Chapter 21: Rafe's Anger

Ella

I looped my arms around Sinclair's neck as he carried me through the palace gates, trying to steady myself as my concern for his injuries grew. "Dominic, no! You'll hurt yourself," I objected, sweeping my eyes over his muscular body. He was naked, his abdomen swollen with black and blue bruises. His feet bled, and numerous smaller bruises and cuts dotted his powerful form.

He didn't seem bothered, though I suspected he was using the last of his power to fight the pain. "Hush now, I've been waiting weeks to hold you. You think some sore ribs will stop me?" Sinclair quipped, brushing his lips against my forehead.

I tried to help, sitting upright in his arms and using his strong shoulders for support. I was perfectly positioned to explore the curve of his neck, and my inner wolf wouldn't let me pass up the opportunity. I nuzzled his sweat-stained skin, kissing and nibbling his throat—letting him feel how elated I was to have him home, and how much I'd missed him.

Sinclair purred appreciatively, turning to whisper in my ear, "Do you want to tell me what mischief you've been up to that made Philippe and Gabriel so grumpy?"

"Nothing," I replied innocently, giving him my best puppy-dog eyes. "They're just mean, ill-tempered men."

Sinclair grinned wolfishly, making my heart skip a beat. "Now, why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Because she's the most ungovernable she-wolf I've ever met," Gabriel snorted from beside us, also smiling. "Honestly, you'd think I was a nobody omega, considering how little she heeds my orders."

"I might heed them more if you were half the wolf my mate is," I challenged, feeling emboldened by Sinclair's arms around me.

"Ella," Sinclair warned, his tone half-amused, half-scolding, "Is that any way to speak to the man who has shown us and our people such friendship and generosity?"

"Since he's also the man who tried to lock me up so I couldn't come after you when you were alone and clearly in need of help—yes," I replied stubbornly, scowling when the king rolled his eyes.

"I hate to break it to you, baby, but the last thing I wanted was for you to be out there looking for me with a bomber on the loose," Sinclair remarked, affectionate but somber as he looked at his old friend. "I know why you felt compelled to come after me, but I appreciate Gabriel looking out for you when I couldn't. He did the right thing."

I huffed indignantly. "But I was the only one who even believed you were alive! None of them were doing anything!"

"They didn't need to," Sinclair soothed, pressing soft kisses to my cheek. "I made it home, sweetheart."

"Besides, I'm not the one who put you on bed rest, Ella," Gabriel added pointedly, and Sinclair stiffened, looking down at me sharply.

"It was just stress because you were missing," I assured him quickly. "I'll be fine now that you're back." He still watched me suspiciously, and I willed Gabriel to say no more. Luckily, the perfect distraction awaited as we entered the palace. Word of Sinclair's return had spread, and it seemed every shifter in the vicinity had come to welcome him.

The halls were lined with servants, Vanaran courtiers, and refugees from home. The servants and Vanarans bowed and smiled, but the refugees dropped to their knees, tears in their eyes, looking as though their prayers had been answered—which they probably had. Sinclair nodded to each one with respect, compassion, and dedication, signaling that he saw and appreciated them, even if he couldn't stop at that moment. I leaned my head against his shoulder as my wolf overflowed with pride for our mate, letting him feel the emotion through our bond.

Once in our suite, Sinclair settled on the sofa with me in his lap, finally able to greet our pup properly. He ran his hands over my belly, his eyes drinking in every inch of my changed body. Just look at you, he marveled, his gaze lingering on my enlarging breasts and my popped belly button. I can't wait until I get you alone. I'm going to strip you naked and kiss every inch of your beautiful body. His wolf spoke in my mind.

And you, my sweet pup, he added, letting me hear his words to our son. I can't believe how big you've gotten. I wish I could keep you safe in there forever, but I think you're outgrowing your Mommy.

To my surprise, Rafe didn't respond, except to send a pulse of sullen energy through our bond—a request for my affection instead of Sinclair's. I added my touch and voice. "Come on, angel, you were so excited to feel your Daddy again," I reminded him. "Don't be angry now that he's finally come back to us."

Sinclair frowned, realization dawning. "I'm sorry I left, little one. Please believe me when I say that was the last thing I wanted. I never want to be away from you."

Still, the baby sought only my attention, and I pictured our son as if he were already born: a miniature Sinclair, sulking because his father had left him. He got angry with me for the first time, too, I revealed to Sinclair through our bond. He's getting big enough to feel more complex things now, and he hates it when he can't feel us.

Sinclair purred sympathetically, and I knew that if he could, he would take the baby from me and cuddle him, bombarding him with love and affection as he did with me when I was upset, forcing the little one to understand that no matter how far he went, he would always come back. Of course, for now, he could only hold me. Why did he get angry with you?

"The same reason," I confessed, grimacing. "When our call dropped the other day… I was really scared. I wanted to protect him, so I tried to shield him from my feelings. But I cut myself off from him completely, and… it was awful. I'll never do it again, no matter how bad things get."

"I thought you said you knew I survived?" Sinclair inquired, frowning.

A knock on the door reminded us that Gabriel, Henry, Philippe, and Roger were witnessing our reunion. Philippe opened the door, and the doctor swept in, immediately focusing on us. "Alpha Dominic, I'm so pleased you're all right." He set his bag on the coffee table and opened it, extracting a few tools. "Luna, if you wouldn't mind?" He didn't directly ask me to move, but it was clear he needed me out of Sinclair's lap.

I tried to rise, but Sinclair's arms tightened around me. "You haven't answered me, mate."

"Later, I promise," though his wolf growled in protest. "Let the doctor examine you."

"He can examine me while I hold you," he insisted, glowering at the physician who would separate us.

"No, he can't," I corrected sternly. "He needs to see your ribs." Another wordless growl. "Please, Dominic, I'll be so worried otherwise," I begged, letting more of my concern filter through our bond.

Sinclair arched a brow, his wolf letting me know he saw through my tactics; still, he must have sensed my truthfulness, because he conceded. Grumbling, Sinclair rearranged us so his head rested in my lap, his long limbs sprawled over the sofa. He turned his lips to my belly and kissed my navel, receiving a tiny kick in the mouth from our pup. I hiccuped from the force of the outraged thump, but Sinclair only chuckled and kissed the same spot again, sending praise through his bond with the baby. My little fighter, I'll kiss that foot as many times as you send it my way.

He did just that as the doctor poked and prodded him, and soon it became a game between father and son. Rafe tried to trick Sinclair with his timing and placement, and Sinclair did his best to predict the next kick so he could meet it with his lips. Absolute glee bubbled through my bonds with each, and I grinned as I watched them, barely able to focus on the doctor's exam. As easily as that, the hurt and resentment the baby had felt during Sinclair's absence was healed.

I couldn't help but run my fingers through Sinclair's hair—which felt as dirty as mine after so many days in the wilderness. "You do know that my womb is paying the price of this little game of yours?" I teased. "It feels like he's tap-dancing on my organs."

Sinclair looked contrite, but also as though he didn't want the fun to end. "Do you want me to stop?"

I could only smile, thanking my lucky stars that I'd found this man. "Don't you dare."