Page 239 of Rise of the Reborn Beta

My daughter sleeps against my chest with one tiny fist curled beneath her chin. I should be sleeping too. Rylan has told me that at least four times tonight. He finally gave up and went downstairs after I promised I would try.

I lied.

Every time I close my eyes, I see the dagger. Candice moving toward me. Silver flashing beneath the moonlight. Arlene stepping between us before I can react. The blade sinking into her chest.

My arms tighten around my daughter. She makes a tiny sound. “I'm sorry, Diana.” I loosen my hold immediately and kiss the top of her head. “Mommy's sorry.”

My Lycan shifts restlessly inside me. Arlene. Pain twists through my chest. "I know."

She saved us and our pup.

I look down at Diana sleeping peacefully in my arms. She's here because Arlene stepped in front of a weapon meant for us. I'm here because Arlene stepped in front of a weapon meant for us. My Lycan is here because Arlene stepped in front of a weapon meant for us. Every breath my daughter takes fills me with gratitude so fierce it hurts, and every breath reminds me Arlene isn't taking one.

My eyes burn. “Why does my family always die?”

Diana squirms. I wipe my cheek before the tear can fall onto her face. “You weren't supposed to hear that.”

Her tiny fingers uncurl. Something warm brushes against my chest. I freeze. My Lycan goes still. What was that?

"I was about to ask you."

Wasn't me.

Diana's hand presses against my chest again. Warmth spreads beneath my skin. My Lycan leans closer. Pup?

"She's a newborn."

Another pulse moves through me. Diana's eyes slowly open. White light flashes through them. My Lycan hums. Not fear. Not alarm. Pure satisfaction.

Powerful pup.

I stare at my daughter. "You don't even know what she's doing."

No. Another pleased hum rolls through me. But powerful.

"That is not helpful."

Diana smiles. Heat explodes through my chest. I gasp as white light floods my vision. Power races beneath my skin, moving through my arms, my spine, my legs. I scramble to my feet with Diana secured against my chest.