Page 60 of Orin

I shifted my gaze first to Olivia then back to the delicate and vulnerable youngling, feeling a lump in my throat. “She’s so small,” I choked out. “What if I end up hurting her?”

Grace extended the child again. “You won’t. Babies are pretty resilient anyway.” She grinned at me.

Carefully, I took the small bundle from Queen Grace and cradled her against me. The baby’s body was slightly larger than my hand.

She smelled like Olivia and a mix of her own unique scent. The sight of the small face gazing back at me filled me with wonder. My heart felt lighter.

The little one emitted a gentle noise that filled me with joy, and I touched her tiny hand with my fingertip. My heart softened further when she clutched it, filling me with love and making me smile.

Olivia chuckled. “You’ve got what it takes to be a brilliant father.” Her voice exuded a sense of pride.

Instantly, any lingering doubts inside me vanished as I sensed the sincerity behind her words.

Grace’s voice interrupted. “What will you call her?” she asked.

Olivia responded. “We are naming her after Orin’s mother. Nala.” Her eyes met mine. We hadn’t spoken about what the youngling would be called. It meant a lot to me she chose my mother’s name. I sent her my emotions and thoughts. ‘Thank you.’

“You don’t mind, do you?” she asked.

I shook my head and with tenderness, handed the newborn to her mother, giving them both a kiss on the cheek.

“I will always love and protect you both.”

Olivia placed her hand on my cheek, cupping it. “You will always have our love, too. I can’t wait to have more babies with you. We’re bound to make some badass warriors just like their father.” Her eyes sparkled, and I couldn’t help but wish for the same.

27

Olivia

OLIVIA SIX WEEKS LATER

The apartment was the cleanest it had been since Nala was born. Fresh flowers filled vases, pillows had been fluffed by staff, and delectable foods would soon fill the dining table.

What was supposed to be a simple evening with Trex and Grace turned into something more. She was now calling it a housewarming party, although Orin and I had been living together for a couple of cycles.

“You don’t have to do this.” I insisted. “It’s unnecessary, really.”

Grace waved her hands. “Please allow me to do this. It means a lot to me. You and Orin are happy. Who wouldn't want to meet Nala? Babies are a big deal here. Even if she is human. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a housewarming party? It will be fun.”

“The guys don’t even know what a housewarming party is.” When I mentioned it to Orin, he didn’t understand why there would be a party to warm our house. I giggled, recalling the adorable look on my mate’s face when I mentioned it.

He’d become a doting father to Nala and was even more attentive to my needs now than ever.

We had not had intercourse since the baby was born, but that didn’t stop us from pleasuring one another in other ways. Orin had become an expert in knowing his way around my body. I couldn’t wait to resume our sex life in full again. Especially now that I didn’t have an enormous belly in the way.

Since Grace’s pregnancy began showing, she’d been nesting like crazy and part of that process was helping me with anything she could. It was nice having her help out with Nala, and she enjoyed being an aunt.

“Do you want me to invite your kitchen friend?” Grace asked, tapping something into the electronic tablet she was holding.

My brows pinched. “Clor? I haven’t spoken to him in ages. Not since he came by to congratulate me and Orin on the birth of Nala. I don’t know if Orin would be happy about him being here, but....”

Grace sighed. “Fine, I’ll check with Orin. I am sure it will be okay. You should know Orin’s asked me to invite his sister, Latza and her mate.”

There was a knot of anxiety at the thought of finally meeting Orin’s sister. She’d sent along packages for me and the baby and Orin reassured me she was excited to meet me, but still. She was his only family and her opinion of me mattered to me.

“Okay,” I said.

Grace grinned at me. “I’ve spoken to her. She’s quite nice. I can see why you were jealous of her. She is beautiful.”

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