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My knees almost give out. “Fuck.”

I breathe her in again. Warm skin. Her heartbeat. Her breath against my shoulder.

Everything I couldn't find in that hospital room.

“I'm sorry.”

Her arms tighten. “Darian.”

“I'm so fucking sorry.” I pull her closer even though there isn't any space left between us. “I failed you again.”

“No.”

“I was supposed to save you.”

She pulls back enough to look at me.

“I got another chance, Arlene. I was supposed to protect you this time.”

“You did.”

“You died in my arms.”

Her eyes fill with tears.

I shake my head. “Don't tell me I protected you. I held your dead body tonight.”

“I know.”

“My wolf is fucking broken.” Her face crumples. “He thinks all our strength is worthless because we couldn't save you.”

Arlene cups my face.

Mate.

My wolf presses forward. Arlene closes her eyes for a moment, almost like she can hear him.

“I know.”

My hands cover hers. “Come back with me.”

“Darian.”

“No.” I recognize that tone. “No. Don't fucking say it like that.”

“I need you to listen to me.”

“I need you to come home.”

Her thumbs move over my cheeks. “I knew there would be a price.”

I stop. “What?”

“When the Moon Goddess gave us another chance, I changed something I wasn't supposed to change.”

My stomach twists.

“Arian.”