Page 62 of Warwick

My mate shrugged. “It’s pink, Warwick. Not red. Not open. Pink. And barely pink.”

He was right. I knew this. “Any contractions?”

“No. Nothing. The babies are moving a little, but they’re out of room, I think.” Cecil rubbed his stomach. It was stretched farther than I thought was possible, but he’d had a fairly easy pregnancy from what I’d heard.

“That’s all good news, then,” I said. “Did you wish to stay for a while longer?” I asked Lev.

“I’ll go since you’re home with him.”

“You don’t have to leave. You are more than welcome to stay,” I said, trying to reassure Lev.

“I know, but the two of you have so little time left where it’s just the two of you. I’m going to go.”

I nodded. “Let me take you. It’s about to snow, and from the looks of the clouds, I’d say it’s not going to be light.”

Lev shook his head. He grabbed his coat and was pulling it on as he opened the door. When he did, we were all met with a wall of white.

“Umm…” Cecil said.

Lev turned back around and gave me a stressed-looking smile.

I chuckled. “Where to? Your house or the council?”

“Home. Vitomir will be happier with me there despite him being at the council.”

I nodded. Lev pulled Cecil in for a hug. “Be sure to call me and let me know when the babies are born.”

“I will. We’ve been over this. I want you here when they’re born. I’ll send Warwick to get you.”

Lev kissed Cecil on the side of his head. “You don’t have to do that, but I’m happy to be here to help you in any way possible.” He hugged Cecil again before he looked up at me. “I’m ready.”

“Be right back,” I told Cecil.

My mate grinned. I touched Lev’s shoulder, and seconds later, we were standing in front of his house. I helped Lev get the few steps to his door, and when he opened it, in we went. Lev pushed the door shut behind us, which was a bit of a surprise. I figured I’d leave immediately.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. He’s fine. Tired, but that’s to be expected. His parents were sentenced this morning. I don’t know if you knew or not. That’s why Vitomir is at the council.”

I shook my head. “No, I’d not heard.” I waited a moment. “And?”

“They’re doing twenty years at the detainment facility.” Lev sighed. “I love my children, grandchildren, and all of the greats that have come after. We’ve lost some, and it was heartbreaking. But having one purposely hurt their own child is a different kind of pain.”

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“It’s nothing you did. But I appreciate the sentiment. Take care of Cecil.”

“I will. We have a movie marathon planned, and that’s about it.”

“That sounds like something he would love. And lo mein. He was craving it earlier.”

I chuckled. “Then lo mein it is.” I’d had more Chinese food in the short time I’d been mated to Cecil than I’d had in the previous decade. It truly was my mate’s favorite, and he could and would eat it several times a week. I had no issues with that. There was a large variety of foods to be had, and I was happy to sample them all. “Anything else?”

“No. He’s in a good mood. But he does seem to be slowing down a bit. He tires easily.”

“I’ve noticed that over the last couple of days. But I would think having a pregnancy belly to carry around in your midsection would do that.”

“Yes. Take care of him.”

---