Page 74 of Princess

“Yes.It was hard on him when she left us.He doubled down on his feeling that peace was the answer.”

“How do you feel about it now?”

I looked into her eyes, seeing her sincerity and curiosity.“I agree with my father and with Greystone.A war was coming, and we had to understand our history.But my father was right too.Living in peace is the only answer.”

Marinah stood and walked over to me.I put my arms out and pulled her onto my lap.She was the part of me that craved the end of a violent reign.I didn’t want her or Nikayla in danger.When it came to fighting, her Nova form was stronger than my Beast form, and still I worried.

She cupped my face.“We will destroy the Federation and kill Barnes and Knet.”

“Do you think Knet will be on the ships coming to the island?”

She inhaled.“I hope not, but if he is, someone else will end his miserable existence.”

“I love you,” I said.

She pressed her lips to mine.“I love you,” she whispered after pulling away slightly.“I’m still bleeding, and Axel says no sex until it stops.More than anything, I want to make love with you.”

I gave her a leering smile.“We can make out and fool around without that getting in the way, if you’re up to it.”

“The biggest question here is, are you up to it?”She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Yes to making out and fooling around.I can wait for the rest.”

I saw her expression change, and I wouldn’t let her say it.“We will defeat the Federation.You and I will raise our daughter and find a place to call home.”

We hadn’t been to our home on the southern part of the island in months.We managed one escape for three days to our small private island two months ago.I was willing to leave both behind to find somewhere permanent that we never had to leave.To do that, President Barnes had to die, and the Federation had to end its reign of terror.

I stood with Marinah in my arms and carried her to bed.I lowered her, then lifted her shirt above her head.Nikayla began to fuss, and we both groaned.

“I’ll grab a diaper and bring her to you.”

“I love you,” she said again.

“Hold that thought.”

Our make out session was short but it was all Marinah could handle.She needed sleep.

Marinah left a little before midnight to see the first round of planes off.I stayed with Nikayla.Watching her sleep had become special.We had created a miracle.I’m sure all parents thought this, but Nikayla was the first female Shadow Warrior born to Shadow parents, and every tiny inch of her truly was a miracle.

I was as worried as Marinah about leaving her.I didn’t have the same faith in the Shadow Women that Marinah did.I trusted her judgment, though.I lifted Nikayla to my shoulder and carried her to the chair.She didn’t stir.I gently rocked my upper body and held her against me.

A tingling started where her head rested and traveled downward.A wave of peace came over me, utterly disarming.

Baby, Beast whispered inside me.

Marinah had tried to explain the sense of calm she felt around the Shadow Women.Now I understood.My daughter was giving it to me.I had no doubt she would grow up to be as kickass as her mother, but she would also grow up with the Shadow Women influence that had been missing for generations.She wouldn’t always be searching for something she thought she would never find.Marinah and I would give her the world.

Marinah walked in an hour after she left.I could see her exhaustion.

“Lie down before you fall,” I said.

I was on the bed with Nikayla on my chest.She slept peacefully, still emanating calm.Marinah settled beside us and curled into me, her hand on the baby’s back.

“They’re on their way.Missy didn’t cry until Beck left.”Marinah looked into my eyes.“How do we leave our child?”

I had no idea, but Marinah didn’t need to know that.“We leave her so she has a better world to grow up in.We’ll be gone for a week at most.Hopefully only a few days.I’m sick of fucking around.”

“I agree,” she said.“President Barnes is as good as dead.”

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