Claire

It had been nearly a month since we realized I was pregnant. I'll never forget laying on the couch minding my own business when Rowan walked through the living room. He stopped on a dime and rushed to me, planting his ear on my stomach. He looked up at me and gave me the warmest smile before telling me he could hear a little heartbeat. Bennett had rushed into the room and they took turns listening, both of them falling asleep with their heads resting on my stomach. It was adorable at first, but after a few weeks having one of them attached to me at all times started to get irritating.

Rowan had taken a step back from the council, choosing to stay home with me more often. News had spread fast of the Dragon King expecting an heir and he felt the need to protect me. I asked him about it, considering I thought being marked kept me safe, but he said being pregnant made me more vulnerable. Either way I was grateful to have him closer. I could tell they were getting antsy, Bennett going on more runs and Rowan flying fairly regularly, but they always made sure at least one of them was with me.

I had the smallest little bump beginning to form, Bennett took every opportunity available to rub it. I could tell he was thrilled to welcome our little one and it warmed my heart that he was so excited, even though the baby isn't biologically his.

I had started to crave meat more, but Rowan promised me that was normal and he was thrilled that I wanted to eat more of the one thing he could actually cook. He told me the pregnancy would be shorter than a normal human one, closer to five months. I was a little nervous about giving birth, but knew my mates would be there for me when I needed them.

The thought makes me smile as I watch Rowan flit around the house already preparing for the baby. We had decided to put a crib in our room, since there isn't really a good room to turn into a nursery. I asked Rowan about leaving the capital after the baby is born. I really want the baby to grow up in nature, not sorrounded by the sterile white buildings and busy streets. Bennett was fully on board with the idea, but Rowan wasn't thrilled with the idea of travel. I had shelved the conversation, not wanting to argue. I figure we can see how things go after the baby is born.

"Rowan, come sit with me." I say, reaching out my arms for him to come join me on the couch.

"I can't, baby. I want to get this crib together." He says, turning a piece back and forth trying to figure out how it fits together. I can't help but laugh a little at the sight.

"Wait till Bennett gets back. You know he's good with that stuff." I tell him, realizing he's getting irritated. He huffs a little in frustration and collapses onto the couch next to me.

I pull him down to rest his head on my lap and he tucks his ear against my belly. I rub my hand up and down his arm, the other one running through his hair. I watch as his body relaxes, my touch and the baby's heart beat calming him.

"Is it going to be a boy? For sure?" I ask and he nods.

"The first one always is." I sigh a little and nod.

"Guess I'll have to hope I get a girl the next time." I say wistfully and Rowan's head pops up to look at me.

"You want more than one?" He asks and I snort.

"Of course. I want our own little pack. The next one is Bennett's though." I say firmly and he nods while smiling.

"Of course. That's only fair. Not that he would care. He just wants more little demons running around." He says fondly, reaching up to cup my cheek and running his thumb along my bottom lip. I smile at him and lean down to kiss him.

"That's why I want a girl. To torture you more." I say mischeviously. He lets out a booming laugh that warms my heart.

We lay in contented silence for awhile, just the two of us. Before long my stomach begins to growl and I groan in annoyance.

"Why am I always hungry!" I shout, but Rowan just smiles at me.

"Because you're growing a gecko." He says with humor tinting his tone. I growl at him a little making him laugh again and shake his head. He sits up off the couch and heads towards the kitchen.

"I'll cook you some meat. It's what the baby wants." He says and I roll my eyes.

"How do you know what the baby wants? Can you mind link him?" I ask and he chuckles again.

"No, but I'm his father. Of course I know what he wants." He says haughtily.

He begins to cook the meat and I have to admit the smell makes my mouth water. Refusing to admit he was completely right, I amble into the kitchen behind him and make myself a salad. He gives me a smirk, knowing full well what I'm doing, but I ignore him and shovel down the leafy greens. After I finish, I wrap my arms around his middle and plaster myself to his back while he cooks. He's been much more open with his affection the last couple of months, with Bennett as well, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been enjoying it. He turns in my arms and tugs me close, wrapping me up in a firm hug. He kisses the top of my head then pulls away to look at me.

"Can you go out and call for Bennett? The food is almost done." I quirk my brow at him.

"Can't you just mind link him?" I asked, being much too lazy to walk outside and scream in the forest until my favorite wolf comes running.

"I tried, but he let his wolf take over and he blocks out mind links. But you yelling for him will surely get his attention." He says. I huff but nod.

"Thank you, love." He says with a sweet smile and leans down to kiss me. He sucks my bottom lip into his mouth and nibbles on it gently, making my body heat up for him. The pregnancy has made me even more desperate for the two of them, and Rowan pulling away from the heated kiss leaves me wanting.

"Such a tease." I mutter as I turn to walk away. He smacks my ass gently while chuckling.

"You know I'll finish what I start, little one. As soon as you're fed." He promises with a wicked smile that makes my heart race.

I patter out into the yard and listen for a moment to see if I can hear Bennett. When I hear nothing, I walk a little further into the trees. The weather is perfect and I take a moment to soak up the sun and breathe in the fresh air.

"Bennett!" I call loudly. I wait a few seconds, but hear no responding howl. I walk a little further in, staying in eye sight of the house as Rowan has asked.

"Benny Boo!" I shout again with a little teasing tone. I keep an eye out for my beautiful wolf. I love to sink my fingers into his soft fur.

"BENNETT!!" I yell even louder this time. He must be pretty far out if he still can't hear me.

I am just about to turn around and go back to the house and tell Rowan we'll just have to eat without him when I hear a rustle of leaves a little ways away.

"There you are Ben. Shift and get inside, dinner's almost done." I tell him, waiting for him to emerge from the trees.

To my horror, the creature that emerges from the pristine foliage isn't my mate at all.

I don't even have time to scream before something hard lands against my head and my world fades to black.