"There is my grandson," Master Stephen's powerful voice boomed.
He swooped in and took Callum in his arms, pulling him from the car carrier. I smiled as my friend and powerful vampire master cuddled and cooed with the little baby. Stephen exuded power. He was about six-one, and had short blond hair and dark brown eyes that almost looked black. He was always smartly dressed in tailored suits. I don’t think I’d ever seen him in a pair of jeans in three hundred years.
"Don't hog all the attention. I want a cuddle," Semais, the master's Beloved, said as he reached for little Callum.
Semais was a small wolf shifter. He stood only about five-five. He had wild brown hair and light green eyes. He was Master Stephen's opposite; he loved jeans and sweatpants. I think that came with being a shifter and changing into his wolf.
Reluctantly, Master Stephen released Callum and allowed his beloved to take him. He turned to us as if realizing we were there for the first time and greeted us.
"It's good to see you, Krispin, Ben." He nodded to Krispin and drew Ben into a hug. Ben was like a son to him. Stephen had raised Ben after finding out that rogues had killed his family and coven.
He then turned to me. "It's good to see you too, my old friend. You're looking well. Does this mean you’re well and truly bonded?" he asked.
I smiled as I pulled Roarke to my side.
"Master Stephen, it's my pleasure to officially introduce you to my beloved, Roarke MacNair," I said with pride.
Master Stephen smiled. "Welcome to the coven, Roarke MacNair," he said with a tilt to his head.
"Thank you, Master Stephen," Roarke said, bowing his head in respect.
"Might I introduce my brothers, Angus, Addison, and Aaran MacNair, sons of Lord Alister MacNair, Leader of the Glenfinnan Dragon circle."
"Welcome, gentlemen, to my territory and coven," Stephen said formally, acknowledging the three. “Come on, let's go get lunch.” He showed the direction with a wave of his hand, and we made our way to the coven’s dining hall.
Ben, Krispin, Callum, and Semais were already seated at one of the tables when we entered. Ben already had a plate of lasagna and was digging in while Semais held Callum. The food looked good, and I realized I was famished. I broke from Roarke's side and bee-lined it for the buffet. I started piling food high on my plate. After my plate was full, I turned and saw my beloved giving me an amused look. I rolled my eyes, sat down, and dove in.
As my hunger eased, I slowed down. Conversation flowed around the table. It was nice. This was family. I was going to miss living here and being a part of the coven. I turned my attention to Master Stephen, who was still doting on a now awake Callum.
"Stephen," I said, clearing my throat.
He stopped immediately and looked at me. It had been a long time since I’d just called him Stephen; it was always Master Stephen. I looked into his eyes and continued.
"Do you have a moment so we can speak?" I asked.
I wanted to do this privately. I didn't want the entire coven to hear. Even whispering in this room, the vampires could hear, and my business would run through the coven in minutes. He nodded his head and stood, indicating that I should follow.
Roarke went to stand, but I stopped him.It's okay, my beloved. I need to do this alone, I thought to him. He nodded and settled back into his seat.
I followed Master Stephen to his office and shut the door. "Have a seat," he said, pointing to the nice chairs around his desk.
"Thank you, Master," I replied as I took my seat.
"None of that Master stuff here. You asked to speak with Stephen, not Master Stephen. Now, what's going on, my old friend?" he asked.
"I'm not being fair to the coven," I started.
Stephen started to say something, but I raised my hand, cutting him off. I needed to say this.
"I've been gone for five weeks. After Roarke almost died, I thought I'd die too. I needed to be with him. But by being with him, I neglected the coven and my position. I realized after bonding with him I couldn’t continue to live here. He's a Dragon Duke and has a position and obligation to Krispin. Also, I'm pregnant with twins. I won’t have time to be here and be your second. It would be best if you filled that position with another member who can," I explained.
He sat there for a moment. "Twins, really? You're making me an uncle to twins? That's amazing!" he said with a smile. Of all I’d told him, he’d focused on that. My confusion must have been written on my face.
"All that other stuff will work itself out. Yes, I understand that circumstances have changed, and you won't be able to fulfill your duties as second, but you will always be a member of this coven and my best friend, my brother," he said earnestly.
I realized at that moment I wasn't losing my family. I was just making room and growing it. I smiled at Stephen.
"Now, tell me how you know you’re having twins and what Roarke's brothers are doing here."
