Page 166 of Shattered Dawn
Nik kissed her tempting mouth, unable to believe all the danger dogging their heels from the moment they met was finally in the past. “C’mon, my little destroyer, let’s go get something to eat, and feed our young—”
“Yeah, about that? How long will this pregnancy last?” she asked. “I mean, I’m five months along, and I’m not even showing. Human gestation is usually about nine—maybe ten months.”
Nik frowned. “I don’t know. The same?”
She glanced at the others where they stood around them on the terrace.
“Empyrean pregnancy takes about eighteen months or so,” Hedori said slowly. “Maybe about twelve, thirteen months, considering the changes Shadow went through with the otherworldly blood transfusion.”
“Great, I’m gonna be pregnant for a year,” she groaned.
“I’m here now, my little warrior.” Nik gently nipped her chin. “And I’ll help in any way I can.”
“I’m just happy I get to share this with you…” Her throat worked, her eyes misting. “And I thank the goddess for sending you back to me.” She wrapped his hair around her fingers. “And with hair, too. Looong hair,” she teased.
“It’s coming off tomorrow.”
“Nooo, don’t you dare.”
Unable to resist her, Nik pressed his mouth to hers. Then he glanced back and found his Guardian brothers and their mates all staring at them, smiles on their faces. He snorted, but he was immensely grateful for them.
“Just one thing. Did you get that damn sword from the demon?”
“Yeah,” Dagan said, putting his arm around his mate. “The Arc’s taken it back to Heaven.”
“Good.” He pivoted for the door.
“Yo, Nik,” Týr called out, a grin clear in his voice, warning Nik he was up to no good. “The way you sparkle, man, you’ll make a festive tree proud.”
Nik glanced down, but he encountered Shadow’s humorous smile instead. A faint blush covered her cheeks, and she scrunched her nose. “Sorry.”
“Don’t care,” he answered both her and Týr.
Laughter followed him as he entered the kitchen and set Shadow on her feet, then he just held her. Hell, he wanted to head straight for their quarters and not come out for a week, but she came first, and she needed to eat.
About to usher her to her seat, her arms tightened around him, and she pressed her face against his chest.I love you, Nik,her warm voice coasted through their mind-link.So, so damn much.
“And I you, my Starshine,” he whispered, “So, so damn much, too.”
She laughed, her sparkling eyes meeting his. The immense love in them constricting his heart.
Nik gently caressed her flushed cheek, emotions overwhelming him.
His precious mate, who fought and killed for him, who loved him unreservedly, and now carried their child. He couldn’t wait to start their life together. Because she would always be the tomorrows he’d never wanted, and now looked forward to…
THE END…
