Sethios immediately returned his hand to her stomach. “Stop, little one. You’re hurting your mom.” Urgency and demand filled his voice while Caro shuddered beside him. He slid his other palm from her face to the back of her neck as she tilted her head into his shoulder. “Shh, love, it’s okay.”
“Please don’t let go,” she whispered. “Please.”
“Never, angel.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll never let go.” The words escaped him as if pulled from his soul. Never had he promised a woman forever, or even tomorrow, but he expelled the statement so easily for Caro. And he found, shockingly, that he meant it.
Could this be love? Did a being of his history have that potential? He certainly didn’t deserve to have her care and devotion, nor should she truly desire his in return, but he wouldn’t curse fate for this gift.
Sethios refused to overthink it. He would live in the moment and enjoy the sensations while they lasted. Because tomorrow, everything could change.
“Fascinating,” Leela mused, reminding him of her presence. “You were right, Gabe. The babe is reacting to his command.”
Gabriel stood leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the room, his arms folded and his expression bored. He lifted one shoulder in response. Nothing more.
“You didn’t finish telling us about the prophecy.” Because Sethios had derailed the conversation and demanded to know which path the Seraphim intended to walk down.
“It’s already started,” Gabriel replied. “My mother wishes to give my sister a choice in her fate. It’s a decision driven by emotion, but I understand it and also happen to agree. Which means I’ll be working with Ezekiel far more than I would like in the near future.”
“Ezekiel?” Sethios repeated. “Why?”
“Our destinies are intertwined” was all he said.
Sethios would have requested more details, but the movement in Caro’s stomach required his focus. “Stay calm,” he whispered to the baby. “We’re all going to do this together.”
“I can sense her love for you through the bond.” Awe lit up Caro’s expression, her eyes glittering with warmth. “She trusts you.”
“This proves what I’ve been saying,” Leela said conversationally. “Not that the council will listen to me. I’m too emotional for them.” The female rolled her eyes in a very non-Seraphim-like manner.
“She’s from the fertility line,” Caro explained, catching his thoughts.
Leela snorted. “That’s a fancy term for lust. I specialize in sex, which apparently qualifies me to be a midwife.”
Two months ago, the very beautiful woman would have intrigued him. But another Seraphim had captured his eye and tamed him in a way he never thought possible.
Caro was the only one he wanted.
Still, he had to ask, “You specialize in sex, in what capacity?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” the female replied, grinning wickedly.
Caro’s hand slipped to Sethios’s wrist where she dug her nails into his skin. He leaned in to kiss her before she could utter a complaint and rubbed his nose against hers.
“You’re mine too, love,” he whispered. “I was only curious.”
Her blue eyes burned into his. “Good.”
He smiled. “I rather like this possessive side to you. We’ll have to explore it more later.”
“Much later,” Leela cut in. “Because the baby is ready, as is Caro.”
Sethios’s neck twisted so fast that it was a wonder his head didn’t fall off. “Now?”
“Yes,” Caro and Leela said at the same time.
He gave up trying to understand the baby process. Everything he thought he knew didn’t apply. Two-month gestational period. Less-than-an-hour labor period. Dying immortals who miraculously healed. Babies who heeded his command.
Sure. Why not?
“Do I need to do anything?” he asked, voice remarkably calm given the situation.
