Page 3 of A Hatchling for Valentine’s

Dr. Arthur entered the bedroom with Vic trailing behind.

“I’m doing great. Is your nephew all moved in to his new place?” Kellan was super curious about Avi because he was an eagle shifter.

“Oh yes, we brought the last of the boxes and his clothes tonight.” Dr. Arthur rolled his eyes. “We’re both glad that’s over with.”

Dr. Arthur sat on the edge of the mattress and gestured to the egg. Ever since Kellan had almost scratched the doctor’s eyes out trying to protect his hatchling, Dr. Arthur always asked first. Kellan nodded.

“That’s good.” Even though Kellan didn’t mind Dr. Arthur examining the egg, it didn’t mean he wasn’t going to keep a close watch on the proceedings.

Vic peered over the doctor’s shoulder. “Can I get you anything to drink?” He might have been asking Dr. Arthur the question, but Vic hadn’t taken his eyes off the egg either.

“Oh no, I’m fine.” Dr. Arthur pulled his stethoscope from his pocket then proceeded to place the disc on various spots around the egg. “Notice any changes? Movement? Color? Any areas seem to be thinning instead of hardening?”

Kellan swallowed hard. What did it all mean? He hated that no one had been around to prepare him for this journey. “I haven’t noticed anything like that, just that it’s stretching and a bit larger since the last time you came.”

Dr. Arthur’s brow wrinkled, and he pulled a strange metal instrument from his bag. The gadget was metal and could be adjusted so the arms embraced the egg at the base, the middle and the top. He then measured it vertically.

“Hmm, interesting.”

Kellan swallowed hard. “Wh-what do you mean?”

Dr. Arthur folded up the measuring tool with a reassuring smile. “Your egg has definitely grown, and the soft patches have almost completely hardened. You’re getting closer to the hatch date, whenever that will be.” He chuckled. “But I must confess, this baby is going to be much larger than most cygnets.”

Kellan and Vic exchanged nervous glances and Vic cleared his throat before addressing Dr. Arthur.

“I suppose that’s my fault.”

Dr. Arthur angled his body toward Vic then patted his arm. “Now, now. Don’t you worry. We’ve always known things weren’t going to follow the typical swan path to hatching. But the egg looks solid, the shell healthy and the baby’s heartbeat is strong and steady.” Dr. Arthur took the stethoscope from his ears. “You’ve clearly done a fine job of nesting.”

Kellan shifted on the bed, still not entirely reassured. “Should our baby have been moving by now?”

Dr. Arthur rubbed his chin. “Well… yes, under normal circumstances. At three weeks the baby should be large enough that when they shift positions, there would be noticeable movement. But as I said, these aren’t normal circumstances. I’ve never attended to a part wolf egg before.”

Tears sprung to Kellan’s eyes. He’d never thought about it quite that way. “But if Vic fertilized the egg, then shouldn’t that mean…?”

Dr. Arthur squeezed Kellan’s hand. “I would say that the fact you both are fated mates and he was able to fertilize your egg is a very good sign. Kellan, there’ve been so many mixed shifter babies, I really don’t think you should get overly concerned. I’ll keep checking in once a week, but if anything—no matter how slight—changes, please contact me right away.” He rose then faced Vic. “My wife and I will be here quite a bit to visit Avi until he gets acclimated to his new home. Rosemary has been kind enough to throw a dinner party in his honor, so we’ll be here on the weekend for that. Matter of fact, I’m going to the inn to reserve a room for me and the wife as soon as I leave here.”

Vic nodded. “Sounds great, doc. We appreciate you keeping such a close watch on the egg.”

“Of course, any time. Once your hatchling arrives, though, you’ll want to have him or her checked out at Vale General.”

While Vic escorted Dr. Arthur out, Kellan cuddled up to the egg again, caressing it and rubbing his cheek against the shell. Maybe he’d have some alone time with Vic later. For now, he didn’t want to leave his nest for even one minute.