Page 97 of Within the Veil

He moves close and sits on the bed with me, and we all ignore Hunter, who is currently passionately describing very graphic ways to dismember an enemy. Suddenly I'm grateful for those mystical powers that be because, in the normal world, Hunter would be thrown in prison.

"Then you rip their heads off, but make sure you keep the bones of your enemy...."

Correction...underthe prison.

King rolls his eyes with a laugh, "I'll go to the library and work on it. Also...hello, good morning." He leans over, cradles my face, and presses his lips against mine, pizza sauce and all, and I sigh, leaning into his touch.

"Mmm, good morning," I respond.

Grayson chuckles, "Angel, once you finish eating, we need to get over to the training grounds, then hold a council meeting where everyone in the village is present. It's best to move as quickly as possible."

Zane nods, "Gray is right. We can't be sure if the timeline has moved up or not, and the village has to be let in on the 'Right of Conquest.' Not to mention we have to make time to get your sister." He scrubs a hand over his face, his eyes flashing briefly with a weariness that makes my heart clench. My sweet 'great protector' prefers a semblance of order while he is telling everyone what to do. Everything right now is beyond order. Hate to break it to him, but with four kids on the way, we are going to be far from all kinds of order for a long ass time, if ever again.

* * *

Zane

There is absolutely no order in this damn situation, and it's frustrating as fuck. Just when I think I have at least a little insight--with a rough timeline, but it was something-- now the babies have grown. Magical or not, there is only so damn much her body can take before she goes into labor. So planning is out the fucking window. Actually, there is no damn window, house, or fucking foundation. We are all just flapping around while trying to maintain an illusion of control.

I bite back a growl of frustration as we faede into the training grounds. Hudson is over the moon, twisting and turning, dressed in modified combat leathers that are made of a stretchy, breathable fabric. Ryder had indeed planned ahead, having custom clothes made for her by one of Fae's seamstresses. If there were a tally system running between books and clothes, Ryder would have us all beat.

"Daddy Grayson," a small voice shrieks, and a little body flies top speed, shoving Grayson back a step as he chuckles, wrapping Li'Ella in his arms.

"Li'Lamb!" Grayson bops her nose, and she giggles and returns the gesture.

"Are you ready for training?" Grayson coos, affection and pride pouring through our bond, and fuck if the image of this grown-ass, tattooed Fae holding Ella doesn't make my heart swell. He is bringing new meaning to his nickname, 'gentle giant.' Wait. That's not my thought. I scowl as I look over to Hudson's besotted face. Projecting so hard its like I'm lusting after Grayson, myself. Fucking gross.

"I am always ready for training," she nods seriously. She looks over at Oberon, "Not So Scary, Daddy Oberon! Soon, you'll have to train me and my best friends, but we are going to tan your hide!"

Oberon lets out a loud laugh, a truly happy sound that makes everyone pause and stare, open-mouthed, and reaches over to pluck her from Grayson's arms.

"I will have it no other way, little one. I expect you five to put me to shame," Oberon says with a serious look, but his lips still upturned slightly.

"Oh, we will. Also thank you for taking them the bunny. I have been telling them all about snuggly and fluffy things so Leighis said she wanted to see Queen Mommy hold a bunny," she smiles brightly and jumps out of his arms.

I could say that I'm shocked, but lets be real here, if they were yelling at us, why wouldn't they be reaching out to their fated mate? Chances are they are harassing the dragons too. Except they wouldn't come here until we have fully united our people. Whatever the fuck that entails, considering it's hard to plan for the unknown.

She skips over to Hudson and puts her face and hands on her belly.Just like Hunter, I don't exist. Only my belly does, she grumbles through the line, and I have to hide the smile on my face. Hunter did have a one-track mind to be the best father he could be. At this point, it has become a fervent obsession of his, and I can't say I blame him. Other than his mother, he didn't have the best role model.

Hudson's belly starts to glow brightly, and she giggles, "I love you too! I will be seeing you sooner than you think! But you have to wait for the healing waters, okay? I'm going to train! Bye!"

I blink as she skips away but then pauses and turns back with a quick wave and silly grin on her face, "Oh, hi Queen Mommy, other daddies, and uncles. Okay, bye."

I stare after her, eyes wide, and clear my throat, "did she say soon? What is soon?"

"What healing waters?" Ryder questions.

Hudson sighs and rubs her head, "At this point, I don't even think it matters. We are just going to have to roll with it. Fortunately, I'm shaped like a sexy beach ball. Rolling will be easy." She chuckles and moves to walk away but then freezes, her face suddenly blank, and then a voice echoes through all of our heads.

Fucking, wonderful.

* * *

Hudson

I freeze in place, the air around me growing warm as if I'm being enveloped in a giant pair of arms. A soft familiar voice echoes through my head.Gaia.

My beautiful Hudson. I have sensed a disturbance in the force.Gaia chuckles, and I roll my eyes at her attempt to make a joke.I happen to think I am quite funny, but we have no time to discuss that. I am aware the growth of the babies has surpassed expectations. The time is drawing ever near, and you will need to fully prepare for the challenges that you will face. Much like the Dragons who have gifted you with their powers, I, too, gift you a weapon. One that will aid you, guide you in battle and protect your soul and your physical body. It will help calm your mind in times of great strife, although it will not replace the need for you to seek help for your mental health. Lirael has extensive training and will be there to help you.

---