Page 185 of Labor of Love

“Hmm. Vampire this time.”

“Are you sure?” They had two shifter children; Kael knew Anatoly wanted a vampire child, but he was also happy either way. As long as they were all healthy, he was good. So far, Anatoly had been right when predicting their children.

“Hmm. Feels like it.” They entered the area where the festival was taking place, and Anatoly led Kael over to where their family sat on several thick blankets. Food had been laid out, and the children ran around, or in the case of Kael and Anatoly’s youngest, Lennon, crawled. “A girl too,” Anatoly murmured.

“I like the idea of having a daughter. I love our boys, but a little girl would be perfect.” Anatoly sat and spread his legs so Kael could sit between them and lean back on him. “Dmitri and Lennon will have to learn how to style hair.”

“Should be fun to watch,” Anatoly mused. He kissed Kael’s neck, and Kael lifted his hand and trailed his fingers over Anatoly’s cheek.

“Please tell me you’re having a break after this one has arrived,” Irina said as she dropped onto the blanket nextto them. “I’m not sure I can cope with more than eight grandchildren.”

“We will be taking a break,” Kael reassured her. “My body needs one.”

“I said we should have a gap after Lennon was born,” Anatoly whispered into Kael’s ear. “But someone convinced me otherwise.”

“You had your suit on,” Kael protested. “You’re so hard to resist in your suit.”

“You know I can hear you.” Irina arched an immaculate eyebrow at them. “Note to oneself. Take away Anatoly’s suits.”

Kael giggled, then placed a hand on his belly when the baby moved. Smiling, he waved to Todd, who was running after Gabrielle and Abram’s oldest while Sherry helped Aled carry the drinks over to the blankets. Life was perfect as far as Kael was concerned. He had his family and his extended family with the pack, his gorgeous irresistible mate, and his babies.

“I really love you, Anatoly.”

“Just as I love you, my perfect mate.” Anatoly kissed his neck, and Kael closed his eyes.

The sun was warm on his skin, the sounds of children laughing filled his ears, and the love of his mate covered him like his favorite blanket. This was his life, and he loved it.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megs Pritchard lives in England and is a mother to two boys who drive her crazy! When she isn’t working or being mum, tearing her hair out, or drowning her sorrows in alcohol, she is busy writing about complex characters that know the harsh realities of life but want a HEA.

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BLURB

The worst part about being an omega in this backwards society is that, as an Alpha, my ex-husband has more legal rights to my family’s store than I do. My bookstore is my life, and he knows that. It’s why he’ll do everything in his power to steal it from me.

But what he doesn’t know is that I’m pregnant, and I’ll do anything to protect my unborn baby and shop from him, even if it means entering an arranged marriage program to find myself a new husband. A stronger alpha.

A dragon shifter who is willing to give me the world.

CW/TW: Even though this is meant to be a low-angst, sweet, and steamy short story, there are off-page mentions of an abusive ex, and the loss of the MC's parents.

Spoiler Alert!!!

We do see the ex on page twice, but occurrences are brief, even if he is an asshole. Please be aware of the triggers.

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KESTREL

Some jobs are the absolute worst. Trust me, I’d know. Been there, done that. When my alpha father passed away suddenly, I was forced to help my mother financially. It was only supposed to last until they read his will. Even if it was only a temporary solution, any income would help. It was either that or risk losing everything.

To support us, I took on various odd jobs while Mama searched for a new husband. She loved my father and didn’t want to feel like she was forced to replace him. Unfortunately, unless we’re married, as omegas, we have very few rights here in Arkadia.

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