Chapter 28 

And Scarlett? She already hates me 

“Let me worry about Scarlett not to hunt an Alpha 

took her hand. I know you’re eating like the females who approach me for status of poest. You came here by quieting, 

She leaned against my shoulder with a sigh. When I’m with you, I feel safe. Considering we barely know each other, thats terrifying 

I want you to always feel safe with me,” I said, wrapping my arm around her. “We can take this as slow as you need. Movies, training, time with Aurora- whatever you want.” 

She nestled closer as I pulled the furs over us both. Her breathing gradually slowed, her body relaxing against mine. 

I like you too, Jace, she murmured, half–asleep. “And Aurora… that little girl already stole my heart.” 

My chest tightened with emotion. You have no idea how happy that makes me. 

I held her as she drifted off, protected in my arms. Phantom quieted, finally content with simply having her close. I breathed in her scent, memorizing it. 

A soft patter of feet on the hardwood floor pulled me from the edge of sleep. My senses always sharper than a human’s–detected the familiar scent before I even opened my eyes. 

“Dad?” 

I shifted carefully, making sure not to disturb the sleeping form next to me. Aurora stood at the bedside, her small figure backlit by the faint moonlight streaming through the window. She clutched her stuffed wolf against her chest–the one I’d given her for her last birthday. 

“Hey princess. Can’t sleep?” I kept my voice low, a rumble in the darkness. 

She shook her head, hair swishing across her shoulders. “I can’t find Aria.” 

I smiled, gesturing to the space beside me. “She’s right here.” 

Aurora’s eyes widened as she noticed Aria sleeping peacefully under the furs. The young woman’s chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, her face relaxed in slumber. Something caught in my chest at the sight of my daughter studying Aria with such open curiosity. 

“Can I stay too?” Aurora asked, already climbing onto the bed before I could answer. 

I reached out, helping her up. “Always room for you, princess.” 

With practiced care, I lifted her small body over mine and settled her in the space between Aria and me. Aurora immediately snuggled down, tugging the furs up to her chin with a contented sigh. 

This is nice. Love you guys,” she mumbled, her eyes already drooping closed. 

“Love you too. Now get some sleep.” I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. 

Aurora was asleep within minutes, her breathing joining Aria’s in soft harmony. I stayed awake, watching over them both. 

The three of us shared this moment of unexpected/peace. Aurora had thrown one arm across Aria in her sleep, and incredibly, Aria hadn’t stirred or pulled away. She seemed completely at ease, even with the child’s intrusion into her space. 

ARIA 

I kept my eyes closed when I felt the bed shift slightly. My body craved a few more minutes of rest, so I pretended to sleep, listening to the hushed voices nearby. 

“Shh, princess. Don’t wake Aria up,” Jace whispered. 

1/2 

Chapter 28 

Sorry, Daddy, Aurora replied softly 

I listened as lace told his daughter to go back to her from, promising to help her get ready for kindergarten soon the butte girls frusteps padded varj across the wooden floot. 

When we were alone, lace leaned down, his lips grazing my bare shoulder. Til be frack after I drop Autora off, he murmured before laguing the ri 

Once he was gone, I pushed back the covers and slid out of bed. I padded across to the closet room and pulled out my phone to test Gabriel. 

(Morning, Dad. See you at training?) I typed quickly. 

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