Page 127 of Queen of Spades

“I have a feeling I’m going to greatly regret this decision in a few hours,” Annika says, popping open the container of boneless buffalo wings. The spicy smell makes my nose wrinkle. “But this little guy is craving straight spice.”

“They're kinda making my eyes burn.” Kane takes a bite of one of the mozzarella sticks.

“Just wait until those hit her digestive tract.” Grady laughs, ducking out of the way as Ward slaps at his shoulder.

Annika grabs her fork with one hand and flips Grady off with the other. “I really do question why I put up with you at times. Then I remember how much I love your piercings.”

Grady laughs, swiping his long blond hair back from his face. “You can take advantage of them anytime.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “You know how hard the baby belly makes me.”

“Ugh, God, TMI,” Kate huffs, coming into our living room with her arms loaded down with bags. It really is mind-blowing seeing how similar she and Annika look. Although, I'm baffled how she got inside. I didn't hear her knock, and we just gathered the food from the delivery driver. “Vale is doing a little spring cleaning, and she asked me to drop off all of this shit.”

“Anywhere is fine,” Annika says around the bite of food she's chewing.

“Don't pop in unannounced, and you won't have to hear about our sexual escapades,” Kane deadpans, rolling his green eyes.

“Well, I'm not taking it all back.” Kate drops the bags on the living room floor. “And my trunk is full of baby seats and stuff. If you don't want it, you can return it. I'm not hurting her feelings.”

“Help Kate unload the car,” Annika says with a huff. “Ohmigod, I'm so excited to go through all of that stuff. I just got ridiculously happy for no reason.” She laughs. “Or that might be because these boneless wings are really hitting the spot.”

Kate snorts. “And this is why I'm still extremely grateful to be child free, but enjoy your wings. You deserve them.”

I snort and nod at Ward. “We'll help.”

“Thank you,” Annika mumbles without looking up from where she's dousing another boneless wing with ranch.

“I think I'm developing a fetish with watching her eat,” Grady says.

“Jesus Christ.” Kane snorts. “Wait for me. I'll help.”

Epilogue

Kane

Another Month Later

“She's definitely popping that kid out in the next twenty-four hours.” Grady rubs his back, grimacing.

“I heard that,” Annika snaps.

“Sorry, baby.” Grady shuffles over to her. She's got her arm linked with Ward’s as they shuffle around the house. “It's still true. Are you sure you don't want to head to the hospital?”

“Once they get regular, I will. For now, we suffer together at home because I'm more comfy here.” She releases Ward to wrap her arms around Grady's lower back as she wiggles her hips from side to side. “I’m okay. Giving birth is natural. Please don't stress.”

Grady gives a clipped nod, moving to rub her lower back instead. It's strange to pick up his emotions in the bond. Mostly because I've never picked up this particular feeling coming from him.

My head tilts as I try to analyze exactly what emotion that is.

It could be the throbbing pain of Annika's contraction ripping through the bond that has me taking a step back.

Or it could be Grady’s fear.

I honestly thought he was incapable of feeling it, but there it is, pulsing in the bond. His wide eyes meet mine as the contraction starts to lessen.

“They're coming every four to six minutes. It might be time to consider packing up the SUV,” Cas says, staring at his watch.

“The paper says they need to be at even intervals.” Annika groans, burying her face deeper into Grady's shirt.

“Then, we lie,” Grady says as I plant my hands next to his on Annika's lower back. “I'd like to see the doctor say something. I'll slit his throat.”

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