 by Jayda Marx.jpg)
Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter One
Hunter
“That’s gonna make one hell of a pinata,” Enzo said as he watched Asher place another strip of gauze across Cedric’s round stomach.
Cedric sighed and rolled his eyes. “For the tenth time, we’re not making a pinata. We’re making a plaster cast of my stomach. This way we'll always have a reminder of my pregnancy.” Cedric had less than two months left to carry his little one.
“Won’t the kid be a good enough reminder?” Felix chimed in, making his brother snort.
“Don’t listen to them,” Grady insisted from his seat on the sofa, where he was lovingly watching the pair. “I think this is a beautiful way to commemorate this major event in your life. Your stomach will shrink away once the child is born, but this cast will help you remember the days you carried him or her.”
We weren’t sure what gender the child was, because Cedric couldn’t exactly stroll into a doctor’s office to have an ultrasound. Shifters had to wait and see once their children were born, but that only added to the excitement.
“I’ll miss this belly when it’s gone,” Cedric lamented, eyeballing his protruding dome. His lips curled into a playful smirk as he moved his gaze onto his mate, Asher. “I guess we’ll have to make lots more babies so I can feel it again.”
Asher’s hands stilled and he gulped. “Let’s make sure I don’t screw this one up too badly before we plan any more, okay?” Although his relationship with Cedric had helped him so much, Asher still wrestled with self confidence from time to time, but there was no need for it. He was a great man, and a wonderful addition to our pride.
“That baby is going to be so lucky to have you,” I butted in. “You’re loving and protective, and I know you’ll be a wonderful father.”
Cedric sniffled and dabbed at the tears that were streaming down his cheeks. “Dang it, Hunter, you’re making me cry for the hundredth time today!” The sweet man had been one big, walking hormone for the past few months. “But you’re right. Asher is going to rock fatherhood.”
The big man smiled as he lifted another piece of wet gauze and draped it over Cedric’s stomach. “Thanks, guys. I’m going to try my best.”
“And if you need anything, we’re all here for you,” I reminded him. We were a team, and no one had to handle life on their own. We all looked out for one another.
“This cast is going to be a really cool piece of art,” Brandon added. “Are you planning on painting it or anything once it dries?”
“I’d love to write the baby’s name on it after they’re born,” Cedric replied, “And maybe paint some pretty flowers on it, but I’m afraid of screwing it up.”
“I’d be happy to do it for you,” Brandon shrugged. He was a great artist; not only did he graduate from college for art, but he was also an accomplished graphic novelist.
“That would be so great!” Cedric gushed, dabbing at his eyes again. Asher cleared his throat and he and his mate had a silent interaction of head nods and winks. “And actually,” Cedric continued, “I was wondering if I could ask one more favor of you.”
Brandon cocked his head. “What is it?”
“Well, Asher has taken lots of photographs of me, but I thought it would be nice to have a sketch…you know, like the one you made of Talon? I’d be clothed!” he added quickly when Talon growled a warning. “But I’d love to capture this pregnancy in as many artistic mediums as possible. It would mean so much and I’m happy to pay you for your work-”
“Of course I’ll do it,” Brandon beamed. “But you’re not paying me anything. We’re friends, Ced; family. It’s my pleasure.”
Cedric gave him a teary smile. “Thank you. But if you won’t take my money, I am going to make your favorite meal for dinner and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
The room gave a collective chuckle and Brandon agreed, “It’s a deal. And actually, this is great timing; Talon and I were heading into town today to pick up some more art supplies. I’ll get some fresh sketch pencils and we can start right away.”
“You’re the best,” Cedric warbled.
“Are you ready to leave now, sweetheart?” Talon asked Brandon, who nodded.
I stood up at the same time as them. “Do you mind if I tag along?”
“Sure, the more the merrier,” Talon shrugged before looking around the room. “Would anyone else like to come?” No one else took him up on the offer, so the three of us walked outside and loaded into my SUV.
We drove the bumpy dirt path out of the forest and made it onto the main road. My stomach growled loudly and I asked the pair, “Do you mind if I stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat?”