Chapter 12 My eyes once again open to the annoying sound of the heartbeat monitor. I hate that machine with a passion as it continues to beep with my every heartbeat. Glaring at the monitor, I slowly sit up only to feel my body being pulled back down and held captive against a muscular chest.“Where do you think you’re going?” Tate mumbles, his voice husky with sleep as he nuzzles against my hair. I grin and relax against my mate, deciding to leave the grudge against the machine connected to my body.“I was going to smash the stupid machines connected to me,” I admit with the heart monitor once again beeping to punctuate my statement. I couldn’t wait to get rid of these machines, especially the one with its annoying beeping. I just want to be home with Tate and our baby girl and mourn the death quietly of my other child. As if connected to my thought of her, a tiny cry of protest rings out from the bassinet. Tate groans before releasing me from his arms. He proceeds to

Chapter 14 Light slowly drifts in through the sheer curtains, falling across my eyelids, causing me to wake up. Strong arms are wrapped around me with my back against a sturdy chest. The tingles against my skin tell me that it’s Tate as he snuggles closer to me. I needed to get my mind off of yesterday and move forward. I will always love Kelly, but Julia needed her mother to raise her. Today is a new day, and slowly my grief will settle down.Tate slowly pulls away from me and kisses my forehead before his presence leaves the bed. Ten minutes pass by till I decide that I did not want to stay here in bed forever, and I throw the covers back to stand. Stretching, I make my way towards the bathroom for a shower, letting the warm water cleanse away the smell of grief from yesterday off of my body. I feel more refreshed as I shut off the water and wrap my body in a fluffy towel, still learning to get used to my small stomach once again. I step away from the master en-suite

Chapter 16 "You look beautiful, Laina. Everyone is going to love you." Eeva praises me as I turn around in a circle, looking at myself in the mirror. Today is the day I will officially become a member of Bloodsvain. For the last two weeks, I have already considered this pack home, and now it is time for me to join. Nerves flutter around inside me as I smooth out the dress I am wearing, ensuring everything is in place before turning to face Eeva. Eeva’s house is close to where the pack ceremonies take place. With Loren as the Beta, it fell under his duties to protect the sacred lake that has been used for generations in welcoming new members and new leaders."Are you sure? I'm sixteen. What if they don't want someone young and inexperienced for their Luna?" I ask, pacing the length of her bedroom. Part of me felt worried that the pack would resent me for being so young. Tate and I have a ten-year age gap, but I knew some couples were even many years older than the other

Chapter 18 Beep "Are you sure, Laina?" The sound of the heart monitor's steady beeping follows Eeva’s question as I look at Tate’s still form.Beep The sound continues on as everyone looks at me with worry in their gaze."I'm sure. It’s better than letting my mate suffer." I whisper out. Eeva nods, knowing that the decision for her younger brother to be taken off life support lies in my hand.Beep Rex slowly walks over to the life support machine and lets out a long, sad sigh. I could see the pain in his eyes as he stares at Tate with a sad smile."Goodbye, friend." He says sadly before flicking the machine off. Slowly everything comes to a stop. The only thing working is the heart monitor for now. Eeva takes Julia from my arms and motions for me to go to Tate. With tears in my eyes, I stand at his bedside and take his hand in mine.Beep My heart breaks at his still form, and with one last try, I open the link just betwe

Chapter 20 Pulling into the driveway, I shut off the Jeep, silence filling the interior. It felt good being home after spending over two weeks at the pack house, and Eeva promised to take care of Julia for tonight at her house. I think Eeva is secretly happy to have a little girl over for the night as she has told me many times she is trying to have a daughter with Loren. A soft snore beside me catches my attention. When I turn to look at Tate, I giggle, a soft smile on my face, as I watch my mate doze off, head back against the seat. He looks so peaceful with the fall light streaming in through the window.Slowly, I lean over, making sure not to wake Tate, and place a gentle kiss on his lips. I lean back, ready to pull away until strong hands pull me close, and I find my chest pressed against Tate’s. Warm lips press against mine as we move in a slow rhythm. I let out a small moan when he nips at my bottom lip before his tongue pries open my mouth and delves inside. Ou