YOU ARE WHAT I NEED [COMPLETED]

17

Selene's POV

Panic surged through me as I watched Claire crumple to the floor, unconscious. My heart raced, and I quickly knelt beside her, gently cradling her head. "Claire! Claire, wake up!" My voice trembled with fear, my hands shaking as I checked her pulse.

Claire's mom, Cathy, rushed over, but instead of the alarm I felt, she looked... oddly calm. She even let out a small, knowing laugh, which caught me off guard. "Don't worry, Selene," she said, gently pulling me back a little. "This happens sometimes. She gets overwhelmed and faints. It's been a thing since she was a kid."

Her nonchalance didn't entirely ease my worry, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. "Are you sure? What should we do?" I asked, my voice still tinged with panic.

Cathy smiled reassuringly. "Just lay her on the bed. She'll come around soon enough." She motioned towards the stairs, and I scooped Claire up in my arms. She felt so light and fragile, it made my heart ache. I carefully carried her upstairs to her room, with Cathy following close behind.

Once inside, I gently placed Claire on the bed, tucking a pillow under her head. I couldn't stop myself from brushing a strand of hair away from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. Cathy watched me, and I felt her gaze like a weight.

"Selene," she began, her voice gentle but probing, "what exactly is the relationship between you and my daughter?"

I looked up, meeting her eyes. There was a seriousness there, a mother's protectiveness. I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling exposed. "We're... we're not officially together," I admitted, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "But I want us to be. I want to be with her."

The words tumbled out in a rush, as if they had been waiting to escape. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I love her," I said, my voice firmer now. "I love her so much. She's everything to me, and I'd do anything for her. I know we have so many complications—her past, my... nature—but I don't care. I just want to make her happy, to protect her and support her in everything."

I paused, glancing at Claire's peaceful face. My chest tightened with emotion. "She's been through so much, more than anyone should have to bear. All I want is to give her the love and happiness she deserves. I hope... I hope you'll let me do that. I want to put all our problems aside, for her sake. I just want to love her properly."

Cathy listened intently, her expression softening. There was a moment of silence after I finished, the room filled with the sound of Claire's soft breathing. I could see Cathy processing my words, her eyes flickering with different emotions.

Finally, she sighed, a small, wistful smile appearing on her face. "You know, Claire's father and I... we always wanted her to find someone who would cherish her," she said softly. "She's always been such a bright, loving soul, even after all she's been through."

She looked at me, her eyes full of a complex mixture of emotions. "If you truly love her, if you're willing to stand by her no matter what... then you have my blessing." She paused, then added more firmly, "But don't hurt her. She's already been through enough pain. Promise me you'll be careful with her heart."

I felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over me. "I promise," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "I'll protect her with everything I have."

Cathy smiled, a little sadly, but with warmth. "Then I suppose I can trust you with my baby," she said, her voice lighter. She stepped forward and, to my surprise, pulled me into a gentle hug. I hesitated for a moment, then hugged her back, feeling a strange sense of acceptance and family.

As we pulled away, Cathy looked at Claire, then back at me. "She's lucky to have someone who cares for her as much as you do," she said softly. "And I'm glad to see she's found someone who can see how special she is."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling a sense of hope and determination. I looked back at Claire, my heart swelling with love. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew one thing for sure: I would be there for her, no matter what.