Page 32 of Boss Level

“I have something for the baby,” I say, as I step in front of them. Cato looks up right away, as I hold the nest out to him.

I used different things to make it. A shirt belonging to Moon that I tore up, pebbles, and leaves. Things that will support the egg as it grows.

“Oh, Silas!” Moon's eyes light up as she looks at it.

“There's also a bit of my magic infused into the pebbles. No one will be able to get near it without feeling extreme fear. Well, no one except us, of course,” I explain, as I sit beside Moon on the other side.

“That's very thoughtful.” Moon smiles softly, leaning her body into me, and sighing.

“I also have this.” I hold up the arm cuff. It's shaped like a snake. “I used my magic to make the translucent shell. My blood is visible inside the center.”

“Oh, I love it!” Moon slides it up her arm until it settles over her mid-bicep.

“I'm glad. My scent and magic will work to protect you whenever I'm not near you,” I explain. The need to keep her safe runs deep. “I love you, Moon. More than anything.”

“I love you too, Silas.”

Daire

I’m nervous about giving Moon her gift. It’s not as extravagant as a crown, or as personal as Odas’s oath. But, it’s all I have.

She finds me, maybe sensing that I’m nervous. I smile when she slides into my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“Hi, mate,” Moon says, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“Hi, Moonlight.” I can't resist wrapping my arms around her, holding her tightly to me.

“You look like you’re worried about something. Are you okay?” Moon asks, snuggling into me.

“I’m nervous,” I admit. “I have something for you.” Taking a breath, I pull it from my pocket. The locket hangs from a gold chain, and I pop it open, revealing the pictures inside. One is of her and I, and the other is of her egg. “When the baby is here, you can swap the images.” Moon takes the locket from me and inspects the images. While she looks at them, I press my lips to her temple, kissing her.

She smells so good. I want a taste of her blood. I always do.

“This is perfect, Daire. Why were you nervous to give this to me?”

“I don’t know. I thought maybe it wasn’t enough. It’s not your name over my heart…” I sigh.

“No, it’s not. But that wouldn’t be like you. This is. I love it. Help me put it on.”

I help her put it on while she lifts her hair. Once it settles around her neck, she rests her hand over it and leans back into me.

“How did you get this picture?” she asks, and I chuckle.

“Magic.”

“Ah, that explains it, because I don’t remember taking one.”

“I have my ways,” I say, before pressing another kiss to her head. “I want you to know that I love you with all that I am, Moonlight.”

“I love you too, Daire.”

Fen

Everyone has given Moon their gifts, and when she climbs off Daire’s lap, I know I’m the last one left.

My nerves get the best of me, and I make my way over to her quickly. I scoop her up into my arms, and hug her, spinning her around. I can’t help myself. She makes me so happy.

“I love you. I adore you. I worship you!” I tell her, before kissing her neck. “I wasn’t sure what to give you. I don’t have much. I never have. Before you, I couldn’t even touch anyone. If I had never met you, I probably never would have learned the truth.”

---