Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

R udi blinked awake the next morning as sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden patterns across their bed. His body felt lighter, refreshed in a way he hadn’t experienced in years. He looked down at Clarice, sleeping peacefully in his arms. Her auburn hair spilled across his pillow, her face peaceful. The mating marks on his chest pulsed warmly, a constant reminder of their bond.

Just as he started to reach for her, a high-pitched squeak broke the morning silence. The fokuso was awake and hungry. He carefully extracted himself from the bed, not wanting to disturb her. He padded across the floor to where the tiny creature waited in its makeshift nest and carried it out to the kitchen.

He’d just finished feeding the fokuso when the door burst open. Lina bounded in, her silver skin practically glowing with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she spotted him, and she rushed over and threw her small arms around his waist.

“I heard you were back-” she began, then her eyes widened as the fokuso squirmed in his grip, curious about the newcomer, its tiny nose twitching at her scent. “What’s that?”

“A fokuso,” he explained, kneeling down so she could see better. “We found it in a cave during our journey.”

The memory of their adventure felt distant now, overshadowed by the peace of this moment.

The fokuso chirped, reaching out one delicate paw toward Lina. Her gasp of delight made his chest warm.

Movement caught his eye and he looked up to see Clarice emerging from the bedroom, her hair tousled from sleep. His heart skipped at the sight of her, still amazed that she was really his. She wore one of his shirts, the hem falling to her knees, and he felt a surge of possessive pleasure.

“Why don’t you get dressed,” he told her, his voice gruff. “We can have breakfast at the festival.”

He watched as she nodded and disappeared back into the bedroom, then turned his attention back to Lina, who was completely absorbed in making silly faces at the fokuso.

“Does he have a name?”

“Well, no, I suppose he doesn’t. Why don’t you name him?”

Her small face screwed up in concentration for a moment before she beamed at him.

“I think we should call him Fuzzle.”

“That’s an excellent name,” he agreed, smiling as she immediately started talking to the fokuso.

Clarice emerged a short time later wearing her new dress, the scarf he’d given her wrapped around her neck. She looked so beautiful she took his breath away, but Lina was much more vocal with her appreciation. His mate laughed and blushed and they all set out together.

His chest tightened as Lina’s small hand gripped his, her other hand firmly clasped in Clarice’s. The morning air carried the scent of fresh snow and cooking fires as they made their way toward the village square.

“The decorations are so pretty!” Lina bounced between them, her silver skin catching the early light. “And everyone’s so happy you’re back. I heard them talking about how you made all the lights work.”

He ducked his head, still unused to positive attention. His antlers tingled with remembered power, but for once the sensation didn’t make him uncomfortable.

“Even though I won’t get any presents,” Lina continued, her voice dropping slightly, “I’m just happy you’re back!”

The simple honesty in her words made his chest ache as caught Clarice’s eye, seeing his own emotions reflected there. He squeezed Lina’s hand, remembering his own childhood loneliness. The way she trusted him, sought him out, made him want to protect her from ever feeling unwanted. She’d become as much a part of his life as his mate, filling spaces in his heart he hadn’t known were empty.

The sound of festival preparations grew louder as they approached the square, but he barely noticed. His focus remained on the little girl swinging between them, chattering about sweet treats and music until they reached the village square. The lights he’d powered twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the gathered villagers. The scent of spiced drinks and sweet treats filled the air, mingling with the crisp winter breeze.

Lina’s grip on his hand loosened when she spotted Niklaus by the massive tree, surrounded by excited children. Her silver skin seemed to shimmer as she bounced on her toes, uncertain whether to stay with them or join the group.

“Go on,” he encouraged softly, giving her a gentle nudge.

She darted forward, then stopped and looked back at them uncertainly.

“We’re coming,” he promised as they followed her across to the big tree.

Niklaus’s eyes twinkled as he reached into his bag and pulled out a brightly wrapped package. “For you, little one,” he said, holding it out to Lina.

She accepted it with trembling hands, her eyes wide with disbelief. She carefully unwrapped it to reveal an intricately carved wooden animal, painted in brilliant colors.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“We have something for you too,” Clarice said, producing the soft blanket she’d made.

He pulled out his own gift—a delicate crystal pendant he’d crafted, infused with just enough of his energy to give it a subtle glow.

Lina’s face lit up brighter than any festival decoration as she clutched her treasures close. She lifted the fokuso from his pocket, showing it each gift in turn, her giggles infectious as the tiny creature sniffed at the presents curiously.

The pure joy in her expression made his chest ache. He’d never imagined he could bring such happiness to another being, let alone be part of creating this perfect moment.

He squeezed Clarice’s hand, then gently tugged her a few steps away from the festivities.

His antlers gave off a soft glow as he turned to face her, betraying his nervousness.

“I’ve been thinking...” The words caught in his throat as her big dark eyes met his. He swallowed hard and pressed on. “What would you think about the two of us adopting Lina? She needs a family, and we can give her one.”

His heart hammered against his ribs as he waited for her response. The sounds of the festival faded into the background, and all he could focus on was her face, searching for any sign of her feelings about his suggestion.

He hadn’t planned this moment—hadn’t even been sure he would have the courage to ask. But watching Lina’s joy at receiving gifts, seeing how naturally she fit into their lives, had pushed the words out before he could second-guess himself.

The mating marks on his chest tingled as he held his breath, waiting for her answer. He’d never imagined himself as a father, had never dared to hope for such a complete family unit. Yet here he stood, his heart exposed once again to this remarkable human who had changed his entire world.