Page 122 of The Delver

Ahmya caught his face between her hands and pressed her forehead to his headcrest. “Shh. It’s okay, Rekosh. There will always be aspects of life left to chance, but I’m willing to take the risk to have a family with you. I’m glad to take it.”

Another shudder wracked Urkot. “Ah, my heartsthread… I fear for you, but I will not let fear bury my joy. Our joy.” He settled his hand back upon Callie’s belly, tracing gentle circles with his thumb. “Our broodling.”

Callie smiled and covered his hand with her own. “Ours.”

“I’ll be the first to tell you there are no guarantees,” Diego said from nearby, drawing everyone’s attention to him and Will, who stood at the edge of the group with a platter of fruit and smoked meat. “But I can promise you that me and Will are going to do everything in our power to make sure both of you, and your babies, get through this safe and healthy.”

Rekosh combed his claws through Ahmya’s hair, seemingly unwilling to look away from her as one of his hands settled protectively over her belly. “I trust you both with all that is precious to me.”

“As do I,” Urkot said, leaning his head down to brush his mouth across Callie’s forehead.

She closed her eyes and smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. Her heart constricted with overwhelming emotion—with the fear and love she and Urkot shared.

But so long as she was sheltered in his big, solid arms, so long as she had him, fear could never outweigh that love.

“So, who’s hungry?” Will asked. “I brought food.”

“Starved, man,” Cole said.

As their family gathered to share a meal, Callie opened her eyes and met her mate’s intense blue gaze. “Well, what do you think? We going to stay here and play, or…do you want to skip right to the victory celebration?”

“I am already the victor,” he growled, striding away from the others, “and I hunger for my prize.”