Chapter 363: Final preparations...

Ramsey

"Isn’t this too much?" Lyla asked, staring at the signed documents on her lap. "I thought these things take months and..."

"You’re my wife now, Lyla," I cut her short, giving her a sideways glance with a smile. "This is the right thing to do."

"I know, but this is less than a day since we tied the knot, and you’re making me an heir already, transferrable when our children come?"

"That’s how it’s done. I can’t choose my grandfather, and this is the only way to ensure nothing happens to the birth rights of our children. You know how it is in our world. The slightest shift of power gives room for anything to happen."

She didn’t respond to that. "What are we doing now?" she asked, leaning back on the car seat.

"One final stop at my office and then we’ll have the rest of the day to ourselves."

We spent the next few hours reviewing pack business together. Despite her unwillingness, I had to beg several times before she agreed.

"You’re being very thorough today," She observed as we finished going over the quarterly budget reports. "Are you that worried about tomorrow night?"

"I want everything in order," I said, which was true enough. "The pack’s security, our finances, emergency protocols. If something happens to me during the fight—"

"Nothing will happen to you," she interrupted firmly, reaching across my desk to take my hand. "I’m the one the prophecy mentions, remember? You’ll be there to protect me, but the sacrifice is mine to make."

Her absolute certainty that she would be the one to die tomorrow night was a blade twisting in my chest. I squeezed her hand gently. "Promise me something."

"Anything."

"If something does go wrong, if I don’t make it through tomorrow, take care of yourself and our children. Let Lenny and Caius, especially Caius, who knows a lot about the pack and what it means to be a Lycan Leader, help you lead the pack. Don’t try to carry everything alone."

Lyla’s eyes filled with concern. "Ramsey, you’re scaring me. What aren’t you telling me?"

Everything, I thought. I’m not telling you everything.

"I’m just being cautious," I said instead. "Tomorrow night will be dangerous. I need to know you’ll be smart about your safety."

She studied my face for a long moment, then nodded. "I promise. But you have to promise me something too."

"What?"

"That you won’t do anything reckless trying to protect me. These babies need their father." Her hand moved to rest on her stomach. "I need my husband, and I feel confident that I may not have to die tomorrow. I would try to stay alive for us and our children. We should be hopeful."

in her hair so she

love you," I whispered against her temple. "More than my own

replied, holding me tightly. "We’re going to get through this, Ramsey. All of

night, she rested against my chest, tracing lazy

don’t want this night

trying to calm my racing

raising herself on one hand to look at me. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, my body just wants you

need to

and laughs. "Fine, I’ll let

saying anything. After a few seconds, she called

"Ramsey?"

"Yeah?"

die, if something goes wrong, you

throat tightened. "I don’t plan ever to remarry, Lyla. You’re

you’ll be happy?"

murmured

eyes were already drooping

swallowed the lump in

her tighter, knowing it might be the last time

and made my way to the underground levels of the pack house. Circe, Miriam and Terra were waiting for me in the ritual

as I

I got her blood," I said, handing her the container that held

the exchange ritual, Circe had me strip down and step into a circle of salt mixed with crushed moonstone. Terra burned sacred

Lyla’s. My

this, he said in my mind. There might be another

way, I replied. You know that as well

forgive you for taking

to hate

silent, understanding the

then, it would be strong enough that people would think it’s she when you walk past," Circe said, watching the white light that now emanated from my skin. "Tomorrow night, when the twin moons reach their peak, you’ll be able to channel

hurt?" I asked, then immediately

expression was kind but honest. "Yes. The binding will feel like your soul is being torn apart. But it will

out

as I dressed. "A way to leave something behind for

small crystal pendant, perfectly clear except for

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