Page 125 of Within the Veil

You said that about walking over a log, cutting through the river, which is fucking made of water, and again every time I pee. You are driving me fucking crazy, Grayson.

Don't bother arguing, he made me bring a damn IV infusion. Just drink the damn water, Babygirl.Ryder sighs in my head.

My head turns faster than I can track, and I glare at Grayson,you fucking didn't.

The asshole just shrugs, managing to look stern and amused at the same time,I know you hate needles. I do what I have to do, to get whatever I want. You know this, don't fight it. Not today. Please.

Fuck, I can't argue now. Even with Li'Ella completely covered in guards, he was a bit sensitive after he and I went to see her last night after we discussed plans.

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Last Night

Walking up to the small house, not far from our home, we watch as Li'Ella brightens from where her little face is pressed up against the window. She Faedes out of the house, and Grayson sends a message to her mother to let her know she is safe as she calls for her to come back to bed.

I laugh and watch as she runs and leaps into Grayson's arms.

"Little shadow! I've missed you so much," Grayson's face splits into a huge grin. Apparently, other than training sessions, he hasn't had a chance to hang out with her as much as when I was sleeping peacefully, or in a coma, whatever. Which makes sense, considering if he isn't training he is literally always trying to fucking feed me something.

Still, seeing Grayson and Li'Ella light up makes me feel a little guilty. Knowing that Li'Ella is pretty much my daughter, as my babies' mate, as well as the crown's seer, there is no need for her to stay away. Well other than the fact that she is five I'm sure her actual mother wants to cuddle her cute little face as much as possible.

Giggling, Li'Ella looks brightly at him, her eyes going wide, "Silly! We just sparred this morning!"

"There will never be enough days in the universe to see that smile nor for me to tire of it, and I willnevernot miss you," he responds with a fake stern voice and frown.

Li'Ella rolls her eyes jokingly and looks at me, "he'salwayslike this. You would think he loves me or something."

I burst out laughing, and Grayson chuckles.

"I'm sure we have Uncle Ryder to thank for that line," Grayson teases before setting her down on the forest floor and kneeling down so they are eye to eye.

"Little one," he says gently. "I have to leave in the morning for a quick trip, and then you know already I'll have to make a longer one. But I want to let you know, I'm leaving you very protected. There are some naughty people who want to hurt you, and I can never let that happen."

"I know Daddy Grayson, you're going to get Auntie Charlie and Pixie and my new uncles. You'll be back soon."

"I need you to promise me something, Li Lamb. Stay close to Mommy and your guards, okay? Don't wander off. Stay safe for me, okay?"

She grabs his face in her little hands and leans over to kiss his nose, her gaze steadily on his, " I solemnly promise to only be up to good."

I giggle becausethat onewas all King.

Grayson grins, a low rumble of amusement making his large shoulders shake. He wraps his arms around her in a hug, holding on for a few seconds longer, and the ache in my chest is so acute I clutch my chest unconsciously.

Stepping back with a quick grin, she pivots and wraps her arms around my belly. At her touch, warm purple sparks cascade down my belly, making Li'Ella's delicate features glow. I smile gently down at her. If my ovaries weren't clearly working at full capacity, they would have ached just then at the joy in her face.

"I love you all, too. Be safe. Have cake, Mommy says cake fixes all the worries in the world," she says, her face serious.

I bite back a groan as I get the strongest craving for cake, and I kneel to give her a hug, "Be safe, Ellie. I love you very much."

"Love you too, Queen Mommy. See you later!"

She waves exuberantly and faedes back into her room, where she waves from the window.

"She would know if she were in danger, right?" Grayson hesitates, looking back uneasily as we start to head back to the house.

I don't know how to respond. So I just hold his hand and squeeze it as tightly as possible.

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