“Daddy says my hugs make his heart feel better.”
“Your daddy is right,” Cole said softly, pulling him in for a tight hug. Laz held him back.
“Do you feel better?” Laz asked as Cole kissed the top of his head fiercely.
“Yes. Daddy was right. Your hugs do help fix sad hearts.”
“I will bring you back a new turtle. Those help too.”
Cole released him and let out a soft laugh. “OK. I want Raph, though.”
Laz nodded seriously. “I will get him for you.”
Cole smiled and kissed Laz’s forehead before getting to his feet and looking at me.
“Send me the list,” I said. “And don’t work too hard.”
“I will,” Cole murmured, watching as I held my hand out for Laz. He slid his little hand in mine.
“You’re a good dad, E,” Cole said softly.
“So are you,” I replied, meaning it. I wouldn’t be shit without him and Enzo. Laz loved the hell out of both of them.
“Thanks,” Cole choked out, his eyes misting over. He turned his head and wiped at his eyes. I knew he hurt. He’d wanted his own kid for years, and he and Rosalie had plans for one after the wedding.
Everything went to hell because of the monsters in this world.
And that was why I pulled the trigger indiscriminately now. Fuck all the monsters.
I had no regrets for my actions. As far as I was concerned, I was making the world a better place, and I’d never regret that.
8
ROSALIE
Islept most of the day, too exhausted and stressed out to be bothered. I wanted to stay awake with Ellis, but Evan insisted on the rest, and Anson backed him up, saying I only had a few weeks left on this tour and we had to get through it, be strong, and not show anyone this got to me. Then… vacation.
So I agreed and closed my eyes in the new hotel we were in after landing in Boston.
My bed shifted, and warm arms encircled me. I opened my eyes to find myself staring into pretty, familiar eyes.
“Klaus?” I called out softly, my voice shaking.
“Hey, hummingbird,” he answered.
“You came?”
“I will always come when you need me,” he answered in his deep rumble.
I buried my face in his neck as he held me. “You didn’t have to. I know how much your visit to Stefan and Natalia meant. Their baby…”
“Shh.” He kissed my forehead. “All is well. You matter to me, too. They need time to be a family with their new little one and don’t need me under their feet.”
“Did Ani call you?”
“Evan,” he murmured, raking his fingers through my hair. “But I already knew since Ryder reported it first.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t call. I-I wanted to give you time to be with your family.”
