The years had gone by in a blur of memories, protecting what was his, and making sure Audrey and his young were protected and cared for above all else. They were the reason he lived now, the reason he went out and fought to make sure they were fed, that they had everything they needed.
He looked down at his mate, pushed her long red hair off her face, and felt his chest tighten at the emotions that filled him every time he looked at her. His kind didn’t have a word for what he felt, and although he knew the human species called it love, to Styx it was something stronger, more permanent.
She was the mother of his children, the reason he breathed every day. Pushing down the animal fur that covered them, he placed his hand over her swollen belly. She was due with their third child any day now, and he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. Before Audrey and his children had come into his life Styx had found nothing to be pleased about. He’d lived every day just surviving, wanting a mate, a family, but being alone he knew that might never happen.
“It’s cold,” Audrey whispered, but he saw the smile on her face, scented the teasing notes coming from her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him.
He still had his hand on her belly and felt their child kick.
She ran her hand over his bicep, and for long seconds they just lay there in silence. “Husband, tell me what we’re having?” she said softly.
Gods, he’d never get tired of her calling him “mate” or “husband”. He pulled back slightly and looked down at her. “I thought you wanted this time to be a surprise?”
She rested her head right over his heart. “I think surprises are overrated.”
He chuckled softly. Styx rubbed his hand over her belly for several long seconds, and then he answered. “It’s a girl, wife,” he said quietly, not wanting to wake their twin boys that slept on the other side of the cave.
She snuggled in closer to him.
“A little girl,” she repeated softly, and lifted her hand to touch his cheek.
Styx’s species had heightened senses, and because of that he’d been able to scent his children’s gender early on. But this last time she hadn’t wanted to know right away, or she hadn’t in the beginning.
“You think you’ll be able to handle a girl?” his mate asked, that teasing note still in her voice.
Styx kept his hand on his mate’s belly, felt their daughter kick again, and knew he’d protect what was his at all costs. “I handle you,” he said, teasing his mate right back.
She elbowed him gently, and both of them laughed softly.
Every day he loved her more. She was his mate, his wife, the very reason he breathed. He’d die for her if it meant she and their children were safe and happy.
“Do I make you happy, my female?” he asked.
After a second she pushed herself up and braced her upper body on her elbow, staring at him. “You know I am,” she whispered and cupped his cheek with her other hand. “Before you I had a mother and brother, lived a simple life.”
He’d heard her story before, and even all these years later he still felt rage for her, and wanted to hunt down the men that had done this to her and kill them slowly.
“But after being sold and running, and then you bringing me back to the cave, I realized I could be so happy despite the circumstance that made me scared at first.” She continued to smooth her hand over his cheek. “You make me happy, and you’ve given me beautiful children to love and watch over.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. “I love you, mate,” Audrey murmured against his lips.
“And you are mine,” he said. She knew there was no word for love, or what he felt for her for his kind, but telling her she was his meant more than anything he could say, or anything he could do. He cupped the back of her head and pulled her an inch closer. For long seconds he just kissed her, pleased when she melted against him. “My life is yours, Audrey.”
She sighed, and it was that small sound, that little act, that had pride filling him, and letting him know tenfold he was a lucky bastard.
He slid his hand down the back of her head and to her nape. Styx moved his palm to the side of her throat so he covered the mark he’d given her during their first mating. It would never heal, would always show anyone that dared look upon her that she was mated. Every time he looked at those twin puncture marks he felt pride. Audrey was his female, his mate, and there was nothing short of death that would take her away from him.
“But are you truly happy?” he asked again, and although he could smell she was pleased, he wanted her to say it, wanted to hear the words.