Tess and Ayden stayed in one of Matt and Sera’s extra bedrooms and they quickly slid into a routine with the others. The four of them already knew they got along easily. In fact, they were happy to be with each other, especially Matt and Tess who adored their playful squabbles as much as close siblings did. With her having him for company, she didn’t mind Ayden spending a couple hours at the Mages Guild during the afternoons. After a few months, she started getting more tired and would just take naps while he was gone. Ayden had to admit that part of him liked being in one place for so long. Though he missed Tess’ excitement and energy she had when they were on the road. He missed other things, too.

She was still sleeping when he got back from the Mages Guild one afternoon. He knew he shouldn’t disturb her, but he crawled in beside her anyway and pulled her into his arms. What he really wanted though, he knew he wouldn’t get. As the pregnancy went on and Tess’ belly grew, her sexual appetite had gone from insatiable to nonexistent. Sera said it was normal, that some women wanted more during their pregnancy and some didn’t have any drive at all. But for Ayden it was strange, not to mention frustrating, to go without when he was so used to having sex at least twice a day.

Waking up, Tess turned in his arms to face him. “Back already?”

“Yeah, I wanted to be with you instead,” he told her softly.

She smiled. “You’re sweet.”

He caressed her face. “Because I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He kissed her lightly at first, but then couldn’t help trying. Sliding his hand to the back of her neck, he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. A thrill went through him when she responded, but after a moment, she broke the kiss and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, forcing himself to not sound annoyed.

“This damn kid,” she told him as she rolled on to her back. “It feels like the thing shoves up under my ribs. It’s seriously uncomfortable.”

He propped himself up on an arm and leaned over to kiss her throat. “Maybe I can find a way to distract you,” he said suggestively.

“Not now, Ayd,” she told him gently.

He held back a sigh and laid on his back.

“Why don’t you finish reading me that new story?”

“Yeah, sure.”

She caught his undertone and frowned. “Sorry,” she mumbled, moving back to her side and holding his hand. “Maybe later?”

He forced a smile and a light tone. “Whatever you want. I’m fine.”

She smiled back. “Okay.” She tugged him until he turned toward her, then gave him a tender kiss. “Could you get me something to eat first?”

“Course. Be back in a few minutes,” he said, then got up and left.

As he got to the bottom step he heard Sera’s giggle come from the kitchen. As he got to the doorway he saw Matt had her against the counter. Sera pushed his hands away. “Stop,” she whispered.

“What?” Matt asked, then turned to see Ayden.

“Home early?” Ayden asked casually, unable to think of anything else to say.

“No,” Sera said, “just came home for… lunch.”

“Let’s go upstairs,” Matt told her huskily.

She tried not to smile at her husband but couldn’t fully hide it, nor could she cover up the desire in her eyes.

“No, don’t worry about it,” Ayden said. “I’m just getting Tess something to eat, then I’ll be upstairs, reading.” He grabbed a muffin off the table and forced a smile. “Got it."

She gave him a small smile—half apologetic, half sympathetic.

He just left and tried to ignore her soft gasp as Matt returned to getting what he wanted. Sometimes he really hated Matt, he thought grouchily.

Noticing a letter addressed to him and Tess on the small table by the front door, he picked it up before heading upstairs. “You sleeping?” he asked when he entered the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

“No,” she answered and opened her eyes. She sat up against the headboard and took the muffin he offered. “Who’s the letter from?”

“Gabe.”

She smiled. “Read it out loud,” she told him happily.

He sat in a nearby armchair and opened the envelope.

Ayden and Tess –

Hope all’s good with you guys. What scary creatures are you facing off against lately? Ever find any more ogres?

I’m good. I saw most of Kelstone. There are a few places I haven’t seen, like the islands. But I hear there’s some cool history there, so I thought I might talk you into going with me. I could use Ayden as a tour guide. I’d also like to visit the jungle sometime, but I heard Tess is the one to bring there. So, I think I’ll wait. Besides, I’m a little busy at the moment.

Right now I’ve stopped traveling. Why? Well… I swore long ago that I wasn’t the type to ever chase after a woman. But here I am in Halimi, pretending that I’m staying because I love the city, when really it’s just for her. This is a great place, I do like it, but I would rather be in Brunya City.

But she’s got me on a string and here I dangle, waiting until she comes around and decides she wants a relationship. She’s frustrating as hell sometimes, but what can I say… I’m in love with the damn hellcat. And, as you know, some things are definitely worth waiting for.

Well, she’s ready to go now, so I’ll end this here. We’re going dancing at this new tavern in town. Wish me luck. And good luck with your monster hunting. I’ll wish for ogres for you. 

- Gabe

“I’m sure that’s gonna be a story,” Tess said with a chuckle.

Ayden smiled. “Definitely,” he agreed.

“Hope he gets a good ending.”

“Me too,” he said, putting down the letter and grabbing their book off the nightstand.

Tess laid on the couch, propped up with a few throw pillows. The newspaper sat against her large belly as she flipped through it, waiting for Ayden to get back. “What’s that?” she asked when Matt walked into the room.

“A sandwich, obviously.”

She rolled her eyes. “Duh, what kind?”

“Ham and cheese.”

“I want one.”

“So?”

“Make me one.”

He looked at her incredulously. “Get off your ass and make your own. Do I look like your puppy?”

She frowned. “You suck.”

He chuckled and took a bite, then went to sit on the armchair across from her. “You’re just gonna go hungry, aren’t you?”

She shrugged. “I’ll have one when Ayd gets home.”

He rolled his eyes. “You are completely ridiculous.”

“And you’re mean. Go make me one.”

“Not a chance,” he told her. “I’m too busy enjoying this.” He took another bite and moaned. “Mmm.”

She glared. “I should hit you.”

He smirked. “Go ahead.”

“I will. Come here so I don’t have to get up.”

“Are all pregnant women so lazy or is it just your highness?”

She dropped the paper on the floor, sat up enough to pull a pillow out from behind her and throw it at him. He caught it and laughed, then threw it back. It slipped through her hands and got her in the face. She threw it again. “Jerk.”

He caught it and threw it back once more. “Baby.”

“Can’t I leave you two alone for a few minutes without you fighting?” Ayden asked when he walked into the house.

“What took you so long?” she asked, a bit pouty.

He bent over the back of the couch to give her a kiss. “Sorry. I went to see Sera after the Mages Guild and ended up staying awhile.” He looked at Matt. “She says to do dinner without her by the way. She’ll be a bit late getting home.”

“Sure,” Matt said easily. “She got chicken for tonight, you can make something with that.”

Ayden rolled his eyes at Matt handing the task off to him. But he was used to it by now and didn’t bother arguing. “So what are you two fighting about now?”

“Her highness is mad because I won’t make her a sandwich,” Matt answered.

“You were teasing me with yours,” Tess said.

He smirked. “I can’t help it if it happens to taste good.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “Ayd, will you make me a sandwich?”

“Yes,” he said, already heading for the kitchen.

“Ruff!” Matt said, making a puppy sound.

Ayden turned back to them, knowing Tess would be getting up now so she could hit Matt properly. Matt was just grinning at her. Ayden cast a shield, which she ran into quickly. She glared at him while Matt laughed. Ayden put out his hand and threw an energy ball, though he didn’t use the full strength of the spell, and it hit Matt in the arm with the force of a decent punch.

Matt looked surprised then stood. “Don’t make me hurt you,” he said with extra toughness for effect.

Ayden smiled. “Both of you be good,” he said lightly and, once again, headed for the kitchen.

Matt sat back down and shook his head at Tess’ smug smile. “You’re way too spoiled.”

She smirked. “I like to think of it as well loved.”