Page 69 of Healing Fate

“So the whole Council knows?”

He nodded. “Kyle keeps us informed on all the new shifters moving into territory.”

“Were there any concerns about my girls?”

“None. We all accepted Ben’s request to adopt those babies of his, and Vada here is no different. She’s just an innocent child, son.”

“I know that, Dad. And I know that I will do everything in my power to protect her.”

“She’s your daughter now. Or she will be if you ever get around to sealing your bond with that mate of yours.”

I groaned and rolled my eyes.

“I’m trying.”

“You’re always welcome to leave this cutie pie here with your Mom and me. We’re happy to babysit anytime.”

“Thanks.”

I was still trying to absorb what he had said. I have a daughter now. Vada was my daughter. I looked down at her and grinned.

“You’re mine, kiddo,” I whispered.

“You mine, Doc,” she said as she threw herself into my arms.

Dad nodded his approval as I hugged my baby girl.

I didn’t know if she realized how much her words meant to me, but I like to think she truly meant them.

“Kids. They’ll soften even the toughest sonofabitch.”

I was fighting back emotions but couldn’t help but laugh at his words. They certainly resonated as truth to me.

“You always were good with little ones. You’re gonna make a hell of a great father.”

I looked over at him with pride.

“I had a pretty great role model.”

Lucy

Chapter 17

I don’t think I have ever cried as much as I did in Micah’s mother’s arms. It was like the woman knew exactly what I needed to hear, like she was speaking straight to my heart.

I had no idea how long I stood there in her kitchen bawling and spilling everything I never dreamed of telling another soul, not even Micah. It was like she unleashed a flood door within me, and everything came pouring out.

When at last my tears had run their course, she squeezed me harder.

“There, there. All better now?”

Certain my eyes were puffy and my face blotchy, I wanted to hide back in the comfort of this woman’s arms. But I straightened up and stood tall as I nodded.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Do not ever apologize for your emotions. Do you hear me?”

I nodded.