Ex Mate, I'm Back

Chapter 8:A place to breathe

A Place to Breathe

Kendall’s POV

The room they took me to was nothing like I expected.

It was warm and spacious, with soft amber lighting and thick curtains drawn halfway over a wide window that looked out into the woods. The bed was large, neatly made, the scent of lavender lingering faintly in the air. A fireplace crackled quietly in the corner, casting gentle shadows along the walls.

For the first time since arriving, my shoulders eased.

“You can rest here,” one of the women said softly before leaving me alone.

I lowered myself onto the edge of the bed, exhaling slowly. My feet ached, my back throbbed, and the dull pressure in my lower spine reminded me how far along I was now.

Six months.

I placed a hand over my belly, rubbing small circles. “We’re okay,” I whispered. “Just breathe.”

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened, and Miriam stepped inside, closing it carefully behind her. Up close, I could see the kindness etched into her face,lines formed not by bitterness, but by years of caring for others.

“I hope the room is comfortable,” she said.

“It is,” I replied honestly. “Thank you.”

She smiled, then gestured toward the armchair near the fire. “May I sit?”

“Of course.”

She settled into the chair, folding her hands in her lap, her gaze thoughtful as it rested on me.

“I wanted to talk,” she said gently. “Nothing bad, dear. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright. That you feel safe here.”

Surprise flickered through me. “Is… everything okay?”

She nodded immediately. “Yes. Very much so. I simply sensed how tense you were earlier. You’ve been through enough. This place should not add to that.”

The knot in my chest loosened slightly. “Thank you. That means more than you know.”

There was a brief silence before I asked, “How long have you known Leo?”

Her smile softened, almost turning wistful. “A very long time.”

“How long?” I pressed gently.

“I’ve been with him since he was a child,” she said. “Since before he could even shift properly.”

My brows furrowed. “You’re his nanny?”

She chuckled quietly. “That’s what they call me. But in truth, I am more than that. Leo lost his parents when he was very young. The pack elders appointed me to care for him.”

Understanding dawned on me. “So you’re like a mother to him.”

“Yes,” she said simply. “And he is like a son to me.”

I nodded slowly. It explained the way Leo listened to her, the respect in his voice when he said her name.

“I understand now,” I murmured.

Before she could respond, there was another knock at the door.

“Come in,” Miriam said.

Leo stepped inside, his presence immediately grounding me. The tension in his shoulders seemed to have eased, though there was still a sharp focus in his eyes.

“I just finished the first round of meetings,” he said, walking toward me. “That’s why I was called back. But I’m free for now. I can stay with you.”

Relief washed over me. “That’s good.”

Miriam rose to her feet, smiling knowingly. “Then I’ll leave you two. I’ll go and see to dinner.”

“Thank you,” Leo said.

She paused at the door, glancing between us before adding, “What would you like to eat, Kendall?”

Leo turned to me. “Anything you want.”

I hesitated, suddenly self-conscious. “Um… roasted lamb. With chips. And sauce.”

The words tumbled out awkwardly, and heat crept up my cheeks. “I know it’s a strange combination.”

Miriam’s brows lifted in mild surprise, then she laughed warmly. “Strange or not, cravings are sacred.” She nodded decisively. “I’ll prepare it.”

As she turned to leave, she stopped abruptly and looked back at Leo. “You’re forgetting something.”

He frowned slightly. “Forgetting what?”

She tilted her head. “Meals in this house have always been prepared according to Selene’s preferences.”

Silence stretched between them.

Leo’s jaw tightened. “That changes today.”

Miriam studied him for a long moment, then nodded once, a glint of approval in her eyes. “Very well.”

She left without another word.

I exhaled slowly, suddenly uneasy. “Won’t that cause problems?” I asked quietly.

Leo turned to me, his expression firm. “No.”

“But—”

“It won’t,” he repeated, softer this time. “This is my home too. And you’re my guest.”

Something warm settled in my chest,gratitude, maybe. Or something dangerously close to safety.

I leaned back against the pillows, watching him as he sat beside me.

For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I had to be on guard.

And yet, deep down, my wolf whispered a warning.

Peace never came without a price.

I shifted slightly on the bed, adjusting the pillow behind my back as Leo settled beside me. The room felt quieter now, calmer, the kind of silence that didn’t press on your chest.

I traced a slow circle on my belly before looking up at him. “How long will we be staying here?” I asked softly.

He didn’t hesitate. “A while.”

I blinked. “A while?”

“There’s a lot I need to take care of here,” he explained. “Pack matters. Territory issues. And…” His gaze softened as it dropped briefly to my stomach before returning to my face. “I don’t want you out of my sight.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest, unexpected and overwhelming. “You don’t have to—”

“I know,” he interrupted gently. “But I want to.”

A small smile curved my lips. “Thank you, Leo.”

He smiled back, slower, more sincere. “I’m just… happy to be in your life, Kendall. Truly.” He inhaled, as if choosing his words carefully. “And I can’t wait to help you bring your baby into the world.”

My breath hitched.

No one had ever said that to me before. Not without conditions. Not without judgment.

Emotion tightened my throat, and I nodded, afraid if I spoke, I’d cry. “That means a lot to me.”

Before he could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” Leo called.

A maid stepped inside, head bowed respectfully. “Dinner is ready.”

“Thank you,” Leo said.

She dipped her head again and left.

Leo stood first, offering me his hand. “Come on.”

I placed my hand in his, letting him help me up slowly. He was careful, attentive, matching his pace to mine without making me feel fragile.

As he led me toward the door, I glanced down at our joined hands.

For the first time since my exile, I felt something I thought I’d lost forever.

Hope.