Page 82

Story: Cullen

“I have no idea. Cosmo—he’s the seer—he said that if the fae was infected, it would pass through all the fae. Like a virus.”

“Son, you must go to your omega. You cannot let the fae infect the Land of Summer.”

“You’re right.” He stuffed a bunch of cookies in his pocket, one in his mouth, and then gulped down his tea. “Thank you both.” He had to go, so he leaped back through the doorway, knowing his fathers would never be offended. He needed to see this fae for himself.

“Oh!” Cullen jumped when he came through, clutching the baby until he squeaked. “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry, love. I didn’t mean to. And I’m sorry I snapped at you. I was—” Orion took in a deep breath. “I couldn’t believe they’d taken that baby. That they were going to eat him.”

“Babe.” Cullen rose and put the baby on a blanket, then put the whole kit and kaboodle on the floor before coming to him to wrap both arms around him. “I’m sorry. It’s a whole different thing with vampires.”

“I—it is. I’ve seen neglected and forgotten babies. I’ve seen changelings that just weren’t going to work, or babies who got magically transported by accident. But never vampires. I’m so sorry.”

“I love you.” Cullen slipped his arms around Orion, and he soaked up the love and care.

“I love you too. I need to go see Corbin and the rescued fae. If he’s been bitten…”

Cullen pulled a face. “Let me take this one to Cosmo and Hawk, and I’ll go with you.”

“But you’re pregnant, love.” He didn’t want Cullen in danger.

“I’ll keep my distance, but there’s no way I’m letting you go over there alone. Even if Corbin is there.”

“I just want you to be safe.”

“Ditto.” Cullen stared him down, and he realized he wasn’t going to win this one.

“Okay.” He lifted the baby into his arms. “Let’s go.”

Cosmo met them out in the main hall, smiling. “I’ll take him. You two be careful. Tell Corbin that too.”

“We will.” Cullen beamed at his brother, but Orion could see his hands shaking a tiny bit.

“Come on, love,” Orion said. “The sooner we do this, the sooner we can settle and I can hold you.”

“Sounds good.” And hand in hand, they went off to Corbin’s house.

ChapterEighteen

Cullen looked at Corbin, who sat next to the bed holding the big fae man. He was so pale. Almost translucent, and his breathing was incredibly shallow. Dark, bruised-looking veins stood out under his skin, and he was tied to the bed with vines that had sprouted up magically out of the floor and surrounded the guy.

“What happened?”

“He tried to eat me,” Corbin said.

“What? Why didn’t you call for us?”

Corbin raised an eyebrow at him. “Hey, my preggers bro and my only recently no longer preggers bro! Come help me with this fae guy who’s turning into a vamp.”

“So he was bitten.” Orion moved forward to peer at the guy.

“Be careful, Orion,” Corbin said. “I wasn’t joking. He really did try to bite me. Thankfully right now, he’s super weak, but…”

“Look, the dads say he has maybe a day. Maybe two.”

Corbin scowled. “No. No, we’re going to figure out how to help him.”

Cullen moved up just enough to grab Orion’s shirt as he leaned over the guy and pull him back. “Sure. We’ll start research right away. And get Hawk to come help you watch him.”