Page 17 of Beyond the Storm

“What do you mean?”

“You love me unconditionally.” His tender expression slammed into my chest. He lightly touched Sorin’s head. “You’re a wonderful father.”

“So are you.”

He smiled. “This is a life I never imagined for myself before meeting you. My existence was built around being a warrior. Then you came along and made me crave more.”

My throat constricted. “You made me crave more too.”

“You’re happy?” Warrin enclosed me in his arms, his big, warm body pressing to mine.

Spruce trees in winter. His scent wrapped around me just like his arms did. “More than I can even say.” The confession flared in my chest—warmed it. “Are you?”

“Yes.” His answer came instantly. “The fates have smiled down on me. You and Sorin are my whole world.”

I loved hearing those words. But not nearly as much as I loved the dragon who spoke them.

***

Queen Kira pecked kisses all over Sorin’s face, making him giggle. She slowly danced around the sitting room with him cradled in her arms and sang to him in Russian.

“Uh-oh,” Milena said. “Mom has baby fever.”

Milena was Warrin’s twenty-year-old niece. Also, the princess of the ice dragon kingdom. She was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. So to say King Nikolai doted on her would be an understatement. The girl could get away with murder.

“How could I not?” Kira beamed down at Sorin. “Babies are a precious gift, and this one is like a ray of sunshine.” She smoothed her fingers over his silver hair before giving him another kiss on the forehead. “Ah. I’ve missed this smell.”

“Hear that, Father?” Milena glanced at the king, who stood talking to my husband. “I guess another baby brother or sister is in my future.”

Nikolai laughed. “If your mother wishes for another baby, it may take a few tries, but I will do my best.”

“Sick.” Milena wrinkled her nose.

As the queen continued to dance and sing to Sorin, Envy moved restlessly in my chest.

“Return him to me,”Envy growled.

“He’s happy,”I countered. The proof of that came from the baby’s giggles and wide grins.

Another growl came from my sin. At least he adored Sorin. That had been an unexpected surprise. Envy was a total dick when anyone but me or Warrin held the baby. Armen was growing on him a little though.

Two males then entered the sitting room. Feliks, the crowned prince, and his brother, Kazimir, the second-born prince.

Feliks tossed me a smirk that I immediately wanted to smack off his arrogant face. His gaze then fell to Sorin. “Well, if it isn’t my little halfling cousin.”

My body heated as anger surged through my veins.

“Do not call him that,” Warrin snapped.

“You forgot to address me correctly, uncle.” Feliks’ smirk darkened. “I’m your prince. And last I checked, you are in no position to give me orders.”

“ButIam,” King Nikolai said, stepping toward his son. “I will not tolerate that level of disrespect.”

“Disrespect? I was only speaking the truth. He is half dragon, half Nephilim. He’s not purebred like us.” Feliks peered at me. “I’m sure you can relate to that, being half human. You and my uncle muddied our bloodline. How despicable.”

“Enough, Fe,” Kazimir told him in a harsh whisper, grabbing his brother’s arm.

Feliks jerked from his hold, keeping his eyes on me. Which was exactly why he didn’t see Warrin charging at him until it was too late.