Page 17 of A Hatchling for Valentine’s

I think he took things pretty well.

His main concern had been that Vic would be angry but his mate had reassured him that he wasn’t upset with him in the slightest.

Kellan ambled into the living room to check on Sean. The poor guy had been through so much already, and he was sure Vic’s rather dramatic performance had only served to scare him half to death. Sure enough, Sean was pressed against the arm of the couch that was the farthest from where Vic was puttering in the kitchen. After Kellan had finished his sordid tale, Vic had given him a toe-curling kiss then excused himself so he could make them all some hot cider and put together a snack. Sean appeared as skinny as he’d been when Vic had first rescued him.

Kellan approached Sean gingerly. “Hey. Is it okay if I sit down?”

Sean gazed up at him in confusion, almost as if he’d forgotten who he was. He seemed to regain his senses. “Yeah, of course. This is your home and I’m the intruder.”

Oh dear. Kellan took a seat. “Don’t say that, Sean. That’s not how I feel at all.”

Sean glanced past him at Vic. Kellan peered over his shoulder, tracking Sean’s gaze and noting that Vic was busily preparing things and oblivious to anything they were doing. Kellan kept his voice low.

“You don’t have to be afraid of my mate. Vic is an amazing guy. He loves me and our egg very much and went all Alpha nutso because someone hurt us. But he’s not upset at you, I promise.”

Sean stared at Kellan open-mouthed. “You have an egg of your very own?”

Kellan smiled, relieved that Sean seemed ready to communicate. “Uh-huh. Vic’s my fated mate and we have a hatchling on the way.” Kellan’s smile deepened as his cheeks flushed. “We’re engaged too.”

Sean’s gaze darted to Vic again before landing back on Kellan. “I don’t want you to think I’m being rude, but was it Vic who fertilized the egg?”

Kellan’s knee-jerk reaction was to be insulted, but he had to admit he’d wondered the same thing at first. “I know, we were surprised too. I think it’s because we’re fated that we’ll soon have a baby.”

“That’s incredible. You’re so lucky.” He stared at Kellan in awe. “Do you know if he or she will be a swan or a wolf? Or both?”

Kellan shrugged. “No idea. But we have an avian fertility specialist helping us out. He and his wife are eagle shifters.” He furrowed his brow. “Oh, and his nephew, Avi, is Vale Valley’s new fire chief.”

On the drive back from Bobcat Stump, Kellan and Dora has already filled Sean in on Vale Valley and how it would be the safest place for him to be while he recovered from his ordeal with Finn and the herd. Kellan hadn’t had the chance to give Vic all the grisly details of Sean’s captivity, but he’d let him know that Sean desperately needed their help.

Before they had a chance to continue their conversation, Vic entered the room with a tray of three mugs, each one containing a cinnamon stick stirrer in addition to the cider and a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies. He set everything down on the coffee table before taking a seat in the chair across from the couch.

“Here you go. Help yourself.”

Vic gave them a stiff smile, and Kellan could tell how uncomfortable he was. He was sure his reaction stemmed from how sorry he was that his behavior had caused Sean to be even more afraid than he already was.

Kellan handed one of the mugs to Sean then took a sip from his own to get things going. He arched his eyebrows at Vic who finally got the message to pick up his drink too. Kellan didn’t want Sean to feel self-conscious.

Once they’d taken a few minutes to have some cider and cookies, Vic cleared his throat. “I know this isn’t very much to eat. Kellan and I usually get our meals from the restaurant. I’m guessing he explained all that to you already? That the inn and restaurant is our place?”

Kellan sat a bit straighter, trying not to show his surprise that Vic had described the business as belonging to them both. He’d never thought of the inn as his and didn’t know that was how Vic viewed their situation. He filed that tidbit away to discuss with his mate later.

Sean shook his head. “He said he’d bring me somewhere safe and that his mate—that you—had somewhere I could stay. But you don’t have to. I don’t want to be any trouble.”

Vic scratched his chin through his beard. “No trouble. This is mine and Kellan’s place and we have plenty of room. You’re welcome to stay here in the cabin if you don’t want to be alone, or we can set you up at the inn in your own space.” Vic grinned. “I believe Kellan’s old room is still empty.”

Kellan regarded Sean. “And it has a nice view of the lake. But you can stay here with us if you’d rather.”

Vic nodded. “Either way, I can order some food from the restaurant. We haven’t had any dinner yet.”

A tear trailed down Sean’s face. “You’re both so nice. Thank you very much.” He regarded Kellan. “And I owe you my life, Kellan. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

Kellan gave his new friend a hug. “You can get better and be happy. Everyone deserves that.”