Page 65 of Healing Fate

As the full reality of all that had happened today came crashing in around me, I didn’t freak out like I normally would have. I didn’t cry. I didn’t let it draw me into the darkness of despair. Instead, I embraced it, took comfort in my mate, and drifted off into the best night’s sleep I’d had in a very long time.

Micah

Chapter 16

Vada stirred against my chest with a big stretch.

I peeked one eye open to look down on her and then slowly opened the other. My hand rubbed her little back and when she didn’t squirm in discomfort, I knew the candy eating incident was behind us.

Lucy was awake and watching me. I could feel it.

I turned my head until our eyes met, overwhelmed by the love I saw there.

“What time is it?” I asked, then leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

“Seven.”

“Shit. We have to get moving.”

“But the clinic doesn’t open until nine.”

“Yeah, but I promised Dad we’d stop by for breakfast first.”

“Oh.”

“I may go ahead and close today for emergencies only. Given everything that happened yesterday, no one will blame me.”

She frowned. “That’s not a very good business model.”

I groaned. “Now you sound like my dad.”

“Do we really have to go? Can’t you call and explain that Vada was sick last night?”

I nodded. “I can do that, but it’s only putting off the inevitable, Luce. I’m close with my family and they’re going to love you, both of you.”

“You can’t know that for sure.”

“I know you’re scared, and trust me, if they do anything that makes you uncomfortable, I will grab you both and get the hell out of there. They are important to me, but not as important as the two of you.”

“You’re sure about this?”

“It’s going to be fine. My mother is going to love you, both of you,” I added, knowing that was her real fear.

She could deal with my parents not accepting her, but not accepting her daughter was unacceptable. I loved that about her. She was one fierce mama.

It took some convincing, but I did manage to get her moving. And soon we were pulling up to my childhood home with the big front porch overlooking Main Street. Across the street was the park and the pond where I’d spent a large portion of my time growing up.

With a bit of coaxing, Lucy reluctantly got out of the car. I didn’t hesitate to usher her inside, not even stopping to announce our presence, though I had no doubt they were waiting for us.

Dad met us in the foyer.

“Is it done?”

I scowled in frustration.

“No, but it will be soon. Vada got sick.”

“Sick? Shifter kids rarely ever get sick,” he said, sounding concerned.