Page 25 of Christmas Embrace

“He has to check to see if she’s blood.”

“I’m not giving him back. I don’t care about the aunt.” Her fingers tightened around the wooden crib rail.

“Neither do I,” he stated, his tone serious.

“What are you saying?” Sydney turned to him, her heart pounding. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“I’m saying I thought about it and I’m not giving him up because of a ridiculous rule. We did things their way. We trusted pack. We did as Logan asked by giving him back to Trinity and now she’s dead. Zachery could have been killed.”

“She had drugs inside her. How could she expose him to that?”

“I hear you. So if for some reason, Logan chooses in the favor of this supposed aunt,” Kade sighed, his lips tightened, “France is lovely.”

“Are you serious?” she asked, exhilaration rushing through her.

“Completely. I’ve already spoken to Leo. Quintus will back me up on this too. Once Zach is an adult, he can choose his own path. His own pack.” Kade reached in the crib and brushed his palm over the baby’s downy soft crown of hair.

“But New Orleans….” Tears came to her eyes.

“New Orleans will be fine without me for a few years. If we leave, it will avoid war. Luca can take over. He’s marrying the high priestess. They will be the ultimate power couple. Logan’s not going to risk an international incident over this.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s not the first time there’s been disagreements between us. It won’t be the last.”

“And New Orleans? You love it. You’ve lived here for such a long time.”

“I love New Orleans but remember, I was just a lad from Yorkshire once upon a time. Perhaps it’s time to start a new chapter, lass.”

“We can visit once he’s grown,” she added. “Maybe move back to the states once he turns so he can run with wolves. Tristan would never turn me down.”

“Logan will be angry, of course, but he will not risk war over a pup that isn’t even from his own pack. The fact is that today as we stand here, Zach has no pack. But he does have parents. You and me.”

“You’re going to be a great daddy.” She smiled as Zachery shifted in his bed, rolling onto his side. “You sure about Logan?”

“He owes you, Sydney.”

“And he owes Leo too. Ava could have died if it weren’t for him finding her,” she agreed.

“Ava could have died if you hadn’t risked your life.” Kade turned towards Sydney, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I saw her today.”

“Ava?”

“Yes.” he laughed. “You should’ve seen her. She’s special. Telekinesis. It’s quite remarkable. She may be wolf but she has magick in her. My guess is they’ll find out just what it is when she’s older.”

“There was a reason Leo found her,” she told him.

“There was a reason you found Zach.”

“It’s true.”

“I think we should prepare to leave as soon as possible,” Kade suggested.

“When are you thinking?”

“Day after Christmas. I’ve already arranged for the plane. Anything of consequence can be shipped to France. We’ll stay at Leo’s place until we find one of our own.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Sydney squeezed him so tight she thought she’d never let go. “I wanted Logan’s blessing, but I can’t let Zach go back with strangers.”