"We can tell her tomorrow," she whispers.

I nod, watching the tenderness in her gaze. "Tomorrow."

I guide her to the bed and help her settle. I then pull the covers, watching as she blinks in surprise when I climb in beside her. I hesitate, waiting for the pushback- for her walls to slam shut again.

But it never comes.

Instead, she settles willingly against me. Her cheek rests on my chest, her arm slipping around my waist.

My heart stutters, then races. I hold her carefully before tightening my embrace, unable to help myself. Knox purrs inside me, content in a way I haven't felt in years.

Knox rumbles deep inside me, pleased. "Finally. She lets us hold her. Don't let go."

"I won't. I'll never let go."

For a long while, silence stretches between us. Just her breathing, the rise and fall of her chest against mine. Then, her voice breaks the quiet.

"I'm scared."

I tilt my head down to look at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Of what, love?"

Her eyes shine in the dim light. "This... this power. I didn't expect it. To feel something like that. To know before anyone else. It's new and it's terrifying. No one should be able to sense a baby that early. What if it means something's wrong with me?" Her voice cracks on the last word.

I press my forehead against hers,

holding her tighter. "Nothing is wrong with you. Do you hear me?

This gift, it's part of who you are net

And I know it feels heavy now, but

you don't have to carry it alone.

You'll never have to carry anything alone again, not while I'm here."

Her lips tremble. "But what if I can't handle it?"

"Then I'll handle it with you," I whisper, firm and certain. "Sadie, you're stronger than you realize. And when you feel like you can't, lean on me. That's what I'm here for. To stand with you. To hold you through the fear."

"I don't think anyone was meant to hold this much power, Alec," she whispers. "I can already do so much, but with the addition of this new power, it just feels overwhelming."

"I trust in the goddess, Love, and I know she wouldn't have chosen you or given you these powers if she didn't think you were strong enough to handle it. She saw something in you and that's why, out of every single she-wolf, she chose you to wield these powers. She chose you to become an Alpha Female because she saw something in you. Don't ever doubt that you're strong. Look at what you've survived and you're still here. Still strong and thriving."

Her tears dampen my shirt, but I don't care. I only care that she's here, in my arms, trusting me with her fear for once.

I hold her, pushing my warmth and comfort to her. Our bond responds by flaring brightly. I'm flooded with her doubt and fear, and in exchange I flood her with courage, comfort and lots of love.

She doesn't say anything more, seeming very much okay with just holding on to

me.

Eventually, her breathing evens out,

and I realize she's drifted to sleep against me. I press a soft kiss to her forehead, then carefully shift. I kiss Aspen's hair, too, my heart swelling as I take in both of my girls lying safe in front of me.

For a moment, I let myself just breathe it in. This fragile, perfect moment.

Then, with a reluctant sigh, I slip out of bed. I tuck the blanket more securely around Sadie, pressing one last kiss to her temple.

"I'll be here," I whisper, a vow only the night and shadows can hear.

Knox rumbles low in agreement. "Always."