Page 24 of Boss Level

“We started cleaning you up, but your body temperature got so high that only Lust and I could handle it,” Cato explains.

“The rest of us can tolerate it, but it’s uncomfortable,” Crow grumbles, and I smile gently.

“But we’re all here for you, Badger,” Tristan says encouragingly.

“For this moment,” Arlo adds.

“What?” I ask again, not fully understanding what's going on.

“It’s been five days, Moonlight. It’s time,” Cato says in a tone I can’t fully decipher. Excitement maybe? Maybe a little fear.

“Okay,” I nod. “Will it hurt?” I ask hesitantly, not exactly a fan of pain.

“I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think so. Our collective, um, cum, should have eased the worst of your cramping.” Cato blushes, and I nod.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

Cato

Lust holds one of our mate’s legs, while I hold the other. The water is so hot that it’s nearly boiling. Normally I’d be worried about Moon’s skin, but it seems the little Dragon is keeping Moon safe.

I’m going to be a father. Someday, but until then, this egg will be mine to protect.

I place my free hand over the scale protecting Moon’s heart.

“I promise to protect this child until my last breath. I vow my heart and loyalty to you, for all time. I am yours now and until my Dragon takes flight for the last time, and then I will be yours in death.” The light glow under my hand solidifies my vow, connecting my soul to hers.

Moon gasps, her eyes lighting up as she places her hand over mine.

“I am yours now and until the end of the universe. Forever,” Moon says, and a feeling I’ve never known before fills my heart. Her vow wraps around my soul and strengthens me. Safety. Pure love. Devotion.

“It’s time,” I whisper, removing my hand and lowering it into the water. I place my hand over her lower stomach and close my eyes.

I’ve never been so happy, and so terrified, in my entire life. The confusing combination sets my soul ablaze.

Moon

“One more push, Moon,” Cato whispers, and I shake my head. I’ve been pushing…the cramping returned, but it felt different this time. Like when I have my period. I’m starting to panic.

“What am I doing wrong? Is the egg okay?” I ask, a tear falling down my cheek. Lust has held me the entire time, while all of my men have offered encouraging words.

“One more, Moonlight. One last push.” Cato meets my eyes and nods. I bite my lip, never looking away, and push. I hold my breath and push again. My mate continues to nod encouragingly while glancing back and forth between where his hand rests and my eyes.

With one last desperate gasp, I push again and feel it. The moment the egg is free.

“Let me see it,” I cry, gasping for air, needing to make sure it’s okay. I sit up, ignoring the ache between my legs. Lust helps me, and I watch, eyes wide, as Cato slowly lifts his hands out of the water and I see the expression of awe on his face.

The egg has a pearl-like quality, with black and red scales covering it. Cato cradles it in his two hands so carefully, but I frown.

“That is much larger than a chicken egg,” I grumble. “It’s closer to an oval-shaped softball.” I lift a brow to Cato, and he winces.

“I was guessing. I’ve never actually seen one.”

I hold my hands out, palms up. “Can I?” I ask, and Cato nods.

“Of course. Always. This is your child, Moon.” Cato hands me the egg, and I’m surprised by how hot it is to the touch, but the temperature doesn’t bother me like I imagined it normally should.

“You did so well, Moonlight,” Arlo whispers, coming over to caress my head.

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