powers, would probably be married to
someone
else by now."
"Would they have been happy?" Vane wasn't sure why he asked that
question.
Ash shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. But look at their baby. She's going to
grow up
the daughter of a sorceress and a Dark-Hunter. She will know things about
this
world that few people ever do. For that matter, she already does. Now
imagine if
she never existed. What would the world have lost without her?"
"What has it gained with her?"
Ash didn't hesitate to answer. "It has gained a truly beautiful soul who will
grow up to help anyone who needs it. In a world full of malice, she will
never
do harm. And two souls who have never known love now have each other."
Vane scoffed at that. "Have you ever thought about writing romance novels,
Ash?
That might wash in fiction, but let me tell you about the real world. That
little girl will grow up, have her heart broken, and be used by people out to
take advantage of her."
"And her parents will tear the heart out of anyone who tries it. Life is a
gamble, Vane. It's harsh and painful most of the time, and it's not for the
timid. Spoils go to the victor, not to the one who doesn't even show up for
the
battle."
"What are you saying?"
"I think you already know. Will Bride have a better life without you? Who's
to
say? Maybe there is some human out there who can appreciate her. But will
he
ever appreciate her as much as you do?"
No. Vane knew it deep in his heart. Her tender touch was priceless to him.
"What
if I get her killed?"
"Death is inevitable for humans. She will die someday. But the real question
is,
will she ever live?" Ash started away, then paused. "Will you?"
Vane stood there in silence as he thought over what Ash had said.
Liza returned with the tea and Vane thanked her before he tasted it.
Much to his dismay, Ash was right. It was good stuff and he did like it.
Ash picked the baby up and turned back toward him. "You know, there's
always the
possibility that Bride might not accept you. Meet her as a man, Vane. Give
her
what your father never gave your mother. Let her see the man and the animal
and
then let her decide for herself."
"And if she leaves me?"
"Is that what you fear most?"
Vane looked away. Damn Ash for his sagacity. No, his worst fear was that
she
would accept him and that he wouldn't be able to keep her safe from his
enemies.
"All you can ever really do, Vane, is give it your all and trust that everything
will work out."
"Do you really trust the Fates?"
Ash's answer surprised him. "Not at all. They make mistakes just like
everyone
else. But in the end, you have to believe in something." Ash cuddled the
baby to
his chest. "So what will you choose?"
Ash's question hung in Vane's mind as he made his way back to Bride's
shop. He
didn't know what choice to make and Ash hadn't really helped.
In wolf form, he nosed his way in the door of her boutique. Since he'd
moved in
with her, Bride had made it a habit to leave the shop door ajar any time he
left.
As if she knew he'd be back.
She'd also made him a comfortable pallet behind her counter so that he could
lie
quietly and watch her while she worked. And he did like to watch her,
especially
when she interacted with other people. There was a kindness to her that
others
he'd known lacked.
He particularly liked to watch her with Tabitha. The two of them were
extremely
amusing. At least when they weren't discussing how much every member of
his
gender, with the exception of their fathers, sucked.
He half-expected Tabitha to attempt to neuter him just because he was male.
Right now, Bride sat on her wooden stool beside her register as she finished
eating half of a deli sandwich.
"There you are," she said, smiling at him. "I was wondering what happened
to
you."
She held out the other half of her sandwich and let him eat it from her hand.
Vane finished it off, then placed his head in her lap. She stroked his ears
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