“What test?”Ancelin asked.
“A pregnancy test,” Krevan replied.
“There you are.”Ancelin smiled and filled a mug with steaming coffee."Drink this."The rich scent made her stomach growl."I'm starving today.I think I'll bake something to mark the end of the storm."
Krevan slipped behind her, his breath warm against her neck."Where's my breakfast?"
"Patience, son," his mother said."She'll get you your breakfast.”
"I’m just teasing."Krevan spun Ancelin around, claiming her mouth with his.
When they parted, Ancelin studied his face."Someone woke up cheerful."
"Was I that unbearable before?"
"You know you were.The others could barely breathe without setting you off."
"Fine.I was...difficult."
"'Difficult' is generous."As Ancelin spoke, she noticed Vida tense, her eyes darting between them.
Krevan's silver eyes gleamed."I was a beast, I admit it.But the snow's stopped, and I showed those fools who's boss yesterday."He lowered his voice."Though I'd be much more agreeable with some private time with my mate."
"Krevan!"Ancelin jabbed his rock-hard stomach."Your mother!"
He backed away, hands raised."My apologies."Dropping to one knee, he pressed his face against her middle."Forgive me, love.And Mother, if I've offended."
"Don't mind me," Vida murmured."I've been around long enough."
“Now, what do we have to eat?Let’s eat and then we’ll go into Coti.I’ll see if I can call the doctor and let him know we’re coming.Fix me six eggs and some meat for my breakfast.Where’s my coffee refill?”
“In the coffee pot.”Ancelin pointed to the coffee maker.Krevan’s face broke out with a bright smile.
"I'll pour myself some.Would you like more, my sweet girl?"
"Please," Ancelin said, turning back to her cake batter."Breakfast is next, once this goes in."
"Take your time," Krevan said, disappearing to tinker with the SatView.The system roared to life just as Ancelin glanced up to find Aiden beside Vida, studying her with curious eyes.
"The way you manage my son," Vida said."Like you've been mated for years.And he actually listens to you."
"Is that unusual?"
"He's...difficult.Worse since Hellgate.Demanding.But you navigate him like you've known each other forever.Even Vida and I had an adjustment period," Aiden said, nodding toward his mate.
Ancelin folded the last of the flour into her batter."We survived together.That changes things.He's bossy, yes, but never cruel.I let him believe he's running things, and everyone stays happy."
"Let me believe what?"Krevan's voice came from directly behind her."And where's my breakfast?"
"I've been talking.Give me a minute."Ancelin stretched up and kissed his freshly shaven cheek.
"Did I just hear you say I only think I'm in charge?"The room fell silent.Every pair of eyes fixed on her, waiting for her response to the male who had established his dominance so forcefully the previous night.The teasing glint in his eyes was unmistakable.
"You heard correctly."Ancelin squeezed past him to retrieve eggs and meat from the cool unit.
"I'll need to consider this development," Krevan said, silver eyes gleaming as his mouth curved into a bright smile.Ancelin realized none of the other males' eyes ever shifted to that metallic hue."Finish cooking quickly, mate.The clinic appointment awaits."
"I thought it was tomorrow?”
