“I’ll head up now,” I said, eager to escape his intensity.
“Aria?” he called after me. “If you take Aurora outside, stay within the garden unless you let me know through the phone.”
At the top of the stairs, I glanced back. Jace stood watching me, his powerful stance and broad shoulders creating an image of raw masculine strength that made my mouth go dry. I quickly looked away, cheeks burning,
Oh, gosh! Aurora wanted to watch Beauty and the Beast again, for the fourth time today! I had no choice but to suggest a walk first, with the movie after. She agreed.
We walked through the pack compound in the crisp mountain air. Aurora talked the whole time, showing me her favorite spots and the training field where her father worked. She asked if I would teach her to fight someday. I said yes, if her father allowed it.
When we reached the edge of the compound, Aurora wanted to visit the Whitmans. I called face for permission. He agreed quickly and said he’d send Hunter to meet us later, adding that normal experiences were good for Aurora.
With is approval, Aurora led the way to her grandparents‘ home.
We reached the Whitmans‘ cottage in a clearing about a mile away. Mrs. Whitman greeted us warmly at the door.
“Aurora! Aria! What a lovely surprise,” she said, ushering us inside the cozy home.
Mr. Whitman sat by the fire carving a wooden wolf. He set it aside to lift Aurora into a bear hug.
“There’s my favorite girl! Have you been good for Aria?”
The best,” I confirmed, accepting tea from Mrs. Whitman.
“We watched Beauty and Beast three times,” Aurora announced proudly.
Mrs. Whitman laughed. “Your mother loved that movie too, when she was little.”
The mention of Isabella created a brief, poignant silence. Aurora, too young to understand, filled it with excited chatter about her favorite movie scenes.
We stayed for lunch, enjoying wild berry pie and special herbal tea. Throughout our visit, they treated me like family despite my
human status.
When Hunter arrived to escort us back, Aurora was growing tired. Mr. Whitman placed a small wooden wolf carving in her hand.
“For your collection,” he said with a wink.
Back at the pack house, Aurora showed me her room. Forest murals covered the walls, and shelves held books and toys table sat a collection of wooden wolf figurines.
“This is where I keep all my wolf friends,” she said, pointing to the carvings like the one Mr. Whitman had given her.
Aurora sat on her Daddy says when I’m bigger, I’ll be a wolf too
“I’m sure you will. A beautiful, strong one,” I replied.
Why don’t you change into a wolf?” she asked suddenly.
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Chapter 22
“Because I’m human. Gabriel took me in when my parents died, but that doesn’t change what I am.”
She nodded. “Daddy says family isn’t about blood.”
Your daddy is wise, I said, feeling a tightness in my throat,
“My birthday is coming,” she announced, holding up five fingers. When I asked what she wanted, her eyes brightened.
“A wolf crown! Berry cake. And…” she hesitated. “A new mommy.”
My heart skipped. Aurora explained that her mother had left when she was a baby. Hearing about Vanessa’s abandonment from Aurora herself made my chest ache.
“Would you be my new mommy?” she asked directly.
The question hit me hard. I explained that’s not how it works, that her father would need to find someone he loves.
“He looks at you the way Prince looks at Belle,” she insisted. “All soft and mushy.”
Heat rushed to my face as she climbed into my lap. “Will you think about it? Being my mommy?”
Before I could answer, Hunter knocked, announcing dinner was ready I felt relieved by the interruption.
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