Page 39 of Princess

“No, I was joking.You think that’s what I should do?”I asked.

“I have no medical opinion one way or the other.So far, you and the baby are healthy.Tomorrow, I’ll take measurements again and do a vaginal exam.”

“Hopefully the Federation will attack in the next few hours and ruin your plans.”

He laughed.

I’d had to get over my aversion to a friend seeing parts of me that should stay hidden, but I was still uncomfortable.

Ruth stuck her head into the room.“Do you want to meet my baby brother?”

Chapter Sixteen

Marinah

“He’s precious,” I said, ignoring Beck’s glare.If I looked him in the eyes, Ms.Beast would take offense.I didn’t want K-5 to spike because Beck had a right to be angry.“Have you decided on a name?”I asked Missy.

“He,” she pointed to the scowling father, “doesn’t want a junior.I think we’ve decided on Barrett.”

Beck gave a solemn nod and said, “Barrett.”It was the first word he spoke since I entered the room.

I knew he needed time to get past his anger, and that wouldn’t happen with me here.

“I will take my leave,” I said.“If there is anything you need, Missy, just send word.”

She cast a furious glare at Beck.“Your frown had better turn upside down before she leaves this room,” she said like she was scolding a child.

He threw his hands into the air.“You should not have been on that flight, and you know it,” he said.

“Get over yourself.We’re fine, and you are being a jerk.”

“I’m leaving now,” I said, walking to the door.

“Beck,” Missy ground between her teeth.

He gave a heavy sigh.“Forgive me, my Queen.I’m grumpy because my mate took risks she shouldn’t have.”

“Understood,” I replied.“I’ll check in later this afternoon.”

I left quickly.

Ruth wasn’t in the hall, so I headed back to the training facility.Ruth, Julia, and Desmond were circling Togg with wooden knives, using the technique I’d seen at the airport and talking Ruth through it.Togg looked thrilled to play the hellhound, though thankfully he hadn’t shifted forms.For the majority of Shadow Warriors, gaining control of Beast after a shift took time, and the last thing we needed was an accident.

They took a break, and Desmond, who had noticed me, explained how they came up with the technique.

“We were getting attacked by hellhounds when we went out scavenging for food and other items.If it was a larger pack, we retreated before they saw us, but if it was only one or two, we engaged and discovered what worked best.It confuses the hounds.While they’re watching one of us, the others attack from different angles at different intervals.We haven’t lost anyone since we discovered how well it works.”

I walked forward.“Would you be willing to train us?I’m talking about Shadow Warriors and our human fighters?”

Desmond, who had donned his perpetual scowl, shrugged.

“If he won’t, I will,” said Julia.

“Could I speak with you and Desmond alone?”I asked.

“Sure.”Julia followed me to the office, and a reluctant Desmond came behind her.

“Our doctor, who is a Shadow Warrior, and his mate, who is one of our best medical assistants, would like to adopt a child.Due to their work schedule, they prefer one of the older children.”

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