Page 102 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

Mael dragged Echo into his arms. Sliding a hand to the back of Echo’s head, he captured his mate’s lips. His shock had shut down his brain, and words failed him for a moment. Pouring every ounce of the adoration and awe he felt into a kiss would have to do. Echo melted into him, though it was harder to get as close when they had a baby between them.

A baby.

Mael dragged his lips from Echo’s, his gaze dragged back to the swell. He placed his palm there, needing to touch it to know it was real.

He was going to be a father.

Theywere going to be fathers.

“You’resobig,” Mael murmured.

“That’sexactlywhat every omega in the world loves to hear,” Echo muttered.

Mael chuckled and stole another kiss. “Sorry… I just meant… it’s only been three months since your heat.”

“That’s what happens when an orca puts two big babies inside a little dolphin,” Echo’s mother muttered.

Mael’s gaze whipped to the woman’s, almost having forgotten they weren’t alone, and flipped back to Echo.

Echo’s jaw tightened as he tossed an angry glare his mother’s way.

“Two?”

With a little shy smile on his face, Echo slid a hand down his little baby bump and nodded. “Two.”

Mael shook his head, almost feeling dizzy. He stumbled back and sat down at the kitchen table before pulling Echo between his knees. Sitting he was almost as tall as Echo was standing. Lifting his hand, he pressed his palm against Echo’s belly.

“Twins,”Mael murmured. “Well, theydorun in the family.”

Echo shook his head. “Not twins.”

Mael frowned—but then realization struck. Echo had two wombs.“Oh shit.One in each?”

Echo nodded.

Mael reached out and caressed Echo’s swell. He was going to be a dad times two.Theywere going to be parents, raising their children together.

They were bringing new life into the world.

He smiled so hard his face hurt, but his smile broke, and a sob nearly escaped him. He tugged Echo against him and held on tight.

“Hey,”Echo said, running a hand through Mael’s hair. “Are you okay?”

Mael leaned back and wiped a tear from his eye as he blew out a shaky breath. “Yeah. I’m good. Great, even.”

“You don’tseemgreat,” Echo whispered.

There was no way he could tell Echo the thoughts running through his head with others present. He felt a sting at the backs of his eyes and willed it away. “I promise you I am,” Mael whispered. He forced a smile.

Echo searched his face, clearly not buying it.

Mael leaned down and pressed a kiss to Echo’s belly.

Mr. Fisher cleared his throat.

Echo turned to the side and looked between his parents. He wore a tight little smile when he looked back at Mael. “Mael, have you met my parents?”

“Kind of,” Mael murmured.But not really.

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