Page 27 of The Mating Claim

His nose wrinkled as he sipped. “Tomatojuice?”

A flush tinted her cheeks. “I was trying for a Bloody Mary.” She bit her lip as he sipped again and made aface.

Tristan tried to cheer her. “Not a problem, my love. At least it wasn’t blood and you did not mistake me for avampire.”

Niki flashed her wolf fangs at him. Dear goddess, he loved it when she didthat.

“Later,” he said huskily. “When our children are asleep for thenight.”

She stared at her hands, as if willing them into claws. “I wish using my new powers was as easy for me as it is to turnwolf.”

He snapped his fingers and the drink became ale again. “You are still learning, my love. Mistakes will be made and that is why as much as I know you would protect our children with the fierceness of your wolf, they are stillvulnerable.”

“Even so, our children have their own powers. They are as immortal as you and I, and they have powerful magick, even if they have not shown ityet.”

And there was the true heart of his worry. He should tell her what he’d discovered earlier this week while talking with Danu about Drust’sprogress.

Tristan had made it a point to always try to be as honest as possible with his mate, especially regarding theirchildren.

“Do you remember what the goddess told you, Niki, when you made the decision to become immortal and live here withme?”

She nodded. “Danu said I was carrying aboy.

Niki recited Danu’s words. “It is a he, as Tristan predicted. And rest assured, he will be fine, though both of you will have your hands full in dealing with an immortal child who has powerfulmagick.”

Ah, the goddess who never told him fully what to expect and always kept him guessing. “She did not tell us that you would birth twins. Because Keegan was conceived when I temporarily lost my powers here to beget him, and Kara was conceived shortly after, when I regained my wizardpowers.”

Niki shook her head. “Inconceivable.”

As she giggled, he groaned. “No more watchingThePrincess Bride. I swear, you can quote that movie line for line. I suppose I should count myself fortunate you did not name our little girlButtercup.”

Her smile faded. “I suppose it is possible to conceive twins on different days. They look identical but there are differences. But what is your exactpoint?”

He arched a brow. “Do you remember how I gave you all my wizard powers to save yourlife?”

“Of course.” Her expression softened. “You sacrificed yourself for me, and for ourson.’

“And after my fellow wizards gave me the potion to restore me, you and I were equals in power. And then we made love.” He grinned with the memory as she blushed. “Forhours.”

“I remember,” she said, blushingharder.

Then her eyes widened as if she realized the implications. “You mean the immortal child we will have our hands full in dealing with is… Kara? She has your powers? And my newones?”

“And Keegan does not. Though I am sure when he comes of age he will have much magick of his own, because of hislinage.”

“This is all so… strange and wonderful. And scary.” Worry clouded her gaze. “Tristan, we have our hands full all right. Two children, one with enormous wizard powers and one who will be an immortalLupine.”

“Which makes Keegan vulnerable on earth to myenemies.”

He’d hoped that would convince her to delay her visit. But Niki’s expression turned into that stubborn one he knew well. “All the same, I can protect our babies. And so will Aiden andNia.”

Tristan sighed. “But I can’t help but worry, Niki. Can you not wait and visit later, when I can be with you and the twins? It’s my busy season. I have packs of horny and stubborn shifters to dealwith.”

Her large blue gaze grew woebegone. “I suppose, if it makes youhappy.”

In making him happy, it would make her unhappy. Tristan made a snap decision, one he knew would rest in his favor, for he had a plan. “Let the twinsdecide.”

Niki blinked. “Our children, who barely speak? You want them todecide?”