Page 61 of Orin

“Thanks for that,” I said wryly.

My friend shrugged and a sheepish expression crossed her face, as if the realization of what she had said had just dawned on her. She reached over and squeezed my hand. “So are you, of course.”

I shook my head. “I’m not really, but it’s fine.”

Just then, Orin entered the apartment, accompanied by Trex. Our mates smiled at us as they strolled over to the table.

Orin kissed the top of my head and smoothed my hair.

“Tell Grace we don’t need a housewarming party,” I said, angling my head to look up at him.

His brows lifted. “Why not? I’m curious about this human custom. And besides, Latza and her mate are coming. She can’t wait to meet you.” He finished with a smile.

“Traitor,” I teased, pouting.

Trex chose that moment to pipe up. “I’m also curious about this house party. It’s not a custom here to celebrate moving into new accommodations.”

“It looks like I’m outvoted.” I eyed Grace. “Don’t throw me a baby shower, though. It’s too late for that.... I mean it.”

Grace laughed.

Our mate’s looked at us, stunned.

Trex piped. “What is this baby shower? Is there to be an audience at the offsprings first cleansing? Will our youngling require this?”

It was my turn to laugh as Grace responded. “It’s a party to celebrate the birth of a baby. There is no showering involved. I promise.” She looked up at her mate with a sly grin.

The intensity of Trex's stare at Grace sent a wave of heat through the air. It was apparent they were engaged in a secret telepathic conversation. To avoid feeling awkward, I shifted my focus elsewhere.

Orin gave me a sympathetic look. “An offspring party is unnecessary.”

Grace’s hands went up. “Fine. I wasn’t going to throw a baby shower for Olivia, anyway. But I might for my own.” She patted her small baby bump.

Trex leaned down and kissed Grace on the cheek. “Our younglings will have anything they desire...just like my Queen.” She beamed at Trex and they once again got lost in each other’s gaze and began to kiss.

Orin and I shared a grin and waited for them to rejoin us. They stopped kissing and looked at us unabashedly. Grace picked up her tablet. “We’ll see you after the last meal.” Trex puthis arm around her and the pair left the apartment. Orin held me and we kissed. “Do we have time for anapwhile Nala is resting?” he grinned.

I nodded and took his hand to pull him to the bedroom.

THE DOOR CHIMED, ANDOrin answered. It was Clor stopping by to deliver a gift. I was glad that Orin didn’t make things difficult and instead accepted it with grace. He didn’t invite Clor to stay and visit, however.

I waltzed over to the door and slid an arm around Orin’s waist.

“Is it true that more humans have arrived?” Clor asked from the doorway.

I cast a quick glance at Orin, then answered, grinning. “Yes. Many will be staying at the palace.”

Clor’s face lit up.

“You may be lucky and find your mate among them,” I said.

“Good. I look forward to serving them.” He waved goodbye moments later, his step a little lighter than before.

“He deserves to be happy. I hope he meets his K’sha among the new humans,” I said as we walked over to sit down.

Orin grunted. “There will be thousands of males wishing the same thing.”

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.” I shrugged, then leaned my head against Orin’s shoulder.

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