Page 28 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“Afraid we’ll find you’re using a spell after all?” Dagr asked, one brow rising.

Llyr frowned, shaking his head. “I’m not using one.” His hand absently wrapped around the pendant he wore about his neck.

Dagr moved Llyr’s hand out of the way and took the pendant into his own hand.

“Please don’t,” Llyr said, jerking back.

The leather ties holding the pendant in place fell away, leaving the necklace in Dagr’s hand.

“Oh no,” Llyr cried, reaching for it.

Dagr took his hand away. “There are no such things as monsters—and for you to say such a thing to Oz—it’storture. Or are you trying to torment him?”

Llyr fought to get the pendant back. “There are monsters! Please!”

Dagr shook his head… but as he was handing the pendant back, a bloodcurdling growl sounded off the water. It washed in with the salty breeze, chilling the blood in his veins. He neared the water’s edge, looking out onto the surface. “Whatwasthat?”

Another ear-piercing cry rent the air. Goose bumps skittered along Dagr’s arms. He reached for his pistol as another cry sounded. Llyr was suddenly at his side as another roar rolled in, the mist and fog thicker. Dagr searched the haze, unnerved. There, in the depths, Dagr sensed something staring at him. He was the prey to some kind of hunter—one the likes he’d never known.

The moans and cries grew in volume and number, until it seemed as if they grew closer. Magic came like a smothering cloud, threatening to choke him. He tried to draw air into his lungs and struggled.

“We have to go!” Llyr cried as he took the pendant from Dagr’s hand. He tied it quickly before he grabbed Dagr’s hand and tugged.

Dagr let the man drag him away, sensing he was little match for whatever was in that fog. He soon took the lead, racing them back toward the ship—though he worried that might be unsafe, as well. As soon as they were once again on board, he searched behind them.

The heavy fog had faded some. The ear-piercing screams had faded. In the distance, long shadows fell back, drifting away. Dagr stood there, working to catch his breath and trying to decide if he’d actually seen and heard the things he had.

All was silent once more—except for their men coming out to check who had boarded. He waved the pair away.

“Whatwas that?” Dagr demanded, spinning to eye Llyr. And the pendant now back around his neck.

Llyr clutched the jewelry close. “Itoldyou this kept the monsters at bay. If they find me, they’ll drag me back down—and I’llneverbe free again.”

One thing was clear. Llyr truly believed the words he spoke. No one could fake the level of terror he saw in Llyr’s expression. Believed or not, Dagr refused to turn his back to that fear. He opened his arms. Llyr rushed into them, shaking violently.

“It’s okay,” Dagr whispered, truly unsure if it was or not. He rubbed his palm down the man’s back, the familiar lust beginning to grow thicker than his fear. “It’s all quiet now. We’re okay. We made it back to the ship.”

Llyr lifted his face to Dagr. Moonlight washed over him, flooding him with ethereal allure. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

Dagr tensed. If he spent the night too close, he was liable to cross the line. He refused to do that—especially not without Oz beside him. “I doubt that that’s a good idea.”

“Until I fall asleep?” Llyr shivered in his arms.“Please.”He shook his head slightly, his curls sliding over his shoulders. “Though, that might take a while tonight.”

Dagr nodded soundlessly before leading Llyr back to Oz’s cabin. After lighting one of the lanterns, he spun to see Llyr letting his borrowed clothing slip to the floor.

He gasped inwardly, trying to pull his gaze away from the man’s nudity.

He failed.

Thankfully, Llyr seemed in no mood for seduction. Dagr was unsure he’d be able to control himself if that hadn’t been the case. Llyr crawled under the blankets of Oz’s bed and laid his head down. Glancing up to Dagr, he smiled wanly. “Thank you.”

Dagr kicked the lone chair in the room nearer to the bed and took a seat. Unable to stop himself, he leaned closer and tucked a few errant strands of copper curls behind Llyr’s shell of an ear. “You’re welcome.”

Llyr reached out a hand and took hold of Dagr’s before letting his eyelids drift closed. He held on tight—so tight. Llyr’s rapid heartbeat pulsed through his palm. It sparked an energy that raced up his arm, radiating from the place where their hands clasped. He stared down, Llyr’s small, alabaster palm tucked into his larger, brown one. They looked and felt so right together.

In time, the racing of Llyr’s heart slowed. A while later, his hand loosened and his breathing slowed. When Llyr let go and turned, curling into a ball under the covers, Dagr mourned the loss of physical connection. He sat there for long minutes, warring within himself. Seeing himself sloughing off his clothing and slinking under the covers to cuddle the man in sleep. Would Llyr curl into his embrace?

Could he let Llyr go when it was over?

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