Blaidd
Her family crowded around the cots, but Lielit held my hand.
She knew that I wanted to snatch the twins away from them.
Our family dinner never happened again since they were still sore about what I’d done to their daughter and granddaughter.
My eyes flicked to Anaya, and I understood their sentiment.
Fenrir paced restlessly at the thought.
Her family didn't stink as badly as the other humans, but I put that down to bloodlines.
My family doesn't stink.
I stared at Lielit in shock.
Did you just—?
Oh, this is fun.
She said this with a decisively evil look. The mother of my children. My bonded mate—and she was making me nervous.
I heard her laughter in my head, but it wasn't hers. It hitched, and it was continuous. I chuckled. A hyena’s laugh. This was Bouda.
Can Bouda hear me?
She nodded.
Holy shit.
My mind raced. This was good. I could always feel her and hear her. I wouldn't need the tracker in her.
What tracker?
I slipped my hand out of hers and walked to her family.
What fucking tracker?
Her shrill voice echoed in my mind.
Fenrir? Can I block this?
I doubt it, he chuckled, not without practice.
Fuck.
Yes, buddy, you are totally fucked.
I sighed when I heard her words.
It wasn't even Friday.
“My sweet angel,” her grandmother said as she carefully took Anaya from her son.
They’re passing them around like pass the parcel, I muttered to Lielit.
Come over here, she said sweetly.
No. I feel safer over here.
Her father narrowed his eyes at me, but when his wife passed Owain into his arms, he softened immediately, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
I swallowed, my gaze flicking between them, already calculating how many germs were being transferred to my son and daughter. I wondered—briefly—whether it would be considered rude to wipe the babies down in front of everyone.
Oh, here we go, Lielit chimed in. What are you going to do when they go to nursery? School?
I winced at the thought.
Owain was slightly larger than Anaya. They were only thirteen hours old, but both were fit and healthy—remarkable, considering they’d arrived eight days early.
Anaya had Lielit’s bow-shaped lips but my sharp nose. Owain’s was—
I hope she doesn’t flare them like you do, Lielit cut in, irritation bleeding through the bond.
It’s a microscopic tracker, I said calmly. It helped me locate you when you were kidnapped.
And why don’t I remember you putting a tracker in me?
I turned to face her.
Because I had it done before you were transported to the island.
God—if she found out about the—
Too late.
Her glare hit me full force.
You had me in a shipping container? I arrived implanted, drugged, and on a boat.
It’s best to get it all out, Fenrir advised.
There’s that saying—honesty is the best policy, Bouda added pleasantly.
I paused, registering Bouda’s voice. Soft like Lielit’s—but edged. Sharp. I had no doubt she could be just as lethal as Fenrir.
Baby, it’s all in the past now.
I stepped closer.
That’s right. Bring your neck to me.
I stopped.
It worked both ways.
I don’t know whether you want to bite me or punch my throat, but I’m staying right here, I said quietly.
Her grandfather stepped between us, and I was suddenly grateful for their presence.
Lielit snorted, like she was deciding whether he’d just saved my life.
When they left, we sat together, feeding and holding the twins. When her eyelids finally drooped, I kissed the back of her hand.
Dickhead, she murmured, smiling faintly.
I know, I said, and didn’t let go.
With all three of them resting, I leaned back in my chair—content.
I wasn't alone. Fenrir sat with me on guard.
We’d feel better in the morning when we were able to take them all home. I pulled the blanket over Lielit’s bare arm, but never let go of her hand.
Our pack, he murmured as I stared at our children in awe.
Our family, I said in agreement.
Lielit was far more generous than I was.
I smiled at her parting shot even as exhaustion took over.
That's what set our queen apart.
After everything I’d done to her, it never dimmed her fire.
And I’d spend the rest of our days ensuring she always shone bright.