Chapter Three #2
“You are returning to work immediately?”
“No. I am taking two months off to recover from someone exiting my body headfirst. Vine also mentioned that he is going to gain two pounds in two weeks, so that is going to take it out of me.”
She stroked her belly and touched his fingers.
“I will do whatever you allow me to. I have been making lists and plans.”
She chuckled. “So you really want to be around for him?”
“For both of you. I tracked you to the cliff that day, and I caught the energy of Sable and what I now know is Vine.”
“And both given luck by Ivy, so I made it home.”
“And I am going to get them auntie presents when the baby arrives. With the help of your village, you made it here.”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “And Sable can stop hiding in the rafters now. Pervert.”
There was a flutter from the ceiling, and Sable stood in the living room with her feline face. “Not pervert. Just cautious.”
Xiroth blinked. “You are losing control of your shift?”
“Yes. Vine’s charms help.”
“I have the other pixies coming, and one of them may suit you. There is one who manifests as stone, and he has energy that would be compatible with yours.”
Sable cocked her feline head. “Cool. I hope he can take a hit. Sometimes my limbs just appear out of nowhere.”
Xiroth smiled. “Good. He needs sense knocked into him.”
“Well, that would happen sooner rather than later. When does this mystery man arrive?”
“Tomorrow or, rather, today.”
Sable smirked. “Aw, too bad. We are going to be at the artist-versus-artist competition. It starts at noon, but we want good seats.”
Jennika smiled. “Ah, the perfect time to play the pregnancy card. Alphas fall all over themselves to help. It gets more interesting when I wear a dress.”
Xiroth frowned. “You have been taunting alphas?”
“Only when I want to choose my spot in the movie theatre or at a restaurant, or when I am at the market and want something carried. So I guess I have been using alphas more than taunting them.”
Xiroth leaned over and pulled her carefully onto his lap. “I am the only alpha you are allowed to use now.”
Jennika looked at him. “You aren’t my boss.”
“No, but I am very good at catching what I chase. See? I just caught you, and by the societal rules, I get to keep you.”
She looked at his shadow-on-shadow features with his gorgeous purple eyes, and she smiled. “That is a weird technicality. By societal rules, I should have been handed to the first alpha who would have me when I got pregnant.”
Xiroth winced. “Right. I didn’t know you knew that.”
She laughed, and it turned into a yawn. “Right. I am going to head to bed. I have to be up in six hours, which will probably turn to eight.”
Sable asked, “Do you need a hand?”
Xiroth simply stood up with her in his arms. “Where am I taking you?”
Jennika smiled and pointed to the hall, where they had moved her room. It meant fewer stairs, and that was a good thing.
It was surreal, but Xiroth helped her out of her clothing and into her nightwear.
The after-work shower had already taken care of her smelling like food, so this was just getting settled for sleep.
He tucked her in, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and inhaled slowly.
“You have an amazing scent, and I can detect our little one in it.”
She stroked his cheek. “It is so strange that I ran into you yesterday.”
“My people love a party. There will be many more bookings at your venue. That is for certain.”
“Yay. I do love job security.”
He pulled the quilt up over her shoulders, and she smiled. An image flickered across her thoughts, and it was one she wanted to keep. The difficulty was in getting a baby carrier in his size.
She was asleep between one breath and the next.
* * * *
X iroth returned to the kitchen, where Sable and Vine were sitting with note pads.
“What are you doing?”
“A baby shower. If she is going early, we have to be ready, and if he expands fast, we are going to need a vast array of onesies,” Vine muttered in her harsh voice.
Sable nodded. “And an assortment of diapers.”
“Tuvel has quilts and baby blankets covered.”
Xiroth crouched near them and asked, “What can I provide?”
Sable looked at him, stripes flowing over her white fur.
“Stuff for Jennika. Her body has been surrendered to the baby. She needs the chance to reclaim herself. Not sexy stuff, but comfortable stuff that leads to things that are more fitted. I don’t know if they make a sexy nursing bra, but that sort of thing is up her alley. ”
“I thought you said no sexy stuff.”
“Sexy for her when she looks in a mirror. If you do sexy for a guy, things get strappy and uncomfortable.”
He nodded slowly. “I understand.”
“Good. She’s spent the last four months being uncomfortable, so we want to get her back to herself quickly, so she can transition from being pregnant to being a mom.” Sable smiled.
Xiroth blinked. “Right. I suppose that is a change.”
“You went from pixie to father-to-be. You are focusing on trying to transition into a mate as well.” Sable smiled.
“I would rather be a husband.”
“Then get to know her and propose,” Vine rumbled.
“Where is the event you are attending?”
“The amphitheatre,” Vine rasped. “Two artists, two giant canvases, and twelve hours. It starts at noon and goes until midnight. There will be food trucks standing by.” She rubbed her hands together.
“I will meet you there. I also have a healer who is able to speak to you.”
Vine looked at him with narrowed eyes. “What’s his name?”
“Kazuya.”
She waved her hand away. “I went to see him once. He wouldn’t speak to me.”
“What?” Xiroth was shocked. “Did you find out why?”
“His assistant wasn’t impressed with my glamour. Apparently, only hot women get to meet with the great healer.” Vine shrugged. “I try not to look like an omega when I wander around on my own.”
“So he knew you were there?”
“Not a clue. This was about five months ago when he opened the new spa and meditation centre.” Vine said, “They advertised pain relief. The spa is nice but no relief.”
Xiroth frowned. “I had no idea. I am sorry.”
“You tried. Thank you. That is more than most have done.” Vine patted his hand.
“I feel foolish.”
“Why? You couldn’t know. You literally just met me this evening.” Vine smiled.
“I am still going to talk to him. This is his thing. He’s supposed to help.” Xiroth frowned. “It’s his skill set.”
Vine smiled, and Sable made a chuffing noise. Vine said, “I have lived with this pain for more than half my life. I don’t even know what I would do if it stopped.”
Xiroth nodded and got their numbers. He begged them to call him if they needed anything and to forward the list, and then he walked out and took off. He had his own lists to make.