“Yes, I would think so,” Father said. “Not that I’m upset you’ve called, but is there a reason for it?”
I smiled down at Camden, who had suddenly started biting his lower lip and wringing his hands together. “There is, actually. I wanted to talk to both of you though. Can you get Papochka on the phone as well?”
“All right,” Father said after a moment of silence. “Is everything well?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? I’m very much enjoying my new job still, if that is your concern.”
“If you say so,” Father said. “Your papochka is here now. What is it that you wanted to tell us?”
I could feel Camden’s worry through our bond. I understood, because Father was being his usual self. He and Papochka both had wished for me to move to Ibiza with them, but I’d chosen to stay in Bristol. I’d lived there almost my entire life, and I didn’t want to move to Ibiza. I had visited several times, but I’d didn’t love it like they did.
“You sound so off-put,” I told him. “I’m guessing you don’t wish to know that I’ve met my One and we’re going to have a baby next month, then,” I said. I got quiet, and so did they. I smiled at Camden and then kissed his temple.
There was sudden screaming and shouting, and I could hear Papochka all but bouncing around in the room.
“He’s excited,” I whispered to Camden. I heard Papochka shouting in Russian and chuckled.
“What was that?” Camden asked quietly.
“He’s very happy I’m mated, my love.”
The noise started to dim and then was gone. A throat cleared, and then Father was on the call again. “Yes, your papochka isquite excited. When did this happen?” he asked. “Can we meet…her? Him?”
“Him,” I told Father. “His name is Camden, and he is actually the council’s new doctor I had mentioned before.”
“Really? That works out for the two of you, then.”
I kissed Camden’s temple again and finally felt him start to relax. “It does, yes.”
“You mentioned that you were going to have a baby next month,” Father said.
“Yes,” I told him. “Camden is an arctic fox shifter, and his gestation is only ten weeks.”
“I heard that,” Papochka said. “You said arctic fox. I won’t ask if you know what you’re having because I know that of course you know. Are you having a little kit?”
I glanced over at Camden, who was staring up at me with worried eyes.
“They’re not going to care either way, my love,”I told him through our bond.“They’re going to love any and all children we have, because they’re both excited about grandchildren. Even if Father sounds so proper about it.”
“Well?” Papochka said.
I cleared my throat. “I do know, yes. Camden is waiting until the ultrasound next week to find out what we’re having.”
“But you know already,” Papochka said.
“Yes. But I’m not sharing that news with anyone until after my One knows.”
“Lukyan, let the boys have their secret for a bit longer,” Father said.
There was clapping. “I cannot help it. I am excited. When can we meet your One? What does he look like? Is he there?”
“Camden is sitting here with me, yes,” I told them. “He looks a lot like many other fox shifters, omegas especially. He’s shorterand slender. Camden has blond hair and blue eyes and loves to smile.”
That pulled another smile from my One. I would never get tired of seeing him smile. It was beautiful, just as he was, but his smile was especially breathtaking.
“You and Father are welcome to visit at any time. Both of you know that. Camden is looking forward to meeting both of you.”
There were more squeals, and then Father was back on the call. I could picture it vividly. Papochka was pushing and pulling on Father’s arm from the sound of his voice.
