Page 68 of The Silent Mate

Then I owe our daughter my life. There is nothing for me in this world apart from you, Aria. And now our pup.My hand covered Aria’s, and I silently sent a prayer of thanks to the Moon Goddess for the miracle growing within.

What of the pack?Her words were quiet in my mind.They are yours now, too.

I stiffened.

I’d known for months that I’d return to theIntonat NoctePack and challenge Roman. I’d been preparing formonthsto reclaim my birthright. I cared for the pack. I would protect them and lead them. I’d lead them into a time of prosperity and peace, something they’d known nothing of for years.

But my heart did not beat for the pack.

I would gladly burn this pack to ashes if you wished it,I murmured, the words solemn but true.I’d run away from my duty. I’d abandon them in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe.I swept my thumb over her smooth skin, where her stomach felt much firmer. I swore I felt movement within, and my affection swelled.Bothof you.

She smiled, lifting her head to place a lingering kiss on my lips again.Then it’s a good thing I don’t wish for you to do that.Her soft chuckle drifted through our bond.You’ll be a wonderful alpha, Malik. The alpha this pack deserves.

I grunted.There’s much that needs to be changed… Beginning with the packs Roman conquered in the last few years.

What will you do with them?Aria wondered, stroking her hand up and down my arm as we embraced.

Release them,I answered. That included her own father’s pack.Should they wish it. I’ll help them rebuild and promise protection in the process.

She hummed.See? You’re already proving yourself worthy of them.

I only care about being worthy ofyou.I peppered another kiss to her shoulder and rolled onto my back.And our daughter. I want to make her proud. Want to be the father I never had.

She’ll love you, Malik.Aria followed me, gingerly turninguntil she curled into my side, her head resting on my chest.Just as I love you.

And she did. I felt it as surely as I felt my own heart beat in my chest.

Aria—my beautiful little dove. My mate. Myluna.

The woman who waltzed into my life and reignited a sense of purpose. Who touched me despite the scars of my past. Who listened to me when I could not speak. Who helped me find my voice after a lifetime of silence.

Should we go back outside?she murmured, even as she nuzzled deeper into my side. A small smirk played on her lips, and her brows wiggled.I’m sure your pack is eagerly awaiting their new leader.

I chuckled.Let them wait. I’m not done with you yet.

Her squealed laughter as I hauled her body on top of mine mended my soul. Hearing that joyful sound made all the pain I’d experienced throughout my life—the devastation and the loneliness—worth it. I’d do it all again to find her.

The woman who taught me to live again. For her, I would.

EPILOGUE

ARIA

Awarm evening breeze swept a lock of hair away behind my shoulder, exposing the pale skin at my breast and the babe who suckled greedily.

Her eyes had fluttered shut long ago, though her cheeks still worked as she nursed into a deep sleep. Every few minutes, she released a soft mewl of satisfaction and squeezed at my fleshy skin, and my heart swelled with unbridled devotion. If I dwindled too long in this state of overwhelming emotion, tears would undoubtedly prickle my eyes and spill down my cheeks.

I thought by now I’d be accustomed to the act of giving birth to a piece of my heart. I’d done it thrice before, after all. But even now, as I cradled the fourth mirror-image of my mate, the deep-seated love threatened to undo me.

The door to the back porch creaked as it swung open, lifting my attention from the bundle of skin and blanket at my chest. I glanced over my shoulder and smiled at the male standing in the doorway, illuminated by the last rays of a dying summer sun.

With a grin that rivaled the beauty of a sunset, Malik leanedagainst the doorframe and crossed his arms. The fabric of his white shirt stretched tight across his chest, and I drank in the delicious sight.

The kids are finally asleep,Malik reported, his deep voice a caress that soothed my soul.James and Elias fought it, but Penelope helped me read them a story. She’s becoming more and more like you every day.

I laughed, gently adjusting little Sophie’s position on my chest. Her latch fell away from my nipple, but the three month old didn’t stir.That’s kind of you to say, considering every one of our pups could beyourmirror image.

It was true. Malik’s genes overpowered mine in almost every department. Each of our children possessed warm brown hair, beautifully strong features, and the loveliest shade of cloud-gray eyes. I wouldn’t change them for the world.

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