"Why don't we go read over by the tree?" Len suggested, smiling at his twins. "Uncle Red could use a break, too."
Red huffed. "I'm pregnant, not bedridden."
Len quirked an eyebrow. "Hey, I was pregnant once, too. Withtwoof these little monsters." He pinched Lupa and Leveret's cheeks and they giggled. "You can't tell me you're not tired just by sitting there."
"... Okay, fair point." Red sighed. "Go ahead and take 'em."
"Come along, you guys," Len said. He seemed to be the best child wrangler, aside from my mate, of course.
The kids all said goodbye to Red, then followed Len without a fuss.
"Are you ready to deal with this all the time?" Red asked me with a sly grin. "It's not an easy task, being the fated mate of the pack's babysitter."
I snorted. "You dare underestimate me? Besides, I think I've gotten used to their rowdiness since I've been here."
"Is it everything you dreamed of and more?"
He was half-joking but I smiled. "Actually, yeah. It's refreshing to be around people who genuinely care about each other." I idly laced my fingers through Red's hair as I spoke, and he hummed with contentment and leaned into it. "You saw the guys in the Treachery. They're more like a gang of confused kids who never quite grew up than a family. I actually feel sorry for them."
"Even Ryker?" Red asked, voice dripping with venom, as if he was remembering their altercation.
I shrugged. "Yeah. I mean, fuck that guy," I added with a laugh, "but he's just so pathetic that I can't help but pity him, you know?"
Red's expression was an adorable mix of a scowl and a pout. "Guess so. But if I ever see his face around here again, I might rip it off."
I grinned and tilted Red's face towards mine. "Aw, is someone protective over his alpha?"
Red playfully nipped my lower lip. "Want me to prove it again?"
My brows lifted as a small pulse of desire ran through me. "Is that a threat you intend to follow through?"
Red licked his lips. He was so close that his tongue grazed my mouth, making me shiver. "You bet. But let's go somewhere where we won't be distracted by fifty hyperactive furballs." He ran a hand over his belly. "We're going to be dealing with that enough in the next few weeks..."
I placed my hand next to his. Was it my imagination or did I feel it kick?
But Red had already grabbed my wrist and was yanking me hurriedly towards the privacy of the alcove.
* * *
"So,"I said in between breaths as we kissed, "what shade of Red am I dealing with right now?"
Red paused to breathe, then chuckled. "Shade of Red... That's cute. I like it." He traced a finger up my neck to tilt up my chin. "Why don't you take a guess?"
Sly fox."All right. Let me take a look at you."
Gods, he was gorgeous. I never tired of staring at him. Even in the shadowed alcove, he glowed. Was it from the pregnancy? The auburn luster of his hair? Or just the way hewas, the shining beacon of my life?
I didn't even care how ridiculous I sounded anymore. I was too happy.
Red watched me carefully, with a slight smile tugging at his mouth. His eyes were warm and tender with affection, not too soft, but definitely not diamond-hard like they'd been when he was protecting me. I noticed a small but distinct way he held his hips, leaning his weight on one leg, not rigidly straight. His aura was inviting, teasing (as always), playful.
It wasn't just the physical qualities. It was like there was an invisible layer on top of Red that shimmered if you caught it at just the right angle, and I was getting better at noticing it.
"Omega," I guessed.
His eyes lit up with joy. "How'd you know?"
"I'm getting better at it." I smiled. "Though you'll have to forgive me if I get it wrong sometimes."
