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If she was scared shitless, then he was terrified: of the pregnancy being a bust, of the child coming into harm before coming into the world. Of bringing someone innocent into this world, where too many dangers awaited. Then there was Sapphire, who didn’t know she was carrying someone very important and would now be a target of his enemies when they found out—and they would ultimately find out, especially when the child grew up and there was no hiding its origins from the world.
He had thought that a pregnant wife would be the answer to all his problems, including the threat to his life, but he hadn’t counted on caring for his wife more than anything else. What would happen now? Could he just go back to uncaring when so much had happened between them already?
A sprout of energy cut off the rest of his thoughts and brought him out of his reverie. He found that his steps had led him to the castle entrance, where Silver and Maddox stood talking in low voices. At his approach, they straightened and focused their attention on him. Silver didn’t look as angry, offended, or as agitated as earlier, but there was still a distinct coldness to the man’s expression.
“You and me,” Klaus barked out before the warlock could hurl insults. “I know you’re still not happy, so let’s settle this without bringing harm to Sapphire or your other sisters. Or Rosa.”
As expected, the mention of Rosa turned the warlock even more protective. Silver scowled.
“How?”
“No dragon,” Klaus proposed. “And no magic. We settle this with fists so you can take out your anger on me and I can prove to you that I’m the best protection she has, not you…also, so I can dole out some punches for your disrespect over my territory.”
“We both know you’re wrong.”
“Then take my proposal.”
Maddox stirred and cleared his throat. “I don’t think that’s a—”
“Maddox can referee,” Klaus added.
Maddox tried again. “Guys, this isn’t—”
“I accept your proposal and I’ll make sure you lose, you arrogant dragon.”
The half-vampire gaped at Silver as if he was crazy, realized he was serious, and turned to Klaus. Klaus maintained eye contact with the man until Maddox gradually slumped and understood he was outnumbered.
“Referee it is,” Maddox mumbled reluctantly. “One whiff of magic or shifting and I’m punching you both.”
Silver shrugged. “Fine by me.”
Satisfied, Klaus nodded.
“Let’s do it.”
Chapter 13
“Don’t you want to rest your feet? You’ve been up since morning and it’s…”
“It’s still morning. We haven’t even had our lunch yet.”
Sapphire gave Klaus an amused look, but he didn’t share it. Instead, his brows were furrowed as he gently clasped her elbows and steered her to a chair—the one he had brought with him when he barged in on her making her potions. She opened her mouth to reason out to him that sitting while making potions wasn’t convenient, then realized that he might end up staying in the room with her all day long.
“How’s your back?” he asked when she was comfortably seated.
“It’s just as fine as my feet.”
Said feet were raised as he brought in a second chair. She gave him a baleful look this time, then reluctantly sighed in bliss when he started massaging her ankles. To be fair, there was something magical about those hands applying pressure on the parts that did stand too long in her haste to fill her vials.
“That’s enough now, Klaus.”
He massaged for a few more seconds before finally letting go. When he stepped back and assessed her thoroughly, it felt like laser eyes trying to see into her soul.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“I am—” She sharply held up her hand to keep him from striding forward. “ButI’m not that hungry yet. And don’t you dare carry me to the dining hall. I can walk fine on my own.”
“Well…at least call me so we can dine together.”
