Page 226 of Rise of the Reborn Beta

I press my lips against Damian's hair, then Darlene's, before lowering my face to Arian's head.

"Our pups."

Protect.

Tears slide down my face as I tighten my arms around the pieces of Arlene she left behind.

"Always."

Darian's POV

By the time I carry Arian into the house, the sun still hasn't risen. Damian walks beside me holding Darlene's hand. Neither of them says much. Darlene keeps wiping her face against the sleeve of her pajamas, and Damian stays so close to her their shoulders touch.

I help them into bed together. Darlene refuses to sleep in her own room. Damian doesn't complain when she crawls beneath his blanket and curls against him. I settle Arian in the bassinet beside them, then sit on the edge of the bed until all three of their breaths finally even out.

My hand moves over Damian's hair, then Darlene's.

Arlene should be here.

The thought hits so hard I stand before it can pull me apart again. I leave their door cracked and step into the hallway. My back hits the wall, and I slide down until I'm sitting on the floor outside their room.

I stare at nothing. My wolf curls quietly inside me, wrapped around the presence of our pups on the other side of the wall.

Stay close.

"I'm not going anywhere."

My head falls back against the wall. I close my eyes.

Warmth touches my face.

I open my eyes beneath a sky filled with stars. Silver light spills across the grass beneath my feet, and a massive tree rises in front of me. Its branches stretch toward the heavens, glowing beneath moonlight that seems to come from everywhere at once.

I know this place.

The Moon Goddess tree.

My wolf rises inside me.

Mate.

My heart stops.

Arlene stands beneath the tree. Black hair falls over her shoulders. Her green eyes meet mine, and a soft smile touches her lips.

She's warm. I know it before I even touch her.

She's alive. Whole.

“Arlene.”

I run.

She barely gets her arms open before I crash into her. My arms wrap around her waist. Hers close around my shoulders, and I bury my face against her neck.

Apple and cinnamon.