Page 88 of I Dated the Lost Song

Khytten looked at her and stroked her hair. “It’s fine, Leska. You can’t bribe people to like you. Shit gets weird really fast.”

Sarel held his arms out. “Come here, Leska.”

Khytten muttered, “You can stay with me if you want and not go over to that nosy omega.”

Leska chuckled. “Tempting, but I am going to go back so he can commune with the baby. I find it relaxing.” She moved to Sarel, and he held her.

Khytten chuckled. “Good. Then find out whatyoulike and to hell with anyone else. I will plan a baby shower. Tirra will be delighted to come. Gorith is from the family that runs and designs for Tomorrow Jewellery. Expect a silver rattle or something from them.”

Sarel chuckled. “Expect something more from my family and Vinul’s. And my people.”

“I haven’t seen many of your people.”

“Doesn’t matter. They get baby crazy. We don’t have a large population. Babies are very much celebrated.” He stroked her belly.

He shifted until she was on his lap and cuddled against him. He told her how happy he was to have her and how joyful it was that she was with him and them. How happy they were going to make her and the baby.

Vinul arrived with a greasy feast. He left a bunch of bags for the others, but he brought special bags over to Leska. He plucked her off Sarel’s lap and sat to nestle her on his. He handed her the milkshake with a serious expression, and she smiled and took a sip.Heaven.

She leaned against Vinul while surrounded by friends scrambling for takeout, while Vinul defended hers with claws and growling.

She smiled and thought about Cadence and her therapy session. Leska had taken therapy when she was a child, but Cadence had always resisted. Hopefully, it was coming full circle.

A taco was handed to her, and she beamed, causing Vinul to purr hard. She kicked her feet, and Sarel grabbed some fries from the sacrificial pile and gave her one. She was held, she was cared for, and she was safe.

* * * *

Cadence took a showerand sighed. “Can we go back to the party?”

Raek kissed her shoulder. “We definitely can. What do you think of Leska being pregnant?”

“I think she has the makings of an amazing mom. She was certainly good with me.”

He slowly rubbed her back. “She is younger than you, no?”

“Yes, she is, but she always puts me first. Oh, I hope I haven’t been rude to her. I am so used to her just letting me go first that I don’t think of her as a separate being. She has just always been there.”

“But now she has mates of her own. Soon, she will have a child, and their child will play with ours, though it might knock it over a few times.”

“Oh, she’s pregnant. Right. I need to congratulate her.”

She turned in Raek’s arms. He smiled. “You do. She is further along than you are, and it is likely her child will come first.”

Cadence blinked. “Will you take me to her when she’s in labour?”

“If I am not able to, someone will bring you to her. Why?”

“Because she will need someone. Someone who knows her. Her new friends and even family don’t know her like I do. She will need me, and I will be there.” She smiled at him. “I can be a proper sister once in my life.”

“Do you think she will take the help?”

“I have been her best friend since childhood. She’s going to have to.” Cadence smiled. “I am learning how to be family, and I need someone to practice on. If I can treat my best friend like she is important, I can think about talking with Arcady over tea or something.”

She smiled up at him. “Do you think my plan has merit?”

“I think so. My family has always just been me and Im-bar. Our people have been absorbed into dozens of countries. You are the new addition to our family, and through you, I have gained a sister in Leska.”

“She’s an excellent sister. So, can we get back to the others?”

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