Last night and this morning were perfect.

I got a glimpse of what life could be like, and I wanted to take it. To keep it. To hold on and never let it go.

Katja had taken to Sloane, and Sloane lit up around her like a Christmas tree. We enjoyed pizza and a movie together, then read Sloane a book and put her to bed. Afterwards, Katja and I went outside and enjoyed a drink on the deck.

This morning, Sloane had helped Katja make pancakes, and we enjoyed a picnic lunch outside.

We’d played hide and seek, took Katja for a walk around the property, and had rounded out the afternoon with a board game.

Of course, I realized that every day of our lives wouldn’t be so carefree and easy. There would be bad days, disagreements, differing moods, but that didn’t worry me. As long as the core of my family was tight, good, loving… we’d get through the rest.

That was just life.

By the time Shonda came over to watch Sloane, and we headed out to Mal’s, I was happy and convinced that I’d made the right choice with Katja. And, that at the end of this trial, she would stay on to become my mate and Sloane’s mother.

I drove with a smile on my face and a lightness in my soul that I hadn’t felt in at least five years.

“Bane?” Katja called, breaking me out of my happy trance.

“Yeah?” I asked, glancing at her briefly, before turning my attention back to the road.

“I was wondering, if and when we finish the trial and go through with the claiming ceremony, what exactly is my role?” she asked, shifting toward me in her seat. “We haven’t really talked about whether or not I will get a job or be a stay at home mom. We also never discussed children. Do you want more? Or are you done having kids?”

“Great questions,” I said, ‘cause they were and I was really happy that she was asking them because that meant we were on the same page so far. We were both seeing the trial as a success and wanting to move forward. “And something I definitely think we can discuss. As for your first question, Sloane will be going to school full time in the fall, so if you want to work, I think that would be a great time to start. You could take the summer to really get to know her and we could find our rhythm. But, if you don’t want to work, I’m okay with that too. I’m not a rich man by any means, but I do okay. The house is paid for, as is my Jeep, and I have some savings for the future. As long as it’s not an extravagant life you’re looking for, we’d be fine. What were you thinking?”

“I’ve always worked, but that no longer has to mean being gone for all hours of the day. There are a few possible jobs that would allow me to work from home that I’m interested in learning more about. I think taking the summer sounds like a good idea, and if I do end up working from home, I’d be there before and after school for Sloane.”

“Sounds great.”

“And… more kids?”

I glanced at her again and saw her watching me expectantly.

“I’d like to have more kids, but only if you do. If you don’t, I’m happy with just having Sloane,” I replied, truthfully.

“I’d like to have kids,” Katja said softly.

I reached my hand across the seats and laid it on hers.

“Okay.”

She shot me a beautiful smile and squeezed my hand.

“Okay,” she repeated.

When we got to Mal’s cabin I was feeling better than ever. I took Katja’s hand and walked her to their door.

“Oh, shoot, did I mention they’re a threesome?” I asked.

“What?” Katja asked, just as the door opened.

Oops.

“Bane,” Victoria greeted with a smile. “I’m so happy you guys could make it. You must be Katja.”

Victoria embraced a still shell-shocked Katja then moved to give me a kiss on the cheek.

I had to lower myself so she could do so, and I returned the gesture.

“Thanks for having us,” I said.

“It’s lovely to meet you…”

“Sorry, this is Victoria,” I told her.

“Tori, please,” Victoria amended, then moved aside and said, “Come on in.”

“What’s up, man?” Mal asked as we entered, moving forward to give me a quick hug.

“Living the life,” I replied, then lifted Katja’s hand and said, “Katja, this is Mal.”

“Hi, you have a lovely home,” Katja said, holding her hand out to shake Mal’s.

He took it and tugged, pulling her in for a hug as well.

“Thanks, we like it,” he replied, then grinned at her as he let her go. “You’re welcome anytime. Tori loves having company.”

“He’s right, I really do,” Tori said easily as she put her arm around Mal’s waist. “My guys keep me busy, but sometimes I need some girl time, you know.”

I could see by Katja’s face that no, she didn’t know, and knew she was probably hung up on the my guys comment. I mentally kicked myself for not thinking to inform her of the relationship here.

While triad relationships weren’t uncommon in the paranormal world, I knew they were virtually unheard of in the human community.

She was bound to be confused, curious, and maybe a little uncomfortable about the whole thing.

Just then, Kai joined our little party. He was very tall, dark, and had a perpetual scowl on his face. In fact, the only time I’d ever seen him smile was at his mating ceremony with Tori and Mal.

I glanced at Katja and saw her watching his approach with wide eyes.

She looked ready to bolt.