Page 147 of XOXO

“I think I’ll pass, but I do appreciate Uncle Jack taking care of you. What do you say?”

“Thank you, Uncle Jack!” the kids exclaimed in unison.

“You’re welcome, super awesome kids who I’m really excited to send home.” White fangs flashed under his freckles and red hair as he grinned. “It was a great weekend, but I’m exhausted. How do you do it every freaking day?”

“Ask her,” Leo said, balancing Kellan on his hip as he gestured with his thumb toward Adelyn. “She wants to have another one.”

“They’re little angels, aren’t you, sweetheart?” she asked Briala, playfully nudging the little girl’s nose.

“This is pretty, Mommy,” Briala said, touching the necklace as her eyes grew wide. “Did Daddy give it to you?”

“He sure did. It belonged to your grandma Ellania. Remember me telling you about her?”

Briala nodded.

“How’d you manage that?” Jack asked Leo, his eyebrows lifting in admiration.

“Long story. I’ll tell you next time we grab a beer. Speaking of that, we’re going to be spending more time together. I got approval from my toughest drill sergeant.” He tilted his head toward Adelyn as she swatted his shoulder.

“He’s kidding—I think,” she said, shooting him a droll look, “but I’ve agreed to let him join the reserves. You’d better take care of him,” she cautioned Jack.

“He can take care of himself, but we’ll get him trained and ready. You can submit the paperwork online, and I’ll approve it, Leo.”

“Thanks, Jack. I’m honored to follow in Dad’s footsteps and do my part for the kingdom.”

“And Mommy is going to get lots and lots of spa days when Daddy is done training,” Adelyn said, waggling her eyebrows as Briala giggled.

“The kids were fed about an hour ago, but it was mostly smores and cupcakes, so I’d serve up some veggies for dinner,” Jack said, smiling. “I had fun, guys. Let’s do it again soon.”

Adelyn and Leo set the twins down so they could give Jack one last hug.

After the final goodbyes, Adelyn extended her hands to her babies, clutching tight as they began the fifteen-minute walk home.

She and Leo took turns swinging them high in the air as the kids chatted away about their visit. Glancing over, she gazed at Leo under the bright afternoon sun, overcome with everything they’d created in the few years since they’d decided to build a life together.

Placing her hand over the necklace, she locked eyes with him and mouthed I love you. His resulting smile from those broad, sexy lips still made her heart pound as violently as the first time they’d met.

Love you too, he mouthed back.

Deciding not to give in to her fear, Adelyn pushed it away, determined to trust her mate. There would always be danger in Etherya’s Earth—history had taught them that. But with her strong, noble Vampyre by her side, Adelyn felt nearly invincible.

The time for prophecies foretold would come, but for now, Adelyn would cherish each moment with the tiny family she treasured deep in her soul.

Note from Author

Thank you for reading Leo and Addie’s short story. When the opportunity to write this story arose, I knew I wasn’t quite done spending time with them yet. There will also be some turmoil ahead in Etherya’s Earth, and I needed a reason for Leo to join the army, so voilà! I know he’ll make Alrec and Kilani proud, and Adelyn as well.

If you’re reading this and asking who Alrec and Kilani are, they’re Leo’s adoptive parents, and this means you haven’t read The Dawn of Peace yet. It’s the book that kicks off the Etherya’s Earth series and it’s FREE in eBook or Audio on my website. You can find it below along with all of my books.

Wishing you lots of happy reading and a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Xoxo – Rebecca

Download The Dawn of Peace here: rebeccahefner.com/books

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Hefner loves a steamy romance with a side of grumpy heroes and kick-ass heroines. She doesn’t join a ton of anthologies, but she’s a HUGE fan of P.S. Nail and April Berry. Therefore, she’s joined this anthology and is grateful to her two author buddies for having her along for the ride with all of the amazing authors involved.

Rebecca also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ayla Asher. You can find her on TikTok, IG and FB, and you can find her full reading order and checklist at . Happy reading (or listening)!

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