Chapter 745: Demetrius

I paused at the bottom of the stairs, caught Liam's hand where he stood, face a mask of emptiness, though I could feel his misery. He bent over me as I slid my hands into his hair, kissed him with all the passion I could muster. Felt the heat inside me, deep and thrumming, wake in answer to spread from my belly down my legs, anchoring me to the earth.

To him.

When I finally let him go, Liam pressed his lips to my forehead.

I love you so much, he sent. And I'll be waiting when you get home.

No doubt.

I hugged him hard, let him feel exactly what my heart thought of him. Showed him the oak tree he was to me, felt his power flare in answer.

"I'll be home for dinner," I said, turning to smile at Shenka who blinked back tears even as she smiled in return.

"We'll be here," she said. Grasped my hand a moment. Let me go.

I bent and lifted Sassafras into my arms, stroked his soft fur as his ears lay sideways, whiskers drooping, tail hanging low.

But his power hugged me all the same, the