Yesterday, getting out of bed with my mate was difficult, but today's struggle is far greater. Now that Ella and I have decided on another separation, my wolf is even more agitated. All night, I held my precious mate so tightly she couldn't move—a fact she demonstrated by pinching me awake so she could use the restroom. Naturally, upon her return, we made love again, but it only temporarily appeased my wolf.

This morning, as she snuggles closer, I question whether I can go through with this. Ella opens her glorious gold eyes, and I'm lost in their depths. "Good morning," she murmurs, yawning and stretching before kissing me. The familiar ease of her kiss ignites my wolf, sparking fire in my blood. It's further proof that my passion for this she-wolf will never fade.

"I changed my mind," I rumble, breaking the kiss. "I can't let you go, Ella."

My sweet mate sighs, frowning as she caresses my arm. "Dominic, we talked about this. It's for the best."

"How can it be for the best when we aren't together?" I stubbornly retort, unconcerned about sounding lovesick.

"The same way it was best for us to separate when you visited the Vanaran territories," Ella reminds me, kissing my shoulder and guiding my hand to her belly. Rafe, our pup, is wide awake and energetic, though he senses our turmoil. His usually content consciousness shows confusion and anxiety—a fact I believe she's highlighting.

"Stop being so rational," I huff, letting my wolf take over. "What happened to the little hellion who made me feel like a murderer for leaving her behind?"

"She learned from her mistakes," Ella replies steadily. "I didn't understand then. I let my hurt and anxiety blind me, but I know better now." A door opens in our bond, and she shares the pain she's been concealing—pain she likely hid to prevent me from using it as an excuse to stay.

"What about Rafe?" I demand. "Remember how angry he was when I returned? How abandoned he felt?"

"And he recovered because you're a wonderful father, and you showed him you'll always be there for him, even when he doesn't want you to be," Ella counters gently. "Besides, I'll tell him every day it's my fault, and if he's angry, he should be angry with me."

"No, you won't," I reply sharply. "He can't miss me and be angry with you—it's too much stress."

"Alright," Ella agrees. "Then I'll tell him once we're back together so he can retroactively hate me… and we will be back together, Dominic. We're going to get through this."

"I don't want him to hate you," I grumble, stroking her belly as Rafe rolls, creating ripples on her taut skin. "I just want a way to do it all: find your mother, fight this war, and have our pup without ever leaving each other's side."

"It was inevitable," Ella reminds me. "I knew you weren't going to take us to battle. You were going to leave us in Vanara while you saved the world, weren't you?"

She's right, and she knows it. Her innocent face belies the knowing glint in her eyes. "I didn't think it would be this soon," I grumble, nibbling her mating mark. "And it's one thing for you to be with Gabriel; it's another to send you into the unknown without me."

"I know, my love," she croons, stroking my hair. I recognize her tactic, and it's infuriating. Clever mate, my wolf growls through our bond, unclear whether it's praise or complaint. Naughty, incorrigible little wolf.

Just think about how wonderful our reunion will be, her wolf answers suggestively. We're not going to have any big scares this time. We're just going to run—or waddle, in my case—into each other's arms and ravish each other until we welcome our little angel.

That's assuming he doesn't arrive before you can find the answers we need, or before I have to go into battle, my wolf sulks. It's not as if we can control his arrival.

"Dominic, I promise that no matter what, I'll come to you before he arrives. Even if I have to leave immediately afterward, I won't let this child be born without you." A flash of fear in our connection reveals this possibility terrifies her more than me. I couldn't do it alone.

"You could," I gently chide. "There's nothing you can't do, Ella. You might not want to, but you'll get through it whether I'm there or not."

"The point is that you will be there," she insists. "Because we're going to make sure of it."

This is wishful thinking—words to give our wolves hope. Children often disrupt even the best-laid plans, and our lives are far from normal. Nevertheless, this reassurance calms my wolf, and hours later, we share our decision with our friends and family.

Dad, Roger, Cora, Gabriel, Isabel, James, and Philippe are gathered, awaiting an explanation for our summons. They likely assume we're discussing the day's summit, so Ella's announcement that she's leaving Vanara next Friday is a shock.

"What do you mean, you're leaving?" Cora demands, nervously looking between us.

"Dominic and I agreed I need to find my mother to understand the Goddess's plans and my own power," Ella explains soberly. "It wasn't easy, but it's become clear I can't fulfill my destiny without discovering the secrets of my past… and if anyone has those answers, it's Queen Reina."

"So you're just leaving?" Isabel demands, rising. "Just like that?"

"No, not just like that," Ella sighs. "I don't want to go, especially now, but I don't see another way."

"What about the refugees, the children?" Isabel snaps, holding Sadie. "They need you!"

"They might miss me," Ella concedes, too modest. "But it's you they need, just as the refugees need Dominic and James." Isabel starts to argue, but Ella cuts her off. "I'm not doing this for myself, Isabel! If I had my way, I wouldn't go anywhere, but the pack comes first—our future comes first." Isabel falls silent as James pulls her onto his lap.

"What about the baby?" Dad asks. "The doctor is still worried about your stress levels."

I growl in agreement, but Ella speaks over me. "I'll be more stressed and endangered if Damon wins because I didn't do this."

"Where exactly are we going?" Philippe asks, knowing he'll be guarding her.

"I'm not sure yet," Ella confesses, looking at my father. "Henry, I hoped you might have some insight into the Queen's whereabouts."

"I'll look into it," Dad agrees, watching me closely. I let him feel my turmoil and resignation. His wolf purrs in my head, a surprisingly effective comfort.

"I'm going with you," Cora announces, rising.

"I can't ask that of you," Ella replies sadly. "You have your work…"

"Ella, I'm coming with you," Cora repeats firmly. "If you're going to find your mother, I'm not letting you do it alone."

Tears well in Ella's eyes, and she beams. "I'd love nothing more."

As they hug, I see Roger staring at Cora with an unhappy expression.