Beside me, Crow and Tomb bristled at the scene, and I loved them for it. I had a feeling I would enjoy ganging up on my daughter’s mates with our combined over-protectiveness.
Lastly, Quade handed her the diploma with his usual pious bullshit nod, like he was the gods’ gift to the supernatural community. I didn’t know what my daughter saw in that uptight rule-abiding citizen, but I supposed opposites attracted or some shit. There was still hope we could corrupt him and possibly add a little risk to his routine. I grinned at the thought.
Motley was shaking with nerves when Devicka exited the stage and her mates followed after her. My own questions continued to plague my mind, though I kept a calm expression so that I wouldn’t worry my mate.
I didn’t know if Devicka would resent me for keeping such a large part of my life a secret. I hated how quickly she grew up and how little I got to see of her. But damn, my kid was awesome. Strong. Resilient. Risky, but smart.
And loved. Gods, my daughter was loved. I wished that Motley could have raised her. Many nights, I imagined them cooking in our kitchen in the Between or snuggling on the couch. Motley was furiously protective of her and would have killed anyone that dared to treat Devicka poorly for being the Void. My mate knew firsthand what it felt like to be feared and hated for the power inside of you.
“You ready?” I asked my mate.
She let out a shaky exhale before responding. “I think so,” she began, extending up on her tiptoes to kiss me on the cheek. “There’s just one more thing.”
“Oh?” I prodded. “And what’s that?”
“Should we tell her now or later that she’s going to be a big sister?”
My mouth dropped open in pure shock, and I staggered back a step, but Motley didn’t even give me an opportunity to formulate a response. She was already out of her seat and scurrying toward the reception area. I turned to Crow and Tomb, who were both wearing identical looks of confusion and dumbfounded surprise on their faces.
I watched her retreating figure. “Did she just…”
“What did she mean?” Tomb asked.
“Holy shit, we’re having a baby,” Crow choked out before breaking out into a broad grin.
Motley paused at the door, patting her stomach while giving us a playful wink. I wanted to haul her out of here and show her just what I thought of her little surprise. A baby?
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t calculate the chances associated with growing our family. I didn’t feel for the risk. I just felt right. Before, I’d always been so caught up in filling life with empty pleasures and thrills. But with Motley, I was a better man. The first time I saw her, I was drawn to her like sparks to a flint. I knew she was mine the moment I touched her neck. She was a fighter. A lover. My equal in all ways. And I fucking loved her.
“You think it’ll be a boy or a girl?” Tomb mused.
“Maybe one of each,” Crow replied with a smirk. The gargoyle blinked, he was already trying to mentally prepare for two crying newborns at once.
I laughed and clapped him on the back before we all got to our feet. “There’s four of us. I think we can handle it.”
Famous last words.
We got into the reception area and then paused, leaning against the wall at the sight before us. My red-haired mate and my dewy-eyed daughter were embraced in a hug. And just like that, all my worries emptied out of me as my heart swelled in my chest.
This moment right here? This was worth all the fucking risks in the world.
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About the Author RAVEN KENNEDY
Raven Kennedy is a bestselling international author and a voracious reader. She enjoys writing all kinds of genres, because each one brings a different experience. Whether it be romantic comedies or romances on the darker spectrum, she hopes her words connect with people. She lives with her husband and daughter in California.
Raven’s website: ravenkennedybooks.com
About the Author CORALEE JUNE
Coralee June is an international bestselling romance writer who enjoys engaging projects and developing real, raw, and relatable characters. She is an English major from Texas State University and has had an intense interest in literature since her youth. She currently resides with her husband and two daughters in Dallas, Texas, where she enjoys long walks through the ice-cream aisle at her local grocery store.
For more information about her and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at:
www.authorcoraleejune.com
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