Dawn of Light: Fated Darkness Book 3

Chapter 3: We're Home

The words were clear and there was no denying what he was witnessing, but somehow speech evaded him. Words fled the scene and hid from sight.

"Gabe, are you okay?" Amelia's brow furrowed. Concern was visible by the pursing of her lips.

A conflicting whirl of emotions swelled inside. He wasn't sure whether he should be furious, yelling and screaming, or worship at her feet. Somehow, it was all battling within, fighting for dominance.

How could she keep this a secret from him? How did he not know?

A warm hand caressed his cheek, his neck. Gabriel finally took a deep breath. His nerves soothed as his lungs expanded, body relaxing. He leaned into her touch. For a brief moment the emotions subsided as he allowed their bond to settle, blanketing him in warmth. Closing his eyes, he burrowed farther into their bond and beneath it he could feel the life growing within her, thriving and strong.

"Come inside."

Amelia's voice was a gentle kiss against his soul, featherlight and tender and allowed her to guide him toward the house. He briefly recalled Emery watching patiently at a distance, yet close enough to intervene if need be. Did his own daughter think Amelia needed protection from her own mate?

The sound of boots stomping up the stairs was distant. He barely recalled the front door closing behind them. Whisper's circled the air. Hushed gasps and playful giggling could be heard as his pack observed their Alpha's. Amelia's hand held on to his firmly, leading him up the stairs and to their bedroom.

The scent of roses and sugar berries wafted behind her, filling him with her pregnant scent. It was rich and heavy in his lungs, setting his blood on fire. The image of bending her over and gazing down at her swollen backside excited him, but rage also crept in.

The door shut behind him, awakening him to the weight of their situation.

Gabriel spun around. "How could you? How could you keep this from me? I thought we were done keeping secrets!"

Amelia on reflex wrapped her arms around her stomach, protecting the life within. Tears instantly lined her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't leave the Wandering Moon. They needed me."

"And you needed me! That baby needs us! I already missed out on being there for Emery, raising her, watching her grow and now you try denying me the same with this one?"

"No! Never!" Amelia tried to reassure him, reaching out to lay her hand on his arm but Gabriel jerked out of reach. "I didn't mean to stay away this long. I wanted to tell you every day but I knew you'd make me come home and with the vampires lurking I couldn't leave them."

Gabriel's silver moon eyes glared harshly at her. A terrifying growl drew his lips back as the overbearing, overprotective Alpha male crept forward. The idea of vampires anywhere near his pregnant mate brought forth a violent and animalistic reaction he could barely control.

"Did they touch you? Did you—"

"No." Amelia shook her head harshly. "Ever since I found out I was pregnant I've stayed out of the fight. It's beyond frustrating letting my packs fight for me, but I won't put this baby at risk."

Gabriel seemed to find relief in this.

They really had changed.

The old Amelia, the young and rash teenager would have run head first into danger, to hell with the consequences, but together they had been through enough loss and pain that they were bound to learn at some point or another.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It wasn't my intention to keep this from you for this long," Amelia tried again.

"How far along?"