Page 182 of Stars in Umbra
‘You have no idea how much I needed this.’
‘I think I do,’ she murmured, stroking his hair.
He glanced down at her belly again, still awestruck.
‘I’m going to protect this child with everything I am,’ he growled. ‘I will be the wall no threat can climb.’
‘I hope you will,’ she breathed.
In the soft silence that followed, the city lights flickered beyond their window.
Even as the night curled around them, the man who had been built for war cradled the most lasting promise of peace he’d ever experienced.
30
Bound By Light and Legacy
MOLAN
In the hush of early morning, the first pale threads of sunlight slipped through the terrace curtains, brushing against the sheets where Rina lay tangled in sleep.
Mo sat on the edge of the bed, bare feet planted on the cool floor, studying her.
Her breath was slow and steady.
A hand curled under her cheek, and his gaze traced over the crease between her brows, yet a soft smile on her face as if caught in an intense dream.
She was going to be the mother of his child.
The thought struck him anew, as it had through the night.
He inhaled, as his chest overflowed with gratitude.
She now trusted him with her heart, her future, her fears.
She’d also offered him a kind of love he never thought he deserved.
Now, she carried his baby.
Mo swallowed hard, the weight of that truth anchoring him to this place, to this purpose. He had blood on his hands, a history paved with shadows.
But for her and for the life they created, he needed to stand tall in the light and do what was right by her, by them.
Even if it came at a cost.
He slid from bed, grabbing a shirt from the nearby chair.
As he dressed, he opened a neural link.
Mirage, I would like to have a private meeting, just the four of us: Kainan, Zane, you, and me.
I understand,Mirage replied, her voice soft with knowing.The boardroom will be clear in twenty.
He left Rina a message telling her he’d have a matter taken care of for the day and the he’d be back by evening.
Mo cast one last glance at Rina. Her lashes fluttered, but she didn’t wake.
He stepped out, in a silent prowl, letting the door hiss shut behind him.
