“Exactly.” He’d put her there again until she agreed to stop talking about reevaluating anything. “What’s going on, Bren? You love me.”
“Of course I love you.” She pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “And I’m keeping your marking.”
“I know.” Yeah. He sounded arrogant. “Spit it out so we can get to the party.”
She tried to remove her hands, and he tightened his hold. She sighed and looked him right in the eyes. “We never discussed this, and we haven’t planned. But I’m pregnant.”
His mouth dropped open, and he released her hands. “Pregnant?”
“Yes.” Her hands fluttered in the air. “It seems like you all healing has somehow brought on a baby boom. I know we haven’t discussed children, not really—”
“Pregnant?” Joy caught him around the throat and squeezed. He leaped and picked her up, swinging her around.
She laughed.
He buried his head in her neck. A baby. Bren’s baby. For so long, he’d been tortured by demons, and he’d welcomed death. Then he’d been ruled by revenge until he fell for her. Finally, the virus had all but guaranteed his demise. Now he lived.
And he was having a baby.
Elation filled him until his chest hurt. He fell back onto the sofa, cradling everything he loved. “Well, I guess we should discuss this.”
Her eyes sparkled as she settled against him. “You’re happy.”
He shook his head, his lips curving. “There isn’t a word for what I am. Nothing comes close to how I feel.” He pressed his lips against hers, trying to show her how precious she was to him. “Thank you, Brenna.”
She kissed him back, love shining in her eyes when she drew away. “You had a part in this.”
“No.” He sobered, his gaze remaining on hers. “You saved me, and you gave me this life. Only you, Bren.” He didn’t know how, but he’d spend the rest of his days showing her what she’d done and how much she meant to him. “You’re my light in a very dark world, and you always will be.”
Chapter 34
Zane handed his baby girl over to his mother, who sat on the sofa next to Cara. They cooed together, completely charmed by the one-year-old. A pretty white dress decorated with bows made up her outfit, while bright green sandals adorned her tiny feet. Max stood a few feet away, always near, and somehow Zane had not only become accustomed to the big lug’s presence, he’d started to take reassurance in the idea.
A huge stack of presents sat next to a stone fireplace that almost served as the focal point in the main rec room in the largest lodge. It was close, but the stunning lake outside the floor-to-ceiling windows took center stage. Balloons danced in the air, and party streamers cascaded from wall to wall.
He leaned against a wall and accepted a beer from his younger brother. “Thanks.”
Sam nodded, his gaze encompassing the large gathering. “Shifters, witches, and vampires . . . oh my.”
Zane grinned and tilted his head toward a prowling cat and a gorgeous feline shifter. “That’s Jordan and Katie Pride, the heads of the lions. They have twin girls around here somewhere.”
Sam took a long swig of beer. “I met Jordan earlier on the shooting range. He’s a good shot.”
“Should be.” Zane pointed over at a bunch of wolf shifters. “Terrent and Maggie Vilks, as well as a bunch of their clan. He’s one dangerous bastard.” Yeah, Zane liked Terrent. A lot.
Sam nodded. “Yet they’re all here to celebrate our girl’s first birthday. Weird world you’ve joined.”
“We’ve joined,” Zane returned. It hadn’t been easy splitting his time between Realm headquarters and the new demon headquarters, but since he’d made sure they were located within a mile of each other, it hadn’t been overly difficult, either. “Thanks for having my back, Sam.”
“Of course and always.” Sam gave a half-nod to a pretty witch flirting with him from across the room. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He grabbed two more bottles from the bar and sauntered through the crowd.
Zane grinned.
“What’s so funny?” Janie asked, sidling up to him.
“Sam’s about to get shot down by a witch.”
Janie pursed her lips, her gaze across the room. “Not from where I’m standing. Sam may get lucky.”
