Authors: Vivienne Savage

Smitten (37 page)

BOOK: Smitten

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“I believe,” a new voice chimed in, “that she is merely following the example that a dragon woman is a strong woman who doesn’t let anyone bully her.”

“Ian!” Ēostre waved at the man as he crossed the grass toward them. “I hadn’t expected to see you today.”

“I had some positive news I thought you’d like to hear. Unless you’d rather it wait for an official meeting, of course.”

“Nonsense,” Max told him. “Grab a bit of blanket or grass and tell us what’s happening.”

“Thanks. First, though, how are you two lovely ladies doing?” Ian asked, taking a seat.

“You know me, busy, busy, busy,” Chloe replied. “I’m hoping all this fresh air makes Brandt take a good long nap so I can have one as well.”

Ian laughed and reached over to smooth his fingers over the baby’s reddish hair. “I remember those days. And you, Ēostre? Are you looking forward to your upcoming sonogram?”

“How did you know about that? The Secret Service has been going through hoops getting it arranged. It’s top secret, down to the location, and apparently even my doctor isn’t allowed to know until a day before the exam.”

Ian’s good-humored grin made him appear ten years younger. “I’ve been working closely with Director Nichols, remember? I refuse to let anything or anyone slip through your security details again. Which brings me to the good news I came to share.”

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense, old man,” Max said. “You have us on the edge of our figurative seats.”

“I have it on good authority that the slayers are twisting in circles. Some of them want to end the hunting,” Ian announced.

“Some?”

“They’re divided on it. Word on the street is there’s a faction of new blood opposing their traditions. They were born to the old guard and don’t want to murder dragons on their parents’ word that you’re evil.”

“Imagine that,” Max mused. “Kids having minds of their own.”

“It’s a changing world. I don’t expect that’ll be the end of it,” the eagle shifter drawled, “but we’ll remain vigilant and on the defensive.”

“Yes. The slayers may be silent, but we don’t want to take any risk with Ēostre’s safety.” Max’s warm hand returned to her tummy, inciting a new series of flutters inside her womb. Ēostre raised her eyes to his face and drank in his elated features.

“I told you everything would work out,” she whispered up to him. “No more hiding in the darkness and obscurity. If we can win over the slayers, show them there’s no need for more bloodshed, imagine the life we can have. The life our children will have.”

Max took the hand she’d lifted to his cheek and drew her fingers to his lips, brushing a tender kiss across her knuckles. “I’m as smitten with you now as I was the first day we met, and I could never have done this without you.

And if all went to plan, he would never have to.

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