one more day

Rhyme saw a little concern in theory’s features, just behind her somewhat forced smile. He leaned over and placed his chin on her head, only barely able to do so anymore. Theo was getting tall, and already challenged his own height. She spoke again, asking the why of her mother’s abandonment. Even he couldn’t give her a positive answer. ”I asked her, the last time I saw her.” Right after the fire. She’d brought aid to them after she smelled the fire. It was a nice gesture, and the least she could do after hurting her children so deeply. ”She said she left because you would be safer without her.”

Rhyme sighed heavily, removing his head from hers and nuzzling her cheek softly. ”I know it doesn’t make sense.” Shaye had taken the blame with having been the reason Tana reacted so hastily, but it hadn’t been the first time she showed interest in leaving either. Rhyme held his daughter close as she cried softly, her questions continuing to pour out. He hated to think her illusions of him were quickly shattering, but he remained as honest as possible. "How do you know when love is real, then?" The slate alpha found his features turn away for a moment as he took the chance to compose himself. His mind went to Shaye and his heart ached all over again for completely different reasons.

”You will know. Probably after it gets messy and complicated.” He’d experienced both with Tana and Shaye, but he would never forget how deeply he felt for his alpha partner. ”I’ve made many mistakes, but your existence is not one of them.” Rhyme nuzzled her ear lovingly, not trying to cheer her up she could be as sad as she wished. He offered her comfort, support, and advice if she wanted it.