A clinking of glasses had them both turning around. Jared and Lily stood together with little Thomas in between them. They all three had happy faces.
“We have an announcement to make,” Jared began, but Thomas burst out with the news.
“We’re having a baby! I’m going to be a big brother!”
The group erupted in congratulations. Commander Estro hugged all three and his eyes lingered to Lily’s slightly rounded tummy. Corey felt a pang of jealousy. It certainly wasn’t that he wanted Lily, but to have a family of his own was his dream—one that seemed to be slipping through his fingers.
Corey waited another thirty minutes before saying goodnight. As he exited the family quarters, he found that Liam and Commander Estro followed him out. He turned to face the two men. They both had worried expressions on their faces.
“Is something wrong?”
Liam shook his head. “Nothing more than the usual. We’re still trying to get the rebels under control, as well as the Drastan traitors.”
Devlon nodded. “I have a mission that I would like to discuss with you. Come by my office in the morning.”
“A mission? But I’m not a warrior, sir.”
“You’ve been training and Nix has given you high marks. Coming from her, that’s high praise.”
He felt shocked. Up until that very moment, he had thought Nix hated him. Why would she give him high praise?
“For what I have in mind, I will need your expertise.”
“I’m happy to help in any way.” He bid them goodnight and walked slowly back to his own quarters. There had been real concern in their eyes, and that made him anxious to find out what was happening. Maggie and Lily were his family, which meant the Estro men were now his family as well. He would protect his family.
