Page 22 of Flying Blind

“I wasn’t... I didn’t...”

“Your temperature changed, Zara. That usually implies shock. When I talk about the babies, everyone wants to know my plans and dreams. I just want to get them out alive. Then, the guys have to deal with them.”

Zara asked, “Are you getting childcare?”

“I am not doing squat. Erol has hired a nanny, who is going to follow me around at home and lift and carry for me. Kratha. She’s a member of the Book Club. She has all the baby clothes washed and folded, the guys have designed their kids’ rooms, and the baby room is all settled.” Roane chuckled. “I think they are going to be surprised when the kids want to share a cot.”

Zara paused. “You sound like you are preparing not to be involved at all. How dangerous is this pregnancy.”

“Not a clue. Adil’s mother died the same day he was born. His father is paranoid about it, and that paranoia is rubbing off on me.” She smoothed her hand over her belly.

“Why do you keep rubbing your stomach?”

“Because they are kicking. A lot. Did you want to feel? This is a freebie I am offering. I could charge for it by now.”

“Yes, please.” Zara smiled and carefully touched the orb of her stomach. A strong strike from inside and then a flurry of others. “Oh, wow. I am amazed that you can sleep.”

“The guys are good about tiring me out.”

Zara moved her hands and said, “Where did you get this dress? The fabric is so soft.”

“My father-in-law provides it. I get care packages as the pregnancy goes on. Apparently, a comfortable mother makes for healthier babies or something.”

Zara spent a few minutes talking and trying to calm the babies. Finally, she sang a soft lullaby that worked on the mother rather than the babies. When the song ended, three men gathered around Roane, stroked her cheeks, and gave her soft kisses to wake her.

Zara got up as Roane was fussed over and struggled into more of a sitting position. The omega said, “Simon has trained her to go to sleep for certain voices. Apparently, yours is one of them.”

One of the alphas said, “It is because she falls asleep to the cut scenes for some of Antonio’s games, and you are the voice of them. She has strong associations.”

Zara paused. “My voice puts her to sleep?”

“Your voice as a lullaby puts her to sleep.” The other alpha chuckled. “It is hard to get her to relax, so we are working on audio cues. She’s susceptible to those.”

The omega got her sitting with her feet propped up. “She works too long and too hard. Any advantage we can get over our little dynamo is welcome.”

One of the alphas moved to massage her feet and ankles, and Zara asked, “May I touch the scales?”

Roane snorted. “Go nuts. I know you can’t see them, but they are black and purple and gold with red flashes.”

Zara reached out and touched the smooth, warm scales. She used her fingertips and traced around until she found the edge where scales and flesh collided. There was the whisper of delicate skin between, and Zara winced at how painful it had to have been to grow the scales gradually.

“Enjoy the cake, Roane. I am going to try playing darts. It always makes the new club members hit the floor.”

Roane laughed. “Have a lovely time, Zara. Thanks for the talk.”

“Stay well, and stay relaxed.”

Roane snorted. “That’s their job.”

The men muttered, kissed her, and left her on her throne. Luna came over and did a quick check. The rest of the party was in full swing. As baby showers went, it was a rager.

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