(Darius)
I sat beside Emma, my hands resting on her belly, my thumb brushing lightly over the fabric of her dress. The room was still filled with conversation, but I barely heard it. My focus was on her. On the pup. On keeping them safe.
Emma sighed, tilting her head toward me. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, but she didn't believe me. She never did when I lied.
"Darius," she said softly, placing her hand over mine. "You didn't have to do that."
I clenched my jaw. "He deserved it."
She gave me a look, the kind that made me feel like a damn kid being scolded. "Maybe. But this was supposed to be a happy day. And now?"
I sighed, forcing myself to ease up. She was right. This day was about her. About our pup. Not Callan.
Still, I didn’t regret it. Not one bit.
The sound of approaching foot
