"When the day is filled with shadows that stretch into the night, I am filled with your sweet comfort, like morning fills with light."
~Sideshow, 'I Will Never Leave You'

~~~

*Ryland's POV*

Laying on the couch with Landon's head resting on my stomach, I thread my fingers through his golden locks. The soft tresses brush playfully against my skin; the curls wrapping around my fingers, as if silently begging me to never let go.

It's been a week since we've returned home from our rescue mission. We took a few days to ourselves before bringing Kai home, and he immediately bombarded us with a million questions. Landon certainly didn't have the energy to answer him, so I did the best I could to deal with the ball of energy known as my younger brother.

Despite the fact that we've both taken the week off work to relax, it hasn't exactly been... relaxing. And no, not because of that. Neither of us have been up for anything more than cuddling. Surprising, I know, but that day in the church left us shaken up. Landon watched his old friend die after saving my life. I killed my former mate as he was trying to tear us apart. Additionally, we've both had trouble sleeping because of it; constantly waking up throughout the night from various nightmares.

Of course, we're not bottling it all up. We're very open with each other, confiding in one another about our fears. Landon's considering therapy; a decision I fully support him on. Even with how much progress he's made with his grief, he still has a lot of pain buried deep down. It'll take time to peel back all those layers and begin to truly heal.

I've been doing my best to support Landon in any way I can. Whether he wants to talk about it, be distracted, or just needs to be held, I'm there to give him everything he needs and more.

Today is one of those days where Landon just wants me to hold him. Something I would never complain about, as I love that I can make him feel safe this way. He's fallen in love with resting his head on my stomach and wrapping his arms under my hips, squeezing me like a boa constrictor. The position allows me to play with his golden curls as much as I want, and I absolutely love it.

River purrs contentedly, soaking in the time we get to spend providing our mates with sweet comfort. We've let them out a few times over the past week, knowing Leo needs River just as much as Landon needs me.

I smile when I think about that. When Landon and I first met, I was so terrified. Terrified that he was going to reject me, that he was never going to see me as anything more than a friend. That day he first kissed me in my bedroom was one of the best moments of my life, because I finally had hope for us.

I'm so glad I didn't give up on our relationship, because I knew we were supposed to be together. Even if we don't have the typical mate bond where we were destined to be together from the beginning, I still choose to believe that fate brought us together. I'm not going to question whether or not the Moon Goddess knew we were going to lose our mates. That's a question I'll most likely never get the answer to, and frankly, one that I'm not sure I want to know the answer to. All that matters is that in the end, it's me and Landon. Forever.

Landon turns his head slightly so he can press a kiss to my stomach. I smile, still playing with his soft hair.

"What are you thinking about?" He mumbles sleepily.

"Us," I answer nonchalantly. "About where we started, compared to where we are now. Crazy, isn't it?"

Landon hums. "Yeah. But I wouldn't have it any other way, honeybee."

My heart flutters, the same way it always does whenever Landon uses that nickname. I want to kiss him so badly, but he looks so comfortable that I can't disturb him.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask in return.

He's quiet for a moment before answering. "I think I want to sell the cafe."

"Really? How come?"

"I've been thinking about pursuing a different job," he tells me quietly. "Within the pack."

I grin at that. "Babe, that's great! I'm sure Alpha Thomas would really appreciate that. Did you have a job in mind?"

He chews on his lower lip with uncertainty. "I'd have to talk with Alpha Thomas about it, and it's a long shot so I'm trying not to my hopes up, but... I want to start a pack school for the pups."

I quickly sit up, consequently forcing Landon to sit up as well. "A school?"

"Yeah," he nods, rubbing the sleep out of his blue eyes. "The Silver Woods Pack had one school when I was younger. When I became Luna, I helped open a second school since we had so many pups. It was my favorite part about being Luna. I really miss it. I know Crescent Sun isn't as wealthy as other packs, so I was thinking that I could put the money I get from selling the cafe towards opening a school."

My eyes grow misty with pride, and I blink rapidly. Ever day... every fucking day I'm so surprised by how much my love for this man continues to grow.

I cup his cheeks, kissing him lightly on the lips. "I think it's an incredible idea. Do you want me to go with you to talk to Thomas? He has a soft spot for me and Kai."

Landon chuckles. "Sure. I don't know him that well yet to just waltz into his office and start pitching ideas."

"I think he's going to love the idea," I assure him. Landon smiles, leaning in to press our foreheads together. My fingers sink into his hair; my nails lightly scraping his scalp and making him purr.

"Ryland..." Landon starts, his cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink.

"Yes, baby?"

"After this week, I just... I really need you, honeybee. I need to feel loved and safe."

I kiss his forehead tenderly. "You have me, love. I'm here."

"No, I mean..." he falters again, biting his lower lip shyly. "I mean I need you. All of you."

My brows furrow together for a split second before realization dawns on me, causing my eyes to widen and my pants to tighten.

~~~

to be continued next time, hehe

After all the craziness, I really wanted to write a chill, fluffy chapter

Thoughts??

Three more chapters! Well, chapter 60 is kind of like an epilogue. So really, 2 chapters + the epilogue

Also THANKS FOR 50K READS 😭🥰

Q: Would you rather own a cafe or a school?
[a school]

See you next time, Gumballs!
-Gumbie