AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I guiltily thought of Mariah. I’d barely seen her today.
“Thanks again, Kyle. I owe you one.”
“Anytime, Evan,” he said, flashing me a grin before heading to his car. “I mean it.”
I quickly made my way back to the house, my thoughts consumed by my mate. I was ready to spend some quality time together, but when I walked inside, I was immediately struck by the silence—a stark contrast to the earlier laughter and warmth that’d filled the space when Mariah made lunch for us.
“Mariah?” I called out softly, not wanting to disturb the others in the house. I really hadn’t realized how late it was when we were down in the bunker without any signs of the sun to indicate the time of day. There was no response, only the quiet sound of my footsteps as I made my way to the kitchen.
My gaze landed on a note propped up against the coffee machine. Her familiar handwriting made me smile.
Leftovers are in the fridge. Don't work too hard. Love, M
Guilt hit even harder. I was sure she understood why I needed to work so hard right now, yet I still felt bad. I hadn’t spent nearly as much time with her over these past days as I’d have liked to, and that was on me. She deserved better after everything she’d been through, even if everything I was doing was to protect her.
She was too good to me, still looking out for me, ensuring I wouldn't go hungry after working all day in the bunker. She’d cooked not one but two meals for me today. Mariah's thoughtfulness only served to deepen my sense of remorse. I opened the fridge and grabbed a plate of leftovers, vowing to myself that I’d make it up to her, starting now.
I finished the meal quickly, then headed toward the stairs. As I slowly eased our bedroom door open, I found Mariah curled up under the covers, her hair spilling across the pillow like a golden-brown halo. Her chest rose and fell with soft, even breaths, her face serene and beautiful in the moonlight penetrating the open curtains.
I stood in the doorway for a moment, just watching her sleep. She deserved the absolute best, and I wanted to be a true partner in every sense of the word. Moving farther into the room, I pulled the curtains shut so the morning light wouldn’t wake her if she wanted to sleep in. Then I stripped down and crawled into bed next to her, drawing her close and wrapping my arms around her warm body. I gently reached up and caressed her cheek, tracing the soft curve of her face with my fingertips.
She stirred slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips, as if she could hear me even in her sleep. My heart ached with the enormity of what we were about to face, but I knew we could overcome it, just as we had everything that’d come before.
It continually amazed me how much had changed since meeting Mariah. I’d gone from a wild Playboy, a permanent bachelor more than happy with my lifestyle, to a dedicated mate and father, and the alpha of an entire clan. I shook my head. Sometimes it was hard to believe that it was only just shy of a year ago that she’d come into my life.
In that time, she’d taught me the true meaning of love, trust, and partnership. Through her strength and resilience, her unwavering devotion to both me and Sofia, I’d discovered my own capacity for growth and commitment. As the alpha of our clan, it was my duty to protect our family and ensure their safety, and although the road ahead was fraught with challenges, I’d determined to rise to the occasion for Mariah, for Sofia, for our unborn child, and for our entire clan.
I hadn’t known what love was until I’d met my mate, and now I couldn’t imagine a life without her. I leaned in to press a soft kiss to her forehead, my heart full.
“When all this is over,” I whispered, brushing her hair back, “when we've defeated Tomas and secured our family's safety, I swear I will give you the life you’ve always dreamed of. We'll have our happily ever after, a future full of beauty, laughter, and love.” She deserved nothing less.
Her chest rose and fell gently, her breathing steady and deep. I brought my hand lower, resting it carefully on her belly. Warmth emanated from within. Our child, a living symbol of our love, would soon join us in this world, and I was both awed and humbled by what this woman was giving me.
Resolve settled within my chest. No matter what was in store for us with Tomas, Mariah and I would stand strong together. I would fight with everything I had for that future we both yearned for, and when the dust settled, and the ashes of the battle cleared, we’d claim that future together.
Chapter 26
Mariah
For the first time in a week, I finally had a moment to breathe. With what we learned in New York, my first shift and all that came with it, and Tomas’s latest threats, I’d barely been able to keep up with day-to-day life. My studies had fallen to the wayside. Semester exams would be coming up next month, and I wasn’t sure when I’d find the time to study. I could only hope my diligence through the rest of the semester had set me up for success.
I tried not to think about it too much as I went about my daily business while Evan was in meetings, but how was I supposed to forget that a murderous madman was after me? That I had killed someone?
The stress definitely wasn’t good for the baby.
Evan had been so busy since we’d come home from New York. I understood that he needed to get the bunker ready just in case the clan needed to evacuate the town, and God, I hoped it didn’t come to that. But with all the responsibilities he was carrying, we’d barely spent any time together. Jax, meanwhile, had been monitoring Tomas practically twenty-four seven. Abi and Cynthia were keeping me company, but I missed having time with my mate.
My dragon was restless, too. I’d felt it when I’d shifted: a change in the bond I shared with Evan, and an awareness of him that was now deeper than ever. I’d thought the way I could sense him and his dragon when he’d first claimed me was a miracle, and then again when my dragon first woke, but being in our dragon forms together was something entirely different.
It was clear from the way she became more alert whenever Evan was in the same room that my dragon wanted her mate, but she also sensed the danger that hung over us. We were both irritable, angsty, and it went beyond dragon puberty or hormones. The constant threat to my safety, to my children’s safety, was wearing me down.
As I moved through the house, picking up toys Sofia had left scattered about, I tried to shake off the feelings, focusing on the mundane tasks before me instead, but it was easier said than done.
“Mariah?” Abi called from the kitchen. “I made some tea for you. Maybe it will help you relax.”
“Thanks, Abi,” I said, moving back into the family room to join her in the cozy, sunlit space as I settled into the couch with my tea. While I sipped, she studied me.
“Are you feeling okay? You know I’ve been worried about you.”
