The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 397

“Oh.” I straightened. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got healer duties to attend to. I think it’s better if I live in my apartment in town, above the clinic, as intended.”

My father looked a little disappointed. I was sure I wanted to spend as much time together as he did, but I’d made a promise to Hanna, and I intended to keep it regardless of who my father was.

Besides, it was still all too much. I was still wrapping my head around the fact that I had a father at all, let alone living with the man. I’d spent too much time focusing on my own independence, anyway, to move in with someone at the first sign of familiarity.

When I looked at Dominic again, the strange look had shifted into one of pride that made something flutter in my chest.

“Suit yourself,” my father said, not arguing further. “But you can still have a key to the house, and visit plenty. I’m sure we’ll see each other a lot, anyway—it’s a small town.” He winked.

I glanced out the window, where the sky had darkened and snow was beginning to fall. “Speaking of which, I should probably get to my apartment. I think the landlady’s waiting for me, and I don’t want to get snowed in up here.”

My father nodded and Dominic pushed away from the windowsill where he’d been leaning. The three of us made our way out into the entryway. Dominic quietly excused himself, murmuring something about heating up the car, but I knew he was really just trying to give us some space.

I turned to my father and took a breath. “Listen, um… I’m sorry if I’m not as warm as I should be. It’s just… I’ve been through a lot, and my mom died, and now this…”

“It’s a lot,” he said, placing his hand on my shoulder. It was warm, and I found myself leaning into the touch on instinct. “We hardly know each other; I held you in my arms but once before you were taken from me. I understand if you need to take it slow, especially after all you’ve been through.”

“Thank you.” I paused, then, feeling wrong if I didn’t do it, I stepped forward and embraced him. His arms splayed out to the sides for a moment in surprise before he hugged me back.

Pulling back, I turned to leave, then paused and said, “Oh, I’m touring the ruins tomorrow by the way. I’m sure you’ve seen them plenty, but… If you’re free…”

“I’ll be there,” he said without hesitating. “Consider it a family excursion. Bring your mate along as well.”

I didn’t have the heart to correct him about Dominic, so I just smiled and walked out to the car.

By the time Dominic pulled up out front of the clinic, the snow had begun to fall more heavily, turning the roads slick and the visibility low. I shivered as I hurried inside, Dominic behind me with two of my bags in his hands.

The landlady was waiting for me when I arrived. She led me up the narrow wooden stairs behind the clinic that led to my apartment. Inside was small, just one room with a twin-sized bed in the corner, a small table with two chairs, a comfy-looking sofa, and a kitchenette. There was a woodstove to heat the space and a bathroom with a wooden tub.

It was sparse, but cozy. I was suddenly glad I’d brought my mother’s things to make it feel more like home.

Once the landlady was gone, Dominic and I were left alone, standing in the middle of the room with my bags by

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