close the door when I hear my name.

“Ava,” Sara calls, taking the steps two at a time. “I’m glad I caught you. I just wanted to check in with you after last night.”

Sara walked us back from the craft fair without asking a single question about the revelations, and I was so grateful for that. She just walked with us and let me hold it together for Harper’s sake. I turned and smiled at her. “I’m making coffee. Do you want some?”

She accepts, and we head toward the kitchen, where I put a fresh pot on, and we watch Callum with Harper from the large picture window. The sound of Harper’s laughter carries from the meadow as she tries and fails to control her magic. The flying sparks and accompanying bang would have terrified me before, but now, with Callum there to guide her, I find myself smiling.

“Well,” Sara says, laughing. “I guess I don’t need to ask how Callum took the news?”

I shake my head, watching as Harper beams up at him before trying again. “He’s been great with her,” I say, not able to keep the nerves out of my voice.

“I’m glad,” Sara replies, and I look at her over my shoulder. She seems genuinely happy for me, and the tension in my chest loosens a little. “And how was he with you? Charlie wanted to come over too, but I think he still needs some time to process it all.”

“Is he embarrassed?” I ask, cringing.

“No,” Sara replies emphatically. “Not at all, that’s not what I meant. He’s pissed. At Callum and the whole pack.”

I groan and cover my face with my hands. "Please don’t let him jeopardize his place in the pack just for me,” I plead, knowing how much the pack means to Charlie.

Sarah rubs my back. “Let him be pissed, Ava,” she says, “It’s the least he can do. Besides, Callum already called and left a message for him this morning apologizing for not being better on all counts. Charlie’s not in the wrong here.”

I sigh, fighting the tears that threaten to fall. “Callum didn’t know. He didn’t know I was pregnant when I left. Neither did I,” I say quietly. “He rejected me, not Harper.”

“Oh, Ava,” Sara says, hugging me as we continue to look out the window. “That must have been so hard. What about now? What does he say about everything?”

I sniffle, wiping my tears away. “He wants us to stay. He wants to know Harper.” I smile as he chases Harper through the tall grass. “He really seems to mean that.”

Sarah nods, watching the scene. “He does. And what about you two? What does he want?”

I blush crimson as she eyes me, remembering how easy it is for a shifter to sense when people have been together. “I’m not sure what I want matters; the pack will dictate. And we already know how the pack feels. I don’t even know how Callum feels. I know he wants Harper, I believe him on that. But is that enough for me to stay? Can Harper actually build a life here?”

Sarah scoffs. “They will have to accept the alpha’s daughter and her mom.”

“I think you’re being optimistic.” I say, “Everyone is so perfect here; they don’t allow for anything or anyone they don’t think fits in.”

Sarah shakes her head. “Things aren’t always what they seem. Folks may pretend to be perfect, but there are enough bad apples here, they’d give the rogues a run for their money.” She adds sadly, “I’m working with a committee to house women fleeing domestic violence right here in the pack. I’d like to open it to women in the rogue communities, too, but that’s going to take some time.”

I look at her, shocked. Growing up, there was never much talk of bad relationships or women leaving. However, I saw enough examples of it in my parents’ marriage. And my experience with the Collinses only highlights that abuse is still very much an issue.

I’m lost in thought as Sarah continues, “You know, if you stay, I think you could really help some of these women. Some have children or pups on the way. And you’re just about the strongest mom I know.”

I don’t know what to say. Her kind words almost breaking the last of my resolve as a tear rolls down my cheek. Just then, I hear Harper shouting for me and look up to see her waving while controlling a collection of tiny sparks. Sarah claps, and I wave, smiling brightly. Callum stands next to her and looks proud as they laugh together. Sarah reaches out and holds my hand, sensing my tidal wave of emotion.

“I’m scared to want anything because I’m afraid of losing it,” I say with raw honesty.

She squeezes my hand and nods. “Just give yourself some time, okay?”

I nod, and we watch the scene in the meadow as Callum and Harper build what looks to be a strong foundation. It’s like the father-daughter bond was always there, waiting to be ignited. But where does that leave me?