Page 98 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“I have no clue how we’re alive,” one of the brothers said.

“Oz won’t be for much longer,” the other said, storming closer. Brandt, Llyr assumed.

“Will you give it a rest? He wasnotresponsible for our mother!” Tyne roared, pushing Brandt back. “We’ve been handed a second chance, and you wish to waste it on vengeance?”

“Vengeance not deserved,” Dagr added.

“You stay out of this, Dagr!” Brandt roared.

“Do you really think you could’ve saved her had you been there?” Dagr roared at Brandt.

Brandt’s eyes widened in anger. “I was supposed to be there! Icouldhave saved her.” He turned to face Oz. “But Ozwhinedabout wanting to go and she let him.”

“You were little older than Oz,” Tyne said. “You couldn’t have done anything differently. Other than the fact you probably would’ve died, too.”

Brandt scowled at Oz. Oz scowled right back.

Tyne eyed Dagr and Oz. “Any ideaswhywe’re suddenly alive… and all three mermen?”

Llyr spoke up. “I think it has to do with your mother’s curse.”

“Our mother’s curse?” Brandt asked, frowning. “And who the hell is this?”

“Prince Llyr of Aegeaus,” Oz spat. “One of my mates. He wasborna merman—so he’d be the most knowledgeable one here.”

Brandt swam a little closer. “So sorry, Your Highness.”

“Do pay him any mind,” Tyne said, swimming closer and offering a hand. “What can you tell us?”

“Your mother was a mermaid. She was exiled… and cursed, taking away her tail. Your father asked for her curse to be lifted as the condition to allowing Oz and Dagr to wed me.”

“But she’s already gone,” Tyne murmured. “Why ask it now?”

“We have little knowledge of what happens after we’re gone… and I think your father desired her spirit to be able to return home, if possible,” Llyr answered. “Your uncle, King Claus—he left last night to ask for the exile to be lifted.”

“King Claus?” Tyne said. “I have an uncle named King Claus?”

“The King of Atlantia,” Llyr said. “Queen Deandra’s brother. When her curse was lifted, it seems Oz was able to shift into a merman under the water.”

“That explains him, but not us. We’ve been dead…” Tyne focused on Oz. “For how long?”

“A little over a year,” Oz answered.

“I have few answers… but I know who might have more,” Llyr said. “We can go to her.”

“Later,” Tyne said. “I wish to see home and my father again first.” He spun to face his brothers. “Brandt—are you ready to go home?”

Brandt dragged his scowl from Oz and glared at Llyr. “Who cursed our mother?”

“My—”

“The culprit has died for his sins,” Oz said, talking over Llyr.

Brandt swam closer to Llyr, an evil grin forming over his lips. “Mywhat, pet?”

“Back away from our mate,” Oz growled as both he and Dagr put themselves between Brandt and Llyr.

Brandt grinned. “Your mate? Are you gay? I’d heard rumors.”

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