Camden stepped through the front door of Grant and Chelsea’s home. The foyer was empty, but it didn’t take long for Eden to make an appearance, a frown and a concerned look on her face.

“What took you so long,” Eden asked. “Where’ve you been?”

“I had to look into something.” Immediately, Camden felt bad for leaving Eden out. “Edie—” Her childhood nickname for her twin. “—I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Eden hugged her. “I know I haven’t always been as forthcoming as I could be.”

Does she mean with her bear thing? Camden wondered.

“What did I miss?”

“Oh, Laken’s about ready to deliver. Let’s go.” Eden took Camden’s hand and pulled.

Camden remained still, not allowing Eden to pull her. “I can’t.”

“What do you mean you can’t?”

She couldn’t tell Eden that if she went to see Laken and the baby was born, she was afraid Avala would perform the leap and leave her forever, without ever giving her the chance to work things out.

Eden tugged again. “Come on. Let’s go. She needs the moral support and the distraction. She’s been asking about you, anyway. Everyone’s worried about you, the girls, all that.”

“No.” Camden pulled her hand free of Eden’s. “I’m not going.”

Eden’s brows drew downward into a vee. She shook her head. “I’m confused.”

Camden. Avala’s voice.

Yes?

Why are you not going?

Seriously? Camden couldn’t believe Avala. You don’t know why I’m not going?

Is it because of the leap?

Tears came to Camden’s eyes and she turned from Eden so she couldn’t see the sadness that dwelled on her face. Camden studied the forest.

It is. I don’t want you to go. Please.

Why? Avala asked.

Camden sucked air in. I need you. And she did. She needed her elemental. She needed Avala as she needed her panther. It would be like losing a part of herself. Please stay, she begged Avala. Please stay a while. Please.

In her mind, Camden could sense Avala’s struggle. Her battle with her feelings about Camden.

It’s not Tyler, so much, is it? Camden had to know.

It’s more what I have with you. Or rather, what I don’t have.

It took all of Camden’s strength not to burst into tears for having made her elemental feel like she was only needed when it came time to deal with the Order’s business.

Give me a chance to make it up. I swear to you. I need this chance.

She needed it like she needed her panther, the very air she breathed. She needed Avala like she needed Tyler, and this was something she was just now starting to admit to herself.

I will, Avala said.

Camden wished she could see her. Wished she could give her a hug. Thank you.

Let’s go see Laken and her baby.

Let’s, Camden agreed.

Wiping her tears away, Camden took Eden’s hand. “It’s time to go see Laken.”

Eden gave her a weird look. “Ohhhhkay.”

“I’ll explain later,” Camden said. Maybe.

They took the steps two at a time, and just before they could walk in the semi-open door, Laken’s voice came, “Is that Camden?”

“I’m here.” Camden stepped through the door, pushing it open slightly.

Laken’s face was red and sweating from the exertion, but the smile on her face was wide. “So glad you made it.” She put her hands out to Camden and Eden. “You two remind me of my sisters.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I miss them.”

“They’re on the way, babe.” Ky stepped forward, mouthing the words, thank you, to Cam and Eden.

Camden nodded.

“Mikhail and Miriam are on the way too,” he added.

“Good.” Laken began to pant again.

Mae was at the head of the bed with a cool washcloth that she used to wipe Laken’s face.

Doc stood at the foot. “Almost there.”

“Want us to leave?” Camden asked. Because, truth be told, she couldn’t do that whole public birthing thing that Laken seemed to have no problem with.

“No, I’m good.” She paused. “Well, except that prosthesis is itching.”

“Want me to take it off,” Mae asked.

“No. Not now. I think it’s easier with it on, keeps my legs where I need them.”

“Here we go.”

And seconds later, there it went.

One final cry from Laken, and then it seemed the room’s essence changed.

At the same moment, Camden felt a stirring within.

Still with me? she asked Avala.

Of course, Avala responded.

Camden felt a sense of peace and joy.

That peace was shattered with the loud wail of a baby.

“What’s his name?” Doc asked Laken.

Laken looked at Ky.

Ky nodded.

“Mikhail Jacob Romanoff.”

Doc’s face registered shock. “After me?”

Mae grinned.

“Naturally,” Ky answered.

“Did I hear someone call my name?” Came a loud male voice from just outside the door.

“Mikhail!” Laken exclaimed while Mae arranged her sheets.

Doc was cleaning the baby off and swaddling him.

“Come in!” Ky announced.

A large man and an attractive full-figured curvy woman stepped into the room.

“My uncle, Mikhail and my aunt, Miriam.” Ky hugged the newcomers. “You didn’t hear your name,” he told his uncle. “You heard my son’s name.”

Mikhail froze and was speechless.

And Camden had a feeling this larger-than-life man was rarely without speech.

He cleared his throat, visibly overcome by emotion.

Miriam stepped forward and kissed Laken on the forehead. Then hugged Ky again. “We’re so honored.”

“Yes,” Mikhail assented, looking over Doc’s shoulder at the baby. He turned to Laken. “How are you, dearest?”

“I feel like I’m finally not toting a watermelon in my abdomen,” she said with a laugh. “And maybe a little tired.”

“Let’s give Laken and Ky some time with the baby.”

They all filed out, leaving the new family alone.