Consciousness returned slowly, and the first thing Cathy registered was Magnus's scent. Pine and earth, with that underlying musk that was uniquely him. She was cradled against his chest, his warmth seeping into her bones, and for a moment she thought she was dreaming. But then she felt it—that now-familiar movement in her stomach, more pronounced than ever. ‘Real. This is real.’Cathy's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry. She blinked, focusing on Magnus's hand splayed protectively over her belly. His fingers were moving, she realized. Counting? ‘What's he doing?’"Six," Magnus murmured, his voice a low rumble she felt as much as heard. "Seven... eight..."‘'What is he doing?'‘ Cathy wondered, her mind still foggy. The movement in her abdomen intensified, as if responding to Magnus's touch. It was stronger than she'd ever felt before, almost... deliberate? ‘Responding to him. It's responding to Magnus.’Realization crashed over her like ice water. Cathy's heart began to race, her
Last Updated : 2026-05-06 Read more