Page 192 of Labor of Love

My dragon really doesn’t like the way Kestrel is putting himself down. I smile again, wanting to encourage him. “I’veyet to hear anything ridiculous come from your lips. Tell me, please.” I try again.

He laughs with a sigh. “Fine. I was just so excited to see you here. I kind of wish we could eat dinner outside and chit-chat, and I don’t know, maybe catch up. Dinner around a large table seems too formal. It’s already a tense situation. I know the other omegas are just as nervous as I am.”

“That’s a brilliant idea.”

He smiles. “It is?”

“Yes. Do you really think it’s only the omegas who are nervous?” My eyes stray over to the beauty mark just above his right brow, and my fingers itch to tuck his hair behind his ear so I can see more of his face.

Kestrel glances around and giggles. He takes in James, who laughs as he talks with his daughter, my friend Dimitri, who is as stoic as ever, and Aiden, who looks like he’s telling some riveting story to everyone. “No one else looks nervous.”

“Nonsense. See how anxious Aiden is? He’s practically trembling.”

Kestrel giggles again, knowing my words are false.

Aiden jerks his head up and narrows his eyes. His dragon undoubtedly heard what I said.

I hold up my finger. “I’ll be right back. Stay here, okay?”

I hold my hands together as though in prayer. Although I can be flirty and charming, I love the playful dynamic I have with Kes. Not only does he bring it out of me, but I feel like he needs it, too.

When Kestrel finally nods his agreement, looking light and cheerful, I make my way over to James and Leah.

“Leah, would it be okay if we place the food on the counter buffet style? Kes mentioned everyone is still so nervous. A formal dinner might be too much. Maybe we can take our platesoutside to enjoy the fresh air. It might make things less nerve-wracking.”

“Kes, huh? And was thisKes’idea?” James teases.

“It was.” I lean in close so only James and Leah can hear me. “Kestrel is the omega I told you about. The one I started developing feelings for.”

“Is that so?” James drawls, eyes sparkling.

Leah laughs. “Daddy, did you do this?”

My gaze shoots toward James, and realization dawns on me. He did. My lips twitch. This has James written all over it. Assuming he completed his investigation of all omegas as claimed, he set this all up. I owe my friend a debt of gratitude for his matchmaking.

Leah shakes her head, not letting her father reply. She turns back toward me. “All right, Brooks. Let me tell the staff, and we can head outside.”

“Thanks, Leah.” I clap James on the back.

“I get the feeling you and your dragon won’t give up until you have that omega smiling and happy.”

My dragon preens inside of me, and I wink. “I get the feeling you’d be right.”

I jog back over to Kes and give him a deep, dramatic bow before offering him my arm. “Your wish is my command,” I say, just as the staff begins placing the food on the counter instead of the dining table.

Kestrel’s lips tip upward, but he doesn’t say a word. He just lets me escort him to the counter, where we pile food onto our plates and make our way outside.

The light ocean breeze carries the scent of fresh strawberries mixed with something else. The scent slams into me, leaving me stunned and confused. Suddenly, I understand why Kestrel’s scent is different. He’s pregnant.

My omega is already pregnant.

Instead of anger, I feel a strange sense of curiosity and fascination, while my dragon radiates a strong sense of protectiveness I’ve never felt before.

6

KESTREL

Istill can’t believe that Brooks is here. What are the chances? He’s as swoon-worthy as ever. Gods, and the way he listens to me as I talk? It’s addictive. After seeing Brooks visit my shop daily, only to have him disappear, I started thinking it was my imagination. Surely no one is that attentive and thoughtful.

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