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“I know.”
“Then put me down.”
“No.”
Darlene giggles and wraps her arms around Rylan's neck. Arlene stands with Arian against her chest and kisses his forehead before handing him to Selena.
“Be good for Auntie Selena.”
Arian immediately snuggles against Selena, tucking himself into her chest. Selena's daughter is already nestled against her other side. Within seconds, both babies settle against her like they belong there.
Selena looks down at them and smiles. “Well, I guess I'm carrying two babies.”
Rylan adjusts Damian and Darlene in his arms. “And apparently I'm carrying two pups.”
“You volunteered,” Selena says.
“I did.”
Arlene steps closer to kiss Arian one more time, then kisses Damian and Darlene while they're still in Rylan's arms. “I'll be here when you come back.”
Darlene points at her. “Promise.”
“I promise.”
Damian watches her for another second before nodding. “Okay.”
They finally leave. The front door closes behind them, and the house falls quiet. Too quiet after hours of pups crying, talking, clinging to Arlene, and refusing to let her move more than a few feet away.
I look at my mate. She's still here. I reach for her hand, and the instant our fingers touch, familiar sparks dance across my skin.
My wolf rumbles. Mine.
"Ours."
Arlene squeezes my hand. “Darian?”
I pull her against me and bury my face against her neck. Apple and cinnamon. Warm skin. Steady pulse.
“Nothing.”
Her arms wrap around me. I stay there until she laughs softly.
“I need a shower.”
“Okay.”
Arlene walks upstairs, and I follow her. She reaches our bedroom and glances over her shoulder at me before continuing toward the bathroom.
“Are you planning to follow me everywhere?”
“Yes.”
“Darian.”
“You were dead yesterday.”
Her expression softens. “Okay.”
