“Stay by me the rest of the night,” I tell her. “You’re more than capable of taking care of yourself, but I don’t want to be apart from you, psycho on the loose or not.”
“I won’t. I love you, Ford.”
Never has there been another female who could bring me to my knees like Sienna can. I may be powerful. Have slayed many adversaries. I will do anything she asks. Go anywhere. Give her whatever her heart desires. She’s my entire world.
“Ford?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m ready.”
“Okay.” I roll to my back and zip up as she fixes her dress. The power thrumming through my body makes me feel invincible. “Are you hungry?” I don’t think I saw her eat tonight. I need to feed her now that she’s done that for me.
“That’s not what I meant. Or rather, what I’m ready to talk about.”
I turn and peer down at my mate, who’s still lying down. Her light green eyes hold mine. “What is it?” I could read her mind. It’s almost second nature to do so. Although something has me pausing, telling me not to do it. To let her say aloud what's on her mind.
“I want to have a baby in the near future. That is, if you do. If not, that’s fine as well. It’s just that the more time I spend with Jupiter, the more I want that for us.”
“I-I…” What the fate do I say? I had no idea she was going to say that.
Sienna sits up and cups my cheek with her hand. “If you’re not ready, that’s okay. We have an infinite number of years together, Ford. There’s no rush.”
“I’m not sure what I am. We’ve done a lot in our time together. We’ve been staying home more lately, though. Well, home or here or somewhere our family is. Are you sure?” We’ve spoken about it in the past. My mother hasn’t been quiet in her want to have more grandchildren. It’s not up to her. It’s between me and my mate.
“Yes. However, I’m more than willing to wait if this isn’t what you want.”
A baby? Sienna wants to have a baby. With me. That’s a huge thing. A lot will change. But a lot will stay the same. Nothing will change the love I have for my mate. If anything, it will only increase. I’ve watched the way a child changes a relationship. Seen it first hand with my brother and Lilah. Sure, they argue, but no more than usual. Jupiter brought a whole other layer of love to their lives. A happiness that can’t be brought by anything other than a child.
“Really?” I ask. Like I haven’t already.
She smiles. “Yes.”
“Well then, count me in.”
“Seriously?” Her smile widens then she throws herself at me. I catch her and fall back on the bed. Sienna’s joy radiates through me. I hear her thoughts. Feel her love as I do every day.
“Let’s do this.”
“Yes!” I hear someone exclaim in the hallway. “Are you both decent?” Ari asks. Figures. When you’re in a house full of paranormals with exceptional hearing, nothing goes unnoticed.
“We are,” I reply.
The door to the room flies open as Ari rushes in and jumps on the bed to embrace us both, giant ballgown and all. Growing up, Sienna was one of Ari’s best friends, but then Sienna moved away and they lost touch. Sienna didn’t come back into her or my life in the best way, but it’s where she belongs. Where she was always meant to end up. With Ari as her friend and me as her mate.
“I’m so freaking happy for both of you!” Ari yells. “Two of my best friends are going to have a baby. Oh, my fate. I’m beyond words.” Ari pulls back and I notice a couple tears falling down her cheeks.
“Thank you, princess.” I smile. “You mean so much to us.”
“You two are my family. I love you both. You’re going to make amazing parents. You’ve been wonderful with Phoenix.”
“How did you manage to slip away without bringing more of the pack with you?”
“I was up here doing another sweep of the floor when I heard your conversation. I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t listening. Of course I was. I had to know no one was in here hurting someone.”
I smirk. “I did bite her.” Sienna slaps my chest without any real force.
“I know that.” Ari rolls her eyes. “But then to hear you discuss having a baby. My heart is so happy.”
“How about you let us tell everyone else?”
“Too late!” Paige yells and rushes into the room, Wake right behind her. They both jump onto the bed and embrace us. Orion comes in next.
Together, we sit on the bed, smile, and talk. Even with someone out there waiting to hurt one of the pack, we find joy in this moment on Halloween.
8
Solomon
I thought Lilah was going to devour me right there in the kitchen. Fate, was I wrong. As soon as she got close, all her desire fled. I guess that’s what happens when you’re dressed as your brother for Halloween.
Lilah quickly departed back to the ballroom, wanting to check up on Jupiter. I continue my foraging for more food. I swear it’s like I’m a bottomless pit. Even though I feed from Lilah, I’m still hungry for human food all the time. Granted, it doesn’t sustain me like blood, but it’s a nice boost.
“Oooh, a turkey leg,” I say as I discover it in the fridge.
The food for the party tonight was made in advance so those who work for the pack could take the night off to spend with their family. I can’t wait until Jupiter is old enough to trick-or-treat. I’m taking her to our friend’s houses and getting candy. For her, that is. Not me. Okay, I’ll probably end up eating half of it, but the fun is in acquiring the treats.
As
