Page 191 of His Sunshine Baby

“And you helped him. Of course,” I growl at her.

She shrugs.

“It was just a matter of luring him out. I washed my hands of whatever happened next. If Black did things cleanly, I’m satisfied.”

“Satisfied? Reagan! This is–”

“What needed to be done, Elena!” yells Daniel. “I am not kidding about my best friend’s safety, Elena. That guy was stalking you, and he could have assaulted you anytime. He’s arapist, and he doesn’t even feel sorry for causing the death of an unborn child!”

“That was not for you to decide, Daniel!”

He finally shuts up, and I just shake my head, exhausted. This all happened so fast.

“Daniel, even if Diego was an issue, it was mine to deal with. You can’t dish out justice by yourself or let Nathaniel do it. He just killed someone from our pack because of you, and right before a gathering too! Do you realize how wrong that could have gone?”

“Elena, you don’t get it,” he replies. “This isn’t about justice. I wasn’t avenging you. We live in a world of wolves, alphas, and blood. You’re having a miracle child, and this guy threatened you! I am not letting you take any chances; I won’t let you lose that baby. It would kill you, I know it.”

He sighs and shakes his head, resolute.

“Nathaniel did the first thing he should do as the baby’s father and protected you. I don’t care about the cost, and I don’t care about an asshole like Diego. He should have been the one to go to prison, but everyone turned a blind eye and let him back in. Well, I am not making the same mistake of waiting for something bad to happen to you. I saw an opportunity and I took it. I don’t care if you blame me for that, Elena. I am no alpha like you. I don’t fight with my fists, but I do what I have to do.”

Next to him, Reagan nods. I can’t believe his nerve, or that he doesn’t regret it one bit. We’ve killed before, fighting for our lives and pack, but this… this was simply murder, and I can’t cope with that thought associated with my best friend.

“Daniel, I understand, but… I still think this was all wrong. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, babe. What’s done is done. I’ll live with it.”

Just like that, we both agree to end that argument for now. I can only deal with so much. Moon Goddess, these last few dayshave been so crazy. I pray Nora’s side can really come up with the solution to fight all of this madness.

As promised to Nathaniel, I am not going to the gathering, but it’s hard. My heart’s telling me something big will happen there, and I’m dying to go.

I decide to get out and go see my father to calm myself down. I haven’t been to the hospital as often as I used to, and I feel like I haven’t seen my dad in ages.

I manage to convince Reagan and Daniel to let me go alone as I need some time to cool off. With most of our pack gone to attend Nora’s gathering, the streets are quieter than usual. I haven’t been on my own in a while, either. I take my time getting there and enjoy the cold December breeze.

Right, it’s almost Christmas. The Hispanic neighborhood had put up such pretty decorations a while ago, but I feel like I’m only seeing them now. The White Moon hospital is decorated nicely too.

A nurse put a little Christmas tree next to my father’s bed. I take the stool next to him, observing my dad again. He ages so slowly, yet I start to see his little wrinkles, and his beard is growing a bit more sporadically. I miss the color of his eyes. My dad has deep brown eyes. I decide to add to the atmosphere, listening to some Christmas songs with him for a while. I don’t feel like talking anyway. I’m just glad I can be next to him.

Suddenly, I realize I’m not alone. Sylviana is there, at the entrance of his room. She smiles softly.

“Good morning, Elena.”

“Sylviana? How did you… Daniel called you?”

“No, he did.”

She’s pointing at… my dad? What the… She walks up to my father’s bed and sits on the other side, looking at him.

“He’s a very brave man.”

“He’s the best father in the world.”

“Of course,” she replies gently.

I don’t really understand.

“Sylviana, what are you…? Why are you here?”

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