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“You made a good point,” I finally answered. “They are willing to start over for me, and I think that speaks volumes about them. And honestly, most of their responses were about the babies, not just me. It’s reassuring to know they want them too.”
“They were so happy when they found out. Then terrified, of course. You were unresponsive, and although we could scent the difference in you, we didn’t know how bad it was until the healer came. You always had this scent of embers mixed with cider, but after they saved you, the dragon fire was impossible to detect. I was scared, and you know I don’t say that lightly.”
“I’ll get it back,” I said confidently. “And even if I don’t, I have a purpose.” He smiled softly as I cradled my stomach. Today, it was even bigger, poking out just a little bit more.
“You do,” he agreed as we finally approached the cabin. “Go on in, Farren. I’ll spell the door behind you.”
“Thanks, West,” I whispered before heading in. This was my place, the safe haven amongst the chaos of life, where I’d spent years nesting alone. I was anxious to explore it, though I had no doubt there’d be changes here too.
The first thing I noticed as the door closed behind me was the scent of my mates. They lingered everywhere here, but when I pushed open the door to my nesting room, the blend so strong my heart ached. I hated that I couldn’t remember the time we’d spent here because it was impossible to deny that everything smelled like them. I could even see unfamiliar clothes and blankets, tokens from my men that were strategically placed like special treasures.
Needing comfort, I went over and wrapped myself in the cozy softness of my nest. Their scents enveloped me, and I finally let myself break down. I wept for the time I’d lost. For the love I’d gained then had ruthlessly ripped away, only to forget every moment of it. I cried for the babies growing in my womb.
I was so far down the hole that I didn’t hear the guys come in until I smelled their fresh scents and saw someone crouching in front of me. My eyes were so full of tears I couldn't tell who it was, but the moment I breathed in the scent of sweet marshmallows and campfire, I reached out and yanked Kane closer. He settled on the floor in front of me and pulled me into his lap, holding me together in this moment when I couldn’t do it for myself.
The other two joined us, their hands soothingly running over me as I tried to find my composure. Crawling back out of the darkness in my mind was hard. I was mentally, magically, and physically exhausted.
When the tears had dried, I finally looked up at them. A sense of familiarity hit me, reminding me that even if my brain didn’t know them, my soul did. That would have to be enough because I had a strong feeling that life wouldn’t be waiting until my mind and my soul were on the same page once more.
“Some date I am,” I muttered. It broke the tension, and they chuckled softly.
“Letting us hold you made it better than I hoped for,” Kane reassured me with one last squeeze. Being in his arms felt amazing. I knew that I could rely on myself and keep myself safe—when tricky mages weren’t part of the equation, anyway—but when he held me, I didn’t feel like I had to. I felt like he would be willing and capable of making sure I got through this in one piece, and that was more than I ever could have hoped for right now. I wasn’t expecting to find such solace in these strangers’ arms, but I welcomed it right now.
“We’ll always be here for you, Farren,” Levi said. His spiced peach scent swirled around me, comforting and warm as his fingers brushed away my tears. The rift between us was no longer vast, though it was still there, but I had confidence that in the short weeks until the eggs arrived, we’d get to the place we needed to be.
“Are you hungry?” Avi asked. At the mention of food, my stomach rumbled. I hadn’t eaten breakfast because of nerves, and now that I was moving past the emotional storm, I was starving.
“Yes,” I said as I climbed out of Kane’s lap. He reluctantly let me go, fingers brushing my sides as I stood. For being the self-proclaimed asshole, he seemed to be a sweetheart.
When we walked back out, I saw the table was covered in a small buffet. Levi had outdone himself with a breakfast for champions—eggs, french toast, hash browns, bacon, the works.
“This looks amazing,” I said. “The babies approve.”
“Told you I knew your favorite,” Levi teased as he pulled out a chair for me. He dished me a plate while Avi got me a cup of orange juice. He took the chair next to me, and we were all quiet as we started to eat.
Once I began to slow down, my stomach no longer aching, I broke the silence.
“So, Kane, you mentioned fighting?”
He grinned and nodded. “My coven was all about training warriors. I have battle magic down to an art form at this point. My upbringing was harsh, but now that we’re at war with an evasive asshole, it’ll come in handy.”
“I’ll use what I learned if I have to,” Avi muttered. I didn’t think he meant for us to hear, and the way the guys froze had me worried.
“No,” Levi said firmly. “You don’t need to go there, Avi. You’re just as strong without it.”
“Dark magic isn’t a choice,” Kane growled, glaring at the beta. Avi sighed, but I could tell from the determination in his eyes that he had no intention of listening if push came to shove. I didn’t know how things would play out, none of us did at this point, but I did know I’d do whatever I could to keep him from tainting his soul with dark magic. As sheltered from the world as I was, I still knew of dark magic and the witches who aligned themselves with demons.
“Sorry,” Avi said. He glanced at me and frowned. “Sorry, Farren. You’re probably confused.” He didn’t exactly look in the mindset to go into detail, so I quickly cut in.
“No, I can use my imagination, and for the record, I’m against it,” I said. “We don’t need that to win. Once I have my magic back, we’ll use everything we have to end this together. Our babies will be safe.”
He smiled at my determination, and there was a peaceful look in his eyes that hadn’t been there when the guys spoke to him. Was there something special about me, being his mate? Or had the two of us formed more of a connection before I lost myself? I was about to ask, but then Kane spoke up.
“Wait. Did you say babies… as in plural?”
“It’s obviously not a certainty. I just feel like there’s two,” I explained. “It would explain the growth too.”
“What’s an average birth count?” Avi asked, directing the question to both me and Levi.
