Page 50 of Of Wolves and Wives

“A girl,” Ms. Thompson informs me.

“Asha,” I breath. “She is my light.”

Love surges through me as I stare down at her wrinkled face. She stares back up at me, her violet eyes wide as she takes me in. The world melts as she lets out an impressive scream. I glance up, meeting Heath’s eyes. He smiles down at me, bending to press a kiss on my forehead. Rykker and Peirce crouch on each side of me, my own love for Asha mirrored on their faces as they take her in. I’m not sure that my heart can handle more love. Then Ms. Thompson places a second bundle into my arms.

I stare down at the second baby in shock before I glance up at Ms. Thompson. “Two?”

“A boy.”

My eyes return to him, taking in his silver hair. Panic squeezes me as I glance at the men at my side.

“What does this mean?” I ask. “Does this make the Grey Prince a legitimate ruler of this kingdom?”

“It means nothing yet,” Heath assures me.

Still, I can’t help the panic that grows as I stare down at the boy. He stares up at me, just as his sister did. But he makes no cry like her. He’s quiet as he watches the world around us. I’m not sure what his existence means. Behind me, Heath shifts away from me as Peirce takes his place. I frown as Heath, and Ms. Thompson move several steps away from us, speaking in hushed whispers.

As much as I try, I can’t ignore the two of them. Lyra appears at my side, cooing over the children. Annoyance at her grows as I struggle to hear what Ms. Thompson and Heath are discussing.

“May I hold one?” Lyra asks.

I nod absently, still trying to eavesdrop. I’m aware of Lyra taking the boy, who I’ve yet to name. Her coos growing quieter, which is a relief. I think I hear something about Asha being born first. But what does that mean? Ms. Thompson shoots me a nervous glance before shaking her head. My stomach drops.

Rykker stares at Asha for a moment, his head cocked. Then he stands and joins in the hushed conversation. I glance up at Peirce, worry pulling at me as he presses a kiss to my temple. It does nothing to reassure me of what is to come. Asha lets out a small cry.

“She must be hungry,” Peirce says.

I shift her to my breast, sighing in relief as she latches. Staring down at her, I’m once again amazed at her. She is the most precious thing I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much love as I do when I gaze upon her face. I would do anything to protect her. Is that what all parents feel?

Shifting to glance at Lyra, I frown. She’s not where she was a moment ago.

“Lyra?” I call out.

The area falls quiet for a moment. I meet his gaze Heath as we seem to realize the same thing at once.

Lyra is gone.

In a blur, Rykker shifts. He disappears into the trees only to reappear a moment later. My heart is pounding too loudly in my chest. I clutch my daughter to my chest as I wait to hear what I already know.

“She’s headed toward the castle,” he says after shifting back to his human form.

37

Rose

“Please, let me carry you,” Heath says for the third time.

I meet his gaze. He’s been asking since we set out after Lyra. I hope we catch her before she makes it to the castle. I’m hopeful we’ll find her before it’s too late. I’m not willing to think of what will happen if we fail to do that.

Sighing, I tell him, “Fine.”

He heaves a sigh of relief before picking me up. Asha is strapped to my chest, asleep and unaware that her brother is missing. I’m thankful for her quietness as we travel through the trees. We continue on, Rykker leading the way through the trees. I’m amazed at how far Lyra has made it. And how quickly.

“Desperation can push a person to do the seemingly impossible,” Ms. Thompson muttered when we first set out, as though offering an explanation for Lyra’s actions.

If only the fool of a woman had waited. She should’ve heard the rest of our plan before setting her own plan into motion. There was no need for her to rush off with my child in her arms. Though, glancing down at the top of Asha’s head, I’m not sure about my plan. Now that both babies are born and alive, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to follow through with my plan.

Suddenly, our progress is halted as Rykker shifts back into his human form. He holds up a tuft of dark fur.

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