Page 126 of What a Wolf's Heart Decides

Silence reigned. Haley felt her mouth drop open as Sabine’s pronouncement hung in the air.

A child.

Bard’s child.

Without another word, Sabine swept from the conservatory, striding through the shattered, gaping doors and into the snow.

For a moment, everyone was silent as they stared at the empty doorway. Then Ben cleared his throat. “That was . . . weird.”

“Do you think she’ll be all right on foot?” Glenna asked. “The sun is up, but the wind chill has the air temperature in the teens.”

Ben snorted. “Her magic shattered every window in the place, Mom. I think she’ll be fine.”

“Yes, but—”

“She’s not the nice lady who helped you make pancakes. She’s a witch, and she tried to kill everyone.”

“I noticed, Ben. Thank you.”

“You know you’re not allowed to dislike any of my friends now, right? Not after you befriended the most evil person in town.”

Glenna put her hands on her hips. “When did you get so mouthy?”

Haley couldn’t control her grin. She looked at Bard, happiness bubbling inside her. But when she saw his face, her smile faded.

His expression was solemn, his blue eyes tense.

Ben and Glenna ceased their banter.

“Bard?” Haley touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

His voice was hoarse when he spoke. “I’m not . . .” He swallowed and tried again. “I’m not completely whole.”

Haley grabbed his hand. He squeezed it but kept his gaze on Glenna and Ben.

“The magic in Haley’s kiss healed my wounds, but it didn’t restore my leg. It seems not even witch magic can replace a limb.” He drew in a deep breath. “I’m grateful for my life, even if I can’t lead the pack.”

There was a long pause, then Ben said, “Why not?”

Bard blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“Why can’t you lead? Who says an Alpha needs two legs?”

“No one,” Haley said. Still gripping Bard’s hand, she shot Ben a smile then gazed up at Bard, hoping the love in her heart was clear in her eyes. “There’s no rule that says an Alpha needs two legs. It’s up to the pack to choose their leader.”

“And the Ruperts choose you,” Ben said. “I’m confident everyone else in Elder Lake will, too.” He looked at Glenna, who nodded.

Bard was quiet for a second, astonishment plain on his features.

Haley tugged at his hand, making him look at her. “What’s the matter, Alpha? Speechless?”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice breathless. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles, then held them against his lips. “I can’t find any words to describe what I’m feeling.” He lifted his free hand to her hair, cupping the side of her head with a reverent touch. “You’ve given me everything. I can never thank you enough.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” She stepped into him, then traced her fingertips down his unblemished face, savoring the feel of smooth skin and rugged features. “Just love me.”

He took her face in both hands and guided her lips to his. “Now, that I can do,” he whispered, and kissed her.

She met him halfway, kissing him with all the passion she possessed. Sandalwood and juniper swirled around her, sweeping her senses. He wrapped his arms around her, and for a moment she could have sworn they lifted off the ground, a little bit of leftover magic spinning them off their feet.

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