Page 80 of His Impossible Elf Mate
“Nonsense.”
“Then why do I feel nauseous?”
“Because you are pregnant, dear one. I also think the run through the woods after you had eaten a third hotdog was a bad idea.”
“Yes, you said.” Axel rolled his eyes, then laid a hand over his belly. His steps paused. “Will you still love me if I puke?”
“Even if it hits my boots. You know I like these boots.”
“Good.” Axel doubled over and threw up in a bush. I rubbed his back soothingly as he purged his stomach. “Yuck.”
“Better?”
He straightened and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, grimacing. “Is it bad I feel hungryagain?”
“Not at all. Why don’t we get you inside, get you a glass of water, then you can decide if you want me to head back for a slice of the red velvet cake I saw you eyeing?”
“That sounds amazing. I’ll apologize to our neighbor tomorrow.”
I waved a hand, using the soil to cover the mess. “No need, all fixed.”
His smile warmed my heart. Such a little thing pleased him so much. Axel was so easy to be around.
We weren’t far from the house, so it took only a few minutes to get Axel settled on the sofa. He drank the glass of water obediently. I already knew I was going back for the cake. His wistful expression when we had been offered some to take home should have been a reminder to always take his favorite cake. It was foolish to leave without it.
“There’s a message on your phone.” Axel handed it to me. “You’re never going to get the hang of these things, are you?”
“I’m old, Axel.”
“Uh-huh. Teagan manages just fine. Aren’t you the same age?”
“Thereabouts.” I opened the message. “It was Mother sending her apologies for missing the funeral. She would have liked to attend, but parliament is in unrest over the revelations.”
“Will everything be okay?”
“It’s going to be a long road. We will get there.” Maybe it was wrong of me to be so dismissive, yet I struggled to have the mental energy for people who refused to believe the truth. My focus was on my mate and child. They were my priority.
“Now, you rest. I’ll be back with the cake soon.”
I kissed the tip of his nose before heading back to the gathering. Everywhere I went, people said hello and congratulations. It had only been a short time since I gained my shifter side, yet I felt more comfortable with shifters than I ever had with my own people.
Perhaps it was my royal duties which created a barrier, but here, in Sweetwater, they treated me just the same as everyone else. I was just Teárlach, or better yet, Axel’s mate.
“Cake?” Winter asked when I approached the table where he was packing away the leftovers.
“How did you know?”
“Listen, I’ve worked for those boys for years. I know better than to not leave Axel a slice of his red velvet cake. I only made it for him. Oh, and Greyson. That kid would eat it all day if we let him!”
“Thank you, Winter.”
“You’re welcome. I’m so happy for you and Axel. A mate and a kid wasn’t for me. I think I’m more like Chase than Axel, but I’m glad he got that. You’ve made him so… content, I guess. It’s good for him. You’re good for him.”
“I… I appreciate that. Axel… he’s such a gift. My life is so much fuller with him beside me.”
“Best get home to him with that cake.” Winter grinned knowingly.
“Yes, thank you for saving him some.”
