Chapter 201
“Without my wolf, there could be no connection,” I said gently. “Cassandra severed our link to save my life. But even without my wolf present, yours recognized me. didn t be?”
Ethan’s eyes widened with sudden understanding. He’s been calling you mine since we met at the training camp. His thumb traced erratic patterns on my skin. I dismissed it as mere possessiveness.” His voice dropped to a desperate whisper. “So I didn’t. I didn’t force myself on you without consent?”
“You asked for my consent over and over that night,” I told him softly, reaching up to touch his face. “Every step of the way, you made sure I wanted what was happening. You never forced anyone, Ethan.”
My fingers traced the strong line of his jaw, feeling the slight stubble beneath my touch. He leaned into my hand, turning to press his lips against my palm in a gesture so tender it made my heart ache. For a moment, we stayed like that–connected, breathing in sync, the beeping monitors fading to background
noise.
Then something dangerous ignited in his eyes, the tenderness replaced by cold fury. His jaw clenched so tightly I could hear his teeth grinding together. “Emma and Bella stole six years from us, he growled, the muscle in his jaw jumping beneath my fingertips. “Six years we can never get back.”
They’ll answer for what they’ve done, he promised, his voice dropping to a growl that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. He threw his head back, a burst of startled laughter erupting from his throat. He leapt to his feet, pacing the small room with frantic energy.
“Lucas is my son,” he exclaimed, disbelief and wonder making his voice crack. “My child. My blood.” His hands trembled as he ran them through his hair again, eyes wild with realization.
Despite my exhaustion, his joy was infectious. “Yes,” I smiled. “I should have recognized it immediately. He mirrors you in so many ways.”
p of my
my tongue
“Something about Lucas’s scent has been haunting me for months,‘ Ethan murmured, shaking his head in wonder. “It was like a word on the tip that I couldn’t quite grasp it was maddening.” His eyes softened with realization. “All along, it was because he carries my scent, my blood,”
“What does his wolf smell like to you?” I asked, suddenly desperate to know this part of my son I’d never been able to experience myself.
“Like morning dew on pine needles.” Ethan replied, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper. He moved toward me with the fluid grace of a predator, eyes never leaving mine as he slowly lowered himself to sit on the edge of my bed. The mattress dipped beneath his weight, shifting me slightly closer to him.
His warm palm settled gently against my abdomen, the heat of his touch penetrating the thin hospital gown. Something protective and possessive flared in has expression. “And these little ones–they have their own signature too. Sweet, like wild honey, but with undertones of something fierce.”
I placed my hand over his, our fingers naturally intertwining as they rested atop the place where our children grew. The simple contact sent a current of warmth traveling up my arm. T’m pregnant, with your twins,” I whispered, the words no longer a burden but a joy I could finally share.
“Yes,” Ethan choked out, his eyes filling with tears that caught the fluorescent light. One escaped, tracking down his cheek as he stared at our joined hands. “I can near their hearts beating in perfect rhythm, even when the machines show nothing.”
Ethan leaned down, bringing his lips close to my stomach. His breath warmed my skin through the thin fabric as he whispered, “Your big brother has already decided you’re both girls. His voice held such tenderness it made my throat tighten…
I couldn! help the Laugh that bubbled up from somewhere deep p inside me, a sound of pure lightness I hadn’t experienced in years.
Chapter Comments
Betty Mendelsohn Watson
thank you sorry I thought it ended for the day.
thank God I was becoming to be a bit concerned how rapey this book was
