\[Denali’s POV\]
My heart jumps at Rosco’s words. I knew what he was talking about, but to hear it spoken aloud still left me with a feeling of unease. However, to hear him speak about his past and his family made me truly feel like he trusted me.
“I’m here, though.” I point out, leaning down and kissing the top of his head. “That is what matters the most.”
“Yeah!” Rosco sighs, suddenly flipping over so that I’m on top of him. “And this is where you will stay for the rest of our lives.”
“Mmmm.”
Smiling, I lean down, pressing my lips against his. Immediately, I feel the world trickling away until all that remains is Rosco and me. Ah. This was the thing I loved the most about our bond. It was like our own little world. Too bad, we couldn’t stay like this since Serenity is now part of our world too.
A low groan escapes Rosco as his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer so that I can feel the bulge forming in his pants. Goddess, I wanted him, but I knew that we couldn’t possibly do something this soon.
“I’m…” I pant around his lips and tongue. “Still… recovering.”
“I’ll be good.” Rosco whispers, letting his hands trail down my body until they can snake beneath my shirt. “I won’t go any further than this.”
No further than this. I knew him well enough to know that there was no way that was true. If I didn’t stop this now, then there was a chance he would continue to push.
“No further.” I counter, gently prying myself loose. “We have to listen to the doctor's orders.”
“Fuck that doctor.” Rosco grumbles, but to my surprise, he remains in place. “Should we just get a second opinion?”
Giggling, I shake my head and plant one more kiss on his lips.
“You know as well as I do that another doctor would say the same.”
“You’re never having another child.” Rosco huffs, being adorably stubborn. “For many reasons.”
“Oh, yeah?” I ask, slowly moving so that I can lay down beside him once more. “Was it really that bad for you?”
For a moment, Rosco doesn’t speak as he takes me in with a serious expression.
“Seeing you in that much pain and being unable to do anything was the worst thing I could imagine.” He says, causing my heart to squeeze. “I never want to see you suffer like that.”
“But the suffering resulted in a beautiful little girl.” I point out.
Instantly, as if realizing she is being talked about, Serenity begins to whine, indicating that mine and Rosco’s moment together is over.
“I’ll get her.” Rosco announces as I prepare to get up. “You just stay here and relax.”
Nodding, I prop myself up on my elbow and watch as he picks Serenity up out of her crib and immediately takes her to the changing table.
“I swear every time I turn around, you’re soaked.” He mumbles while beginning to change her diaper. “Are you sure you aren’t part water hose?”
“If she is, whose side did she get it from?”
At my words, Rosco shoots me a look, but he doesn’t speak. Instead, he finishes with what he is doing, and once Serenity is changed, he brings her over to me.
“Feeding time?” He asks, getting comfortable beside me.
“Feeding time.” I confirm, lifting my shirt and positioning her so that she can latch on. “Are you going to sit here and watch?”
“I am.” Rosco confirms as if it is the most obvious thing. “Even if I can’t touch, I sure as hell can stare.”
“Pervert.” I sigh, but let a smile spread across my face.
If only this moment could last forever. Just me, Rosco, and Serenity being peacefully together. What I would give to remain in this bubble of calm, where there is no threat out there ready to ruin everything.
“I won’t let anything happen to either one of you.” Rosco says as if he were reading my thoughts. “Even if it kills me.”
“You aren’t allowed to die.” I counter. “You have to survive so that you are here for not only me but Serenity.”
I knew that even if he did promise this to me, there wasn’t a way he could assure me. Not when my father was out there somewhere with those cloaked freaks. What were they up to, and what would their next move be? Would their attacks stick to Emerald Moon, or would they expand to other packs out there?
There were just too many damn unknowns out there that needed answers.
“I have no intention of being taken out that easily.” Rosco growls. “Not after I worked so hard to get to this point with you. Not even the Ggoddess can take me.”
“I know.” I say trying to force a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “And I trust you.”
I needed to change the subject; this one was just too damn morbid. There was no point in dwelling on what could be, especially when our world could go to hell tomorrow.
“How’s your mom?” I ask, hoping for a distraction. “Has she woken up yet?”
“Not yet.” Rosco responds, his expression falling. “But the doctors are positive; it is just a matter of time.”
“And your dad?” I continue. “How are things with him?”
“We’ve made up just about as much as we can.” He admits. “And he has insisted on leaving William here and sending a few others to help us.”
“Making William stay?” I repeat, perking up. “Maybe that would be a good thing.”
“What?” Rosco growls, his gaze narrowing. “Are you excited to have him around? Don’t think I’ve forgotten the way you two attempted to play me.”
“Not for me.” I sigh. “For Elise.”
I was sure that Rosco noticed the vibe between the two earlier. After everything Elise suffered, wouldn’t it be nice for her to find her own happiness?
“Don’t tell me you’ll support such a relationship.” Rosco says, taking me by surprise.
“And why wouldn’t I?”
“Because Elise will never be accepted as the Luna of Crystal Fang.” He responds slowly. “The only thing they will bring each other is heartache.”
“Heartache,” I murmur as Serenity begins to wiggle. “Who can say for certain that is what the future will bring them?”
I didn’t like the idea of Rosco looking down on Elise, even though I understood where he was coming from, especially after what he told me. William did suffer a lot because he went against everything, but so did Rosco, and we were happy.
“Love is a crazy thing.” I continue, touching Rosco’s cheek. “Even though our being together brought about grave danger and the loss of your pack, it still brought us so much happiness. Can’t we wish for the same for William and Elise?”
For a moment, Rosco doesn’t speak as he continues to examine me.
“We don’t even know if there is something between them.” He finally says, taking Serenity from me. “And instead of worrying about others’ love lives, why don’t you pay attention to me?”