He was sure to work all of her muscles, paying special attention to her lower back. After about a half hour, she slumped back against him in an almost boneless state. Exactly how he liked her. Did it matter what methods he used to achieve it? He didn’t think so.

Candy sighed.

Torrent put his arms around her and held her distended belly, running his hands up and down it’s curve. A feeling of possessiveness wrapped itself around him and he had to fight to keep from holding her more tightly.

The baby gave a soft kick beneath his hand. His son. His heir. His.

Torrent buried his head into her hair, breathing in her fruity scent. She sat up and turned to look at him. “Thank you. I feel so much better.”

He could see that her eyelids were at half-mast. She spoke slowly.

“You’re tired.”

She gave a lazy smile and yawned, making a sound of agreement.

“Go and have a nap, I’ll wake you when dinner is ready.”

She shook her head. “Let me help you.”

Torrent raised his brows. “You’re already very busy.”

“Like hell.” She smiled. “Doing what?” She choked out a laugh.

“Growing our baby.”

She gave him another lazy smile. “I suppose so.” Her eyes were so damned beautiful. The color of the deepest ocean. Her hair was like spun gold. Not for the first time, he longed for a daughter with hair of gold and eyes like the ocean. The feeling soon passed as he pictured his son. The male would have his eyes and hair but her features. He was sure of it. He couldn’t wait to meet the little one. It was all he could think about.

Candy gave him a quick kiss and attempted to get up. Her belly really was in the way. Torrent gripped her ass and gave her a push. Yup, in five weeks, six at the most, he was going to be a daddy. Excitement coursed through him.

“I’ll wake you, sweetheart. You rest.”

She turned and gave him the sweetest smile. The dogs jumped onto the bed and curled up beside her, one on either side. He pretended not to notice. Anything for his mate.

Chapter 27

Seven weeks later…

Torrent concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other, until he hit the solid wall that marked the end of the hallway, and then he marched back. He turned sharply, yet again, and made his way back. Every muscle was bunched and ready. Adrenaline coursed. He was ready for war. Ready to take on the enemy. Ready to fight. The only problem, his foe wasn’t physical.

Torrent picked up his pace.

“Stop that,” Tide growled. “We should go. It is customary to wait in the great hall.”

Torrent didn’t answer. He clenched his jaw tighter and continued to march. Back and forth, back and forth.