Page 69 of Betrayed By the Alpha Wolf

She cocked her head, narrowing her stare on me. “You need to announce me as your wife, partner, and mate in front of the packs again. Like Kaiden did for Kit.”

“A wedding? Done.” I smiled. “It was actually really fun. Next?”

Kenzie fought back her smirk, squinting at me. “Okay. You also have to be honest with me. No secrets, no keeping things to yourself because you don’t want to deal with the fallout. We’re a team. I expect you to keep me in the loop about everything.”

“Done.” I nodded once again. “In fact, I’ll tell you right now, Kenz, that…place? It terrified me. And I’m not ever going to feel safe again unless we can do something about it.”

Her expression warred between sympathy and her own fear. “I…get that. I wish I could have done more while we were there, but—”

“You got me out, Kenz. That’s more than anyone could expect. I’ll be forever grateful for that.”

At this point, Kenzie wasn’t fighting back her smile, and the way it lit up her entire face made me beam internally, her light strengthening my own.

“Thank you for saying that. I know…I know the other wolves want those hunters to pay, and I’m down to help you make that happen. But don’t hold me back. I’m pregnant, yes, but I won’t always be, and until I’m too big to actually fight, don’t think for a moment that you can bench me.”

I shook my head. “Never.”

“Good.” She grinned, squeezing my hands. “Last thing then.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I need you to promise me that you won’t make proving yourself as Alpha or stopping those hunters a vendetta. You have a family. I expect you to be here for it. Literally and figuratively.”

My chest pinched, but I knew what Kenzie was getting at. There had been too many arrogant or furious wolves who’d lost their lives to a hunt for revenge. If I did that, I’d be leaving her and the baby alone.

That was unacceptable.

“I promise you, Kenz. I promise to be the best father and mate I possibly can. I promise to be there for our child—and any we might have in the future. I promise to listen to you, to heed your wishes as best I can, and to be atruemate. Not just one on paper.”

Kenzie’s smile widened all the more, and then she put her hands on the sides of my face, pulling me toward her. She touched our lips gently, and I embraced that perfect connection that had grown back between us.

I’d fucked things up before. I’d let this mate bond die, and I would never do that again.

“I love you, Grayson Edwards-Williams.” I cocked a brow at her. “Look, tome, you’ll always be an Edwards. Now, you just have a little extra something.”

“I have more than a little, Kenz. I have everything.” I lifted onto my knees as tall as I could, putting a hand on her lower stomach. “I have you, and I have this incredible V?lva child. I can’t wait to me them.”

“Her,” she added. “I’m pretty sure it’s a girl.”

I smiled, chuckling lightly. “Amazing. I can’t wait to meether.”

Kenzie positively glowed with happiness, wrapping her arms around my neck and holding me close.

“Kiss me, Grayson. Kiss me until I can’t remember what it’s like to feel anything but your lips, and then kiss me some more.”

So I did, and I had no intention of stopping there.

Epilogue - Kenzie

The winter had come on quickly, and before I knew it, Grayson and I welcomed our daughter into the world, Ryme Williams. Everything about her was a dream; she was born wide-eyed and ready for the world, with a heady of icy blonde hair and her father’s crystal blue stare. She was as fair as me and so very wise already. Each aspect of her was like this perfect moment crystallized into reality.

I loved her with all my soul, and her father was absolutely wrapped around her finger.

She was still able to communicate with us once she was born with her telepathy. Still, I had to admit that her powers had diminished now that she was Earthside. I’d been reassured by both Forrest and Willow that Ryme’s gifts would develop as she did. The kiddo just needed to get the hang of this being a baby thing.

It was still remarkable when it did happen, usually when she was particularly emotional—which encompassed everything from ecstatic to sad to angry, and angry happened its fair share as it did in all babies.

And damn, could she eat.

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