Page 7 of A Hatchling for Valentine’s

Chapter Three

The week had gone by without much in the way of changes to the egg, other than the soft patches almost completely hardening. Only a few small areas remained at the base, and Vic wasn’t sure what any of it meant. He’d searched online to learn more about swans, but Kellan had caught him and immediately gotten worried that Vic knew something bad about the egg but been afraid to tell him. That had led to a discussion regarding them always being honest with each other no matter what. They’d both agreed never to hide anything, regardless of how frightening the subject was.

However, his search hadn’t been very helpful anyway. As it was with wolves and other shifters, the rules weren’t always the same as they were with the animal or bird. When he’d finally broken down and called Dr. Arthur, he’d reminded Vic of that and scolded him for looking on the Net rather than calling him with his concerns. He’d also thought to ask another valuable question.

Vic rose from the couch where he’d been relaxing. After pulling a twelve-hour shift at the Inn and restaurant the day before, he’d vowed to do nothing except lie around and peruse some cabin designs on his tablet. He loved the style of his wood home with the pine and river rock fireplace, but they needed more room.

Especially if our family continues to grow.

Dr. Arthur had already warned them that Kellan’s next clutch the following year would likely produce more than one egg. They still hadn’t discussed how many kids they wanted or how soon, but Vic hoped Kellan would want a large family. First, they had to make sure that the egg Kellan’s swan was incubating in the next room would be all right.

Vic ambled into the kitchen, starting another pot of coffee for Dora and Skip’s visit. When he’d spoken to the doc, he’d reassured him that Kellan’s swan only went on the attack if it didn’t recognize the visitor. Once his swan had been introduced to the person when in the vicinity of the nest and been reassured they meant no harm to the egg, any subsequent visits would be safe.

Vic turned on the coffee machine and it gurgled to life. I sure as hell hope so. Kellan already felt so bad over Dora’s bruised cheek that his wing joint had caused.

A knock sounded and Vic tensed. “I’ll be there in a sec!”

Rustling noises along with some flapping could be heard from the bedroom and he rushed to reassure Kellan’s swan. By the time he’d rushed through the door, the white, regal bird had hopped from the bed with his wings held aloft and spread wide. He stuck his beak in the air and let out a loud squealing cry.

Vid raised his, palms out. “Hey, it’s okay. That’s Dora and Skip at the door, they’re our friends. Remember?”

Kellan stretched out his wings once more then settled to his normal swan height. Vic smiled as his mate completed the gentle shift that he never tired of watching. First, Kellan’s wings would seem to melt away as his neck shortened. Then the beak and webbed feet would be next while the feathers gradually disappeared. Eventually, a naked Kellan would emerge with his legs and feet tucked under him, hunched over with his head bowed and his arms wrapped around himself.

Vic extended his hand to help his mate to his feet, then guided him to the edge of the bed so he could sit down for a moment while he recovered from his shift. Kellan explained that ever since he’d been carrying the egg, it took him longer to get all his strength back after a shift.

“Do you want the robe?”

Vic plucked the white, terry cloth robe off the mattress he’d dragged into the bedroom to use, since the egg took up the space in the middle of their usual bed. Kellan nodded and accepted the white garment. Technically, it was Vic’s, but Kellan had snagged it and made it his own—despite how large and too long it was for him. Vic guessed it was a comfort thing.

“Okay, I’m going to go let our visitors in.” He stroked Kellan’s cheek. “You come out when you’re ready. I made some coffee, so I can keep us busy with that for a minute.”

Kellan gave him a sleepy smile. “Thanks, Vic. I won’t be too long.”

“Take as long as you want.” Vic kissed Kellan’s forehead, then left the bedroom—closing the door behind him—so he could let their friends in from the cold. He jogged to the front of the cabin to greet them both. “Hey Dora, Skip. Sorry about the delay.” Vic gestured for them to come in. “I wanted to make sure Kellan’s swan wasn’t going to be upset.”

Dora touched the fading bruise on her cheek. “I don’t have a problem with that.” She glanced around the room as if checking for hidden attack swans. “I take it we’re safe?”

“He’s fine, and honestly, very worried that you’re still mad at him.”

Dora’s brow wrinkled. “Oh man. I don’t want him to feel bad. He can’t help it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Can he?”

Vic snorted. “No, he can’t. I spoke to the avian specialist and he explained that now that Kellan’s swan is familiar with you both, everything should be fine.”

Skip scented the air. “Is that fresh coffee?”

“Yeah, just made it.” Vic welcomed the change of subject. “Why don’t you guys have a seat while I grab you each a cup.”

He’d barely had the chance to head to the kitchen when he about jumped out of his skin.

“Vic! Vic, hurry! It moved!”

“Holy shit.”

Vic almost tripped over his own feet in his haste. He shoved the door open, bursting into the room, his forward momentum nearly sending him crashing to the floor as he attempted to keep from landing on the bed. He grabbed hold of the door knob in the nick of time.

Kellan was perched on the mattress, on his knees with his hands covering his mouth as he gaped at the egg. Dora and Skip rushed in too, although Dora made sure to stay behind Skip, peering over his shoulder at the scene.

“I-is every…everything okay?” Vic could barely push out his words he was so out of breath. And dizzy.