Page 63 of Between Imminent Fates

“When the battle arrives, you’ll make a choice.” Key’s features pinched. “And that choice will define the very outcome of the war. Choose wisely.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Zeke

Zak and Eve racedaround the house like the hooligans they were, laughing and screaming in equal amounts. They were heading towards their terrible twos at break-neck speed, and each was an adorable ball of trouble.

Nina had begun packing their bags, asking them to choose one toy to bring along. It’d resulted in hysteria and mass casualties of the stuffed animal kind. Thrown off beds, trampled underfoot, and stuffed into toyboxes, the ‘favorite’ status wasn’t an enviable one amongst the teddy bear nation.

Not that Zeke minded.

He cherished every moment with his two younglings. They were a happy family of four, something he’d never thought would be in the cards for him after his sister had passed and parents had sought the Light.

“Back in your room!” he shouted over the loud squeals.

His lips peeled back from his teeth in a mock feral grimace his children called ‘mean man.’ The twins knew from experience that tickling ensued when they disobeyed him.

Giggling up a racket, they scrambled away toward the comfort of their mother. Nina was placing folded clothes in canvas bags Zeke still didn’t understand the need for.

“Why are we packing for them, again? They have everything they need at Tzuriel’s house—and our Ontario home is right next door.”

“Because I want them comfortable, Zeke.” A hint of longing shadowed her gaze. “Bringing their favorite clothes and teddy bears with them will help.”

Not for the first time, he wondered at her task, at what had made Nina scour the world’s archives for knowledge. She’d steadfastly refused to disclose it to him, and as the battle drew near, he became more and more concerned.

“They’ll be fine, Nina.”

Her gaze dropped, suddenly weary. “I know they will be.”

Zeke had a feeling they were no longer speaking about tonight’s sleepover at Uncle Tzuriel’s house. He walked into the room and lowered himself to sit in front of her. Propping his thumb under her chin, he beckoned, “Tell me what’s wrong.”

Nina blinked quickly as if hiding tears. “I’m just worried they won’t bring the right stuffed animal.”

It was so much deeper than that. Despite her reluctance to tell him, he had experienced the despair that’d rocked though her over the past several months. The lack of communication on the topic chipped away at their happiness. Now, so close to the end, he had to hope that after the battle, she would finally be free from what weighed on her.

Zeke pressed a tender kiss to her cheek, then pulled her up to her feet. “Come on, let’s make dinner.”

“Or rather, you watch while I make dinner?”

“Something like that.” Shooing their twins down the stairs, Zeke curled an arm around her waist. “I love you, Nina.”

“I love you, too, Zeke. Always.”

Entering the kitchen where the twins were already perusing the pantry, Nina grinned. “What do you want for dinner, you little goblins?”

“Ice cream!” Eve’s baby blues shined up at them, pleading. Zak, clearly catching onto the game, did the same.

Nina gave in. “Sounds good to me. Okay with you, Daddy?”

“I’m game as long as Mommy eats, too.”

“Oh, I never miss ice cream.”

His mate chuckled, proceeding to grab Chunky Monkey from the freezer and scoop heaping piles of the frozen treat into Disney themed bowls. The children were over the moon.

Sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate chunks were the toppings of choice for the toddler duo. Nina added chocolate and peanut butter to hers, savoring each spoonful in a way that had Zeke’s blood heating.

After a second helping for Eve, and a third bowl for Zak, both children were happily sprawled on the couch while Zeke threw the rinsed off dishes in the sink. It was delightfully domestic. He collapsed on the couch next to Nina minutes later, and she tucked up her feet and snuggled into his side.

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