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Sophie stared out the window at the trees as the SUV she was in made its way up a steep incline. Callum sat next to her, peering over her shoulder.
They were on their final approach to Sanctuary. It would be nice to be inside the walls of the safe haven. To finally be able to see her baby niece. Her heart hurt for the child that would never know her mother. It had broken Serena every time the hunters stole her baby from her. At least now Sophie could look down on her daughter and know the infant was safe. Baby Serena would never fear anything. It was a promise Sophie was determined to keep.
Her thoughts drifted to Callum. They’d never talked about the baby when they’d completed their bond. Did he want to be a parent? She shifted in the seat, unsure. It was a lot to ask of him.
The car came to a stop. Sophie turned her attention to the windshield so she could catch a glimpse of her new home. They sat in front of an overgrown bush. Oddly though, it seemed to be growing – not moving. She frowned as the bush separated down the center and opened into a garage.
“We’re here,” Callum said as he kissed her cheek.
The SUV lurched forward once the door had opened all the way, and Nate maneuvered it into a spot on the far left side.
A group of people stood waiting on a set of stairs. Some were dressed in scrubs – doctors, she assumed. She wondered if anyone else was injured or if it was just a precaution.
Callum reached around her and opened the door. She blinked, realizing the other two had already exited the vehicle. Shuffling over the seats, she stepped down onto the concrete floor, making room for Callum to get out too.
She stretched as she looked around. The group was making their way toward them and the bus, which was beginning to unload its occupants.
“Tess, Theodore,” a man said, waving one of his hands as he made his way down the stairs. He had a baby in one of his arms, and so did the woman who was next to him.
Sophie gasped as she caught sight of the little girl tucked in the woman’s arms. She didn’t need anyone to tell her whose baby it was. The child had Serena’s violet eyes.
Tears clouded her vision as she moved forward, her gaze fixed on the child – her niece. Her heart pounded in her chest as the woman saw Sophie, stopped, and offered her a small smile. She changed course and made her way straight to Sophie.
“Hello,” she said softly as she shifted the baby in her arms. “You must be Sophie.”
“Hi,” she said her voice barely a mumble as she tried unsuccessfully to tear her gaze from the baby.
“Here, do you want to hold her?” the woman asked, already adjusting the infant to hand her over.
A stray tear slid down Sophie’s cheek and she let out a sob as the woman passed her the infant. Little Serena was so beautiful, just like her mother. She leaned forward and kissed the infant’s forehead, then trailed her fingers down the babe’s soft cheek. “She’s perfect.”
“She’s a wonderful baby,” the woman said. “We’ve been calling her Serena. That’s what Eden thought her mother’s name was.”
“It was. My sister would be happy that she has her name,” Sophie said as she kissed the baby again. Serena cooed and Sophie laughed while crying at the same time. The moment was bittersweet. “Thank you, so much for taking care of her.”
The woman reached out and smoothed a hand over Serena’s hair. “It was my pleasure. She’s about the same age as my son. I enjoyed looking after them both. One day they’ll be great friends I’m sure. I’m Thea by the way. Thea Monroe.”
Monroe. That name was familiar. “Terrence,” she said as realization struck her.
“My brother,” Thea said with a nod.
The Monroes had done so much for her and she had no idea how to even begin thanking them. She opened her mouth but had no idea what to say so she closed it.
“I’ll let you and little Serena get acquainted. If you have any questions, I’m happy to help. She’s an angel,” Thea said. She smiled at the baby before taking a step back and making her way through the crowd.
Sophie hugged the babe close as she too pushed through the crowd, making her way up the steps and into the complex. A few benches lined the wall just passed the entrance where she found a seat and enjoyed the tiny child in her arms.
She couldn’t get enough of the baby. The infant was perfect in every way.
“Here you are,” Callum said.
His voice startled her and she looked up at him, wondering how long she’d been sitting there.
“I was wondering where you went. You disappeared,” he said as he took a seat next to her.
“I’m sorry. I saw Thea with Serena and...”
Callum reached over her, moving the blanket so he could get a better look at the baby. “So this is your niece, Serena.”
Sophie chanced a glance at him wondering what he was thinking. His face didn’t give his thoughts away, unfortunately.
“Callum,” a woman said, clearing her throat.
He stood and bowed his head to the middle-aged woman – a wolf, from what Sophie could tell – who stood a few feet away from them.
“The doctors would like to look you over, and when the pair of you get a moment, the council has some questions for you,” the woman said, slipping her gaze to Sophie briefly before moving it back to the bear.
“I’m fine, Patrice. Sophie is a doctor and she took good care of me.” He put his hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “We’ll be more than happy to speak with the council, but can it wait for tomorrow? Sophie’s just been united with her niece.”
Patrice smiled and took a step back. “If you’re sure you’re fine then I see no need for you to spend time in the infirmary, and the council can wait until tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Patrice.”
The woman took a few steps back before turning on her heel and heading into the garage.
Sophie drew in a breath and looked down at Serena. The infant had fallen fast asleep.
“She looks comfortable,” Callum said as he stood in front of her.
“She does, doesn’t she?”
“What do you say we get her to bed?” Callum offered her one of his hands.
Sophie took it and let him help her to her feet.
“Come on,” Callum said as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s go to my room.”
Sophie didn’t say anything as Callum led them down the maze of halls until he finally opened a door. In the room was a single queen bed and next to it was a bassinet.
“When? When did you have time to have all this put in your room?” she asked as she walked to the bassinet and looked down at the pink sheets.
“In the garage, I went to ask Thomas if the leopard shifters could bring this in here. I’m sure you don’t want to let the little cub out of your sight, and I thought it’d be best if she was in here with us anyway.” Callum put his hand on her shoulders.
“Thank you. I...I are you sure about this?” Sophie asked as she turned to him with wide eyes. Taking on a child – one that wasn’t even his was a big responsibility.
“You’re my mate, Sophie. I love you. This cub is your family and that makes her my family too. We’ll raise her like ours, and hopefully one day she’ll have some brothers and sisters to play with too.” He kissed the top of Sophie’s head.
Sophie closed her eyes and smiled. It had been silly of her to think Callum wouldn’t love Serena. His words hit her. She set Serena down in the cradle, then turned to him. “You love me?”
Callum reached out and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I do.”
She closed her eyes and laughed as her chest swelled with happiness. “There were so many nights that I prayed for a miracle – to be free. I’d begun to lose hope and then I met you. You’ve not only shown me freedom and how to live, but what it’s like to be loved. I love you too,” she said as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.