“It’s beautiful,” Daire admires, smiling from his place on the bathroom sink.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Warrior is in awe, eyes wide and dazed.
“You’re so strong, my beautiful badger.” Tristan winks, looking relaxed and happy.
“You will be an amazing mother, Moonlight,” Lust whispers in my ear from where he leans over the back of the claw foot tub.
“Congratulations to all of us,” Odas murmurs, also looking a bit dazed as well.
“Don’t look so scared, brother. You raised me, and I turned out great,” Crow says to Kili, punching his brother's arm.
“I believe, even if we were all horrible fathers, Moon would be such a wonderful mother that the child would be lucky to have her,” Kili says.
“No. We’re the lucky ones,” I whisper, holding the egg close as I admire it. I’m already in love. I can’t explain it, but I know without a doubt, I’d burn the entire universe down for this little soul.
“We would all destroy the universe for the child, Moonlight,” Silas says, echoing my thoughts. Or did I say that out loud?
“Eleven fathers…at least one of us is bound to be decent,” Fen adds teasingly. “It’s incredible Moonlight. I love you.”
“I love you too. All of you,” I murmur above the steam as I cradle the egg closely to my heartbeat where Cato’s scale rests.
Moon
It’s been about fifteen hours since the bathtub egg laying… We’re headed to dinner to introduce my family to the little egg. I have a surprise for everyone as well. Hopefully, I don’t fuck it up.
“You ready?” Cato asks, and I look up at him, smiling.
“I think so,” I say, taking in the sight of him. He’s got his little egg carrier strapped to his body. He’s been burning hotter than he used to, but he explained that that's normal while he’s carrying the egg in his non-shifted form.
The connection between us has grown in a way that I had not expected. There’s a special bond we share because of the little egg, and I cannot wait to see where that leads us.
I’m nervous though. This will be the first time seeing everyone since we arrived here, and I’m a bit stressed about the entire thing.
How will they react to the egg? What is my father like? How are things between my mother and Steve? How’s Grams doing? Endless questions. The drop from hormones that have rushed through my body has made me emotional.
“Moon!” Grams jumps to her feet when we enter the dining room. I rush to hug her and allow her to squeeze me. “Well, let's see the babe!” she says as she pulls away from me.
Cato opens the carrier, allowing Grams to peek inside. The egg has stayed the same size so far, but is still just as beautiful as the first time I saw it.
“Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, Moonlight.” Grams beams at me as she pats my shoulder before turning around to take her seat back at the table.
“Moonlight,” my mother says as she walks over to us. A brilliant smile takes over her face as she pushes my hair over my shoulder and peers into the pouch. The rest of my men take their seats, leaving Cato and me to greet my parents. I notice Steve is here, sitting awkwardly beside my Grams. He’s staring at Fen. My Fae mate is pretending not to notice. I’ll fix that later.
“Fascinating,” the King says, leaning in to get a good look, but not touching it. Cato would probably eat his hand if he tried.
“Oh, Moon,” my mother says, tears filling her eyes. “I can’t wait to meet you, little Dragon,” she whispers, and I smile.
We take our seats after that. Eating and chatting. It’s not until after dessert that I stand to make my announcement with a flutter of nerves dancing in my stomach.
“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” I say, standing. Cato is on my right with one hand cradling the bottom of the pouch as Tristan sits on my left. Across from Cato, my mother sits with the King beside her at the head of the table. Grams is on her other side. “As you know, Cato can carry the egg for years before it hatches.”
Everyone nods.
“But I don’t want to wait years.” I turn to Cato. His eyes go wide, but he smiles hopefully.
“I have a question to ask you all,” I say, turning, so I can meet the eyes of each of my men. “Will you marry me?” We’re mated, and that's for life. There’s no breaking these bonds, but I know it’s important in most of our Realms. “In the Orc Realm,” I add, as I glance at Arlo and then Tristan.
“Yes.” Eleven voices blend together, filling the room, and I smile.