Page 60 of Consort

I laugh. “Mother’s intuition, I guess. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am. Look at this huge belly,” I add. “I don’t think we’ll need to wait until he presents to know his designation.”

“Will you be okay with that?” he asks, giving me a concerned look. “If he’s an Alpha?”

“Not all Alphas are bad,” I say, trying to picture the pup as a fierce, powerful wolf. “They tend to follow the lead of their pack’s Prime. Our Prime is just messed up in the mind.”

I worry he’ll press for more about Bock, but the pup decides to wake up and give me a swift kick. I grunt from the pressure but can’t help but laugh at the lucky distraction.

“Well, good morning to you, too,” Durin tells my belly, rubbing the spot where the tiny foot tried to break through.

His smile quickly fades, and he grows serious. “By the timeour little one presents, he won’t have to hide. Or you. You’ll live in security, knowing that any fae who ever hated your kind will be dead.”

I should be excited and encouraged to hear how much we mean to him, but a stab of resentment takes the thrill away. I get that the realm needs him, but it’s dangerous. He should be here with us, not out there putting his life at risk. Why won’t fate just give up and let me be happy?

As if the pup shares my frustration, he begins a steady stream of kicks and pointy elbow jabs. I groan and press on my stomach, hoping to settle the little fighter down. Durin grins and follows the bumped-out places with his hands.

“You’re going to be a force, little flame,” Durin says. He looks proudly up at me. “Maybe he’ll have some of my magic. He responds to my heat.”

He’s right. Whenever Durin warms his hands on my belly, the pup always responds, gently pressing and wiggling inside. It’s a far cry from his angry outbursts when he’s uncomfortable. Or when I have hiccups, or sneeze, or sleep when he wants to be awake.

I love that Durin already has a nickname for our pup, but I think it’s time to choose a real one. “What do you think we should name him?” I ask.

Durin jerks his head at me in surprise. “You want my help picking a name?”

“Of course I do,” I say, wondering how he could possibly think otherwise. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re his father.”

He smiles, almost shyly, then says, “I have an idea. If you’ll consider it.”

I picture my father and fight off the bitterness that will likely never fade. I’m grateful Durin has a suggestion. There have been no close, honorable males in my life to name the pup after.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Do you remember the elf I told you about?” I nod, encouraging him to continue. “I couldn’t have found justice against Mitah if it wasn’t for him. And…” He leans in and gently kisses me on the forehead. “He’s the reason I met you.”

I don’t need to hear any more. This is the name, whatever it might be. I nod him on, hoping it sounds as nice as the story behind it. But even if it doesn’t, I’ll take it if it’ll keep this sweet side of him around.

“Vaegon,” he says proudly. “A mighty name for a mighty Alpha.”

I grin without reservation. It’s perfect. It’s strong and unique. I can truly feel Durin’s love for the little life. Perhaps one day, he’ll find that kind of love for me, too.

So much has changed, though. I don’t know if this has been a fresh start or the end of hope for anything intimate. It doesn’t matter, though. The pup comes first. There’s no reason to wish for things like that. Not until this pup is here and thriving.

Once that happens, I’ll see if Durin and I can salvage something between us. He’s not the ideal mate due to his responsibilities, but his good heart isn’t something I’m willing to give up on so easily.

Chapter 25

Durin

Since learning of the youngling, my urgency to complete this mission has only intensified. I want him to grow up safe, far from any realm where evil reigns. Perhaps, when the queen is gone, I’ll have the courage to tell Rue the truth about myself. If she accepts me, we could be a family and raise the little one together.

I’ve spent considerable time with Rue and the pup, but my focus is still firmly on my goal. I’m working to establish my presence among the shifters. Hopefully, word is spreading through the camps that a fae with the power to make a difference is here and ready to act.

I’ve located the edges of a few shifter camps, marked by noticeable trails of wolf prints. As I find them, I’ve been writing down the list from my head to share with them; names and descriptions of the nobles, their abilities, weaknesses, and any tendencies to wander where they shouldn’t. I sign them with my name. It’s risky, but I want them to know who the information is coming from. If I hope to have their support in moving against the queen, they’ll need to know I’m on their side.

I asked the dryads if they’d deliver the notes to the Primes in each pack on my behalf. They agreed, which is going to be a huge help. Shifters trust the dryads, and once they’ve verified theinformation I’ve provided, they should see me as an ally.

When I spot any shifters in the forest who haven’t hidden themselves well enough, I hand them small sacs of my extra coin. Each one includes a piece of parchment with the letter “D” on it to identify myself. The coin is helpful, but it also shows that I mean no harm and that I’m looking out for them.

It seems to already be working. Some of the weaker nobles have been notably absent. I’ve not seen Annah, a drunken dreamweaver, or the twin creature summoners for over a week. I hope the wolves got a good snack or two out of them first.

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