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“Exactly.” I sighed. “Thanks for sending out the message. You should probably find my phone and turn it off. I know Evan is going to let the other fae know that I’ve had the baby, and they’re going to start messaging my phone.”

Vaughn’s vibrated just then. “Actually, it looks like maybe they’re going to send congratulations through mine.” Vaughn held out the phone again.

Lukan: Congrats to you and Lewis. We now have a little fae princess to watch over. Assignment accepted.

I rolled my eyes but laughed at the same time. “They’re going to be unbearable.” The phone vibrated again, and Vaughn read the next message. His mood shifted, telling me that maybe it was from his brother or his parents.

“My parents say congratulations. They’re excited to meet you and now the baby.”

I blinked up at my mate. “That wouldn’t be so terrible, would it?”

“No. They weren’t horrible parents. They’re just not… You and the other fae are very happy and outgoing. You’re full of life, and you are all a huge family, even without being related by blood. My parents are very quiet and reserved. Don’t expect them to be like what you’re used to.”

I shook my head. “I wouldn’t. Especially not with your father. He’s a gargoyle, and I was honestly a bit surprised that you have been as upbeat as you have been.”

Vaughn made a noise. “That’s only because of you, little mate. Until I met you, I went to work, did my job, and then went home. Evan had to convince me to go to his Friendsgiving.”

I shrugged at that. “Or maybe something else subconsciously told you that you needed to go. Either way, you went, we met, and now we have our little girl.” I looked back down at the baby and lost more of my heart. She was truly so precious, and I was thankful for both Vaughn and her. I was no longer alone in this world. Sure, I had Evan and Beau, but it wasn’t quite the same as having Vaughn and Elowen.

“I love you,” I said as I looked up at Vaughn. “Thank you for going to Evan’s that day.”

Vaughn set his phone aside and leaned closer. He kissed my forehead before he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against this side of his chest. “I love you too, Lewis. More than I’ll ever be able to say. You and Elowen are my entire world, and I wouldn’t know what to do without either of you.”

Yeah, this was perfect. I closed my eyes and treasured the moment.

Chapter 23

Vaughn

Iheard Lewis talking to Elowen in the other room and smiled. She was a week old now, and we were both completely taken with our little girl. The first day had been rough, but we quickly found our rhythm and now we worked together as a seamless team when it came to taking care of our baby girl. I carried the bottle I’d gone to get into the bedroom and found Lewis picking up a squirmy Elowen.

“Perfect timing,” he said. “She’s hungry and I’m not sure how much longer she was going to be willing to wait before she started to fuss.”

“Well then, I guess it’s a good thing that I arrived when I did.” I waited for Lewis to get over to the chair and get comfortable before I handed him the bottle. Once he and Elowen were settled, I passed her next meal to my mate and smiled when she started drinking greedily.

“By the way,” Lewis said. “Your phone has been going off like crazy. I’m not sure who it is, but it must be really important.”

That was unexpected. I was on leave and the council shouldn’t need me for anything. “Sorry about that. I’ll turn it off,” I said as I went across the room and picked it up.

“You don’t have to do that. I was just letting you know that it’s been vibrating almost nonstop since you went downstairs.”

“Of course it has.” I picked it up. “Let me see—” my heart flipped at the message I was greeted with.

Father: we’ve waited long enough. I’m already disappointed that you failed to inform us that you found your mate. Now you’re keeping the baby from us as well. Your mother is ready to meet her. We’ll be there promptly at 9:00 to meet both your mate and baby.

I glanced at the time on the phone. 8:57. There was no way that I would be able to get out of this.

“What’s wrong?” Lewis asked. “There is a sense of dread through our bond. Is something wrong?”

I shook my head. “Maybe.” I held up the phone. “Apparently my parents are here and are demanding to meet you and the baby at promptly nine this morning.”

Lewis glanced to the wall where the clock was. “Vaughn, it’s nine o’clock now. And how did they get here? You said you hadn’t gotten them clearance. Can they even come up on the mountain?”

I shrugged. I didn’t think so. I looked through my messages and didn’t see anything from Chief Daegal that said he was granting my parents permission to come up on the mountain.

My phone started vibrating in my hand. I looked at it and saw it was my father calling. “He’s calling,” I said before sighing. I answered the call on speakerphone because if I didn’t answer, he would just call again and again.

“Good morning Father.”