Page 24 of Ruining Red

“Come!Mama says we must set the table.”With a soft laugh, I allow her to lead me to the others.

Conrí watches, his eyes darkening with emotion as he imagines our child playing about, carefree.Though I’m not sure how he found this village, I’m grateful.Here, others like me are common.It’s still unsettling at times to see snow-white hair and blue eyes dancing about with not a cloak in sight.

On the outskirts, wolves like Conrí prowl, keeping a watch over the women and children.Soon, they will join us for dinner, all of us one happy family.Tears dot my eyes as we sit down, my heart so full it feels as if it will burst.

Though I was content to live my life with Conrí, having a family, a village, fully erases the pain and longing I experienced growing up.Here, my children will thrive.Here, I don’t have to hide who I am or be ashamed.

Leaning over, my mate captures my lips with his, pushing his love and devotion through the bond.Around us, children groan and turn away, their antics drawing a laugh from us both.

“What do you think we should name her?”he murmurs against my lips.

“Oh, so convinced she’s a girl?”

He splays his hand over my waist, his eyes twinkling.“I’m certain.Your scent shifted, and I know for a fact she’s a girl.”

My eyes water as I choke on the emotions running through me.“I like Hope.”

With a nod, he gives me the tenderest smile I’ve ever seen.“Hope it is.Fitting for our little one starting out a new life.”

Love vibrates through the bond, wrapping both my child and me in a blissful cocoon.With Conrí by my side and a new family surrounding us, my daughter will never want for anything.She will grow up loved, cherished, and nurtured.She will have the life I never had, and only found in the arms of my forever mate.