Chapter 71 DANE What is it ? What happened ? The idea of my children being in danger ignited instant rage in me .


    I would shred anything or anyone who dared to threaten them .


    Or their mother .


    I was out of my chair so fast , the twins froze and looked at met with identical expressions of terror on their faces .


    Seraphina darted behind her brother .


    Tristan squared up with me like he was a man ten times the size of the four year old he was .


    Nothing ! We just havent seen our mommy in forever and Evander said she was in here , so we came to see her .


    Aurora pressed a hand over her mouth , clearly hiding augh .


    Its nerve wracking , isnt it ? she asked as I sat down again .


    Then she sighed .


    At least Im no longer the only one who will be so paranoid all the time .


    Your guards arent ? I growled .


    I was still unsettled from the moment Id thought the twins in danger .


    My reaction was pure instinct , deep and so profound I couldnt have stopped myself if Id tried .


    Trajan is too steady for me to call paranoid , she said with a Chapter 71 2/5 smile as she opened her arms and both twins climbed into herp .


    Evander … maybe .


    But hes good at masking fear with humor .


    I grunted .


    Her bodyguard hardly spoke , and her cousin was always guarding the children , even though they were under the protection of Blue Ridge , now .


    Aurora addressed the twins .


    What are you two doing here ? Youre supposed to be in bed .


    Thats why we need help , Seraphina said with a mischievous smile .


    Mrs.


    Jamison and Cousin Evander are trying to make us brush our teeth .


    Her seriousness caught me by surprise , and I let out an unintentionalugh .


    Tristan red at me .


    He was obviously protective of his sister and didnt like that I hadughed at her .


    Apologies , I said .


    It sounds very serious .


    It is , Seraphina said with a wicked grin that almost made meugh again .


    That strange , protective warmth came over me again as I interacted with the two of them as Aurora held them in her arms .


    Family .


    My family .


    Chapter 71 I had missed years of this .


    I wasnt going to miss anymore .


    3/5 Come on , you two hellions .


    Im sure Mrs.


    Jamison is out of her mind with worry , wondering where you are .


    Lets go .


    Aurora tried to stand but having two children on herp weighed her down .


    I rose and held out my arms .


    Tristan red at me , but Seraphina giggled and jumped from her mothersp to me .


    I caught her and spun her around , and sheughed wildly .


    The sound was another strand that tied my heart to this little girl .


    I loved hearing thatugh .


    With only Tristan in herp , Aurora rose gracefully and led the way from my suite of rooms to hers .


    We found Mrs.


    Jamison and Evander waiting for us .


    I tracked them to your door , Evander said , exining why he hadnte looking for them .


    Figured you wanted some time .


    I can take them if youd like , said Mrs.


    Jamison , bustling into the room .


    No , its fine .


    Aurora met my eyes .


    I think their father might want to put them to bed .


    There was a tightness in my throat .


    Instead of speaking , I nodded .


    So , I helped her get the twins to brush their teeth and put on Chapter 71 4/5 their pajamas .


    Then they got into their beds , and I sat at the foot of Seraphinas bed while Aurora sat at the foot of Tristans , and I read to them .


    I finished the book and closed it .


    When I looked up , theyd fallen asleep .


    Aurora pressed a finger against her lips .


    She kissed each of them on their foreheads and went to the door .


    I didnt move as quickly as she did .


    Instead , I took my time and knelt by the side of each bed , pushing hair out of their eyes .


    My fingers lingered on their soft , round cheeks .


    My children .


    It was still so strange .


    So hard to believe .


    But I felt the connection with them .


    I had to provide for them .


    Keep them .


    Protect them .


    It had only been days since I found out they were mine , but knowing it changed my entire world .


    I met Aurora in the hall and closed the door behind me softly .


    She looked troubled .


    What is it ? I asked .


    She had her arms folded across her chest , like she was hugging herself or shielding herself .


    Her gaze dropped to the floor , her longshes sweeping her cheeks .


    I put a hand on her shoulder .


    Tell me .


    She swallowed , and I moved my hand from her shoulder to her cheek , forcing her to look up at me .


    Aurora .


    Tell me whats Chapter 71 wrong .


    5/5 She sighed .


    When her lc eyes finally met mine , they were full of anxiety .


    Dane … I dont know if you should see the children again .