Page 24

C adence leaned against Raek at Salat and Khytten s place.

They had invited them over every day and offered to host the hijacked omegas.

They were guests and babysitters until the details could be figured out.

The alphas weren t pleased by it, but they came by daily to make sure that none of the ladies had made a run for it.

Esme kept busy by teaching anyone who wanted to know how to work with the pole and the silks, and it kept everyone occupied with aching muscles and laughter for their antics.

When she got the message, On our way, Cadence sat up and started looking around.

Use the harmony to feel where the portal starts, Caddy, Raek murmured.

She sighed and sent out a soft pulse of her energy and saw them before they arrived. There.

Good. You are getting control of your activation.

Well, we do practice enough. She smiled.

Never enough.

Cadence put her hand over his on the baby bump. She patted his fingers. How long until you are back on call?

I am, unfortunately, nearly back in fighting condition. So, next week I will have to head into town to do a few shifts.

If Sarel agrees, can I go stay with Leska while you are working?

I suppose. You can ask her. She just walked in.

Maximus went crazy and bounded over to Leska. Leska was lovely in a soft and slinky dress with her marks out in the open.

Leska walked up to Cadence and said, So, eventful week.

Cadence looked at the small scales that made the bite marks very obvious. Are you happy?

Leska smiled. Getting there. I am drawing up budgets for Sarel s inventing, and he blows them out of the water, so that s fun. We will find something for me to do.

Sarel came up behind her. We will have to wait a few months for that. The island ladies want to carry her around for safety.

Raek asked, I thought you were sterile.

Apparently, I can t bear, but I can father with my adorably charming mate. Vinul will have to wait until next time.

Cadence blinked. They know so soon?

Leska covered her eyes. Vinul can taste it.

What?

He can taste me and Sarel. He didn t seem too upset about it.

How can you tell?

He started purring like a fiend and rubbing his face and body all over me. She smiled. It was a pretty unmissable signal. And then when Sarel found out, we didn t leave his bed for twenty hours, so he s pretty happy, and I have had a whole two days out of bed since you saw me last.

Cadence opened and closed her mouth, shrugging and saying, At least you got some rest?

Leska laughed and hugged her.

The baby started moving wildly, and Cadence put Leska s hand on it. Anytime you want, you can feel it.

Active little sucker.

Cadence chuckled. It has its own harmony. It s going to be very strong.

I am happy for you. Leska patted her belly and then squeezed her hand.

Sarel came and wrapped an arm around Leska, walking her toward Khytten. Excuse us, Cadence.

Cadence blinked as Leska was squired away.

Raek was talking with Vinul, so Cadence followed the two omegas over to where Khytten was waiting.

Sarel explained something, and Khytten beamed and took Leska s hand. Leska said something then Khytten grinned and sat, leaning against the table. Leska leaned in, and Cadence was surprised by her friend losing her inhibitions so quickly.

Leska wrapped an arm around Khytten and lifted her upward, causing her to flush and tremble.

When Leska lifted her head, Khytten was shaking. Leska buttoned the woman s dress, touching her cheek and asking questions. Cadence was stuck watching.

Khytten laughed, stood, and pressed her forehead to Leska s.

Salat claimed his wife, and they disappeared into the house.

Sarel spoke softly to Leska, and then he grinned at her before he kissed her.

Dr. Torenne walked up and touched Leska, and then she nodded with a smile. Sarel listened, and when the doctor walked away, he spun Leska in a circle.

Raek walked up to her and said, Cadence, your therapy appointment is in ten minutes. Come on. She will be here when you are done.

I just have to tell her. Cadence walked over to Leska and said, I will be back in an hour. I have to have family therapy with Arcady.

Leska smiled and touched her arm. Cadence felt the wave of luck moving through her.

Go, and remember, she was as trapped by her world as you were.

Your perspective was different, as was hers.

Most older sisters don t even acknowledge that their younger siblings are people.

And remember, she can t have kids. She has to use an incubator.

She hasn t developed empathy for the young yet.

How do you know that?

I paid attention at work. Now, go and try and find your sister under the bullshit.

Cadence smiled. Thanks. You always know the right thing to say.

And it s usually a curse word.

Raek nodded to Leska and wrapped his arms around Cadence. Off we go.

Cadence saw her friend smile and wave, and then they were back at the house. Raek set her up with a snack and a glass of water, and then he left her in front of the screen as Counsellor Rais appeared and Arcady took up the other side.

Ladies. Good afternoon. So, today we are going to be sharing childhood experiences. The counsellor smiled. Cadence, you will be going first.

Cadence sat back. Where would you like me to start?

Your first day of school, if you can remember it.

Cadence took a deep breath and started talking. It was going to be a long hour.

* * * *

L eska looked at Sarel . Do not tell Cadence how far along I am. She needs to be first sometimes, and this is one of those times.

I want to celebrate your pregnancy. He set his hand on the dome of her belly.

Yeah, well, Khytten got a little worked up and overshot the mark. She got me all the way to a safe zone. As in, I could go into labour today and this little girl would be fine with a little intervention.

According to Torenne, she was firmly at the twenty-six-week mark.

She stroked Sarel s cheek. We can celebrate at home.

I think we will visit my sister. I have gotten the word from the leader of the Sethir that you will be able to leave in perfect peace.

Leska looked at him. You are sure?

I am sure. Aluhara is a national treasure and cannot leave.

Ah. Sucks.

Yes. I was only allowed to leave when it was obvious that I would not be productive for the Sethir. He grimaced. That being said, do not stray too far from Vinul. He can protect us.

If I have to protect myself, I will. It will not be pretty.

He nodded. Riithan knows and understands.

That was surprising.

His mate is a seer and an omega. She understands. He looked at her. But we will have to arrange a new court dress for you. This look is exceptionally hot but not what is proper for the Sethir.

She looked down to where the gown was now stretched taut over her belly. Yeah, it s a little obvious.

He smiled and stroked a hand over where their daughter was moving lazily. It looks like Vinul won t have to wait as long as he thought.

She snorted. That is not why I did this.

No, but I am not surprised that Salat and Khytten are still MIA. It was interesting to watch.

She snorted. Thanks to the events of this week, my normal conservative nature has taken a bit of a hit.

He slid an arm around her waist. You don t say. Tell me more.

She laughed. I am going to see if I can do anything on the pole.

Like that?

Yeah, well, I can still teach.

You can. What else do you do for entertainment?

Oh, when Cadence writes songs, I sing the samples and then send them off.

You sing?

Oh, yeah. I have a great voice. She laughed. No false modesty here.

Why don t you sing professionally?

Because I am an accountant. She smiled. Singing is fun, and I don t want it to be work.

Wait, you sell them?

Sure. Cadence has been responsible for eight of the last ten number-one singles over the last few years. She has a lot of energy, and it comes out in the songs.

Vinal came over and wrapped his arms around her. Love the new curves. How far along are you?

Twenty-six weeks, according to the good doctor. Oh, that is why Salat and Khytten are missing. Torenne joined them.

Salat returned and was grinning, his teeth startlingly white in his dark features. Khytten is taking a... nap.

Sarel laughed. Yes, she looked like she wanted to be tired.

Salat grinned and said, Esme has been teaching us the aerial pole. She doesn t have your easy grace, but it has been a lot of fun. How long can we keep it?

Ask Zera. It was part of my contract for six months. Since my location has shifted, the contract is voided. She rubbed her stomach. I also don t foresee myself flying in the next six months. Not on the pole anyway. She grinned. The wings can still manifest.

Would you sing for us? Vinul rubbed his head against hers, scent-marking her again.

Sure. What would you like to hear?

Sarel said, Sethir-Nin lullabies?

Sure. I need to sit down, though. Khytten took all of my body fat and turned it into the baby. That was quite the shift.

Vinul picked her up, and she leaned her head against him, singing a soft and slow lullaby in a language that she could read but not speak. She could sing it, though.

Sarel blinked, and Vinul sniffled. My mom used to sing that to us.

I am sorry. Should I pick something different?

Sarel smiled. No. Please continue if you would. Your voice is amazing.

She sang a second song about mothers watching over babies when the night crept over them and the father keeping them all safe.

She was still singing when Tirra and Gorith pulled up, and her half sister hugged her and joined her song with one hand on Leska s belly. They sang, forehead to forehead, and the baby flipped slowly to the beat.

Tirra grinned. Finally, someone who has a chance to beat me at karaoke. And this little one has a cousin, and I think they will be adorable. Which one s the dad?

Sarel raised his hand. Unbelievably, me.

Oh, wow. What do you think, little boy or little girl?

Torenne says little girl.