Hunker Down

[Arissa’s POV]

Later that evening, as the blizzard that was threatening our travel was raging, Ivan and I lay in bed. Where as I was laying on my back enjoying the warmth that surrounded me, Ivan had his head on my stomach listening to our pups’ heartbeats.

We were lucky enough to be granted shelter from the Baculum tribe, and after being fed and provided with live entertainment, we were led to our separate quarters where we could get some rest.

"Could you stop doing that?" I sighed, beginning to feel slightly self-conscious. "No matter how many times you listen, the sound won’t change."

"Does it make you uncomfortable?" Ivan asked, giving me a mischevious grin.

Shit, maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. Usually, when I gave way to things that actually bugged me, Ivan would…

As if reading my mind, Ivan lifted a hand and placed it on my stomach beside his head.

"Hey, little guys." He cooed, beginning to rub. "Do you hear what your mommy is saying?"

Biting back the grimace that wante