And Then There Were Four (Lilith Carrie)

Damian.

The moment I walked into the room and saw Ivy awake, I was blown away. I didn't think it would ever be possible, and I had slowly started to lose hope, but the moment I heard her voice through my mind, I knew it couldn't be real. How many times had I actually contemplated hearing her?

More than I can count, that's for sure.

For a moment I thought I was losing my mind, but when Talon and Hale took off running up the stairs, I knew it must have been real and the possibility had made my heart soar.

I thanked the gods for bringing her back to me, but I just prayed it would be forever this time. I couldn't survive losing her again.

A few days had passed since then, and with every moment she was awake, I slowly found myself going better and better. I didn't feel hollow and empty anymore. I didn't feel like I was the reason she was gone. Instead, we spent every moment together as if nothing had ever happened.

As if the war and everything else had only been a dream.

Sitting in the living room with Ivy and the twins, I watched her sit on the floor as the twins handed her various toys. I had waited so long to see this, and now that I could, I wanted to hold the memory forever. The twins had their mother's back, and from the looks in their eyes, they were happy.

She was the love of my life, and I hated it took me so long to realize. But now she was back, and I was going to make sure I showed her just how much she meant to me. Just how much she meant to this family. There was no way in hell I was ever walking away from her again. I would never keep a secret from her again. Those days were long over.

just as my brothers had

said to Ivy as he

feeling better than I was before. My strength is almost back completely, but I will admit it will take some time before I run laps

the two of us

for a moment before looking back at the twins; her smile brightening knowing what I said

to make new memories," Hale replied, causing her smile to fall slightly as she nodded her

Some of those memories are ones that I should have been part of that

referring to. She'd missed the first time the twins had crawled, eating solid foods, those very first steps that they took. She wanted those memories but would never have because of what had happened. Regardless, though, she didn't hold a grudge because of it. She accepted what was and moved forward with what

the children outside, take them to the play in the park. They've

bond with her had

while since I've seen everyone. Of course, I was pregnant at the time but if the children have been going there, then I want that

settled then. I'll go ahead and tell James to pack their bags and we can head out here in just a bit." Standing to my feet, I moved from the room to give Ivy time alone and drug Hale with me, who

he asked as soon as we were out of

with them. Instead of

as he