Page 72 of Baby and the Beast

Instead, Casimir stood frozen, his eyes wide with something like wonder as Nash's fingers traced the path of his scars. Not with pity or revulsion, but with acceptance.

"These don't define you," Nash murmured. "Not to me. Not to Copper."

Something broke in Casimir's expression—a crack in the wall he'd built around himself. His hand came up to cover Nash's, pressing it more firmly against his cheek.

"I don't know how to do this," he admitted roughly.

"You don't have to know," Nash said. "We can figure it out together." Nash knew Casimir was his mate. Deep down, he’d known since that first day, but Casimir was human and there was no way Nash was going to lay more guilt on him.

Nash leaned in slowly, giving Casimir every chance to back away. But this time, Casimir didn't retreat. Instead, he bent his head, meeting Nash halfway.

Their lips touched—tentatively at first, then with growing certainty. Casimir's hands came up to frame Nash's face, his touch so gentle it made Nash's heart ache. The kiss deepened, years of loneliness and longing pouring out between them.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Casimir rested his forehead against Nash's.

"Stay," Nash begged.

For a moment—or maybe an eternity—Nash stared into those deep brown eyes, far darker than his own amber. His heart beat a rapid tattoo, but then Cas’s eyes shuttered and Nash’s heartbroke. He saw the answer without Cas saying a word, wrenched himself out of his arms and ran out of the door.

Nash ran blindly back toward the main house, the cold night air stinging his tear-filled eyes. He stumbled once on the path, caught himself against a tree trunk, and pressed his forehead to the rough bark for a moment, trying to regain his composure.

He'd been a fool.Again.

For a moment—that perfect, suspended moment when Casimir's lips had touched his—he'd thought maybe... but no. The shuttering of those dark eyes had told him everything he needed to know. Casimir had already made his choice.

When Nash reached the main lodge, he found Charles waiting in the entryway, Copper sleeping peacefully in his arms. The wolf omega took one look at Nash's face and nodded in understanding.

"She's been changed," Charles said quietly, transferring the sleeping baby to Nash's waiting arms. "She didn't fuss at all."

"Thank you," Nash managed, his voice raw. "For watching her."

Charles squeezed his shoulder gently. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Nash shook his head, clutching Copper like a lifeline. "No. I just... I need to sleep."

"Of course." Charles walked with him to his room, a silent, supportive presence. At the door, he paused. "For what it's worth, Nash, I think he's making a mistake."

Nash swallowed the lump in his throat. "Doesn't matter what we think. It's his choice."

Inside his room, Nash carefully placed Copper in her crib. She stirred slightly, her tiny face scrunching before relaxing back into sleep. He watched her for a long moment, drawing strength from her peaceful presence.

"Just you and me, little one," he whispered. "We'll be okay."

He moved to the window, looking out toward the distant cabin where Casimir was spending his last night before disappearing back into the mountains. Part of him wanted to run back, to try one more time, but he knew it would be useless. Casimir had to want to stay—had to believe he deserved to stay.

And if he didn't, there was nothing Nash could say that would make any difference.

Nash turned away from the window and got ready for bed mechanically. The sheets were soft, the mattress perfect—so different from the hard ground and makeshift shelters he'd endured for months. Yet as he lay down, exhaustion pulling at him, he couldn't help but think of that first night in Casimir's cabin, when the gruff hunter had tended to them both with such unexpected gentleness.

Tomorrow, when he woke, Casimir would be gone. Back to his solitude, his self-imposed exile. And Nash would have to learn to live with the ache of what might have been.

He closed his eyes, one hand reaching out to rest on Copper's crib, and closed his eyes.

The sound of some god-awful alarm woke them both up sometime the next morning. Copper cried in shock, and Nash jumped out of bed and cradled her close. He didn’t recognize the woman who pushed open his door, but she quickly introduced herself. “I’m Cassie, one of Red’s enforcers. All omegas and children are to go to the safe room. We have rogue wolves on the property.”

Nash scooped up the changing bag and Cassie grabbed the blankets and car seat, and Nash followed her out.

Casimir? Had he left already?

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