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Of course that would be his first question. Blinking up at the slivers of moonlight cutting through the overhead clouds, I instinctively placed a hand across my womb while avoiding looking at Ash. Since the morning of the wedding. My mom saw him with her magic. I repressed a grimace, fearing his reaction to Helian’s baby. A boy with silver hair.
Why didn’t you tell us? His tone dripped with censure.
I inwardly cursed while turning toward him. Would you have let me anywhere near the battlefield had you known?
He reached for me, twirling a stray piece of my hair around his finger. How is this bond supposed to work if you keep secrets from us?
Shame washed over me as I blinked at him. Why won’t you answer me?
No! He sat up, scowling down at me, his inner wolf flaring in his eyes. I would’ve told you not to set a toe on that battlefield, but it wouldn’t have mattered because you would’ve done it anyway.
I sat up, hugging my knees to my chest, desperately searching his gaze. And you would’ve been so distracted worrying over me and the baby, that you wouldn’t have given a care for your own safety.
He let out a curse, dragging a hand down his face. No more secrets.
The pain that flashed in his eyes was a shot of venom straight to my heart. Okay. I grabbed his hand, lacing my fingers through his. No more secrets. I’m sorry.
He squeezed my hand, slanting a fanged grin. So I’m going to be an uncle.
My breath hitched, my heart thudding loudly in my ears. How do you feel about that? And did I want to know?
He released a long breath while staring down at our joined hands. Honestly, I’m still getting used to the idea.
I choked back my emotion. I know you’re angry with him, but Helian is my fated mate, too.
He stared into my eyes, his gaze unwavering. I know he is.
I clutched my chest, feeling as if a dragon was sitting on top of it. And it’s not this baby’s fault his father is a troll’s behind.
Look at me, Tari. He tenderly cupped my chin, forcing me to look into his moonlit eyes. I don’t care who the father is. This baby is my mate’s baby, which means I will love him no matter what.
Words couldn’t describe the surge of relief and gratitude that pulsed through me, even as my throat constricted. Thank you.
I will, too, Finn said at my back. I will love him and protect him as if he was my own son.
I turned into Finn, taking his other hand. I hadn’t realized he’d been awake. My eyes misted when he gently kissed my knuckles. I was so lucky to have two loyal, understanding mates, even if their brother had been a sore disappointment.
Finn released my hand and sat up, nodding toward our girls tucked in for the night between my sister and her mates. Hopefully, he won’t be afraid of us, too.
Ash’s low whimper echoed in my mind as he stared longingly at our children. They won’t even look at us.
I released his hand, wrapping my arms around my knees again, blades of jealousy stabbing my chest at the way Nikkos and Blaze had their wings tucked around the girls. Our daughters should’ve been tucked in my arms with Ash and Finn warming us.
My shoulders fell as sorrow weighed heavily upon them. They saw you kill Fachnan.
Ash’s whimper grew louder. We didn’t know they were watching.
I squeezed both their knees. I know.
We need to have a talk with them, Finn said.
I nodded. Tomorrow, after breakfast. I only prayed the girls wouldn’t turn them away.
Chapter Two
Tari
The next morning, after a breakfast of porridge and fruit, Shiri and I bathed in the pond with the girls, then sat on a blanket and brushed out their hair while the bunnies munched on grass nearby. After our mates had built us a fire to warm our bones and dry our hair, they had been kind enough to give us privacy, choosing to go scouting with Bea and Radnor. We were in no hurry to leave, as the next island was only a few hours away. I still wasn’t sure what it was we were supposed to find on the Fallax Islands, though I couldn’t shake the feeling we would find it soon.
