Clearly, Eddie couldn’t get away from him fast enough.

Thomas jumped into the van and slammed the door shut. It was better if he was alone anyway. In his current state, there was no way of knowing what he’d do to Eddie.

20

The baby, now cleaned, dressed, and wrapped in a clean blanket, was sleeping. Cain looked down at it as he walked up to the garden gate and opened it. The barking of several dogs instantly sounded an alarm to the occupants of the small cottage. The baby began to wail and Cain rocked it softly.

“Maya had better be right,” Cain mumbled to himself as he reached the door and rang the doorbell.

He only had to wait a few seconds before the door was opened. Haven, Yvette’s mate, filled the doorframe. Behind him, two Labrador puppies barked, excitedly running through his legs. A larger dog popped his head out from the kitchen door, looking at the spectacle before disappearing again.

“Cain? That’s a surprise,” Haven greeted him.

From the living room, Yvette’s voice called out, “Who is it?”

“It’s Cain, baby.”

Cain pulled back the blanket from the baby’s head and turned it for Haven to see. “I come bearing gifts.”

Haven’s eyes widened as he stared at the baby and then back at Cain. His chin dropped and he took a step back. “You’d better come in.”

When Cain walked into the living room—Haven following him closely, the puppies in tow— he almost bumped into Yvette. She wore leggings, accentuating her long, slim legs, and a casual T-shirt—without a bra, he noticed instantly. Yet her boobs were firm. Haven was one lucky son of a bitch to have landed such a beauty as his mate. Cain couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to have sex with a woman like her. Not that he’d ever dare touch another vampire’s mate.

It was practically a death sentence to any man who tried.

“Hey, Yvette. Sorry to disturb so late, but there was an incident.”

Yvette inhaled sharply, her eyes instantly dropping to the bundle in his arms. Her mouth opened wider. “Oh my god!”

Cain looked down at the cute baby in his arms. “She’s a hybrid. Her parents were murdered tonight. There’s no other family. Maya had to cut her from her dying mother’s womb. She’s a perfectly healthy baby.”

Yvette reached for the baby, and Cain passed her into Yvette’s arms.

“That’s horrible,” Haven said. “What happened?”

“Four of the newcomers we’ve been tracking attacked Sergio in his bookstore, killed him and stabbed his blood-bonded mate. It’s a wonder the baby survived. We have a description of them, and are investigating.”

Yvette caressed the soft hair on the baby’s head. “She’s perfect.” Her eyes glistened with moisture as she looked up and sought Haven’s eyes.

Cain smiled, glad about the reception Yvette was giving the baby. He set the bag he’d slung over his shoulder earlier onto the couch and pointed to it. “Delilah packed a few essentials.

Diapers, formula, clothes. Just to get you started.”

“To get us started?” Haven echoed.

“Yes. That is if you want her. She needs a home.” His gaze moved from Haven to Yvette.

“And a good mother.”

A tear rolled down Yvette’s face and her lips opened, but no words passed over them. Haven put his arm around her, kissing the top of her head. Then he looked back at Cain, moisture gathering in his eyes too.

“Of course we want her. She’ll be like our own flesh and blood. I can promise you that.”

Haven’s voice cracked.

A sob tore from Yvette’s chest as she lifted her face to her mate. “Thank you.” She stretched to press a kiss on Haven’s lips.

“Baby, don’t thank me. Thank fate for having blessed us with this gift.” He stroked his hand over the baby’s head. “She’s precious. Thank you, Cain. I can’t tell you what this means to us.”

Cain pushed back the feelings that threatened to unman him. He wasn’t one to give in to his emotions, but the sight before him tugged at even his heartstrings. Yvette glowed as if she were the woman who’d given birth tonight. He had no worries about the little girl in her arms. She would grow up in a loving home with parents who’d worship and protect her. She would be safe now.

Trying to break the tearful atmosphere in the room, Cain tried for a joke. “And you’d better be raising her with a firmer hand than those dogs of yours.” He pointed to the two puppies running around in circles, swishing against his legs and tugging at his pant legs as if he were their favorite new toy.