Brooke was pacing back and forth, nervously biting her nails. Her stomach was doing flips. She couldn't believe she was going to see Harry.
Lily had brought Brooke back into the town and they had made their way to a secluded area of the woods where a small cave was hidden. Lily had assured Brooke that Rogue was unaware of this place.
They were safe.
"Chill," Lily said. She was sitting on a rock, inspecting her crossbow casually.
"How are you so calm? You're going to see your brother after years!" Brooke gasped.
Lily's eyes hardened. "You're not going to say anything."
Brooke spluttered. "What? No!"
"You've never seemed to have any problem hiding things from Harry before," Lily shrugged.
Brooke rubbed her stomach. "This is different. You have to tell him."
"Once this is over I don't plan on sticking around," Lily said dismissively. "It's better if he doesn't know me."
"What if he recognises you?" Brooke asked.
"He won't."
"You look exactly like him," Brooke scoffed. "He's far from stupid. He will know exactly who you are."
Lily paused, watching Brooke. "It's better if I don't get close with people."
"What about your parents? You can't leave them now."
"I had to let them find out about me," Lily sighed. "It was the only way to bring them back. I've survived all these years alone. Once this is all over I will continue to survive alone."
"Lily," Brooke said softly. "I understand that life has been tough for you. You've handled a lot by yourself, but you don't need to anymore. You can have your family back."
"You don't understand-"
"You have a family that wants you and loves you," Brooke said with an edge to her voice. "Not everyone is lucky to have that. Don't throw it away. Be grateful that they want you."
"I know what Harry is like. He's not going to want-"
"Stop making excuses," Brooke snapped. "You helped me, and I'm so grateful for that, but listen to me and be with your family goddamnit. I could see the way your parents looked at you, and Harry has told me about you. They love you."
"You're persistent, aren't you?" Lily said with a small smirk.
Brooke placed her hands on her hips and nodded. Her arm that Rogue had recently healed and she was grateful that she no longer had to wear the cast. "I am, when it comes to family. And you're going to be a damn good auntie to my child. I won't take no for an answer."
Lily smiled slightly. "They're coming," she said suddenly, hearing movement in the woods.
"Oh gosh," Brooke whispered and her eyes darted back and forth through the trees. She gasped when she saw him. He looked tensed, prepared, ready for a fight. She barely even glanced at Greyson who was beside him.
Harry's eyes found Brooke and relief filled him. He felt her collide with his body when she ran at him, jumping into his arms. Harry closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Brooke, holding her tightly. "Thank god you're okay," he breathed.
"Thank god it wasn't a trap because I did not want to get my hands bloody today," Greyson said from beside them.
Harry lowered Brooke to the ground and cupped her face. She felt complete at his touch. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Is-"
"Harry, I'm pregnant," Brooke blurted.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "You took your damn time to finally say something."
Brooke frowned. "Y-you know?" She whispered.
Harry looked down at her stomach and nodded. "Alec mentioned it," he said. "Why the hell didn't I found out from my own mate?"
"I'm sorry," Brooke apologised. "I didn't know what to do!"
"Talk to me!" Harry snapped. "You talk to me, babe! We're in this together!"
"You don't need to yell!" Brooke said. "I was scared!"
"How the fuck do you think I've felt all this time with you away from me?" Harry growled. "God, woman, I've been driving myself insane over you! This could have been avoided if you'd have just told me!"
"Don't you dare!" Brooke gasped. "Ben would have found a way to get what he wanted! This is not my fault!"
"I could have protected you!"
"Your version of protection is suffocation!"
"Do you not care about yourself at all, Brooklyn?" Harry growled. "You're careless! I'm not going to let you be like this anymore, not when you're carrying my child!"
Brooke froze. "You want the baby?" She whispered, her eyes wide.
"Yes." Harry cocked his head. "Do you?"
Brooke nodded. "Y-Yes, I think... I don't know. I want it but... I was just scared that after last time... I thought you wouldn't want it. I'm scared that I'm not ready- you're right I can't even look after myself let alone a tiny human-"
Harry cut Brooke off by kissing her. "Shut up," he whispered. "God, babe, you drive me insane but I love you and of course I want this child with you. We weren't ready before. We are now. I know you can do this."
"Okay, now you've had your lovely heart to heart can we pay attention to the girl who was with Brooklyn? I'd like to point out she has a crossbow in her hands," Greyson interrupted and Harry looked at Lily who was watching them.
"Who the hell are you?" Harry demanded, stepping in front of Brooke.
"Harry, just take a moment," Brooke said firmly.
Lily stood up from the rock she was sitting on and made a point of leaving the crossbow behind her. "I'm the reason Brooklyn is alive," Lily said slowly. "You're welcome."
Brooke watched Harry carefully as he looked at Lily. His eyes were narrowed but he was studying her. He recognised her.
"I know you," Greyson said.
"Shut up," Harry said. Greyson didn't look pleased, but he crossed his arms over his chest and took a step backwards.
Brooke gently nudged Harry forward. " Go," she whispered. "Talk to her."
Lily took a deep breath and took a step towards Harry. She looked nervous. "Hello, Harry," she said. "It's been a while."
Harry looked lost for words. He clenched his hands into fists and pointed at Lily. "Explain," he demanded. "Explain how this is possible!"
Lily sighed. "Oh, that's a long and boring story-"
"Prove to me you're her!" Harry yelled. Brooke reached forward and grabbed his arm, hoping her touch would calm him. She knew he wasn't angry. He was in shock and Harry expressed all of his emotions in anger.
"Calm down," she whispered.
"This is insane!" Harry growled. "You're dead!"
"Clearly people don't stay dead in this town," Lily said, nodding her head to Greyson.
"What happened?" Harry demanded through gritted teeth.
Lily watched Harry carefully for a few minutes before sighing. "I'm getting sick of this story," she muttered and told Harry everything she had told Brooke.
Harry was silent for a while, processing the information. Finally, he took Brooke's hand, looked at Lily and said "let's all go home, shall we?"