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He nods and gestures to the pot.
“It was really great of Rainey to put that together.”
“She felt like we’d lost so much recently, and a bit of fun might do everyone some good.”
“She was right.” Willa finishes pouring herself a mug, then leans back against the counter.
Cole, having temporarily snapped out of shock after that massive bomb dropped on his head this morning, turns to the daughter of his once alpha and rapidly changes the subject from magic-infused babies. “How are you doing?”
She looks almost surprised by his question, and I know it’s because she’s had to hide her grief—at least, most of it—in order to avoid her pack asking questions about her leadership. “It’s getting less painful every day,” she replies, finally. “Though I imagine that has a lot to do with the distractions steadily pushing shit our way.”
He nods in understanding. “You are so strong, Willa. I hope you know that.”
She smiles, though it’s hollow. “I just want to be half the alpha my father was.”
“You are,” I reply, instantly. “And then some. I knew Josiah for a long-damned time, and he would be more than proud of the leader you are, Willa.”
“Thank you, Tarnley. That means a lot.” A bit more of the chill she’s carried begins to thaw, and I get a glimpse of the girl she’d been before heading off to college, the same hopeful expression before the Drake family stole her away in an attempt to force her into marriage.
A marriage that was foiled by a single, moonlit invitation to a Monster Ball where she met the late Jack Keller and fell in love.
It’s crazy to me how much has changed recently—how much we’ve all gone through in the last year.
Shit, in the last few months.
“Is this where the coffee is?” Delaney stumbles in, sleepy-eyed, Rainey and Bronywyn beside her.
“Del,” Cole starts.
Delaney waves a hand. “No. I’m allowed to have one cup—” her words are cut off when the shifter presses his lips to hers and lifts her into his arms, turning slightly.
“We’re having a son.”
He puts her down, and she stares at him. “What? What are you talking about?”
“A boy. We’re having a little boy. Walker Saw it.”
Everyone is silent for a moment while the two stare at each other. I feel like an intruder in a personal moment, but still, I can’t move away. Mainly because I want to see her reaction when Cole fills her in on just why the ley line is no longer around.
Because I imagine that’s going to be one hell of a shock to her, as well.
