Page 96 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

He could feel the truth of that, vibrating along their bond. Bryant meant every word, and he proved it in so many ways. Lars knew there would be times they butted heads. They were both stubborn beings, and they would bash at things until they crumbled.

But not at each other like that. Not anymore. He truly believed that they had found each other’s pattern now. The incident at the school had…well, it had made them understand how they would react in a guardian emergency, and the respect had grown exponentially.

He thought he was so ready to become a father with Bryant. To give him all the things an omega gave his mate.

Bryant was learning to be the alpha he needed, as well.

It worked.

So did the blanket.

He chuckled, snuggling in tight, laughing as Slippy and Andine squeaked and crawled under the covers with them, wiggling until they were also cuddled up, adding to the warmth under the blankets.

“I think Slippy and Andine are happy,” Bryant said.

“I think so.” He winced, the rippling across his belly making him frown. “Ugh.”

“What is it?”

“My muscles just took a little unhappy tour.”

“In your back?” Bryant asked.

“My belly.” He grimaced again. “It’s really uncomfortable.”

“Oh, crap.” Bryant gave him a concerned look. “Do I need to call the midwife?”

“Not yet.” He settled closer to Bryant, if that was possible. “I want to rest with you, if I’m gearing up for labor. I don’t want to have everyone around fussing for a while yet.”

“Okay, love. Then we’ll wait.” Bryant held on to him, loving on him gently with touches and kisses. Not enough to bother him. Just enough to comfort.

They dozed until Arthur called up, the wall phone ringing. Lars had been ignoring cramps and contractions for at least an hour or two.

“Hey, Arthur,” Bryant said when he answered. “Lars isn’t terribly hungry. No. Yeah, well… No. He’s in labor. Uh-huh. Can you just call and keep her posted? He doesn’t want a huge fuss, and he’s not too close together with the contractions yet.”

Bryant should know. He had his hand on Lars’s belly and was clearly feeling things with him. He hummed, feeling Kaden move, sliding into place, his little song swelling.

“Can you hear him, love?” Lars asked.

“I can.” Bryant sounded awed.

“He’s so wonderful.”

“I know. I can’t wait to meet him, love. You tell me when to have Arthur call in the reinforcements.”

“Soon, but not yet.” He turned a little, taking the pressure off back and belly. “Rub my back?”

“Of course, baby.” Bryant immediately reached around and rubbed, his fingers so clever, his hand pressing flat to warm the muscles.

“Ooooh. That helps so much.”

“Yeah? Good. I want to be useful.” Bryant’s chuckle made him laugh, but that had him catching his breath.

“Babe, can I call in the midwife? We don’t have to get anyone else here yet, but I want to just make sure all is as it should be.” Bryant pressed and stroked his back.

“Okay.” He nodded against Bryant’s neck. “Call Arthur.”

“Thank you, love. I think you’ve been in labor a lot longer than you think.”

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