Page 148 of His Sunshine Baby

“No, Elena. It’s better if you come, honestly. We are not even done checking on everyone.”

I feel my throat tightening. Moon Goddess, our friends. Daniel’s ears droop, too, his brother probably told him too. Fuck, fuck!

“Is your friend okay?”

I almost jump at Nora’s voice in my head. I nod mindlessly.

“Yeah, he injured his leg, but it’s going to heal quickly. I’m more worried about the rest of my pack... We lost some people, so I want to go there soon.”

“Why don’t you go now?”

Good question. But I need to justify my presence here before I go back and Xavier kills me. I can’t tell Nora that though.

“My Alpha wants me to represent him here, see what the other packs will do. It’s only the White Moon and Opal Moon wolves cleaning the mess up there now, so we need to make sure we will get some help.”

It’s a half-truth, honestly. I take a look at Nate, but once again, he was looking at me already. He asks if I’m okay again, but honestly, I’m not.

“Nathaniel will help you.”

Crap, did Nora catch that? I can tell she has many questions, but I’m not in the mood, I’m done for today. Thank Moon Goddess there isn’t much left to say.

The Alphas get back to their usual bickering, before parting ways. I signal to Daniel that it’s time for us to go too, before Nathaniel really insists on talking with me.

It’s a slow walk back because of Daniel’s injury and we are both exhausted. We don’t even try to run while we leave the Sea Moon territory, we’re done running for today. Danny shape-shifted back and he’s a bit pale, though I can’t tell if he’s sick or worried. Levi hasn’t told us what happened on his side yet, and I’m worried about finding out the truth.

“Elena!”

I turn around, but before I can see anything, Nate’s arms are suddenly around me, hugging me tightly. Oh, Moon Goddess. I give in and hug him back too. Why is it that just one embrace from that man makes me feel so much better? He’s half-naked, and I can smell the sweat on his skin… his smell.

His hands on my neck, he steps back to look at me.

“Nate, what about your pack? And Nora…”

“My brothers are with them. I wanted to check on you, make sure you were fine.”

“I’m fine,” I sigh with a nod, “but there have been losses in my pack.”

“I know. I was up there earlier.”

What? Nate helped the White Moon clan too? I only saw the King running there. I check up on him, but despite all the blood on his jeans, he looks completely unharmed.

“Are you okay?” I ask, still checking.

He chuckles.

“Of course I’m fine. Tired but fine. Elena…”

He suddenly looks at me again, very serious. His eyes are so close… I can see the fire behind them shining.

“Elena, I get you need time. But I’m not giving up on you, okay?”

Oh, Moon Goddess. He has no idea how badly I want to lay in his arms and cry at the moment. My heart feels heavier than ever, and the man I love is just in front of me, waiting for me. Ready for me. I put my hands on his face and kiss him, a short but heartfelt one.

“I know. I promise, we’ll talk. I’m not leaving you, Nate.”

He smiles, looking relieved by my words. We hug once more, with his lips close to my neck. I think about my baby, trying to tell her it’s her dad, her father holding us both.

“Babe.”

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