Page 68 of The Magic of Eternity
“We’re about to become fathers,” I whispered, my words just for him.
“I can’t believe this is happening. Like, it’s really happening, Fish. I’m fucking terrified.”
I laughed. “The man who knows no fear is scared of a couple tiny baby girls?”
He gave me a scowl. “I may not know anything about babies... or girls, for that matter. But something tells me that these two will be most dangerous at their tiniest. That’s when they’ll make me their slave for life.”
“Well.” I squeezed his hand. “You’ll have five other ‘slaves’ to commiserate with. We’ll all be under their spell soon enough.”
Bram stepped up to the circle, completing it. “Plan is to get dressed and the moment Balor arrives, I’ll open the portal and we’ll go. When I retrieved Balor, I sent word to Khol so I think he’ll be waiting for us.” He inhaled deeply. “Right then. Here we go.”
The room spun away and we landed back in Bram’s massive bedroom. Kai and Faris hustled to grab Saige something to wear and a loud knock pounded on the door. “Where is my daughter?!” Khol boomed, his knocking sounding more like full body slams.
“Fuck’s sake,” Sloane cursed, disappearing from our room to answer the door.
“Here, Cub. This should be comfortable. I know how you love nightgowns,” Kai spoke sweetly, slipping a soft cotton nightdress over her head. She’d tucked her wings and tail away so it easily fell over her body.
She smiled. “Thank you, Kai.” My adrenaline kept spiking through me while I moved through the room, gathering up clothes to wear.
Khol barged into the room, and I covered my dick. “Are you out of your mind? She was just naked two seconds ago!”
He didn’t even glance my way as he charged to the bed, dropping to his knees and taking her hand. “Wild one. I was told it’s time. Is it?”
“Yeah, it’s time.” She smiled wide and Khol sucked in a harsh breath, dropping his face to his hand. I still couldn’t get a read on his emotions, but I didn’t need to have my magic to do that. This man was proud. He loved his daughter fiercely. He was, in this moment, complete.
Saige’s eyes glistened as Khol stayed kneeling before her. “I’m so proud of you, my brave daughter. The stars truly blessed me the day they gifted me you.” He stood and took a step back, but Saige rose from her seat on the bed and threw her arms around him. Khol’s eyes were wide as dinner plates but his entire posture quickly melted into contentment. I was sure I wasn’t the only one who saw the lone tear that slipped down his cheek.
“I love you, Dad,” Saige proclaimed, and he released her, pulling back to look at her face. All of us were shamelessly watching our mate have this moment with her father.
“What did you say?” Khol gasped, and I sucked in air as a bolt of pure happiness radiated from him. It was the first time I’d ever picked up on anything from him, and it was overwhelming. Saige was feeling loved and protected by her father, and he was beyond happy. They were staring at each other in a way that made it hard to believe they’d only known each other for a few short months.
“I said I love you,” she repeated with a sniffle.
Khol’s bottom lip trembled. “After that.”
She beamed at him. “Dad. I said, I love you, Dad.”
Khol’s mouth opened to speak, but nothing came out. Saige hugged him again, giving him time to get ahold of himself. “I love you so much, my wild girl. You’re beautiful, brave, and strong. Thank you for letting me earn your love and trust. I’m going to stay here in Besmet and set things up. Vaeryn and Emrys have agreed to help. If anything changes, I’ll send word. Have someone come tell me when the babies arrive? I’ll come for a quick visit.”
We were ready to go. Balor would be here any moment.
“What do you want me to tell Miranda?” Saige asked, lifting a brow.
Khol grinned. “Tell her what I wish to say to her isn’t appropriate for my daughter’s ears.”
“Oh gods, gross.” Saige gagged, and we all laughed just as Balor popped into the room.
“Tell her and Annie that I miss them both, and I’ll see them very soon.” He kissed her forehead and ushered her over to us before meeting each of our eyes. “Take care of my daughter and my granddaughters. I’ve never met a more loyal group of men in my existence and I am happy to call each of you family. Safe travels. Enjoy this moment.”
He didn’t have to say why he wanted us to enjoy it. We all knew it was because it had been stolen from him. Not only had he missed the birth of his baby, he’d missed her entire childhood. As I looked around at my brothers, I knew there wasn’t a chance in hell that any of us would ever take this for granted. Bram cast his palm out against the spacious stone wall and the portal burst into existence. Saige took the lead, stepping before our group and glancing back over her shoulder.
“It’s time to go back to Emerald Lakes. I’m going home.”
With a smile on her face, she disappeared and we followed.
We’d always follow.
“Listen to me, you fancy-dicked, knotted-up, breeder stallion sons of bitches!” Goldie growled as another contraction passed, allowing her to breathe air into her lungs. She’d used each chance for breath wisely, cursing all of us, but mainly Sloane and I for putting her in this condition.
