Chapter 10 #2
Anger burned through me. Not at her, but at everyone who’d made her feel this way. Her son’s father. Virginia with her threats. A world that had forced her to be strong for so long that she’d forgotten she was also allowed to be human.
I moved closer, wrapping my arms around her, though not tight. I’d release her if she pulled away.
She collapsed against my chest.
The sobs that tore out of her sounded like they’d been building for years. Her fingers clutched my shirt, her face pressed into my shoulder.
I curved my tail around her waist and spread my wings, creating a cocoon around us.
I held her and let her break.
No words would help right now. She needed to release the fear and pain she’d been carrying alone.
I stroked her hair, my claws retracted. My wings rustled, adjusting to hold her closer.
Time blurred. Her sobs gradually quieted to hiccups, then to shaky breathing.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Don’t apologize.”
“I’m such a mess.”
“You’re allowed to feel things.”
She lifted her head, her eyes meeting mine. Tears tracked down her cheeks. Her nose was red, her hair disheveled. She’d never looked prettier.
“You’re not replaceable,” I said quietly. “Corey needs you. His mother. The person who’s been there every single day since he was born.”
“But you’re so good with him.”
“I’m different. Not better. He needs both.” I wiped a tear from her cheek. “Virginia has money, but you have something she can never buy. You’re his mom. You’ve loved him and protected him and sacrificed everything for him. No court will take that away.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.” I held her gaze. “I need to be honest with you, though. I’m terrified I’m overstepping. That spending time with Corey, helping around the house, and being here like this is pushing you away.”
Her fingers tightened on my shirt. “I appreciate you handling Virginia earlier.”
“I only wanted to help.”
“Why do you care so much?”
The question hung between us.
I could explain about the mating bond and how I recognized her as my fated mate. Every fiber of my being was screaming that she and Corey were mine to protect. But it was too soon. She was vulnerable, scared, and convinced her judgment about men was broken.
So I told her a different truth.
“Because you and Corey matter to me. More than I knew was possible.”
Her eyes searched my face. Looking for lies, probably, for the catch she was certain existed.
I let her see me, hoping she’d find sincerity on my face instead.
Her gaze dropped to my mouth.
We both leaned in.
I stopped myself an inch from her lips. This wasn’t right. Not when she was scared and exhausted and looking for comfort in any form.
“You’re vulnerable and looking for escape,” I said. “When I kiss you again, I want you to be sure it’s what you want and need. I want you choosing me because you want to, not because you need comfort.” I pulled back enough to meet her eyes. “But I do want to kiss you. Very much.”
A small nod was all she could manage.
I forced myself to ease back, to put space between us even though everything in me wanted to close the distance.
“We need a plan,” I said, shifting to practical matters. “If you’d like, first thing tomorrow, I’ll call Feydin and ask him to give me the name of a good lawyer. Then, if you want me to, I’ll call them and set up representation.”
“I can’t afford anything like that.”
“We’ll figure it out. When we next meet with Virginia, we need to have legal representation present. Then we can set ground rules. Any visitation should be supervised and on your terms.”
“She has so much more money than I do.”
“Money isn’t everything. You have the law on your side. You’re Corey’s mother. You’ve provided for him, loved him, and kept him safe. That matters more than Virginia’s bank account.”
Sammy leaned against me again.
“I’m so tired of being strong alone,” she said softly.
“Then let me be strong with you.”
We sat in silence for a while. Her breathing gradually evened out, her body going slack against mine.
“You should rest,” I said.
“I don’t think I can sleep.”
“Try anyway.”
I started to pull away, but her hand caught mine.
“Stay?” The word came out small. “Please?”
I hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“I mean, just hold me?”
“I will.”
She nodded and rose, walking into the adjoining bathroom.
Water ran. When she emerged, she wore a nightgown. She’d brushed her hair and it flowed down her back.
She climbed under the covers without meeting my eyes.
“I’ll be right back.” I went to my room and quickly removed my shirt and pants, tugging on sleep pants. When I returned to her room, I lifted the covers and climbed in beside her.
She curled into my side, resting her head on my chest. I draped a wing over her like a blanket and wound my tail around her waist.
“Thank you,” she breathed.
I didn’t respond. Just held her, listening to her breathing gradually even out.
Moonlight filtered in through the window as my mind raced.
This was my mate. My family. My home. Everything I wanted was right here in my arms.
I’d protect them both with everything I had. I’d fight Virginia, Sammy’s past, and anyone who tried to hurt her. From almost the moment I’d met her, I’d suspected she was the one, even if I hadn’t wanted to admit it. Every part of me had recognized her.
Now I just had to prove I was worthy of her trust.
Sammy’s breathing deepened, her body relaxing further against mine.
I kissed the top of her head, taking care not to wake her.
Then I let myself drift, holding her close, more certain of my purpose than I’d ever been before.