Munro (Immortals After Dark #18) by Kresley Cole

            A tear slipped down Ren’s cheek, even as her lips curved. We believe in you too.





SIXTY-FIVE





            “You wish we were out running,” Ren told Munro.

            “Nay, lass, I’m happy right where I am.” They sat on the den’s couch together. He’d taken her aching feet into his lap, massaging them.

            It was late on the night of the full moon, but Glenrial still buzzed. They had the windows open to the laughter, music, and howls, those sounds filling her with peace. I’m very happy with my monster life.

            After months of practice, Munro had finally mastered his beast under the light. The incentive was there. After reading that intercourse might bring on labor, he’d said, “No’ on your bloody life! No’ when we’re days from the finish line. Does no’ matter that my beast is clawing me, and my cock feels like a crowbar.” Her eloquent mate.

            Ren’s own beast had prowled for freedom as well, just as it did each full moon and with each training session. She glanced at her cuff. Somehow her temporary solution had lasted all this time.

            She looked forward to the day when her future didn’t depend on an accessory. But the beast forever pawed at her control, and she forever swiped back. Though she’d managed to go a little longer without her cuff, she could tell her lack of progress concerned Munro.

            Sometimes her attempts struck her as futile, like trying to put out a forest fire—with a million tiny drops of blood.

            Munro said, “Besides, these feet will no’ rub themselves.” He tenderly kneaded her instep. “My puir, wee mate with her puir, wee paws.”

            She snorted. “And her colossal belly.”

            “I happen to like that belly.” His voice grew husky. “And those breasts. And hips. And even these wee paws.” He’d proven as insatiable for her as she’d been for him. He started getting that look in his eyes, but visibly checked himself. “No’ much longer now. Kereny, once we get these lads born . . .”

            His ominous tone heated her blood.

            He muttered to himself, “Mind on something else,” as he continued her massage.

            A particularly loud howl sounded from nearby, and fireworks popped. She’d learned that Lykae young turned into hooligans under the full moon. “Do you think Rónan and Benneit are behaving themselves?”

            The brothers had gone to a beach campout on the Gulf of Mexico with some witches. Ren and Munro had been nervous about letting them leave Glenrial, but the witches had their own protections against warlocks.

            Ben had never trusted himself to enjoy one of those full-moon parties. After working with Will to conquer his beast, he was more confident.

            “Behaving themselves? No’ at all. But mayhap they will no’ get into too much mischief.” Munro and Ren kept their phones on just in case.

            “I’m glad Will and Chloe got to spend tonight at Conall.”

            Munro had promised he’d take Ren, the babies, and the wards to visit there as soon as things settled down. Not wanting to add to his overloaded plate, she’d decided to wait until after the birth to inform Munro that she was the latest Lykae Sentinel to sign up for duty at the Woods of Murk chapter, and that they would all live at Conall.

            She’d already chatted with a fey architect to draw up house plans, and she’d talked to Will about getting Cassandra, a clan elder, to lead Bheinnrose. The she-wolf had been delighted about starting next month.

            Munro said, “I doona know how my brother has gone this long without releasing his beast.” He made no secret of his admiration for Will.

            “I don’t know how Chloe’s held out.” Ren ogled her mate. “I understand exactly what she’s been denied. I missed your beautiful beast tonight.”

            “Though I’ve missed yours too, I hope I will no’ see it for some time,” he said. “Gods, I canna wait to relax after the babes get here safely.”

            Should Ren tell him that he might never relax the same again? She’d talked to other parents around the settlement. They’d said that once the pregnancy worries faded, new ones took their place. That was parenthood. And she was so ready for it.