Page 60 of Lycan King’s Claim (Lycan King’s Reign Duet #2)

NINE MONTHS LATER

T he sun pours its golden rays through the windows of our castle, dancing across the plush rugs and casting gentle patterns upon the walls. The cute sounds of Anna’s giggles echo throughout the corridors, mingled with the softer coos of our precious son Xan.

In his nursery, I delicately cradle Xan in my arms, watching as his tiny fingers clutch the pendant around my neck. His eyes, identical in hue to his father’s amber ones, sparkle with mischief as he looks up at me, a toothless grin forming on his pink lips.

"Looks like someone's in a good mood today," I whisper, planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

The door creaks open, and Anna bursts in, her raven curls bouncing with each enthusiastic step. “Mommy! I wanna play with baby Xan!” she exclaims, clapping her hands together.

Smiling, I adjust Xan in my arms, making room for Anna to sit beside us. “Gently now,” I caution her as she lovingly strokes her brother's cheek. Sometimes she forgets he can't play the way she does, so we need to keep an eye on her, she thinks she can dress him like her own personal dolly.

Behind her, Xandros appears, leaning against the doorway, his eyes filled with love and awe.

“Look at my beautiful family,” he murmurs, stepping into the room.

Anna instantly rushes to him, and he sweeps her up into his arms, tossing her in the air.

Her joyful laughter fills the air, a sound I’ve come to cherish more than any other.

Gently, Xandros sets her down and takes Xan from me, cradling him to his chest. "You, my little prince, are growing too fast," he murmurs, planting a soft kiss on Xan's forehead.

Anna, always eager to be involved, and eager for Xandros' attention, tugs at his shirt, pointing towards the castle gardens. "Picnic?" she asks hopefully.

Xandros glances at me, and I nod. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.” he glances at his watch, and I sigh while Anna noticing drops to her butt. "You have meetings?"

"Please, Daddy?" Xandros looks down at her, offering his hand, and her eyes light up excitedly. "Anything for you, princess," he tells her before looking at me.

"I can cancel them, or I can send Javier in my place. I rather spend the day with you and the kids," he tells me.

I take Xan from him, and he scoops Anna back up. "But first we need to find your shoes and get you out of your pajamas!" he tells her.

"Can we bring the kittens?" she asks.

"You can bring one kitten, one, Anna," Xandros warns her.

The morning sun bathes the castle gardens in a warm glow as we lay out a blanket, settling down amidst the colorful blossoms. Anna chatters away, replaying us with tales of her latest adventures with the castle’s kittens as she pulls them from the basket she made Xandros carry.

A feral cat had given birth in the barn, and she found them insisting she gets to keep them, much to Xandros' horror. Now we have seven kittens that have been driving him nuts.

"One…. two…" she begins to count out her kittens dropping them on the picnic blanket. Xandros shakes his head and I chuckle. All while Xan listens intently, his big eyes filled with wonder. "Where's sleepy?" Anna asks and Xandros leans forward, moving the blanket tucked in the basket.

"Sleeping as usual," he tells her, scooping the black kitten out. "Did you have to name them after the seven dwarfs, though that one's name seems quite fitting," Xandros tells her, handing her the kitten she takes with eager hands.

"Seven dwarfs, seven kittens," she puffs. I watch as Xandros sets up the lunch he brought, and I can't help but feel grateful for this moment. A peaceful day with my family was all I needed to keep me going through long days of ruling over our kingdom.

With the sun rising high above us, we enjoy sandwiches and juice while Anna giggles at her kitten's playful antics.

They were a handful indeed, but seeing her so happy made it worth it.

As Anna nuzzles the kitten, Xandros turns to me and takes my hand.

"While she is distracted, I want to talk to you about something," he says softly.

"What about?" I ask casually.

"I want another child," He tells me simply, his eyes not betraying any emotions or thoughts that might have crossed through him before, coming out with it so straightforwardly.

I take a sharp breath in and bite down on my lip before looking at him, Xan was barely 2 months old.

“One more?" he tells me while Anna tries to pet all her kittens.

My heart races in my chest as I feel his fingers lace with mine. "Just one?" he whispers and I chuckle.

"For someone so worried last time I got pregnant, you seem hell-bent on another already."

"I like you pregnant," he laughs softly.

"We'll talk about it tonight, for now, let's just have brunch," I tell him.

"I'm putting another baby in you," he tells me. I raise an eyebrow at him. "Just one," he adds, and I smile.

"Just one!"

"Unless it's twins," he laughs and I slap his arm.

"Don't jinx us, besides Xan is only two months old, we have plenty of time," I tell him.

"Time is not an issue, my love. We have eternity," he chuckles, I lean back against him watching Anna try to feed a kitten a piece of apple that it keeps turning its nose up at it.

It’s moments like these that I treasure the most—the peaceful simplicity of being with my family, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Xandros wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. “I still can’t believe how lucky we are,” he murmurs, his voice filled with gratitude.

I nod, snuggling closer to him.

As the sun reaches its highest point, and the heat of the day peaks, I close my eyes, breathing in the sweet scent of the flowers and the warmth of the moment.

As we finish up our food, Xan yawns loudly before snuggling into my arms. "Time for your nap," I tell him softly as he nods sleepily against me.

Anna takes that cue to gather their kittens back in their basket while Xandros cleans everything up effortlessly, and we head inside to get cleaned up.

I watch Anna holding her father's hand as they climb the stairs, realizing how great life is, surrounded by the love of my husband and our children. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace. I am eternally grateful for the blessings in my life, for I am finally home.

The end.