“You’re not coming over?”
“No.” Dane’s voice is firm. “I’m not leaving Laurie’s side right now. We’ll come for dinner later, but until then, I’m staying put.”
I understand completely. When your female is potentially in danger, you don’t leave her. Even if the danger is theoretical. “Understood. Keep me updated.”
“You too.”
I hang up and glance over at Sloane. She’s completely absorbed in her work. Her brow is furrowed in concentration. She tucks a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
I pause and take Loki in the backyard and throw a ball with the hyper dog. No one was able to take him for a walk today, so this will have to do. I sweep and vacuum the entire downstairs. Then I make Sloane a sandwich for lunch. She eats without looking up from the screen, engrossed. I don’t mind. I like seeingher like this—focused, determined, fighting back in the way she knows how.
I could watch her work all day.
Eventually,Aldar returns with all of Sloane’s new packages, which is the only reason she finally shuts down her computer. Garlen and Ellie return from work, tired but in good spirits. I speak to them both for a few minutes and then they disappear upstairs for a bit.
An hour later, there’s a knock at the door.
Dane and Laurie arrive with Zoe, and they’ve brought enough food to feed an army. Ellie and Garlen make their way back downstairs, now dressed in more comfortable clothes. A small spark of jealously enters my mind as I watch my cousin guide his pregnant bride down the steps. The love between this mated pair shines bright and for the first time ever, I want that type of relationship for myself. As well as a bride that is swollen with my seed.
“Dane and I made pot roast,” Laurie announces, carrying containers into the kitchen. “And mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and apple pie for dessert. Nobody’s cooking tonight.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Ellie says, but she’s already grabbing plates.
“Of course we did. There’s a full house and a guest who needs a reminder of real, home cooked food.” Laurie winks at Sloane. “No arguments.”
Sloane gives her a watery smile in return.
I carry my female to the kitchen table and place her in a seat right next to mine. Dinner is loud and chaotic and exactly what this house needs. Everyone crowds around the big table—Garlen and Ellie, Dane and Laurie, Aldar, Sloane, me. Even Zoeis animated, chattering about her day at school between bites of pot roast.
My future bride eats heartily, which brings me much pleasure.
Loki weaves between everyone’s legs, hoping for dropped food. Sloane sneaks him a piece of meat when she thinks no one is looking.
At first, my female is very animated, asking lots of questions about Black Oak Academy. I watch her interact with my family, and something warm spreads through my chest.
But eventually she grows quiet.
Laurie notices Sloane fading before I do. “You look tired, honey. You should rest.”
Sloane tries to protest, but a yawn betrays her. “I’m fine, I just?—”
“You’re exhausted,” I say, standing. “You worked too hard today. Say goodnight.”
She looks around the table, a little embarrassed at being managed. “Goodnight, everyone. Thank you for dinner, Laurie and Dane. It was wonderful.”
“Anytime, sweetheart.”
I scoop her up before she can protest. She wraps her arms around my neck—natural now, like we’ve been doing this forever.
“Goodnight,” I say to the room, and carry my female out.
I takeher to the guest room—her room, for now—and settle her on the bed.
“Wound care first,” I tell her. “Then shower, then sleep.”
“Yes, Doctor Irontree.”
I huff a laugh despite myself and kneel at the foot of the bed. This has become ritual already, taking her foot in my handsand unwrapping the bandages carefully. Checking for infection—redness, warmth, pus.
