Page 38 of Crimson Heart

17

Charlotte leaned back against Byron’s chest, enjoying the warm water around them, caressing her body. It had been Byron’s idea to relax in a warm bath. The more she got to know him, the more she loved him. When he’d said that he wasn’t ready for kids either, she’d felt relief run through her.

“May I ask you something?” she asked.

“Anything.”

His arms were wrapped around her, with one hand cradling one of her breasts, while the other lay over her pussy that still pulsed from the aftershocks of her orgasm.

“You said you’re not ready for babies either. Is that true?”

“Of course it’s true,” he replied.

“Why?”

She felt him shrug behind her. “I’m not sure I’d make such a good father. I mean, what if I turn out like my father?”

“Meaning what? Being unfaithful to your mate?”

He shifted behind her and turned her halfway so she had to look at him.

“Never! I’m not like my father in that respect. You’ll never have to worry about that. We’re meant to be together, you and I. You feel that too, don’t you?”

She smiled at him. “I do.”

She knew what he was asking, but neither of them had yet vocalized what they both wanted: a true mating, a union that couldn’t be severed. Maybe he didn’t want to jinx it by labeling what they knew would happen, or maybe he wanted to make sure that all obstacles—particularly the one in the form of Steve Leon—were removed.

Byron settled back into the tub, and she leaned back against his chest again.

“Good,” he said. “Because a werewolf couple that’s truly meant for each other has no need to look for love or sex anywhere else.”

She slid her hand over his as a sign of agreement.

“So, apart from your father’s infidelity, what makes you think you won’t be a good father yourself?”

“My father was never very affectionate toward any of us. Not even toward Eve, when you’d think he would at least show his affection toward his daughter. What if I’m like that, too? What if I’m incapable of showing my children that I love them?”

Charlotte sighed. “Oh, Byron, just by asking yourself these questions, proves that you care. You will be a wonderful father one day.”

“Do you think so?”

She squeezed his hand. “Yes.”

“Thank you. Can you promise me something?” he asked.

“What is it?”

“You’ll have to let me know when you’re ready for children. I’ll never push you into that. I don’t care what our society expects from women. I want you to be free to choose. And I’ll accept your decision, whatever it may be—as long as you keep loving me.”

He’d just promised that he didn’t expect her to slip into the traditional role every mated werewolf female was expected to play. She loved him even more for that.

She turned her head and turned halfway so she could kiss him.

“Mmm,” he murmured. “I could stay here with you forever.”

“So could I…” But there was something they still had to talk about. “What are we gonna do about Jude?”

“What do you mean?”