Page 57 of Smoke and Moon

Chapter Nine

Kai felt a sliver ofexhaustion when she reached Aodh’s office building.Previously, when she walked escorted around the territory, some Drahks spoke to the person escorting her and offered her a respectable nod of greeting.However, this time, it seemed like every person she passed spoke directly to her and smiled.Of course, they greeted her with the name that had become her new title since the pregnancy.

The walk, which was not short by her standards, she filled with good day, thank you, hello...good day, thank you, hello....Good day, thank you, hello...

Thirsty with her cheeks aching from smiling so much, she stepped into the shade of the building.She looked toward the conference room and was glad to see the door was open and the room empty, so Aodh was not in a meeting with his leaders.She didn’t want to disturb his day, even though he’d asked her to come by after she’d visited with her sister.

She traversed the stairs to the top landing.Both doors were open when she arrived at the short hallway between the two offices.Yeongi sat behind his desk working, and she hustled away quickly before he could see her and call out a greeting.

She heard voices coming from Aodh’s office, but when she was still a few feet from the door, Aodh called out to her before she could see the office clearly.

“Come in, mate.”

Kai was sure Aodh felt her presence even without seeing or hearing her, just as she did his when close.As she crossed into the office, his warmth spread through their connection and affected her body in many ways.The feelings of comfort and strength filled her heart, but the building lust Kai pushed aside.With Liekki sitting in the chair across from him, it was the last place she wanted her mind or body focused.

Aodh’s marking radiated a soft violet as his gaze rested on her.

That same joy resonated within her.

“I don’t want to interrupt.I can wait or return if this is not a good time.”Kai took only a few steps into the office.

“Liekki and I were finished for now.”Aodh waved her over.

“Oh, the Mistress of Fire has arrived.”Liekki glanced over his shoulder at her before he rose and offered her a nod.

Kai crossed the room and paused beside Aodh’s brother and second.She placed a hand on her hip and looked up at the jovial man.“Is that all you have, Liekki?I expected better.More pomp and circumstance,” she teased.

Liekki waved his arm around like some eighteen-hundreds’ courtiers before the queen then gave a dramatic bow.While still lowered, he lifted his head and asked, “I believe this is how you humans show deference and humble themselves before important people, right?”

“Something like that.”Kai giggled.There wasn’t anything about a man who stood close to seven feet in height and whose shoulders could easily take up an average door width that appeared lessened or subservient to anyone else.

“Then good.You deserve it at least once.”Liekki resumed his full height.“So, how is the ball of fire treating you?”

She tipped her head to the side and frowned at the odd question.“Since I have only been pregnant half a day, I barely know they’re there.”

He glanced over at Aodh and then back at her.“I’m sure you will soon.”

“Most women don’t even start showing or feel a movement until around four months.”She linked her hands before her to keep from rubbing it over her soft belly.

Liekki looked at Aodh again.

Aodh arched a brow.

Kai frowned at the odd exchange.“Should I know something?”

“Most Drahkelles need plenty of rest,” Liekki informed her.

“Well, I’ll sleep when necessary, but I am fine now.Day one.”She moved to the side of Aodh’s desk.

Liekki tipped his head to the side.“Well, spitfire, twenty smoke rings salute to you.”

“For?”She leaned a hip against Aodh’s big desk.

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