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Aviolent poundingon my door brings back childhood memories of screeched arguments. “Rosh!”
I groan. “Go away, Ceraph.”
“The hell I will. This is my wedding day and everyone is supposed to do what I say!”
I snort. Of course my sister is the most epic Bridezilla in history. “Just leave me alone.”
“I’m warning you, if you don’t let me in there, I’m going to tell hotel management you’re having a seizure and they’ll break in.”
I sigh. Doesn’t matter how old we get, it always rankles me when she outwits me. I stalk to the door and pull it open so I can glare at her. “What do you want? Can’t you listen? What if I was feeling unwell and I make you sick for tomorrow?”
She snorts and pushes past me into the room. “You’re not sick, you’re just stupid.”
Folding my arms across my chest, I wait for her to continue. Clearly she’s not interested in being reasonable. Must be a case of cold tentacles or something.
“You found her didn’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your mate! You found her and you’re stuffing around making her think you’re about to send her away. If you’re not careful you’re going to lose her.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a long breath in and let it out. Where my sister is concerned, sometimes it’s best to be honest. “Look, Ceraph. I have something to tell you, just please don’t tell Mom and Dad, OK?”
She groans in frustration, waving her arms about her head like she used to when we were small. “I know you hired her as your fake girlfriend, you loser. I also know she triggered your glow on the plane. Didn’t she?”
My mouth goes dry and my heart thumps in my chest. “Who told you that?”
“No one had to tell me. I worked it out on my own. What I can’t work out is why you haven’t told her yet.”
I groan, pushing a hand through my hair. “Look, it’s not as easy as you think.”
“No.” Ceraph grabs at my sleeve and pulls me around to look at her. “It’s exactly as easy. Just tell her.”
“It’s not good timing, OK? I can’t have a clutch now. I can’t bond with her here, like this. As soon as I go into the water with her, I’ll claim her, and she’ll get pregnant, and then what the fuck do I do about my business? You know things are still done the traditional way. I’d still be expected to look after our children. It’s easy for you. You’re female. You just get to pop out a clutch and go back to work.”
Her glare is murderous. She waves an angry finger in my face and I wish back the thoughtless words. Then the tears start flowing and I freeze. “She might not.”
“Huh?” I stare at my sister, for once completely at a loss what she’s talking about.
“She might not get pregnant. She might never get pregnant.Iprobably won’t.”
“Aw, Ceraph.” I pull her into my arms and she sobs against my chest. “The appointment didn’t go as well as you hoped then?”
“Mhmm. Doctor said there was a five percent chance, but it’s not much, is it? And it’s genetic, Rosh. You could have it, too. So instead of worrying too much about it and letting it get in the way of real happiness, why not look at it as the blessing it would be? Hell, if you don’t want the clutch, I’ll raise them!”
Oh, fuck. Goddess I’m a heartless ass. I hug my sister tight until the tears subside. “I’m so sorry, Ceraph. I didn’t know. I should have known.”
She sniffs and pulls back. “Now I’ll have to go fix my makeup.” She slaps my chest. “Just think about it OK? I don’t even know her well, but I can already see she’ll be great for you. And you never know what will happen. But is your business really more important?”
I sigh. “No. I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now go get your mate before she gives up on you.”
***
