Page 35 of Lost in the Fog

He smiled. “She’s been hard to domesticate, but she’s with us at last.”

Ornolf smiled. “And you are uncles four times over.”

“That we are. All those little omegas.” Dante grinned. “We have trusts set up, and Achilles carved them little rattles. They will be eight before they can lift them.”

Keres chuckled. “At least her guys have agreed to wait for another round.”

Dante sighed. “And unless there is an emergency, you are closed for business.”

Gia cocked her head.

Keres chuckled. “In addition to other skills, I have a talent for reproduction. It is fast, and the families are all very happy with their new additions, but Achilles and Dante have been good at waiting for me to focus on us. Plus, they are excellent birthing partners, so when I am ready, they are ready.”

Gia blinked. “Oh. Right. That would be helpful.”

Ornolf chuckled. “It is not a ready concern for us, but I have received the same training as they did.”

“Is that a thing?” Gia was appalled.

Achilles smiled. “It’s a thing.”

She didn’t look at her husband. “Why?”

“Because childbirth is dangerous, and supporting the mate who is carrying your child is important. We live long enough. We may as well pick up doula skills.” Ornolf shrugged.

Dante smiled. “I have used them more than any battle skills. Keres has been a surrogate a few times.”

Achilles laughed. “It’s a strange hobby, but she has helped family and friends.”

Gia smiled. “I can imagine.”

“Well, this has been entertaining, and your work is stunning, as always, Achilles, but I need to see my wife home. We have much to discuss.” Ornolf patted her hand on his arm, the ring throwing a lot of sparkle around the displays.

Keres smiled slyly. “Like what?”

“Well, I just served him with annulment papers, so we are going to chat about that. Apparently, my life really does depend on him, so I am coming to terms with that.”

The triad looked surprised. Ornolf inclined his head, and they made their way out of the museum, pausing to have Gia introduce him to some of the local socialites. It took them twenty minutes to move thirty feet, but they were finally out of the building.

Ornolf smiled at her. “You are popular.”

“You are new. They all wanted to touch you to mark their territory. It is very basic.”

He chuckled. “We have a heavy pheromone load. It has that effect.”

“That is what Regis said. She said she was able to find him through a thousand feet of stone.”

He nodded. “It was so very sad what happened to them. We were in shock. In that one night, the bright future that loomed for us went out.”

She sighed. “That is all it took to subdue you?”

“That, and two thousand dark mages rushed us and pinned us in the Stronghold. They used us to power the new Elite, and eventually, the Elite turned on them as well.”

He walked her down the expansive steps.

“I can just call my car.”

He shook his head. “No. We need to discuss our situation and your situation in particular.”

---