Page 170 of Heir of the Beast

He wanted to try out some new clothing and Apollo is such a great specimen. This man looks like every woman’s fantasy.

His glorious hair is tied back despite my wanting it down. Let me say this: When his hair is down, it gives me instant hot flashes. His dark eyes glitter down at me, his expression making my body tingle.

“And you, sir, look handsome,” I say, grinning up at him.

He rolls his eyes. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

I hit his arm and laugh. “Funny.”

Apollo winks at me. “How are you feeling?” His large hands smooth over my belly. “Is she kicking?”

“I am feeling good,” I say, and grab his hands to feel more toward the under part of my belly. “Here, do you feel it?”

Apollo looks down as he waits for a kick, then smiles at me. “She will be a feisty one, like her mother.”

I laugh as he leans down to kiss me, filling my heart. This past year has been bliss with him—he is truly an amazing man.

It took a little getting used to, living in a castle and being called the Queen of Garthorn. But my favorite thing about my new life is my family and friends, something that I have never had before.

I am gushing, feeling so lucky. I know it’s corny, mushy stuff, but I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him, to see our kids grow and thrive.

Though I am not sure what we will say when they ask us how we met. That might be our teensy-weensy little secret.

Tarren walks up to us and pats Apollo on the back, looking dashing as well. “I’ve just seen people with green skin, scared the hell out of me in the bathroom.”

Apollo raises an eyebrow. “My wife scared the hell out of me last night with green skin, in the bathroom.” He gives me a pointed look.

I roll my eyes. “It was a face mask.”

Laura grabs my arm and points into the Great Hall. “I see Pierce and Zora.”

I look through the throng of people and see Pierce in a white and blue tux and a Santa hat, looking perfect, laughing at what someone said. The life of the party.

We all walk into the hall and see a giant Christmas tree the size of a two-story building. It’s a breathtaking glittering blue and silver with tiny hints of purple. The festive music blares and laughter rings in the air.

A waiter came up to us in a white tux and a Santa hat. “Can I interest you in some of these?”

What’s ~these~?

We all lean over and look at the tray carrying what looks like baby poop on a cracker. I cover my nose, nausea swimming in my belly.

We all pass politely as I try to get my stomach under control. Apollo gives me a pitying look.

“There is lots of food over there that I can see. I’ll go and get you some,” he offers.

“No, I’m fine.”

Apollo shakes his head, a grin pulling at his mouth. “No way, Angel. I’ve seen you when you’re hungry and it scares me.”

Tarren is listening, and they both agree that the pregnant women need to gorge themselves, apparently. Laura shifts. “Let’s find a place to sit before my ankles swell.”

I nod, waddling over to a ton of beautiful tables with white glittering chairs. We find an empty table and sit, sighing with relief.

“Look at this place, it’s enormous!” I say, and laugh.

“Look at all of the hot people,” she says, looking around with a wide stare. “I wonder if all these people were once on missions.”

“I bet a lot of them were.”

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