Olivia's POV
His arm wrapped around my waist, tight, protective, and warm. The other hand came up to my face and wiped my tears with his thumb.
"Don't ever say that again," he muttered, his voice low… deep… almost angry but tender at the same time.
I blinked at him, stunned.
"You are not useless," he said. "You are the strongest woman I know. The most powerful. The bravest. The only one who never gave up on us even when we gave you every reason to walk away."
My throat closed. His voice was soft… but full of emotion I hadn't heard from him in a very long time.
"You fought for this family when we didn't deserve you," he continued. "You stood between us when we were ready to tear each other apart. You tried to teleport even when it hurt you. You love those kids more than your own life."
He touched my cheek again… gently.
"Don't ever say you're useless," he whispered. "Don't ever insult yourself like that. Not in front of me."
