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“Oh. Well, I mean our contract was almost done.”

“And mine was waiting a moment later.”

“You didn’t mention it.”

“I have seen how fast you can run.”

She snickered. “You are pretty spry, though. I could have done without you hanging me up by my ankle.”

He chuckled. “It was an interesting view.”

She snorted and saw his residence down below. He banked, and she clutched at the items sent by Ranna and Horib. He landed in front of his home, and she blinked as she saw his staff staring at them.

“What did you do?” She looked at him.

“This is proper for my mate and breeder.”

She winced. “I was going to mention it, I swear.”

“When?”

“End of first trimester?”

He snorted and walked toward the crowd. “You and I are going to discuss this lack of pertinent information when we finish your welcome home party.” He crossed the entryway, and the staff followed them in.

Riley blinked. “My what?”

He walked to the ballroom. The lights blazed, and everyone she had hung out with in the past five years was in the space, and they all cheered when she was carried in.

Riley looked at Rath, and she burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and wailed.

The folks there were confused, and then Riley said out loud, between sobs, “I. Didn’t. Think. I. Would. Make. It. Home.”

She was surrounded by friends who touched her cheek, neck, or arms. Whatever they could reach to soothe her.

Ranna stepped up and said, “Of course you would make it home, silly, you are the mate of Rath.”

Ranna pressed a kiss to her temple. She whispered, “Can I call you mom now?”

Riley started laughing and turned to her. “Someone is. You are going to be Sissy Ranna sometime this year.”

Ranna grinned. “Really? Father, put her down, please.”

Rath’s voice was thick. “I think I just learned why she didn’t mention it to me. You wanted to tell Ranna first?”

Riley nodded.

He kissed her forehead, and she felt the psychic link snap into place. This was why the Sisters had a third eye tattooed on their forehead. It was their link to Rath and each other. Now Riley had the link to, even temporarily.

Riley looked to Rath. “Please set me on my feet. There are people here I need to hug.”

He sighed. “I suppose since I authorized this party, I should let you enjoy it.”

He slowly lowered her down his body and took her blanket and comfort objects. “Come to me when you are tired.”

“Yes, Lord Rath.” She smiled brightly then turned and hugged a surprised Ranna. “I got bigger.”

Ranna laughed and hugged her, swinging her around. “I swear, if he were in front of me, I would take his head off.”