Page 58 of Enchant the Dawn

“That’s terrible.”

Dominic shrugged.

“I guess all fathers are the same,” Maddy remarked.

“I’m afraid it’s worse for my sister,” he said. “You see, among my kind, twins are rare. And offspring are always male.”

Maddy stared at him, wide-eyed. “What? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, but that’s the way it is. The way it’s always been. Until my sister was born. My parents suspect that Ava somehow managed to work a little magic when my mother was pregnant.”

“But . . . that’s impossible.”

“Everybody thought so. But there’s no other way to explain Lily. So you can see why everyone in the family is so protective of her.”

Maddy’s first thought was to feel sorry for the girl. No doubt her family watched her like hawks. And then she grinned. Being so rare among his people, Lily was likely everyone’s favorite and probably spoiled rotten.

“Are we okay?” Dominic asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I feel responsible for everything that’s happened. I wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to see me again.”

“I was upset at first, but it’s not your fault, not really. It’s going to take some getting used to, but . . .” Maddy shrugged. “What else could I have done?”

“You should have refused to be part of Ava’s cure.”

“And let you die?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Anyway, Ava didn’t know there would be repercussions.”

“Well, she should have.” Dammit. He knew how dangerous dark magic could be. And so did Ava. He didn’t know what he would have done if the spell’s results had been worse. Or fatal.

“What’s done is done,” Maddy said, wishing she felt as okay with it as she sounded.

“It’s getting late,” Dominic said, fighting the urge to take her in his arms. “I should go home.”

“I wish you wouldn’t.”

He looked at her, one brow arched in question.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight, Dominic. Please stay with me.”

“Sure, honey. Why don’t you go get ready for bed and I’ll tuck you in.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.” He watched her leave the room, determined to always be there when she needed him. He knew a lot about witches, having grown up with three of them. Hopefully, he could help Maddy learn to live with her new powers.

Sitting there, he listened to her get ready for bed—the splash of water as she washed her face, the rustle of clothing as she changed into her nightgown, the faint creak of the mattress as she settled under the covers.

When she called, “I’m ready,” he went to her side.

“Sweet dreams, darlin’,” he murmured as he drew the blankets up to her chin. “I’ll be on the sofa if you need me.”

“Thank you, Dominic.”

“I love you, Maddy,” he whispered, and wished he had the right to crawl into bed beside her, take her in his arms, and make love to her all night long.

Bending down, he kissed her lightly and left the room before his good judgment surrendered to his desire.

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