Page 59 of The Dark War

Kane

Clarawasabletogo back to sleep, but her body was restless. I wrapped her in a cocoon around me, holding her still so her body didn’t thrash. Keeping our daughter in the nursery was wise.

I stayed up for the rest of the night, watching both of my girls sleep. Evelyn was only a month or so old, and she had grown much. Her little knees were already scraped from crawling, her babbles turning into small words.

Who knew how long this war would take? It could take years for it all to end, and we wouldn’t watch our child grow. If we didn’t fight, there would be no tomorrow, and she would never have a life. I growled, feeling Torin inside me. He was tormented, his hide continually ruffled under my skin.

We had to have patience and ensure our mate was well taken care of. Cyrene’s warning ensured that we played key roles in this war.

As dawn approached, I let go of Clara, who immediately left my arms to grab Evelyn. She brought her to the bed as we held each other close. Evie didn’t know what was coming, that we would part from her today, but how she gripped hold of my finger gave me more of the drive I needed.

“Will she remember us?” Clara’s voice cracked. “What if she ends up like me, not knowing her parents?” I growled at her.

“It won’t happen.” My hand reached over and laid on Evelyn’s stomach. She growled playfully, trying to bite me.

“Oh, she’s feisty!” Clara laughed, tickling her. “She’s just like her daddy. I hope she doesn’t have your temper,” Clara mused.

She does when her mother isn’t around, but I won’t tell her that.

The long trek to the portal was full of chatter. The carriages held luggage, weapons, and supplies for Cyrene and her fellow witches to help her in aiding closing the portal. No somber tones were used as we traveled up the mountain.

Many children grew excited to visit Earth, some to spend time in the Pineville Creek pack, and others to the Black Claws. Our daughter was to travel to Wesley and Charlotte’s, along with Clara’s parents, giving them more distance in case the portal was reopened.

“Luna, Luna!” A high-pitched squeal came running behind Clara when she jumped from the carriage. Kit, wearing his workout uniform, grabbed her legs and hugged her tightly.

“Kit! I am so glad you are here!” Clara bent down to hug him closely. Evelyn rubbed her hand over Kit’s hair, causing his hair to become ruffled. She giggled, playing with it.

“Is little Evie coming too?” Kit’s voice grew solemn. Not many of the children knew the true reason for their departure. Many blissfully thought it was a camp or a vacation to the Earth realm to keep their thoughts away from darkness. Many would lose their parents, but we would make room for a new generation with their sacrifice.

“Yes, Evie is going too.” Nona, who had worked with my mother watching our daughter, understood all of Evelyn’s needs and her fiery temper that Clara had yet to truly see.Fuck, I feel sorry for Nona. There will be no relief in sight if Evelyn wants a damn cookie.

“Come here, baby girl.” Evelyn reached for me, her head rubbing under my neck. She nuzzled, pulling in my scent. “Fuck, baby, I’m gonna miss you.” Her hand patted my shoulder, head popping up.

“Fuck!” she squealed.That’s my damn girl.

“Kane!” Clara scolded. “Trouble!” she hissed, but she smiled anyway, watching Evelyn lean back into my neck. My scent covered my child’s body. No one would touch my little princess. Nuzzling her one more time, I handed her back to Clara, who did the same.

“I love you,” she whispered. “We love you very, very much.” Hugging both my girls, Kit held out his arms. “Can I walk her across?” Torin rumbled, not wanting a male, even if it was just Kit training to be our family bodyguard. The line is now much shorter, now just waiting on our family.

Clara’s eyes softened. Fuck, she was going to let him.

“Of course.” She hummed, handing her over. I waited for my scent to hit Kit, waiting for him to hand her back, but he didn’t.

Hell.

“I told you, I think he’s her mate. Your smell can’t deter a mate bond, silly Alpha.” I pulled Clara tight, feeling her sadness leak through our bond. Evelyn’s questioning gaze watched us as Nona held her hand behind Kit’s back, pushing them forward.

“Protect her!” Clara called out to him, her hand reaching. “Stay with her, will you, Kit?” Kit looked back and smiled at us. His grin reached his ears.

“It would be my honor, Luna.” Nona pushed them both forward until they faded into the portal.

“Gods.” Clara clutched and fisted my shirt. “This is terrible.” Eden and Elijah came closer to us, pulling Clara into a hug. Reluctantly letting her go, I stared down at Eden, eyeing her warily.

“You will do great,” Eden stroked her hair. “I know you can do this.” Clara sobbed, pulling away from both her parents.

“Just don’t expect me to do it your way,” Clara said. Drying her tears, she backed away back into my arms. “I’ll take your lessons into account, but ultimately, I’ll do it my way.”

Eden paused, staring at her daughter. I swear Elijah stepped back three steps. “I’m sorry?” Eden said calmly. “What do you think I have taught you that wouldn’t help you?”

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