We carried them into the bedroom and worked together without a word. While she fed them, I made breakfast. The rest of the day settled into an easy rhythm, one that never disrupted the twins’routine.
Lielit didn’t need to say I told you so. And I learned that accepting help wasn’t a weakness—nor did it lessen my instinct to protect every second of Owain and Anaya’s lives.
???
I saw the intention in her eyes before she moved—but I was ready. Her hand shot out, and I squirted hand sanitiser straight into her palm. The old woman recoiled, jerking her hand back before glaring at me like I’d committed a war crime.
What the hell, Blaidd?Lielit hissed as I dragged the pram backward.
She probably has three lifetimes’worth of germs on her, I replied calmly, before turning my attention to the woman.
“I’m terribly sorry,” I said smoothly,“but they have severe allergies. You’re welcome for the complimentary hand sanitiser.”
The look on both their faces was worth it.
I made a swift escape, wheels bumping over the path, leaving Lielit to apologise behind me and the old fart standing there, scandalised.
Why did strangers feel so entitled to smear their stench and germs all over my children?
This is what you get. Didn’t I tell you we shouldn’t go to a public park?I sniggered when I felt her fury spike through the bond.
“Don’t worry, kids,” I crooned, pushing the pram faster.“Daddy’s got your back.”
“Blaidd Prothero, you stop right there,” Lielit shouted.
I briefly considered sprinting with the pram—but I’d need her breasts later, and that calculation didn’t take long. I came to a halt and turned to watch her marching towards us.
“You can’t disinfect random people,” she began to lecture me.“Some would consider that assault.”
“She should be thanking me for the free hand sanitiser,” I said with a smirk.“Did you see the look on her face? I doubt she’ll try that again. Think of how many babies I’ve valiantly saved.”
Lielit shook her head and threw her hands in the air—but the moment she looked down at the twins, her irritation melted away.
“They were lovely and protected inside you,” I said, slipping my arms around her waist.“Now they’re surrounded by vermin and germs.”
“So you’re blaming me for pushing them out?” she shot back—then immediately softened, her voice turning gentle as she spoke to the twins.
I inhaled as the scent of her sweet milk wrapped around us. She was leaking.
Which meant feeding time was imminent.
I checked my watch and gently—but decisively—began steering her back toward the car park.
Conclusion: Family outings required further research, planning, and stricter perimeter control.
???
The fresh air and stimulation had tired the twins out, leaving the house wrapped in a rare, peaceful quiet. By seven, they were asleep—full bellies, soft breaths, utterly content.
I waited until Lielit finished loading the steriliser before catching her wrist and steering her toward the stairs.
“We might as well practise,” I murmured, closing the bedroom door behind us.“Until your next heat arrives.”
She backed away slowly, eyes dark and knowing.
“We still have a wedding,” she said lightly.“And the twins are too young. It could be months. A year.”
Her voice said restraint.
