Her mouth opened and closed comically for a few seconds before she closed it shut entirely.

I watched her reaction smugly and got up from my seat, glaring down at her. "Yes, he's pregnant with my child." I said, 'my' with much emphasis. "And nothing you say or do will stop me from caring for him and my unborn child. It doesn't even matter if you like him or not, as my sister you should have my back always even if we have a difference in our opinions."

Her eyes leveled up with my body with distress pooling within them. "I would never forsake you, Drakos."

"Then stop behaving like you are!" I snapped.

Her eyes lowered in shame, "I love you and I only try my best to help you. You've been suffering for so long."

"And so have you!" I pointed out, frustratingly. "You've been living through me and not yourself! You're mateless and miserable! It is about time that you go out and experience life! Find a man, go on dates, fuck and cuddle! Do something besides pestering me about my love life!"

She drew back as if she was stung by my words. "I go on dates..."

"You drive your potential lovers away as if you're a dangerous wildfire." I narrowed my eyes at her as I crossed arms over my chest.

"It is them that doesn't see my charm," She muttered in denial.

"How can they when you're too busy showing them your flaws?" I quipped. "Stop focusing on me and focus on yourself. Your dragon longs for love as well. Will you deprive her of it?"

She stared at me for a long duration before replying, "No. I will not."

The sound of footsteps padding down the hall caused both our eyes to dart on Asche who stood at the threshold of the room, looking like a deer caught in the lights.

"Did I interrupt something?" He asked, perplexed. He was wearing one of my tshirts and a long, heather grey sweatpants. It fit him well. Desire instantly coursed through my veins but I held it off. Now wasn't the time to entertain my libido.

I immediately got to my feet and went over to him. Felicia stared intriguingly at his still flat stomach. For the moment, I ignored her and focused on my pregnant mate.

"Hey, you should be in bed," I stroked his arms.

He smiled at me wanly and shook his head. "I'm fine. I couldn't stay asleep. I've slept so much since I came here. I really would like to get a breath of fresh air."

"And you shall," I promised with a smile, continuing my stroking. "Are you sure you're okay?" I examined his features carefully to spot any signs of fatigue or illness.

"I am. So, please, relax." His eyes caught Felicia's figure on my couch with raised brows. "You're the woman I saw on the yacht." He said none too fondly.

Felicia kept wise, steady eyes on Asche as she responded, "Indeed, I am. And you are my brother's...lover." She nearly spoke the offending word with bitterness but caught herself quickly when I sent her a warning glare.

Either Asche was oblivious to her dislike for him or he chose not to comment on it, for he said, "I'm not sure what I am. Several weeks ago I was a prostitute and now...now I don't know where I stand with all this." He spread his arms wide, gesturing at his surroundings.

"It doesn't pay to be ungrateful." She chided but not with her normal snide tone.

I watched the exchange with interest, just as Asche stepped away from me and approached my sister. He took slow, careful steps towards her and cocked his head to the side with interest.

"You don't like me." It was a statement and not a question that was said with absolute certainty.

"Why would you say that?" She gazed at him from where she sat with an unreadable expression, crossing and uncrossing her long legs.

"Because when I met you, you were positive that Drakos would have me. Just by your looks I can tell that you are his sister. Well I can see where your disapproval originates from."

"And that is?"

"From sibling love," He said in a modulated tone that gave no ill-feeling away that he may have felt towards her but his eyes weighed heavily with sorrow.

"Asche," I walked up to him and brought him to me in a hug, realizing that his grief was because he had no siblings, no family and it pains him to see such affection being displayed before him. "No matter what, we are all your family." I assured him.

As long as there's breath in my body, I will do my best to fill his life with joyful experiences that will overwrite all of the horrible ones. Even the dreadful ones that involves me. He has been through so much for someone so young. I thought back on his emotional breakdown earlier and what he said.

My heart ached just thinking about it. Who would damage such a beautiful boy? Who would abandon him so? He deserves tender love and care. Comfort and reassurance. But, most of all, unconditional love.

He clutched at my shirt and buried his face in it, taking shuddering breaths. Felicia finally stood up and gave me an apologetic smile.

"Forgive me for making assumptions, brother. I did not realize he meant so much to you. I can see that your feelings run deep for him. Whatever path you chose, I'm willing to follow you on it. But you always go with what your heart says instead of your mind." Her heels clipped against the tiled floor as she came over to us. She engulfed me in her arms as I held Asche and kissed me on the cheek. She then caressed Asche's hair and gave him a warm smile.

Asche turned to face her with confusion wrought all over his features. The sudden kindness was not expected. What I truly loved about my sister is the fact that she is willing to admit her wrongs and support me in my endeavors.

"One thing you should know about me is that I drift in the wind and I flow with the tide. Whatever path my brother chooses, I will accept, even in stubbornness." She kissed his cheek and tears welled up in her eyes.

"No matter the circumstances, Asche, you are a part of us. Welcome to the family."

***