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Chapter 224
Morning light filtered through the curtains when I next opened my eyes. Dominic was no longer beside me on the bed but was sprawled in a luxurious reclining chair nearby, his long frame looking slightly cramped despite the chair’s size. His eyes were closed, his breathing even. He must have stayed all night, watching over us.
1 carefully sat up, feeling significantly better than the previous day. My body was healing at an accelerated rate thanks to my partial werewolf nature. I glanced over at Lucas’s bassinet and was startled to find it empty.
Before panic could set in, I noticed movement by the window. Dominic was awake, cradling Lucas in his arms while looking out at the morning sky. The sight of them silhouetted against the sunrise made my heart swell.
“Good morning,” I said softly.
Dominic turned, a gentle smile on his face. “Look who’s awake,” he said to Lucas. “It’s your beautiful mother.”
He walked over to me, carefully transferring our son into my arms. Lucas squirmed slightly, then settled against me, his eyes–so like his father’s–blinking up at me curiously.
“I’ve already signed your discharge papers,” Dominic said. “Dr. Winters says you’re healing remarkably well, and she’s happy for us to take Lucas home.”
“Home,” I repeated, a smile spreading across my face.
An hour later, I was dressed in a comfortable linen dress that Dominic had brought for me, ready to leave the hospital. Lucas was wrapped in a soft blue blanket, secure in his carrier. As we stepped into the hallway, I was surprised to see Raymond waiting for us, and even more surprised to see a young boy standing beside him.
“James?” I asked, recognizing William’s son.
Raymond nodded. “The young master is accompanying us today, at your mate’s request.”
I looked questioningly at Dominic, who squeezed my hand. “I thought you might want to make sure he’s okay,” he explained. “I’ve arranged for him to stay with us temporarily while we sort out the situation with Olivia and his grandparents.”
Tears pricked my eyes at his thoughtfulness. “Thank you,” I whispered.
James looked up at me with solemn eyes that reminded me painfully of William. “Daddy’s gone,” he said matter–of–factly. “And Mommy’s sick. Mr. Sterling says I can see her when she’s better.”
I knelt down to his level, careful of my still–tender body. “That’s right,” I said gently. “And until then, you’re going to stay with us. Would you like that?”
He nodded shyly. “Can I see the baby?”
“Of course,” I said, tilting the carrier so he could see Lucas. “His name is Lucas.”
James peered at the baby with the serious concentration only a child can muster. “He’s very small,” he pronounced finally.
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Chapter 224
“He’ll grow,” Dominic said, placing a gentle hand on James’s shoulder. “Just like you have.”
We made our way to the hospital entrance, where Dominic’s sleek Maybach waited. Raymond helped settle james in the back seat while Dominic secured Lucas’s carrier. To my surprise, Dominic himself slid into the driver’s seat rather than joining me in the back.
“No driver today?” I asked.
“I wanted to do this myself,” he replied, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror. “Besides, I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” I smiled, intrigued. “What kind of surprise?”
“You’ll see,” he said mysteriously, starting the engine.
The drive was peaceful. James had fallen asleep against my side, and Lucas dozed in his carrier. I found myself drifting off as well, lulled by the smooth motion of the car and the exhaustion of new motherhood.
I woke to Dominic gently touching my cheek. “We’re here,” he said softly.
Blinking away sleep, I looked out the window, expecting to see our villa. Instead, I saw a stunning modern beachfront property, all clean lines and glass, with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
“Where are we?” I asked, confused.
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Dominic smiled, a hint of nervousness in his expression. “Home,” he said simply. “If you like it, that is.”
My eyes widened as understanding dawned. “This is… for us?”
“For you and Lucas,” he corrected, reaching into his pocket and producing a set of keys. “A gift. Somewhere safe, beautiful, and all your
own.”
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