“Kiara. This is about fucking playing safe,” he said quietly, glancing at the open archway, but I didn’t care who heard.
“I am not going to play safe when my daughter is out there!” My voice shook and my vision blurred.
“You will.” My eyes flashed as I glared at him through my tears. I was a queen, and I was not going to back down. “Kia…” He put his phone away, reaching for me, but I stepped out of his reach, shaking my head.
“What about you? Don’t you think that it hurts me, too, knowing that you might be sacrificing yourself? Do you see me complaining?”
“I’m her father-”
“And I’m her mother!” I cried as he grabbed hold of my arms.
“I know, Amore Mio, and you always fucking will be, but I need to do this for my family. For me to be fucking sane out there, I need to know that the rest of you are safe,” he said coldly, despite his voice remaining quiet. One hand forced my chin up to look at him. I refused to, staring past his head.
“We aren’t safe here either. For Goddess’s sake, Alejandro, they were here! They placed those letters! I am a blessed wolf, I’m the Queen, and, above all, I’m her mother! I can’t just sit back and do nothing!” His eyes flashed red, his brows furrowing.
“I fucking know, but it’s safer here than out there. Besides, the witches are coming, and I need you here.”
“They won’t be here forever,” I replied.
“We are not doing this, you ain’t fucking going.” I ripped free from his hold, glaring at him. “Kia…”
“Whatever.”
I shook my head, turning and storming out of the room, not caring about the men and few women who were ready to leave with Alejandro.I am not going to just sit here and do absolutely fuck all!
“Kiara.” Mom’s voice broke me out of my rage, and I knew she had heard the argument. “I don’t agree with him, but he has a point. He won’t be able to focus knowing you are out there.”
“That’s not my problem,” I whispered, brushing past her. My heart clenched with pain at my harsh words.
“Kiara!” Mom called, but I refused to look at or listen to anyone when Skyla’s little voice called me.
“Mama?” I turned, my heart breaking at the sight of her sorrow-filled face.
“Darling,” I whispered. Rushing up the stairs, I hugged her tightly.
“Mama, Kataleya...” she whispered.
“We are going to find her,” I reassured her, trying to hide my own tears.
“And bring her home. I fucking promise.” Alejandro’s voice came from behind me.
I tensed, feeling guilt fill me as he crouched down, placing a hand on my back. His other arm wrapped around Skyla and my shoulder. He kissed her forehead before looking at me.
“Forgive me, Amore Mio…” He leaned over, claiming my lips in a deep, passionate kiss. I kissed him back slowly, looking up at him as he moved away, brushing away a stray tear from my cheek before he stood up and took the steps down three at a time.
I would give them three hours. If there was nothing, then I was going to go, and no one was going to stop me from looking for my daughter. He stopped at the door and turned, so his gaze met mine.
I love you, Amore Mio.
I love you too.
He gave me one of his sexy smirks before he disappeared just as the sun began to rise outside.
“Sky, Kia, how about some breakfast?” Mom asked. I nodded, lifting Skyla up.
“Mama, I’m not a baby,” she whispered, and I frowned, concerned at her words.
“I know, baby, but can’t I carry you?” I asked her as she led the way down the stairs.
