Page 78 of The Witch's Shifter
Do babies wear gloves?
I don’t know the first thing about having a newborn around; this is all so foreign to me. Maybe I sound ridiculous, but it seems to make Aurora happy, if the way she hugs the yarn to her chest and gazes up at me is any indication.
“Thank you, Alden. This is perfect.” She steps forward and presses her small body to mine. Her hair smells like woodsmoke from all the time she’s been spending around the fires, along with a hint of orange, which I suspect came from Lilith. I wrap her in my arms and barely hear her as she whispers, “I love you.”
And I think so long as I’m alive, hearing those three words from her will always make everything okay.
Chapter 41
Aurora
THE DAY I’VE BEEN DREADING is here. Today, Selene, Wyland, Fletcher, Gwynn, and Mama are leaving Faunwood and starting the journey back to Wysteria. Though cold, the day is sunny and bright. It’s stark in contrast to the gloom lingering in my heart.
Unlike last week when my family arrived, Faolan stands by my side. His hair is pulled back into a sleek black braid, making his jawline and strong brow even more pronounced. I told him this morning that he didn’t need to come, but he insisted. What a difference a single week can make.
Alden and Rowan are here as well, and when my family steps out of the Golden Lantern, the men immediately pick up their luggage and start toward the wagon waiting for them in the crisp leaf-scented air. Gwynn soars overhead, a soft stroke of white against the cloudless autumn sky. I wanted Harrison to be here, but he refused, claiming he didn’t need to see them off.
But I know the truth: He can’t stand seeing Selene go, and he thinks it’ll be less painful if he stays away.
I glance back up Hillock Lane, in the direction we came from, but I don’t see Harrison anywhere. Softly, I sigh. He’s more sensitive than he lets on.
“Goodbye, little sis,” Wyland says as he crushes me in a warm hug. In my ear, he whispers, “I’d tell you to take care of yourself, but with your guys around, I’m not sure I need to.”
“If they ever drive me a bit too crazy,” I say as I pull away, “I hope I’ve still got a couch with you and Selene.”
“A couch?” He rolls his hazel eyes. “You’ve got an entire room if ever you need it.”
“Thank you.” I squeeze his hand, then turn to face my sister. Her dark eyes are already glimmering with tears, and I hold up a hand, saying, “I’ve cried so much the past few days, I don’t know if I can do it again.”
She laughs and uses the back of her hand to wipe the tears quickly away. “All right, fine. I’ll try not to sob all over you. But come here.”
I’m in her arms then, enveloped in her soft scent of lilac. We hold each other for a long time, until the beat of my heart matches hers.
“Will you visit me again soon?” I whisper into her silver hair.
Against my chest, I feel her rumble with laughter. “Of course. That baby will be here in a few months, and I’m going to be right here beside you.”
“Really?” I pull away and blink at her, and she nods.
“Really. I know you’ll have all these guys around you, but some things just need a woman’s touch. Perhaps we can make it a longer trip. Wyland will likely have to stay in Wysteria for work, but I could visit for a few weeks, help you get settled with the little one.”
Gripping Selene’s hand in mine, I nod emphatically. “Please. I’d love that.”
“Then it’s a plan. I’ll see you”—she brushes a loving hand over my belly and smiles—“and the little one then.”
“I’m already looking forward to it. And to seeingyou.” I stoop to kiss Fletcher’s head where it’s poking from the swaddle wrapped around Selene’s chest. He blinks blearily, yawns, and cuddles deeper into the warm fabric.
Making to step away, Selene pauses, then tips her head at me. “I read your lines, you know.”
My heart thuds hard in my chest. She’s referring to the lines on my hands. Selene has always been gifted at chiromancy, the art of reading palms. At one point when she was first learning, I used to keep my hands clenched into fists or hidden in mittens or deep pockets just to avoid her being able to see them.
“I saw the baby’s gender,” she continues. Her lips pull up on one side, coy and almost catlike. “Would you like to know what it is?”
Rowan is speaking softly with my mother, but he must’ve overheard Selene, because he turns in our direction, and his eyes meet mine.
Does he want to know? DoIwant to know?
He holds my gaze for a long moment, then smiles, and I think he’s leaving it up to me.
