Page 109 of Royal Bite

But there was one thing Hegna knew her mate wanted in life.

A child.

They’d spent plenty of time learning about each other’s pasts and what they wanted in the future. One of Stormey’s goals in life was to become a mother. Through all of the time that Stormey had spent at the orphanage, Maisie and Stormey had formed a bond. One that only a mother and daughter could share.

This was something that had been on Hegna’s mind for a while. She had wanted children, but she’d been busy protecting and fighting for her people. Now that she had a mate, it was time for her to think of the next generation. Her mate would make a wonderful mother, and this was something Hegna could give her.

She had spoken with Emily a week ago, and the adoption was already completed. It paid to be wealthy and the future queen of vampires. The human government had rushed everything though in record time.

Stormey had already begun tackling the adoption processes for all children across the country. It helped that Hegna was her mate and she had the backing of the royal family. Human government officials didn’t want to come under the radar of Hegna, her sisters, or the king and queen.

Hegna was just waiting for the perfect time to share the news.

Maisie was now a Riskel.

A princess.

“Come, Maisie.” Hegna held out her hand.

Maisie slipped her smaller one in hers and allowed her to lead her up the staircase. Hegna’s heart swelled with the thought that this girl was now her daughter. She had wanted to do something special, and now was the time. When they left the orphanage today, Maisie would be going home with them.

Emily’s gaze landed on Hegna and Maisie as they reached the final step.

“I see you found company.” Stormey spun around and smiled.

Maisie released Hegna’s hand and raced over to her. Stormey bent down and hugged the girl.

“Where have you been all day?” Stormey asked.

“Around.” Maisie shrugged. She glanced over at Hegna before standing to her full height. “Princess, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course you may.” Stormey bent down to Maisie’s level. She brushed off a piece of lint from Maisie’s shirt. “What is it, my dear?”

“Can we go to the kitchen and get ice cream?” Maisie asked.

They all laughed at her question.

“We will have to see if there is some ice cream here.” Stormey grinned. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to Maisie’s cheek. She stood back up and motioned to Emily. “I’m sure Miss Emily will know for certain.”

“I believe we have some in the deep freezer.” Emily laughed. She glanced at Hegna and gave her a nod. She was ready to share the secret as well as Hegna was.

“That won’t be necessary,” Hegna said.

All eyes turned to her. Stormey frowned at Hegna.

“Why not?” Stormey asked. She took Maisie’s hand in hers and pulled the girl close. “I’m sure a bite or two of ice cream won’t hurt me.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” She held back a grin at the frustrated look that appeared on her mate’s face. She walked over to stand before Stormey and Maisie. “I heard the chef at our castle has ten different kinds of homemade ice cream stored in the freezers.”

“Really?” Maisie shouted. She bounced around in place, excitement lining her face.

“What are you talking about, Hegna?” Stormey asked softly. She probably hadn’t realized that she nervously tugged at her bottom lip with her fang. It was a cute move she had come to do. “You want to take Maisie to the castle to visit?”

Hegna reached out and cupped Stormey’s cheek and shook her head.

“No, miere. I mean for us to take Maisie home with us because she’s ours.”

Stormey’s eyes filled with tears. She glanced down at Maisie whose mouth dropped open.