Chapter 44

After Cordelia’s revelation, Ronan and I took some time to talk quietly. We didn’t speak too much about my aunt’s warnings of dangers or the power Ronan’s love had unlocked in me and the magic I now had.

Instead, we walked around the woods hand in hand, talking about the future — what we wanted to do, where we wanted to go, what we wanted for our daughter, who was sleeping peacefully in the cabin.

Finally, though, our talk turned to the more serious topics. “I know Cordelia is right,” Ronan said, running his thumb over the back of my hand as we walked. “I’ve heard talk about hybrids before, and I know that packs take them seriously.”

“My father has often warned me about the importance of keeping pack members from pairing with witches,” he continued. “I always knew there was a danger involved, but I never thought too hard about it.”

Ronan paused, then went on. “But now…now, I think I understand their fear. Not that I think you’re a threat!” He said quickly after getting a look at my face. “But because hybrids are rare. They’re an unknown quantity. Packs and covens alike have no idea what they might be capable of.”

“Oh, so you think I might be capable of something great?” I teased. “I know you’re capable of something great,” Ronan said, bringing my hand up to kiss the back of it. “And I can’t wait to see what my power will unlock in you.”

I smiled and leaned into his side. “Me, too. I can already sort of feel it. After we kissed, it was like I had gotten an electric shock. I felt the magic coursing all through me, and I still do.” I flexed my fingers. “Still haven’t been able to cast any spells, but give me time.”

“I’m sure you’ll be doing all kinds of magic in no time,” Ronan agreed. I laughed, still reveling in the feeling of having him at my side and knowing he was in love with me. It was something I had wanted for so long, and now I had it. I could hardly contain myself.

I stopped walking and put my hands on Ronan’s cheeks. He smiled down at me, dark eyes flashing with a warmth I knew most people never saw. It was a kind of warmth he only saved for me — and now, our daughter.

I pulled him down to my level slowly, pressing our lips together gently. Ronan sighed into the kiss, his hands coming up to wrap around my waist. I melted into his embrace, wanting to memorize every single part of his body.

Finally, I pulled away to come up for air. “I love you,” I said quietly, pressing my forehead against his. He beamed. “That never gets old. I’ll never get tired of hearing you say those words, Julia. I love you.”

I smiled, then took his hand and resumed our walk. “I think we need to talk about what’s next, though.” Ronan sighed. “I know. I’m not necessarily worried about what will happen to us. I can protect you and our baby.”

“I know,” I laughed. “You’e made that abundantly clear. But I meant more, what should we do about me being a hybrid.” Ronan asked, “Well, do you want to tell people? I think we could keep it a secret, if that’s what you want.”

I paused, taking a moment to think about what I really wanted. Did I want to keep my hybrid status a secret? It might make things easier. We were going to face enough adversity as it was, seeing as how Ronan and I were about to reappear in society with a baby that was his.

And I had dealt with a lot of trouble with the pack just from being the Acting Beta. I had never been a popular choice, and I knew that the knowledge that I was the mother of Ronan’s child and his true mate would start the office gossip rumor mill up again.

But was that worth keeping my true identity a secret? I had only just recently discovered my witch heritage and my own magic, but it already felt like an important part of who I was. Did I really want to keep it secret?

And what if someone found out? What if my magic powers manifested in a way I couldn’t control, or in front of people? Wouldn’t that just make things worse if Ronan and I had to admit we had concealed the truth from people?

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Ronan said, nudging my shoulder. “I know you’re coming up with some sort of plan in that head of yours.” I laughed. “I don’t know if I’ve necessarily come up with a plan.”

“I just think…” I tried to put my feelings into words. “I think I don’t want to hide anymore. I don’t want to have to apologize for who I am, or feel like I’m wrong somehow. And we have a daughter now,” I reminded him.

I continued, “She’s also a hybrid. She also has witch’s blood running through her veins. I don’t want to raise her to think that she ever needs to hide her true self. I want her to know her heritage and be proud of it.”

Ronan nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. You should never hide any part of your wonderful self, and I agree; I want our daughter to be proud of who she is, too.” I let out a breath, feeling my shoulders drop.

“So, you’re okay with it? With me telling people that I’m a hybrid? That our daughter is one, too?” I asked. Ronan laughed and kissed me quickly. “Of course, I’m alright with it. It’s your life, after all. I’m just here to support you.”

“And besides,” he said, steering us back towards the cabin and our daughter. “You managed to change society’s minds about the role pregnant people can hold in the workplace in a matter of weeks. Who’s to say you won’t do the same now?”

“That’s true,” I said slowly, already thinking about which reporters I could contact to give exclusive interviews to. “Ronan, we could really change things! I mean, you’re the Alpha, and as your mate—”

“And Acting Beta,” he interjected. I blushed, then said, “And Acting Beta…we could really change things.” Ronan replied, “I know. And we will. I promise you, Julia, we will change things for the better.”

“I know,” I said. And I did. I knew Ronan and I had the power to change the world, if we just set our minds to it. As we walked back to the house, I said, “We have something else we need to discuss, too.”

“Oh?” he said. “And what is that?” I smiled. “Our daughter. She still doesn’t have a name. It just didn’t feel right to give her one without you.” Ronan looked down at me, and the love in his eyes practically took my breath away.

“Amira,” he said. “It means ‘hope,’ and that’s what she’s given me. That’s what you’ve both

given to me.” My eyes welled with tears. “It’s perfect.” He kissed me again, and my head practically spun.

Once we broke apart, we continued our walk back to the house, our hands swinging in between us. I had never felt this way before, and I was elated to know it was a feeling I would have for the rest of my life.

Now, Ronan and I were going to continue our lives, together, facing the world at each other’s side. I smiled as we walked into the house, watching Ronan go to Amira’s crib and pick her up. This is my family now, I thought. Forever.