Page 20 of Having the Dragon's Baby

Rachel waved a hand, feeling her eyebrows raise. "Oh no, I can't impose on you like that."

"No, please. It's just a brunch with the girls you met last night. They won't mind another person, and it's a communal breakfast, so you're more than welcome to join us."

Rachel chewed on her lower lip. She looked back at the babies and swallowed. She didn't want to get in the way.

Sasha took a step toward her. "Please? I can't eat breakfast knowing you're standing here looking at babies because Marcus left you for the morning."

"He didn't leave me. He had a meeting."

Sasha hooked her arm through Rachel’s. "I'm not taking no for an answer here. These dragon shifters are like that, but you don’t have to wait around for him."

Rachel smiled. Honestly, she could use a little female companionship. She had a wonderful time last night, and she would love to speak with the girls more. Besides, she didn't want to be known as the woman who stared at the kids in the nursery.

Sasha took her to a small cafe where three other girls from the other night sat talking. They all waved, holding big grins as they got to the table. "I caught Rachel on the way here and invited her."

"The more, the merrier," Jenny said, waving a mug of coffee at her. "Come sit. We just ordered drinks."

They both slipped into chairs, and she expected to feel uncomfortable, but she didn't.

"So, Rachel," one of the girls began. "How much do you know about the den?"

She swallowed between sips of coffee and looked embarrassed. "Not much, I'm afraid."

The girls smiled. "Oh, that's okay. That means we get to tell you everything." One of them clapped her hands. "We have annual dances, and you will just love them."

Another nodded. "Oh, yes, you have to attend."

"Speaking of dances, where is Marcus this morning? He joins us sometimes."

Her eyebrows went up at that. "Marcus joins you for breakfast?"

They all nodded. "Oh, yes. He takes his alpha duties very seriously. He’s different from some other alphas we know. He makes everyone feel important when he joins."

She realized she knew hardly anything about the thunder or his life, and her curiosity overwhelmed her. If she was going to be with him, she needed to know. She would likely need to be part of this.

She leaned forward. "In that case, tell me everything I need to know."

They all giggled. Each of them gave her advice and a little information that she wouldn't have known otherwise. And in the midst of all of this, she didn't realize someone was walking up to the table.

"Well, good morning, girls. Have you seen my Marcus?"

She glanced up at a stunning woman. The woman was amazingly beautiful, and it took her breath away for a moment.

She then realized what the woman had said. Her Marcus.

"Marcus isn't here. He's in a meeting." Sasha said, glancing over at Rachel. "Rachel, have you met Julia?"

She looked at her, shaking her head. She gave the woman, Julia, a smile. "No, and you are?"

"Oh, silly me. I’m Marcus’s mother."

She quickly jumped out of her chair, tipping it backward. Her eyes widened. This was Marcus's mother?

"You're … oh … oh!" She moved around the table. "I'm Rachel. I, um, I …"

Sasha came to the rescue, smiling. "This is Rachel. She's still learning everything. She and Marcus are dating."

Julia's smile brightened the room instantly. "You're the girl who’s seeing my son. Well, aren't you a beautiful woman?"

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