Alanna smiles in thanks. “He was big, bold, and loud. His voice filled the house. I swear the man couldn’t speak at a normal decimal. The kids loved it and joined him many nights in song. He could sing anything. I fell in love with him when he sang me a love song on the second day after we met. We would sit outside, build a fire, and snuggle together. The kids worshipped him and rightfully so. The love in his heart was as big as his voice, especially for his children.” Issy bows her head. “I never had to worry or doubt his loyalty. He lived for us. We would dance around the kitchen while he made the music. Issy would take her turn, her little feet on top of his, her hand held safely against his chest. He taught Ezra how to dance and showed him early how to treat a woman.
“My mate bragged constantly that it was his talent with singing that made me love him. One night, shortly before he was murdered, Ezra asked him a question. He wanted to know how he would make someone fall in love with him since he couldn’t sing.” She chuckles, and I forget about my food. “He said, ‘You don’t have to sing, boy. Find the thing you are good at, be the best, and show your mate your heart within it.'’Alanna cups my cheek, brushing away the tears. “Ezra was determined to find that magical thing. He discovered his talent for detail, seeing a problem and finding the most efficient way to solve it. When their dad left us, he became the man of the house. He felt valued when he could protect us, and he tried his best to shield us from every hurt. When a man hit me, he taught him the lessonI couldn’t.” She drops her hand and glances at Issy briefly. “I’m sure he told you what happened to Issy.”
“He did,” I say softly.
“I was raped.” Issy lifts her head.
“No,” Haven gasps, reaching across the table, grabbing her hand.
“He pretended to be Ezra’s friend,” she continues.
“Fuck,” Hunter says low.
“Ezra tortured him, and we helped him bury the body,” Alanna says, and presses her hands together. “He has devoted his life to protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. Rylee, he didn’t tell me what happened to you, but I know it was bad. I think my son is someone you wished you had then.”
“Yes,” I say faintly.
“He would have if fate hadn’t stepped in. It wasn’t time yet. It’s time now.” For the first time, her eyes shine. “My boy doesn’t sing, but he found a different way to show his love. He will protect you in life and beyond. He doesn’t do it because you can’t, but so you don’t have to. He values the bond. He saw the hell I went through. Fortunately, it didn’t scare him and make him never want a mate, but the opposite.” She clears her throat. “So, I didn’t panic when I saw him bleeding. I knew he would fight to come back to you. He found his song, and he will never give that up.”
“Thank you.” I press my cheek against hers. “Ezra is lucky to have such an amazing woman as a mother.”
“Well, of course,” she laughs. “He got an earful when he did anything stupid.”
“Sure,” Issy snorts, and Alanna pulls back.
“Should we talk about all the trouble you got in?” she asks.
“No. Nope. We don’t need to do that.” She grins. “Let’s keep talking about Ezra.”
“Smartass,” Alanna says.
“I didn’t have good parents,” I say, and the humor disappears. “They abandoned me most of my life, but especially when I needed them the most. They are still alive, but we don’t speak. So, I’ve never had a family or a mom. I came here and fell into something special. Ezra is the man of my dreams. I would be honored to call you, Mom.” I lick my lips and wait nervously.
“Oh, my girl.” Alanna pinches my chin. “Of course you can. The daughter born from my heart, and the song of my son.”
“Shit,” Haven sobs, waving her hand in front of her face. “Can I be a daughter, too?”
“Yes.” Alanna laughs.
“I don’t know,” Issy says, crossing her arms. “You might want to rethink it. She gets feisty when she’s mad.” The comment earns her a slap on her arm.
“Little shit,” Alanna smirks. “I would be careful what you say, Daughter. You’re just like me.”
“Nuh-uh,” Issy pouts.
I push away my food. “You are welcome to stay, but I want to be with Ezra.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Issy says, and her mom nods.
“We’ll clean up,” Lawson says.
I share a smile with Haven and return to my bedroom.
Heath and Juliana stand as I enter. “His breathing is easier,” he says softly.
“Good.” I pause to listen. His heart is steady. “Thank you.”
They turn to leave, but Heath pauses. “I didn’t want to think about you having a mate,” he says, facing me, and Juliana leaves the room. “I remember the day I found you. It’s forever clear in my mind. The pain you felt affected me deeply. My rule was never to get involved. I was selfish and tried to protect myself by being that way. I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing bringing you home.”
