His Blue Roses

Devlyn sat on the edge of his bed, staring at nothing in particular. His thoughts lost in the future. It was a girl. A little baby girl. Star had told them but three days ago and already Devlyn and Airin were already stocking enough supplies to last their child until adulthood. . .and then some.
"Man," Tristan brought his attention to him. "It's insane how you don't even flinch at pain." He cast him a smug grin as he pressed the needle of the tattoo machine a little harder against his skin. Getting no response from Devlyn, he shook his head and continued with the design.
Tristan was the best tatoo artist Devlyn knew, in fact, he was responisble for the dragon he sported around his torso. A dragon that turned Airin on every time she saw it.
"Ah, love. Makes even the most emotionless men go completely overboard."
"What are you mumbling about, Tris?"
"Oh nothing, only that before your lovely mate, no one could read you. Not even when you actually told people when you were angry. . . about the only emotion you would ever sport anyway. And now, you're as open as a book."He smirked. "I can tell when you think of her. Your eyes reflect so much that was missing before. I'm happy for you."
"Oh, don't get fucking emotional with me, Tris. Get back to work." They both laughed, knowing everything Tristan had said was true. Airin had forever changed his life. And now, she was giving him yet another reason to live. His little daughter would be the center of their entire universe. Already, the wolf within him seemed to purr at the idea of starting a family. Every time he thought about the birth of his daughter, a sort of protectiveness arose strongly within him.
She wasn't even born and already she held a part of him he thought only Ri would ever hold.
"Done. Why don't you go check it out." Tris pulled away to allow Devlyn to walk over to the mirror across the room. Drawing the thing for Tris was one thing. . .but man. . .actually seeing it etched on his skin was another thing.
Right above his heart, lay an intricate blue rose. It's petals as delicate as the person it represented, and almost as beautiful. Devlyn knew no matter how good of an artist Tristan was, the rose could never compare to his precious Airin. But that tattoo was done some time ago. The one that held his attentio now, was the smaller one.
He couldn't help the smile the crossed his features as he saw the detail Tristan had put into it.
It melted in with the blue rose, almost so that it looked as if the blue rose were embracing it. The shading made it look luminous, as if it actually held light within its small small petals. Tristan outdid himself with the image and Devlyn couldn't be more grateful to him.
"Perfect." It was. The two things he now held dear and close, would always be near his heart.

Betrayl

"Devlyn, Airin is waiting you know." His best friends voice brought his attention away from the computer screen. Tristan stood at the doorway of his office, his eyes reflecting the concern he felt. Devlyn knew his friend worried for him. Ever since Kieren had attempted to take his daughter at her birth. . . he had spent endless nights perfecting security and tracking down the damned demon. Everyday, he woke up in fear that he would find Ri and Elysia gone. It was his worst fear, and despite the reassurance of his squad, Devlyn could not rest.
"I know." He blew out an exasperated breath. He knew. . .
"Come on. I promised her that I wouldn't let you work yourself to death. Your nerves are making her nervous too, you know."
He nodded absently. He knew that too. He should learn to relax a bit, but his wolf and mind wouldn't allow it.
"Just five minutes. Go on, Draven and I got this." At the mention of the wolf walked in, two coffees in hand.
Right. He didn't think there was a choice in the matter. Reluctantly, Devlyn nodded and left towards his family. It literally seemed physically painful to leave the base and a sense of dread settled in his mind. At least he was grateful Kieren hadn't continued his torment. For now, he was quiet.
"Baba!" Every problem in the world melted away at the vision of beauty before him. Airin walked up to him, a gorgeous smile adorning her face as she struggled to keep little Elysia in her arms.
"Baba!" His daughter squealed as she finally leapt into his arms.
"Hello, my little rose." He nestled her against him, her little arms came around his neck as she placed a delicate little kiss on his nose.
"Baba!"
"She's been calling for you all day you know. She misses her baba." His eyes turned lovingly to his wife. Shifting Ely into one hand, he outstretched the other for Airin to take. He brought her in, kissing her deeply. Gods, he really would never get used to her.
"Eww!" Ely placed her hand between her mother and father, her clear distaste for their affection making both Dev and Airin laugh.
"No." She wiggled in his arms and Ely, quite selfishly took his face in her chubby little hands and gave him a serious glare.
"Oh, seems that she doesn't like you kissing me, Devy. She's a bit possessive."
"Oh? And why is that, my little darling?"
Elysia frowned as if his question insulted her. "My baba!"
"She's trying to steal you from me."Airin teased.
"I think it's working. I mean, those eyes, are just breathtaking." Devlyn grinned at Ri, winking as he brought her in for another kiss.
"No!" Ely protested again.
"Alright, you win!" Airin took Ely back, holding her up as she blew kisses into her little stomach.
Amazing. . . I have to be the luckiest guy in the world.
"Oh, Devy, are you going shopping with us?"
"Shopping?"
"Yes. . . oh, Devlyn Blake Wolfheart, did you forget. . . again?"
"N-no." He casually turned away from her, unable to meet her glare.
"Devlyn, you promised. You're always so busy, Ely and I miss you you know."
I know. . .he wanted to say. But he couldn't find his voice. He was just too. . . tightly wound. His nerves were always at their worst, and he found himself fearful with spending too much time with them. What if Kieren used him to get to them? He could never forgive himself if something happened because of him. No, he couldn't and wouldn't live with himself if that happened.
"Devy?"
"I can't, I'm sorry, Ri. I have to deal with politics and security. You know we have a treaty coming up with the northern clan, I cannot drop the ball on this. I want to be with you, I do. . . but duty calls you know?" Ok, half of the stuff he just spewed out was bullshit. . . but he really did have a treaty coming up. Sure, it wasn't until next month, but it was a damned good excuse. Right?
"Devy, you look so tired. I'm worried for you. You don't eat, you don't sleep. Don't think I don't notice. " Of course she noticed. He turned his eyes to hers. His body shifting uncomfortably as it battled with the emotions raging inside. His heart really wanted nothing more to spend time with her, he missed her too. Every moment he was away from her was torture. He missed her kind smile, her mesmerizing gaze, and that light that shone brightly in every expression she had. But he couldn't. He knew. I have to keep you safe. 
"I promise, swear on my life, I will accompany you next time you want to go somewhere, ok?" He smiled sincerely, hoping that she wouldn't press further.
I have to protect you.