Page 84 of Vows of Sacrifice

“How did you think it would . . . happen?”

Ashana parted the space between her fingers so that her gaze could meet mine a little.

“I’d never given it much thought, in fact. I couldn’t imagine ever becoming a mother, so making a baby was far from my thoughts.”

A baby. The magic word. Kazain sam! I felt myself turn pale.

“Would you like to have children?” I asked her in a blank voice.

Not for a single moment had it crossed my mind to take precautions. That she might not want any. There was no sure way to prevent it when a man and a woman made love, but not ejaculating inside her body still reduced the chances of it happening.

My wife didn’t seem to notice my sudden unease.

“I don’t know,” she murmured thoughtfully.

I ran a desperate hand over my face. What a fool I was!

“Sorry, Ashana,” I croaked.

She stared into my eyes, taken aback.

“I don’t understand why you’re apologizing, Dovah.”

I blinked.

“I should have asked you first. It’s not certain, but I may have gotten you pregnant.”

She didn’t answer right away, taking the time to process what I was implying. It was more than a child between us, especially given my true nature. Before we could even think of starting a family, we had to have a conversation about it. A conversation that terrified me and that I kept putting off.

“Oh,” she finally said.

There was nothing enthusiastic about that “oh” and I felt myself decomposing further.

“I’m sorry,” I reiterated.

I didn’t know how else to apologize. She shook her head, trying to smile.

“It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done. I should also have inquired a little more, knowing that I was now your wife. I can’t let you bear the blame alone just because I was ignorant. But, let’s wait for a significant absence of cycle before worrying. And in answer to your question, I would like us to wait a while before thinking of starting a family . . .”

I immediately grabbed her hands.

“Of course! It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.”

Especially knowing that I am a Patriarch, I added inwardly. I leaned in to kiss her, and Ashana accepted with an eagerness that drew a masculine smile to my mouth. My body was already ready to exult again, and I realized that hers was too.

* * *

It took five days for Paivrin to arrive at the cottage. That was how much time he’d agreed to give us—well, especially me—before telling us that the honeymoon was over.

Admittedly, I had first chosen Gulan and my brother’s house because I knew the bucolic, fairy-tale setting would appeal to my wife. But it was also to accede to Paivrin’s request, as it was time to test Ashana’s magic, especially now that we had completed our sacred union. The problem was not that I didn’t feel satisfied with my wife; it was actually quite the contrary. Now, it was enough for me to lay my eyes on her and all my blood would rush to my member. Which was problematic, because my human appearance suffered terribly. My eyes, my skin, my nails, and now my teeth were changing abruptly. Oh, not long enough for Ashana to realize that I wasn’t really human, but long enough for me to panic. Especially when we made love, which had happened very often since our wedding night.

I opened the door with a sigh. Paivrin smiled at me, but it was a cold smile.

“I’ve been generous,” he said by way of greeting.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Two more days?” I tried to keep my voice low so Ashana wouldn’t hear.

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