1003 The Luna Ceremony of the century (8)

Valerian leaned to kiss Talia's forehead, and she felt his lips pressing there through the veil.

It was a gesture full of meaning. Respect, protection, care.

For Talia, it was the first kiss from her parents she could remember, and it meant the world to her.

Valerian turned to Damon.

"I regret missing a lot of Natalia's life, but it gives me comfort to know that her future is bright with you." Valerian put Talia's hand in Damon's. "Natalia is now part of the Blake family. Treat her well. I welcome you into the Moonrider family. Take care of my daughter, Alpha Damon."

Normally, Damon would blow a fuse to see someone else being protective of his kitten, but this was Talia's father, and Damon knew that this message was more for Talia to hear than for him. She always wanted a family that loved and supported her, and Valerian was giving her that.