Page 247 of Labor of Love

Lothian pulled the strip of fabric from his eyes and blinked. The sun blinded him for a moment, but then his eyes adjusted and he realized they were in the courtyard of a small castle. It rose grandly, several floors of gray stone dotted with slender windows. Silver banners waved on top of the battlements.

“Where are we?”

The breeze changed, bringing Lothian the leather and rum scent of Ryland before the other man stepped up to the carriage door. “This is my home, and you are most welcome.” He opened the door and lowered the stairs, beaming as he offered Lothian his hand.

Lothian blinked in surprise.

There were people in the courtyard, servants and merchants, but everyone stood there and stared at him as he descended. He supposed he couldn’t blame them, swollen with pregnancy as he was. When he stepped onto the soil of Ryland’s home for the first time, a cheer went up. Heat burned Lothian’s cheeks.

Ryland took his arm and leaned down to whisper in his ear. “They are happy you bring the heir with you to visit.”

Lothian paused, shock singing in his veins. “But Ryland! What if he’s an omega like me?”

Ryland tugged him gently forward. “I hope he is exactly like you. Omega or not, he shall inherit all this. At least, unless we furnish him with brothers and sisters to care for.” He grinned.

Lothian gulped. Ryland said the sweetest things but had not yet attempted to bond with him. Did he still want that? Lothian found himself wishing for the day Ryland would sink his fangs into his flesh and claim him. His chest grew tight at the mere thought.

“Come,” Ryland said, drawing him into the castle. “There is much to see.”

True to his word, Ryland showed him most of the castle and some of the grounds as well, though Lothian couldn’t ride. The tenants were all kind and jovial, and the small town that surrounded the castle was bustling with townspeople who all greeted them happily. He caught more than a few longing glances directed Ryland’s way, but he could hardly blame them.

Ryland, for all the glances, didn’t take his eyes off Lothian.

That night, they dined in the great hall. The cook set out a sumptuous feast of ham and pheasant. There were fresh greens, potatoes, and carrots as well. Lothian ate until he couldn’t manage another bite. That was when they brought out dessert.

Lothian waved it away, laughing. “If I have any more, I’ll likely burst.”

Ryland smiled at him. “This dessert is my favorite. Perhaps we will save it for later. Shall we retire to the drawing room?”

“As long as you promise not to smoke. It will surely upset the baby.”

Ryland stood and walked to his chair, extending his hand to help Lothian from his seat. “Then, I promise I won’t. I’m not a big fan of cigars anyway.”

“No?” Lothian heaved himself to his feet. “Do you prefer a pipe?”

Ryland tucked Lothian’s hand into the crook of his arm and led him into the drawing room, where the fire crackled merrily. It was a beautiful spring night, but the castle itself was a touch chilly. Fires and the tapestries lining the stone walls kept the rooms toasty, though.

The alpha helped him take a seat on one of the plush sofas and took his place beside him. “No, I’ve never been a pipe smoker, either. My father and brother will have a cigar now and again, and sometimes I’ll partake with them, but that’s about all.”

Lothian looked into the flames, recalling a memory of his Ommie and Papa. “My father used to smoke a pipe every night before bed. He said it helped him settle. When Ommie got sick, he rarely picked it up. I knew something was wrong then.”

“I’m sorry.” Ryland took Lothian’s hand and squeezed it.

“Whatever for?”

“Dante told me you lost your parents young. That must have been difficult. Would you care for a drink? Brandy or perhaps tea?”

“Tea would be lovely.” Lothian smiled at the alpha. “It was very hard on me to lose both of them so quickly. I think that’s why I had such an iron grip on the idea of finding a mate in a certain way.”

“You wanted to make a rational choice. That’s wise.”

Lothian shook his head, his heart hammering. “Yes and no. I was thinking only with my head, and neglected the fact that there’s more to mating than mere thought. It involves bodies and spirits as well.”

Ryland leaned closer, his scent washing over Lothian. Lothian shivered, though the room was quite warm. He licked his lips. Ryland’s gaze followed the movement.

“I must confess something, Lothian.”

Lothian drew back his shoulders and cupped his hands over his swollen belly. “What?”

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