Page 164 of Sire

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“Do you think Ruby knows?” Loch asks what I’m wondering too.

Mentally, I run through every hug, laugh, tear, and more I’ve shared with Ruby. She’s perfect for Axel; twice as smart and three steps ahead of him. She’s like us. She’s a queen.

“Yeah, Ruby’s gotta know. Axel loves his balls too much to lie to her.”

“And yet,” Loch shakes his head, “Ruby hasn’t said anything.”

Onyx has fallen asleep on my belly. I know it’s probably not possible, but I swear our kitten senses it. He’s already sleeping next to…

Our baby.

I lift my chin, but it trembles. “Ruby’s protecting her king, and Axel would do the same for her. He’d die for her. They’re in love. Just like you and Alena. Just like me and…”

I can’t.

My voice breaks.

So does my mask.

Tears burst, streaming down my cheeks.

“Fuck, Wren.” Loch jumps up to sit beside me. “I’m sorry. I came here, all about my shit, when you’re dealing with it too.”

Sweetly, he hugs me. He assures, “It’ll be alright. He’ll be home soon, and I’ll tell him all about how you stopped World War Three.”

Stop a war?

Or start one?

I don’t know what to do.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

WREN

Texts.

That’s what I get from Sire after four days. No calls. No videos.

MY STALLION

I am out of surgery. I have septicemia. I am being treated with antibacterials.

Septicemia? It means sepsis. I looked it up.

Antibacterials? We’d sayantibiotics.

This isn’t Sire. It’s a translation. It’s not my husband. He’d be sweet. He’d be bossy. He’d say he loved me and call me Angel.

I need to see your face. I need to know you’re okay

Now!

Whoever is holding his phone

Let me talk to my husband right now

Orthe deal is off

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