“Hey, I never said that,” Viol grumbled. “Birthing’s hard. You know I respect the hell out of you guys.”
Alaric was as smug as a cat preening itself in a ray of sunshine. “Why, thank you.”
Viol let out a heavy sigh. “I’m just worried about Poppy. I hate that there’s nothing I can do for him...”
Whimpering, I shot my mate a pleading look. I wanted to disagree with him, but I was still too consumed by my wolfish instincts to speak.
Thankfully, Taylor translated for me. “You’rehere, Viol. That’s good enough for Poppy.” In his own words, Taylor added, “Don’t worry. His contractions have started, so it won’t be long now. Wolves are pretty efficient parents.”
That took the edge off Viol’s nerves. He relaxed, though he continued watching me like a hawk. It reassured me that he was present, and so caring.
The egg was getting closer. I felt it moving within me, seeking escape. I clung to Rorik’s advice about breathing and tried my hardest to focus on that rhythm.
Pain, then momentary relief. Pain, then momentary relief...
I pushed harder. A shudder ripped across my pelt.
And then, no more pain. Only relief.
I panted hard to catch my breath after that last burst of agony. But it was quickly forgotten when I glimpsed a soft purple glow from the corner of my eye. I whipped my head towards my hindquarters. Then, beneath the brush of my tail, I saw it.
A beautiful, glittering purple egg.
I went to it instantly, whimpering in joy as I licked the shell clean. Viol was right next to me, his eyes wide with awe and adoration. The specific quality on his face was not one I’d ever seen before: a brand-new emotion born of his love for his child.
Viol reached out to gently stroke the egg. We both remained silent in wonder as we watched the shell glitter like crystals.
“As beautiful as the omega who laid it,” Viol murmured, smiling fondly at me.
I bumped my snout against his shoulder and nuzzled him. My tail would not stop wagging.
In the months that followed,the egg became a part of me.
Well, more likeus.Viol spent most of his waking hours carrying the egg in a custom chest sling that Taylor sewed. The fabric he chose was Easter-themed, so it was made up of sweet pastel colors and adorable egg and chick patterns. Even more adorably, the sling clashed with Viol’s usual black leather outfit. But he didn’t care. He rarely took it off.
We sat down at the kitchen bar for lunch. The twins and their mates were loitering around while Rorik watched all four infant twins. Aurum, lounging on the other side of the counter, snickered at Viol’s outfit. Viol didn’t look twice at him.
“What’s for lunch?” Viol asked. “And please, for fuck’s sake, don’t make any more omelette jokes. I’m so sick of them.”
The current cook, Crimson, turned around with a deadpan expression that made Aurum burst out laughing.
“Oh, man. I can’t believe Viol’s funny now,” he choked out, slapping the counter.
Saffron nudged his twin. “Don’t make fun of Crimson. He has a very serious condition.”
“Which is?” Crimson asked flatly.
Saffron spoke with sombre gravity. “Tragically, he can only cook one thing. And that’s eggs.”
Aurum lost it. They cackled together like a pair of hyenas.
“Shut up, you two,” Crimson snapped, waving his spatula at them. Indeed, the telltale yellow of half-cooked eggs caked the tip of the tool. “At least I can cooksomething, unlike you goblins. I feel sorry for your mates. If it weren’t for the rest of us, Myloand Rorik would be eating microwaved dinners for the rest of their lives.”
“Hey, I can make popcorn,” Saffron added, offended.
Rorik shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. I would be fine with that.”
Mylo glanced up from his handheld game device. “Me, too!”
