Page 281 of May: Bloom & Bane

“What did you just say?”

“... The tentacles were for the baby.”

Sage and Ashán slowly get off the floor.

Damien melts into Jack, his shoulders broadening as mischief lights his face. He steps in between Andrik and my mates.

“You want three unmated kraken to hold our daughter… with their filthy tentacles.”

“Their tentacles looked very well-manicured.”

“Let me be very clear about this,” Sage murmurs. “We will rip those tentacles from their bodies and feed them to you if you ever suggest Eden leaves us again.”

“Rahnové, Vaelí…” I say, palms raised in the universal language of please-do-not-murder-your-brother. “He was joking.”

“Say, Andrik…” Ashán purrs. “Where’s your mate right now?”

Andrik’s fur immediately bristles. “Don’t.”

“Mm.” Ashán smiles, all fang. “Where do you suppose those three kraken are right now?”

Oh shit.

Andrik’s jaw snaps shut so hard a bead of blood spills from the corner of his mouth. His spine bows.

The last thing we need right now is for him to shift.

“Ashán,” I gasp, scrambling upright in the nest. “Stop it. Do not play with him like that.”

“We are merely participating in his logistical calculations, ílyen,” Sage hums. “If the deep-water beasts are truly so efficient with their appendages, perhaps the yeti should ensure they aren’t demonstrating that efficiency in his own territory.”

Andrik snarls.

Jack clears his throat. “I’m just going to move the pregnant woman now.”

Their head snaps toward me.

“I thought that would work,” Jack mumbles under his breath.

Andrik looks like he’s ready to tear the entire workshop down.

“Andrik,” I say carefully. “Lumi just texted me.”

His ears twitch.

“Therael’s leaving soon. She said Rhûven is welcome to come play.” I smile. “Whatever that means.”

I know exactly what that means. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

The murderous tension evaporates almost instantly. A tiny, involuntary whimper escapes him.

“Unbelievable,” Ashán mutters. “All it takes is one invitation.”

Jack arches a brow. “Like you’re any different?”

He winks at me. Invitation accepted.

I smile sweetly.