Resisting the Moon (Royal Shifters #2)(58)

“Vincent,” I growled.

He nodded. “But I didn’t know that at the time. I searched and searched for her, and there was nothing. I figured she’d gone back to the Land of the Fae. She’d always gone back there for visits because she loved it. In fact, the only reason she’d stayed on Earth was because of me.”

He turned the stone over in his hand and rubbed it between his finger and thumb. “After months and months of looking, I went back to Canada to fulfill my duty as a protector. Sebastian and Micah still had time to explore the world and it was Sebastian who found out she had been killed by Vincent. Only, he didn’t tell me until after he’d already killed him.”

“And you were mad because it was your right to do it yourself,” I added.

“I loved her, Laila. For the past thirty years, I’ve lived in a darkness I can’t seem to find my way out of. And now there’s you, a daughter I had no clue existed. The thought of what you went through while being with those monsters plagues me. And again, my brother was the one who ended them, when it should’ve been me.”

I shook my head. “Life isn’t all about vengeance. But if it makes it any easier, the Sierra Pack never hurt me. They knew they couldn’t. I was actually the one who turned on them and delivered death to their door. Sebastian and Amelie helped, but it was my doing. Take comfort in knowing that it was me who did it as well. I’m a part of you which means you were there too.”

He brushed a finger across my cheek. “Wise beyond your years.”

“I must take after my father in that respect.” He chuckled and it made me smile. “I don’t know much about my mother and I’m hoping you can help me with that. I was left with only a few of her memories, and a couple journals written in Elvish that I can’t translate.”

“I guess that means you’ll need my help.” He smirked.

I gasped. “You know Elvish?”

He nodded. “Your mother taught me. I’ll help you with anything you need.”

Jumping in his arms, I didn’t care if it was overstepping my boundaries or not. I was surprised when he wrapped his arms around my waist. “I feel like I’ve waited an eternity for this one moment.”

“So have I, my dear. And I promise I won’t let you down.”

For once in my life, I finally felt like I belonged.





Tyla (Three Months Later)

“So you’re quitting on me, eh?” Blake called, joining me at the fence.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not quitting. I’m just taking a leave of absence, I think. I’m not sure yet. Besides, I found a replacement. You can’t complain too much.”

Amelie rode around the field on Nightshade, Blake’s black stallion. She was just as good with horses as I was. Blake stood beside me—leaning his elbows over the fence—watching her with a skeptical eye. “I don’t know if she’s as good as you, but I’ll see what she’s got. She can start on Monday.”

I waved Amelie in and she trotted over. “Thanks, Boss. I think this is exactly what she needs.”

Smiling, he nudged me in the shoulder. “No problem. Just please consider coming back after the baby’s born. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

“I thought you said you could handle this place on your own?” I teased.

He chuckled. “I can, but you’re my friend. I’ve kind of gotten used to you being around. Just promise me you’ll think about it.”

“I promise.”

“Hey, before I forget, I need to catch up with Sebastian. Maybe we can meet at the bar tomorrow night? There’s something I need his help on.”

“Of course, I’m sure he’ll be happy to help.” He patted me on the back and walked back toward the barn. Amelie finally made it over to me and I rubbed Nightshade’s muzzle. “Looks like you have a job come Monday,” I told her excitedly.

She beamed. “Thank you, Tyla. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t. But let’s put this big boy back in his stall for the night, so I can get home.” I helped her put Nightshade back and showed her around the barn. There were two new horses she’d have to help train and I knew she could do it.

Once I dropped her off, I hurried home and rushed to the kitchen. I was craving grapes. Morning sickness didn’t bother shifters, but the cravings were ridiculous. One day, I’d want grapes, the next, Brussel sprouts, and so on. My weirdest craving had been tuna and chocolate syrup sandwiches.

I grabbed a handful of grapes and popped them into my mouth, one after the other. “Sebastian?” I called.

“Up here.”

What was he doing in the nursery? I walked up the stairs but couldn’t see him because the door was closed. I opened it up and gasped when the room came into view. The walls were no longer cream, but a light shade of aqua. It was the exact color I’d wanted, but that wasn’t what had me in tears.

With the widest grin I’d ever seen, Sebastian stepped out of the way so I could see what he’d done. “What do you think?” he asked, beaming with excitement.

I walked over to the crib, running a hand over the smooth wood. “Did you make this?” It was perfect, the wood carvings so detailed and delicate.