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“That doesn’t make it better.”
“Tomorrow?”
Elsie laughs. “I don’t even have a dress.”
“We’ll get one today.”
“Pyrce.”
“Don’t make me wait any longer, Angel,” I growl needily.
“Okay,” she whispers.
I relax as I pull her to me, kissing her.
Elsie chose me. She’s wearing my mark and my ring, resting safely in my arms. The empty house I’ve lived in for years finally feels full.
My wolf settles inside me, satisfied.
Keep her safe, he murmurs.
I look down at my mate and kiss the top of her head.
Forever.
10
Pyrce
Five Years Later…
I stop at the end of the front walk and stare at my house.
A small pair of muddy boots sits in the middle of the porch. One is upright, the other lying on its side several feet away. A pink sweater hangs from the railing, and the basket beside the door overflows with wildflowers that have already begun shedding petals across the wooden boards.
Through the front window, I can see toys scattered across the living room rug. Bright drawings cover the refrigerator. Photographs fill the walls that were once completely bare.
And from somewhere inside comes the sound of my mate laughing.
My wolf perks up instantly, and I smile at his reaction as I head for the porch steps.
Five years ago, anyone passing this place might have assumed it was abandoned. Elsie certainly did. Now, no one could make that mistake.
I climb the porch steps, collecting the sweater and both boots before opening the front door. The scent of vanilla cake, strawberries, and my mate washes over me. Underneath it is the familiar scent of our daughter, and something else, something faint and sweet that makes my wolf freeze inside me.
I frown, breathing more deeply, but a tiny blonde blur barrels around the corner before I can place it.
“Daddy!”
I drop everything and catch Rosie as she launches herself at me.
“Hey, pup.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. I lift her easily, kissing her cheek until she squeals.
“You’re home!”
“I told you I’d be back before your party.”
