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“I'll take care of our pups.”

“That's not what I said.”

My jaw tightens.

“Live.”

“I don't know how.”

“Learn.”

I stare at her.

“Be angry. Cry. Break things if you need to.” A tiny smile touches her lips. “Preferably things we don't need.”

A laugh escapes me before it turns into a sob.

Arlene presses her forehead against mine. “Raise our babies. Love them enough for both of us. Let them talk about me. Tell them when I was wrong. Tell them when I was ridiculous.”

“That could take years.”

She laughs.

God, I miss that sound.

“Stay present, Darian. Don't disappear into your grief while they're standing in front of you.”

“I don't want to leave you.”

“You aren't.”

Her hand moves over my chest. “I'll always be part of you.”

My wolf pushes forward.

Mate come home.

Arlene's eyes close. “I wish I could.”

Please.

My arms tighten around her.

“No.”

Silver light begins moving through the branches above us.

“No. No, I'm not done.”

“Darian.”

“I'm not fucking done.” I pull her against me. “Tell the Moon Goddess to wait.”

Arlene laughs through her tears. “I love you.”

“Don't.”

“I love you, Darian.”