Grimbold agreed.
* * *
“My feet are swollen and my back hurts.” Walter pouted. They sat before the fire in Grimbold’s study with Walter on Grimbold’s lap. “I hate this and I hate you.”
“No, you don’t,” Grimbold said.
“I should have never come out of my hiding spot. Then I wouldn’t be the size of an actual cow and having to pee every five minutes.”
“Would it help any if I told you Angela made a chocolate torte for dessert tonight?”
“Maybe.”
“What if I told you that you are absolutely gorgeous?”
“I’d call you a liar, but your dragon agrees. I am, for unknown reasons, attractive to both of you.”
“You’re gorgeous because you’re beautiful, and I love you, and pregnancy agrees with you.” He kissed the swallow that sat on Walter’s beloved face.
“Well, at the moment, I don’t agree with it.” But he nevertheless was flushed with pleasure.
By way of response, Grimbold sucked Walter’s pouty lower lip into his mouth.
“Grim, we can’t. It’s nearly time for dinner.”
But Grimbold was stubborn and resourceful and showed Walter that indeed, they could.
* * *
As Walter’s time drew near, Grimbold was more and more loath to leave him. His dragon hated being separated from his mate and Grimbold was in complete accord. Thus it shouldn’t have surprised either one of them when Grimbold felt a sudden, warm wetness seep through his trousers as he held Walter on his lap in the media room.
Walter hid his face against Grimbold’s chest. “I am so embarrassed,” he moaned.
“Hush. I think that might have been what Everard called your water breaking. I know you’ve been having contractions all day, sweet.”
“It’s too early. It’s weeks early.” The terrified words were muffled by Grimbold’s linen shirt.
“Eggs hatch in their own time.”
“I’m not carrying an egg, Grimbold, and no one is hatching!”
“All is well. All will be well. I vow it.”
“You can’t just order the universe to behave how you want,” Walter pointed out, then moaned as another contraction hit.
“On the contrary. I believe I can.” He stood up, easily lifting Walter higher and more securely into his arms. “Now, let’s get you cleaned up and put into bed.”
Walter tried to protest even as Grimbold laid him, freshly washed and swimming in one of Grimbold’s undershirts, onto their bed. “I’ll ruin the mattress!” he wailed.
“I’ll buy another,” Grimbold replied, then telephoned his son. “It’s time,” he said in lieu of greeting, “to help welcome your sister into the world.”
“On our way,” Everard said, all business, then disconnected the call.
“Oh, my God, this hurts,” Walter cried. “Make it stop! This is all your fault. Next time you can bear the child.”
“I don’t believe that’s possible, sweet.” Granted, Everard had turned a beta into an omega, but that had taken desperation, a talent for medical magic, and all his power. Grimbold was doubtful it was a repeatable experience.
“Then order the universe to make it so,” Walter snarled, very much like a tiny but fierce kitten, complete with claws. He’d come so far from the wretched specimen Geoffrey had delivered to his doorstep over a year ago, and the difference gladdened Grimbold’s heart.
