Aedan hugged his father tighter, and Hunter felt the boy’s small frame relax. But it was Lucie’s contentment that both warmed and broke his heart. It was the way she seemed so at peace with a future that had been decided before she was even born.
“Can we play some more before dinner?” Aedan asked, pulling back with renewed energy.
“Of course. But put the swords away when you’re done, alright?”
“Yes, sir!” both children chorused.
Hunter rose to his feet, watching as they immediately returned to their imaginary adventures, the serious conversation apparently already forgotten in the way only children could manage. But he couldn’t forget. Couldn’t shake the image of his little girl speaking so confidently about leaving them.
As he left the room, he found Freja waiting in the hallway. One look at her green eyes told him she’d heard everything.
“She’s so sure,” Hunter said quietly, pulling his mate close.
“She’s young,” Freja replied, wrapping her arms around him. “She doesn’t understand what she’s agreeing to.”
“Should we ... should we tell her she doesn’t have to? That we’d never force this?”
Freja was quiet for a moment, her head resting against his chest. “We’ve told her that before. But she’s like me, Hunter. She puts duty first, even at seven years old. She thinks this is what she’s supposed to do.”
“I hate this.” The words came out rougher than he intended. “I hate that she’s had this hanging over her head since before she could walk. I hate that she talks about leaving us like it’s already decided.”
“I know.” Freja’s voice was soft but firm. “But we have time. Years before any decisions need to be made. And who knows what will happen between now and then?”
Hunter nodded in agreement. “I just want both of our kids to have what we have.”
That night, after dinner and baths and the usual bedtime routine, Hunter tucked Lucie into her bed. She was already drowsy, her eyelids heavy as she clutched her favorite stuffed wolf.
“Daddy?” she murmured sleepily.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Do you think Derrick will like being married to me?”
Hunter inwardly groaned. He didn’t want to talk about his baby girl getting married. “I think any boy would be lucky to have you in his life, Luce.”
She smiled, her eyes drifting closed. “Good. ‘Cause I really like him. We’re going to have such a wonderful future together ...”
Her voice trailed off as sleep claimed her, her breathing evening out into the soft rhythm of dreams. Hunter sat on theedge of her bed for a long moment, watching her peaceful face, wondering what she was dreaming about.
Lucie smiled in her sleep, soft and content. In her mind’s eye, she saw herself and Derrick, a little older, playing in the gardens between their kingdoms. He was teaching her about vampire customs, and she was teaching him about wolves. They were laughing, always laughing, best friends who would grow up together and create something beautiful.
She saw them standing side by side, facing down imaginary threats, protecting each other just like her parents protected each other. She imagined years of friendship stretching ahead, leading naturally into something more. It all seemed so simple, so perfect.
What could possibly change?
Hunter finally stood, pressing one last kiss to her forehead before quietly leaving the room. As he closed the door, he sent up a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess that whatever the future held, his little girl would find happiness in it.
CHAPTER 1
“Iwant to belong to you. My brother Justice has finally finished school, and nothing is holding me back now. So …” Destiny took a step closer and trailed her finger up the muscular chest. “When are you going to take me and claim me?”
Harley’s eyes darkened and he pulled her against his chest. “I’ve always been ready for this, Des. Always. But once I claim you, you’ll have to leave here. You’ll have to leave your family. Are you sure you’re ready for that?” It was hard enough leaving his mate here when he went home or on business. But once he marked her, it would be impossible for him. And he didn’t want her to ever be unhappy. Everything he did … every step he took was for her.
Destiny reached up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. She smiled up at him sweetly and lowered herself back down. “I think you better take me now before I end upwrapped in another man’s arms.” Her voice was teasing and sultry. And she loved the way that affected him. She watched his eyes flashing between colors, and his grip on her tightened.
“From this day forth, your place is at my side. I love you, Destiny. I’ve loved you since before you were born. And I’m going to spend eternity making you happy.” Harley stared down at her, paying close attention to her soft lips.
“Harley, there is only one thing left for you to do,” she said sweetly.
