Love's Call (16 page)

Her knight inclined his head, slipping his arm around Ansley’s shoulders and pulling her tight to his side.

Aimil had enjoyed her
I-told-you-so’s
when Ansley had told her two best friends about their betrothal.

Heat crept up her neck and Ansley cleared her throat. “Is Cera all right?”

“Aye.” Aimil nodded. “She sent Jorrin for Tristan some time ago, but now she’s asking for you and me.”

“Me?” Ansley swallowed. Could she stand being
in
the room when the baby came? She’d never been very good at blood and messiness. Besides, Morag probably wouldn’t like it, if Cera hadn’t kicked her out. It wasn’t decorum for an unmarried woman to witness a birth.

“Aye,” Aimil said, grabbing her arm. “Let’s go. Leargan, you can come too, I guess. Someone has to keep Jorrin in line. Cera threatened to throw him out of the room.” She shook her head, laughter in her voice. “Cera’s temper is very much present.”

****

When they made it to the door that led into Jorrin and Cera’s rooms, Jorrin was indeed in the corridor. High cheekbones were flushed with color, blue eyes wide. The lord was frantic. Pacing, shoving his hand through his dark hair.

Leargan took a breath. Maybe he could calm his friend after all.

“Jorrin? She actually put you out?” Lady Aimil’s dark eyes were wide, mouth a half-gape.

Lord Aldern froze, saying nothing as the apple of his throat bobbed. He shrugged, averting his gaze.

Isair and Ali greeted each other and lay down in the wide corridor, but no one paid them any attention. Trikser lay not far from the door, staring as if he could see through it.

How’d they managed to get Lady Cera’s bondmate to leave her side?

“C’mon, Ansley,” Lady Aimil said quietly, taking her hand and slipping into the room.

Leargan took a step forward and squeezed the duke’s forearm. “I can’t know what you’re going through, but I’m sure it’ll be all right, Jorrin.”

When had he finally conceded to calling the lord by his given name?

The duke had chided him for months about it. They were friends as much as lord to captain. It was comfortable, as relaxed as their relationship.

Morag of course, would say it was improper, but Leargan rarely paid her any attention anyway. She’d have to be content that he’d never address Jorrin without
my lord
, in front of their men.

The duke took a breath and met his eyes. “She’s in so much pain…I can’t stand it.”

“Tristan’s in there, right?” Leargan asked.

“Yes.”

“Then it’ll be fine. We all trust him with our lives; let’s not stop now.”

Jorrin gave him a grateful smile. “I just didn’t think…it’s hard watching her hurt.” He looked at his hands, palms wide. “I can’t do anything for her. All my magic, and I have nothing.” He winced.

As an empath, he would literally feel what his wife felt.

Leargan echoed the wince, grateful he didn’t have to suffer other people’s emotions like Jorrin always had to. Especially the woman he loved.

“That’s what Tristan’s for, my friend. His magic will ease her. Don’t feel bad that yours is different. As I understand it, pain is how babies come into the world. She’s young and strong, and nothing will happen to either of them.”

“Thank you, Leargan. I needed someone to talk some sense into me.”

“Lady Dagget said as much. But I didn’t think your wife would actually throw you out of the room.” Leargan chuckled.

Jorrin grinned and shrugged. “She simply suggested—through clenched teeth—that I get some fresh air.”

“Are you going back in?”

“Perhaps in a bit. Morag and Neomi are in there, along with Tristan and now Ansley and Aimil…it’s a bit crowded.”

“I’m surprised the duchess allowed Morag.”

“I think Neomi tried to send her away, but she wouldn’t go,” Jorrin said, referring to his wife’s lady’s maid. “Cera’s too busy to fuss her out.”

“Yet she had time to throw her husband out.” Leargan grinned.

“Thanks for putting it that way.” The duke flashed a sheepish smile. “Oh, congratulations on your betrothal. With Avril’s situation, proper acknowledgment fell to the wayside. Sorry about that. I hope Ansley wasn’t upset.”

“Thank you, and no she wasn’t. I don’t think it’s necessary to announce formally.” Leargan waved his hand.

Dark brow up, Jorrin studied him until he squirmed. “Did you tell her about the scroll?”

“No.”

“So she has no idea her father will be here soon?”

Leargan scowled. “No.”

“Well, you’d better tell her before she finds out and thinks you only want to marry her because King Nathal ordered it. It will hurt her.” The duke smirked. “Woman are funny like that.”

He dragged his hand down his face.

“That isn’t the
only
reason you asked her, is it?”

“Of course not,” Leargan bit out.

Jorrin’s gaze was appraising, and Leargan averted his eyes from the blue stare.

Why
did he want to marry her?

He wanted her physically, but he’d spoken the truth when he’d told Jorrin he didn’t want a marriage without love.

What exactly did he feel for Ansley?

Desire. More than any other woman. Ever. Her passion equaled his. They’d suit each other well, and King Nathal, a man who’d always been a father to him, had chosen her for him.

That
was all he needed to know.

Pushing away thoughts and feelings he didn’t want to acknowledge, Leargan shook his head.

Not now.

“Then why?” Jorrin stared.

Don’t ask questions you can feel the answers to.
But he couldn’t say the words. “Ansley is mine.”

His friend’s eyes narrowed. “You’d better explain everything before they get here. She might want to know her wedding is about a sevenday away.”

The door to Jorrin and Lady Cera’s chamber opened, and Leargan was grateful for the distraction.

Ansley smiled at him before looking at Jorrin. “Cera is asking for you.”

The duke nodded thanks and disappeared into the room.

She stayed in the corridor, hands clasped together in front of her.

“You’re not going back in?”

“It’s pretty intense in there.” Ansley took a step toward him.

Reaching down, he entwined their fingers. “Everything all right?”

“Aye. She’s pushing. Won’t be long now.”

Leargan leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I promise I’ll stay by your side when our first child is born.”

Why had he said that?

Something about Ansley, round with his child made his heart pound. He
wanted
it, almost as much as he wanted her.

Her eyes widened and she blushed.

He brushed his lips against hers, pulling her to him.

She offered him a tremulous smile.

“Did I scare you?”

“No...”

“You do want children?”

“Oh, aye,” Ansley whispered.

Leargan smiled. She would have
his
children.
Why does that feel so right
? “Good. So do I.” He couldn’t keep his hands off her, so children were inevitable anyway.

“How many?” She snuggled closer.

“I hadn’t thought about it.” He shrugged. “Definitely a little lad with your eyes.”

Ansley looked down, cheeks even more crimson, but he guided her face back up, making her meet his eyes.

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable around me.”

“I…I’m not. Especially after today.”

“Good,” Leargan whispered against her lips.

She opened for him, and he tasted her fully. Their tongues mingled and coherent thought fled. He deepened the kiss.

Until Ansley pulled away from him, glaring to the right.

Ali growled again, yellow eyes sharp, glowing. “Stop it, now.”

The wolf whined and laid her great head back down on the floor.

Leargan relaxed and felt Ansley relax against him. “Thanks. Can we leave her out of the room on our wedding night?” He was only half-joking.

She looked into his eyes. “She won’t hurt you.”

“I know. But she hasn’t seen you naked in my arms yet.” He swallowed hard.

Why did you say that?

He must be a glutton for punishment.

She trembled against his chest. “I haven’t seen that yet, either.”

Biting back a groan, he ignored the longing in her tone. He was determined to be honorable. Especially since her father and the king would be there soon.

How could he explain everything to her?

Leargan wanted her to understand that he
wanted
to marry her, and not because the king had ordered it.
Coward.
“You will. I promise you. But I want to do things right.”

“What I feel is right.”

Blessed Spirit, she’s going to kill me.
“It’s good to know my feelings aren’t one-sided.”

Ansley froze in his arms, stiff against him. She swallowed, making him want to kiss her throat.

“Are you all right?”

What did I say?
Had he upset her?

“Aye…I’m fine.”

“It’s a boy!” Lady Aimil threw the door open. “Come see him, he’s gorgeous!”

Chapter Fourteen

Leargan and Ansley looked at each other and grinned.

Morag and Neomi, Cera’s lady’s maid, gathered soiled linens and blankets, and an empty bucket. Wearing wide smiles and bustling around the room, it was hard to tell if they would ever tire.

Jorrin stood next to the bed, tears glistening on his cheeks. Ansley smiled as he leaned down to kiss his wife.

Tristan sat in a chair not far from the hearth, wiping sweat from his brow. He was pale, but Aimil had told her that when he used his healing magic, the larger the injury, the more physically it affected him. Healing someone from a birth was a serious thing.

Aimil stood behind her husband, rubbing his shoulders and whispering to him.

Cera propped against her pillows, cradling a small bundle, wearing a brilliant smile as she looked down at her baby.

Ansley glanced at Leargan, smiling at the wonder in his dark eyes.

He entwined their fingers and squeezed, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Come here, come see him,” Cera whispered.

They walked to the bed, Leargan pulling his hand out of hers so he could embrace Jorrin. The murmur of their hushed deep voices teased her ears, but Ansley only had eyes for the baby.

Cera’s curly red hair covered his small head, and her fingers itched to see if it was as soft as it looked. His cheeks were full and pink, his little rosebud mouth peaceful while he slept in his mother’s arms, and his ears tapered like Jorrin’s. Tiny hands peaked from beneath the blanket he was swaddled in.

Ansley had never seen a more beautiful creature. “Oh, Cera, he’s beautiful.” She reached to touch his curls.
Downy soft.

Cera looked up, her gray eyes shining. “Thanks, Ans. Do you want to hold him?”

“Sure.” She leaned down and gently took the bundled baby into her arms.

He stirred in his sleep but didn’t wake, and she kissed his soft little cheek.

“What’s his name?” Leargan asked softly, appearing at her shoulder.

“Fallon Braylen,” Jorrin said.

Ansley smiled. A tribute to both their fathers.

“Lord Fallon Aldern,” Leargan whispered.

Cera and Jorrin both grinned.

“Your father would be proud, Cera,” Ansley said, gently handing little Fallon back to his mother.

Eyes misty, Cera nodded, and Jorrin squeezed her shoulder.

“Oh, sorry…” Ansley whispered. Last thing she wanted was to make her friend cry.

“No, no it’s fine. I just wish they all could see him.”

“They can, from wherever they are, love.” Jorrin caressed his wife’s cheek.

“Thank you.” She stared up at him.

Ansley shifted at Leargan’s side.

Jorrin and Cera were looking at each other as if they were the only ones in the room.

“Tristan, are you all right?” Leargan asked. He must have sensed her discomfort, unless he felt the same way, too.

“Aye.” Tristan gestured with his hand. Like when he’d healed Avril, Aimil’s husband did not like the attention on himself. “I’ll be fine. Won’t have trouble sleeping, though.”

“Have a rough night, did you?” Cera teased, causing them all to laugh.

“Hey, I healed you all the way. As if you were never pregnant. Your body doesn’t know the difference, except you’ll be able to nurse him. Other than that, you’re as good as new. No soreness, bleeding, the after birth complaints of most women.” Tristan winked.

“I am grateful, honestly.” Cera smiled sweetly. “Much better than having to heal on my own.”

Little Fallon shifted in her arms letting out a wail.

The three men in the room winced.

“I think that would be our cue to find our chambers,” Aimil said, a hand on her rounding tummy.

“Aye, I agree.” Leargan shot a look at the healer. “Tristan, do you need assistance?”

“No, I’m fine, but thanks.” Lord Dagget rose from the chair.

Jorrin walked them to the door. Fallon was already quieting as Cera started to nurse. “Thank you all for tonight.”

“Congratulations, Lord Aldern,” Ansley whispered.

“Just Jorrin,” he chided gently. “And congratulations to you, too.”

“Thank you.” She leaned into Leargan and he shot an arm around her shoulders.

“See you all tomorrow…or the next day…” Jorrin said, closing the door after Cera’s wolf slipped past them, heading inside.

“We never did offer proper congratulations, Ansley,” Tristan said.

Aimil beamed from his side, her arm around his waist.

“It’s fine, really.” She wanted to bury her face against her betrothed. Her cheeks burned as she met the healer’s warm hazel eyes.

“Leargan’s a good man, I’m sure he’ll make you happy. I know he’ll be very happy with you.”

“Aye, I’ve no doubt,” Leargan said.

Ansley glanced at her knight, almost undone by the tenderness in his eyes. She locked her knees to keep them from wobbling. “Thank you.”

“Well, good night. Though it’s still early, I need to get to my bed before I fall over. I’ll follow Jorrin’s sentiment…see you tomorrow, or the next day.” He winked when his wife giggled.

“I’ll walk you to your room…again,” Leargan said, laughter in his tone, after the other couple disappeared in the opposite direction.