Page 61 of Healing Fate

“I don’t know. I mean I handle dozens of cases like this all the time. It’s one of the most common ailments for shifter kids, but this is Vada. It just feels different. My wolf is on edge.”

“Probably because he was expecting something different for this evening,” I teased, finding it helped my own nerves a lot to share this with him.

I didn’t feel so alone for once.

He shook his head adamantly.

“My wolf and I are in full sync and know she comes first. She has to. She’s just an innocent child and it’s not going to change anything to wait a few hours or a few days to complete our bond, but I’d never forgive myself if something happened to that little girl.”

“I love you!” I blurted out.

He had said the words to me, but I’d never returned them. As those three powerful little words left my lips, I felt the truth of them all the way to my toes.

“I do,” I continued. “And I love that you’re putting my daughter first over your own needs, even over my needs, because I do need you, Micah. That’s not easy for me to admit, but I do need you.”

He pulled up to Shelby’s drive and parked the car then turned to me. His hands captured my face as he stared into my eyes.

“I don’t just want to mate you, Lucy. You two are a package deal. I know that. I want it all, our little family, and Vada’s an important part of that. She’s so small and innocent. I’m not saying I won’t want time alone with you. Of course I do, but she’s just a child and right now she needs you.”

Tears filled my eyes as I nodded and smiled.

“I love you so much,” I told him and then I kissed him.

He pulled back and smiled. “I love you too, now let’s go and get our girl.”

I couldn’t stop smiling as we got out of the car and walked up to knock on the door. Shelby looked frazzled when she answered.

“No, no, no. What are you doing here? I told you we had it under control.”

“Mary Alice just went down,” her mate yelled from down the hallway.

“Oh no.”

She turned and took off running, so we followed.

There was a pile of blankets on the floor with bowls lined up. One of her boys grabbed for one and threw up.

They all looked miserable.

“You’re sure it was just candy?” Micah asked.

The man pointed to the pile or wrappers in the corner. “We’re sure.”

He chuckled. “Wow. That’s an impressive pile. Lucy, have you met Ben yet? Ben, this is my mate, Lucy.”

“Hi. I’d shake your hand, but trust me, you don’t want me to do that.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. Seriously. They asked, I said no. I should have made sure it was better out of reach.”

“It was on the top shelf, babe. These little masterminds worked together and were determined. I’m pretty sure they will rule the world someday at this rate, especially adding Vada into the mix. That is one smart cookie you have there.”

Even though I felt horrible about the situation, it was really nice to see my daughter interacting with other kids, kids that were just like her.

“Mommy?” Vada’s little voice said as she lifted her head from the pillow.

“Hey sweet girl, mommy’s here.”