Page 122 of Alpha Dragon's Mating Contract
“Geck—” The dragon shifter spluttered. “Fuck off, two-bit magician!”
“Still cooler than a gecko,” Uriel called over his shoulder.
Bruiser snarled. Uriel ignored him and kept on walking, triumph roaring in his chest.
Two blocks down, he passed a dark alley. In it were two large figures with their heads bent together.
“I’m not doing this, Mr. Hindy-wip! It’s too dangerous!”
The other man growled. “My name is Larei Hindewippe. Fucking remember that, and remember you owe me. I want the opening hours of this place, and I want details on their security system.”
Uriel suppressed his twitch. Something about those words sounded familiar.
He was about to listen for more, when a hungry cry came from his baby carrier.
The men in the alley shut up immediately. Uriel felt the sharp prickle of their attention.
Crap!
Nefarious burglary plans could easily become nefarious baby-stealing plans, if he gave them the chance.
He gathered his magic and whispered a presence-erasing spell, hurrying away as quickly as he could.
30
WALREN’S REVELATION
“Is it me,or is your baby bump bigger than it was yesterday?” Raptor crooned, sneaking his hand around Walren to cup his belly.
Walren glanced at the kitchen staff who were not-so-discreetly watching them, grins on their faces. His own face burned. “Rap! Not in front of everybody!”
“Ohhh? Why not?” Raptor crowded close, covering Walren’s belly with both hands. “Everyone can see your lil bump! And since they know what you look like when your belly is stuffed, this is different.”
Walren lifted the hood of his hoodie, trying to hide from them. “Why do you have to phrase it like that? It sounds so... so...”
“So...?” Raptor grinned and watched him patiently. “I meant you with your belly stuffed withfood.What did you think I meant?”
Walren burrowed further into his hood, groaning.
“Awww, you’re so shy. You don’t have to be shy in here!” Raptor gestured at the kitchen staff. “They’re all our friends.”
“He’s right,” Big Bob said, waving his spatula. “You’re one of us, Walren.”
Rainbow Catz hooted in front of the stove, and Strongarm Jill waved her knife. Flappy Pete nodded and stirred the noodles enthusiastically; he preferred not to speak at all.
Walren’s heart swelled, his face growing warmer.
“See? They’ll all love you no matter how big your belly is,” Raptor rumbled. He rubbed Walren’s belly and showered his neck with kisses.
“You’re all... really great,” Walren admitted.
He was met with grins all around.
Jill turned suddenly, her gaze snapping toward the back of the restaurant. “Boss.”
Raptor’s eyes sharpened. “What is it?”
“Loud footsteps. Fast. Someone’s running closer. I don’t know if they’re coming here.”
