If Titan could use his arms, he would be installing little shelves around the nest so Mathlin could store a variety of things within reach. He wanted to fill the nest with amazing things, like Mathlin’s favorite food, books, and maybe some stuffed toys.
Do I save my money for the pup’s future needs, or spend it on gifts for Mathlin now?
It was a surprisingly difficult decision. If Mathlin didn’t want to stick around, then there wasn’t much point in Titan saving for the future.
More importantly, Mathlin was pregnant with hispup.
Before he could work himself into another panic, someone knocked on the open bedroom door.
Titan turned to find Mathlin watching him, his face pink.
“So I know Uriel warded all the pack homes when there was that threat against Crush’s omega,” Mathlin began, fidgeting. “But I thought... maybe you wouldn’t mind if I added some boundary defense spells to your cabin? They won’t be very strong, but... it’s something.”
Titan’s heart swelled. “You want to?”
Mathlin nodded firmly.
“I would be honored, sweetheart.”
Mathlin turned pinker. “I’ll work on that right now.” He ducked his head and slipped away; Titan stepped back into his shoes and trailed after his omega, eager to see his abilities.
He’s not mine,he tried to tell himself.Mathlin hasn’t agreed.
Mine,his wolf said.
Titan swallowed, watching as Mathlin strapped Jannie to his chest. Jannie looked over Mathlin’s shoulder at Titan; Titan reached out.
The little girl grasped his finger, brought it to her mouth, and chewed on it.
“Ow,” Titan said, but he didn’t pull his hand away.
“Jannie!” Mathlin yelped.
“It’s fine. She can chew on my finger however much she wants.”
“If you say so,” Mathlin said uncertainly. “Her teeth can be sharp.”
“I know, and I don’t mind.”
“Oh.” Mathlin’s smile brightened his whole face.
Jannie kicked her legs and gnawed on Titan’s finger. Just like a pup, really.
Led by his finger, Titan followed Mathlin around the cabin, watching as the omega collected a few pieces of chalk.
On the front porch, Mathlin frowned up at the door. “I want to write a spell above the door, but the lintel is way up there and I can’t reach it.”
“Oooh! Me, me! You can step on me!” Hamilton said from inside the cabin.
Titangrowled.
Hamilton snickered.
“I’m taller,” Titan grumbled, sinking down on one knee in front of Mathlin.
Mathlin breathed in sharply. “Wow, this is like a proposal.”
Titan froze.
