Page 34 of A Swan for Christmas

Kellan snort-giggled. “No, you would do what I’m doing right now. Cuddle with it, keep it warm. Plus, if we also keep the cabin warm, I can cover it with the blankets for short periods of time and it’ll be fine.”

Vic caressed the smooth shell that protected his unborn child. “Did that swan shifter Dr. Arthur put you in touch with explain all that?”

“His name is Jonas, and yes he did.”

“So, it’s okay if I take care of the egg sometimes too? It isn’t only the egg-layer who does that?”

“No, not at all.”

Kellan snuggled around the egg even more, leaning across the top of it to steal a kiss from Vic. Vic moaned into Kellan’s mouth as they deepened the exchange—his mate tasted so damn good. The egg was pressed between them, and the truth of them being a family filled his heart to overflowing. Vic ended the kiss with one final lick across Kellan’s bottom lip.

“You must be cold now that you’ve shifted back.” Vic picked up the wool blanket that had flown off him when he’d fallen from the bed. “Here you go.” He draped it over Kellan’s form. “I’ll go stoke the fire and get it roaring again. Do you want something to eat?”

“Yes! I’m starving. I have some juice in there from yesterday, but I’d love a cinnamon roll, too.”

More relief flooded Vic. His mate was back to normal. “Good thing I saved you one then, huh?” He winked at Kellan who laughed in response.

Vic placed another kiss on Kellan’s forehead then rushed around, getting the fire going and making some fresh juice for Kellan. As he placed the juice, cinnamon roll and some coffee on a tray, the twinkling of the tree lights got his attention.

Hmm.

He brought the tray into the bedroom, then set it on the floor next to the bed. At Kellan’s perplexed expression, Vic jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Hold on, I have to grab one more thing.”

Vic scurried to the living room then retrieved the item he wanted. As soon as Kellan’s gaze landed on the gift bag holding the stuffed wolf they’d bought at the market, he slapped a hand to his mouth, his eyes glittering, but happy. Vic sat on the bed and placed the bag next to the egg.

“For our baby. I’ll always protect and love them as I protect and love you.” Vic leaned over and kissed the top of the shell peeking out from under the blankets.

Kellan grabbed Vic’s hand, twining their fingers together. “I love you, Vic, my big bad wolf.” A lone tear slid down Kellan’s cheek, but his smile remained wide. “Merry Christmas.”

Vic pressed a kiss to Kellan’s palm. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

THE END