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“They’re yummy snacks,” Corbin explained. “Not particularly nutritious.”

“I thought they were breakfast.”

“Careful, it’s hot.” Cullen handed him one when it came out of the microwave. “I’d wait a minute before eating it.”

“Okay…”

“They’re okay.” Cosmo handed him a second one. “I want some fruit. That smells bad.”

Hawk had eaten some truly awful things in the Middle Ages. This could hardly be worse. He tore one pastry open to look at the insides. Look at that. “So it’s like a sausage roll.”

Cosmo winced and backed away. “Yeah, no.”

Oh dear.

Hawk bit into it and chewed thoughtfully. A movie line spoken about a bug by a lion came to mind. “Slimy…”

“But ugh.” Corbin winked.

“I have had worse.” It honestly wasn’t bad. It wasn’tgood, but it wasn’t bad.

“It smells like death.” Cosmo was positively green.

“Oh, Cos, it’s not that bad.” Corbin chuckled. “I mean?—”

Cosmo bolted for the bathroom, and Hawk handed Cullen his extra pastry so he could wash his hands. “We should have waited to call your mother.”

“So, what part of this do you think made him urpy?” Corbin seemed more curious than concerned.

“The pregnant part.” Hawk chuckled. “There’s nothing wrong with it. But I can’t eat more if I want things like kisses.”

“Ew.” Cullen rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m not worried about that.”

Corbin rolled his eyes. “I was talking about feeding him like with food. Not kisses.”

Suddenly, there was an odd sound, like the echo left behind after a bell stopped ringing.

About the time that Hawk recognized that something was coming, a willowy, sharp-featured lady with skin as green as leaf hoppers floated into the room.

That must be the mom.

She looked at both of her sons, nodded without a word, and turned her attention to Hawk.

“So, you’re the one my son decided upon.” Her voice was surprisingly low, like two stones rubbing together. Fascinating. He’d expected light and airy, somehow.

“I am. He’s my mate. I’m so glad to meet you. I’m Hawk.”

“It suits you.” She offered him an arched eyebrow. “Calla of the Flower Mound. Pleased.” She held out one hand, and it was tiny but strong, and that reminded him of the triplets, all three of them.

He shook, careful not to squeeze too hard or to be too limp.

Honestly, he needed to check up on Cosmo. He needed to see how badly Cosmo felt, tell him that his mom was here already, because…

“Mom.” Cosmo stood there just as suddenly as his mother had arrived, pale face a little damp. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t feeling well.”

“It happens to the best of us.” She went over and kissed Cosmo’s cheek, laying one hand on his belly.

Hawk could hear the ringing of bells, feel a vast rush of power, enough that it made his toes curl.