I vaulted out of bed and raced to the bathroom, sliding to the floor and aiming my head for the porcelain throne. Pulling my hair back, I vomited everything that was in my stomach and then some. It felt never-ending. The smell alone made me want to continue puking my guts out.
Bash squatted next to me and held my hair back so I could grip both sides of the toilet. He rubbed his hand soothingly up and down my back as I heaved. When I was finally done, Bash tied my hair back in a low ponytail and held a towel ready for me to clean myself up. He flushed the toilet and scooted me toward him where he sat on the floor.
“Stop, I’m gross,” I groaned, trying to pull away.
He pulled me between his legs, resting my back against his chest as he leaned against the bathroom wall. “You’re not gross, Mackenzie.” He wrapped his arms around me, resting his hands on my abdomen as I covered my mouth with the towel.
“I feel disgusting. Aren’t pregnant women supposed to glow, or some shit like that?” I murmured into the towel.
Bash laughed, his chest rumbling behind me. “From what I understand, every woman has a different experience. You can’t compare yourself to others. You also watch a lot of TV, so … let’s stick to reality, shall we?”
I snorted. “When did you become so knowledgeable about all things maternity?”
“I’ve been reading,” he answered nonchalantly.
I peered over my shoulder at him in shock. “Are you serious?”
“Deadly.”
I laughed. “That’s so … human. You’re so gonna end up with a dad bod.”
Bash growled as he snatched the towel from my face and flung it across the bathroom.
“Hey!” I shouted as I covered my mouth with my hand. “I have vomit breath.”
“I will never have a dad bod,” he grumbled.
“Of course you won’t, baby.” I rubbed his abs affectionately.
He smacked my hand away. “Don’t patronize me.”
I giggled. “Okay, okay, sorry. I won’t mess with you anymore.” I stood and shuffled over to the sink to brush my teeth.
“You’re starting to get morning sickness,” Bash said. “Has any of the food been bothering you? Any smells?”
I shook my head.
“Make sure you keep drinking lots of fluids.”
I nodded as I spit out the toothpaste and rinsed my mouth. “Yes, Dad,” I taunted with a grin.
Bash got up from the floor and stood behind me, locking me in his arms as they rested on the bathroom counter. He placed a soft kiss on my bare shoulder and then rested his chin on it. “I just want the best for you. I love you.”
“I know,” I muttered. “I love you, too.” I spun around in his arms and wrapped mine around his neck, lowering his face down to mine. I pressed my lips on his and he sucked in a breath, bringing his body flush against mine.
Bash picked me up and placed me on the bathroom counter, situating himself between my legs. He slid his hands under my shirt, caressing my skin. His fingers gently brushed over my breast and the light touch felt like a shockwave rocketing through my body. I moaned loudly when he pinched my nipple, feeling the tingle down to my core.
I ripped my shirt off, unable to handle the material rubbing against my skin any longer. Bash’s lips trailed from my neck down to my chest and I threw my head back in a gasp, every sensation more heightened than normal.
“Bash … please,” I moaned, unsure what exactly I was begging for.
He lifted his head, grabbed the top of my pajama pants, and in one swift move, pulled them and my underwear down. I let out a little shriek as my ass hit the coldness of the marble countertop.
Bash grinned, then kissed me more roughly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, trying to pull down his pajama pants in my frenzy.
“Yer Majesty!” Ranulf yelled. We both froze. “Yer late for yer eight o’clock meeting.” He banged on the chamber doors when we didn’t answer. “Yer Majesty! Are ye in there?”
Bash pulled back, tucked himself back in his pants, and grabbed my clothes from the floor. “To be continued?” He raised a brow.
I groaned. “How did we even have time to make a baby?” I slid off the counter and started to get dressed.
Bash grimaced. “I hate to say it, but maybe we need to start scheduling this.”
My jaw dropped. “That’s just depressing. My life cannot be so sad that I have to schedule sex with my mate. Oh my God, no. Fuck this shit.” I stormed out of the bathroom, into the bedroom, and toward the chamber doors, swinging them open to reveal Ranulf standing there, waiting.
“Yer Majesty—”
“Push my meeting to nine o’clock, Ranulf. I need to have sex. Thank you.” I slammed the doors in his face and spun back around to see Bash lounging against the bathroom door.
He chuckled. “I think you just scarred Ranulf for life.”
I shrugged. “Oh, well. Now … where were we?”
16
I sat at the head of the dining table eating breakfast while members of the local pack discussed their concerns for the village and the current threat. Honestly, I think I blacked out for most of that breakfast meeting. I didn’t remember faces, names, or conversations. I just remembered reassuring them that everything would be all right.
It probably wasn’t my greatest moment.
“Are ye feeling, okay, Yer Majesty?” William asked, walking up beside my seat at the dining table once our guests were gone.
“Yeah,” I sighed. “Can you ask the kitchen for some more plain toast, please?” I was feeling nauseas and right now I couldn’t think past my roiling stomach.
“Aye, Yer Majesty.” He hurried out of the dining hall.
I pushed my half-eaten plate away and lowered my head. When William returned, he came bearing a plate heaped with dry toast and saltine crackers, along with a glass of ginger ale.
“You’re my hero,” I murmured. I nibbled on the toast and sipped
