#braxis

Ashlae walked right past Luna without a word, her grip on the duffle bag’s straps tightening. She pretended not to notice the huff of frustration from the pinkette, heading straight for the stairs instead of engaging. This morning she’d been informed that they’d all be moving into Jaxon Mile’s compound until they could find a more permanent solution- and Luna had caught sight of the ring Ashlae had started wearing again.

She’d walked out when Luna asked about it, locking herself in the bathroom until the Hell Goddess left her rooms.

And now they were all locked inside the modest three story mansion, barely modernized, and half of the couples were either actively fighting or not speaking to each other.

Three hours. She’d give it three hours until it all went to pure chaos- especially given that half of their party couldn’t use their powers or else the Fun Police (as Astor called them) would come crashing down in a thunderstorm of reprimands.

In her ear, Logan spoke. “Your blood pressure spiked just now, are you alright?”

Ashlae lowered her head as she ascended the staircase, the scent of Luna’s perfume still accelerating her heart. “Logan? Take a nap.”

“Yes ma’am.”

-

“Thank you, again,” Nicolette mumbled as she leaned back against the counter, arms crossing under her chest. Her eyes trailed her brothers- all three of them- from over the breakfast bar and into the living room. Talyn sat on the couch beside Alas, no doubt droning on and on about the book that laid open in his lap. From where she stood, Nicolette watched as the young redhead nodded with enthusiasm, no doubt struggling to keep up with the information pouring out of her mate’s mouth.

Wyn walked over looking out of place in a long sleeve flannel rolled up to the elbow, carrying a cold beer in his hand. He took the seat beside Alas, turning his attention to whatever topic Talyn was lecturing on.

Evryn had taken to reclining on the window seat, earbuds pounding out a beat Nicolette could hear even across the room as he stared out at the setting sun. Mattea was nowhere to be seen, causing the raven’s brows to furrow. It was so unusual to see one without the other that she was starting to worry.

Jaxon drew her attention by offering a mug of warm tea, flashing a grin he’d had planted on his face since the night before, when she’d told him the news. This morning she’d confirmed it with two little plus signs lighting up the piss sticks.

They were all in civilian clothes- all of their robes and crowns left behind. Nicolette was still getting used to the tight fitting denim shorts and white long sleeve top, had even left her dark hair to fall unplaited down to her hips.

She watched as her husband pinned her to the counter once she’d taken the mug, a hand laying flat on the marble surface on each side of her waist. He looked so handsome that it tightened something in her chest- his light brown hair left messy, stubble growing more and more each day into a beard she only half-teased him about shaving off. Green eyes lowered to her lips a second before he leaned in for a long kiss.

“‘Love you,” he breathed after pulling away, pecking her cheek before nuzzling his face in her neck. She liked him like this, she realized behind a reluctant grin. Her happy husband and his attentions. “How do you feel?” 

Her lips relaxed into a lazy grin of her own as he pulled away only to rest their foreheads together. “I’m fine. A little tired.” 

“Mmm.“ She felt his hand come up to flatten against her stomach. 

Nicolette turned away with a nervous chuckle, shooting him a look over the top of her tea. “No one knows yet,” she reminded him, struggling to chastise the shifter when he looked at her like that. 

Pride was rolling off the lion in waves, warming her insides until she couldn’t help but return his smile.

-

Astor dumped her bag at the foot of the bed, challenging her Berserker with a saucy grin. “Not enough rooms- Amelie said we’re gonna have to double up.”

“If you’re going to lie, please don’t include me,” said twin challenged as she walked by the bedroom door.

“Does that mean we’re not doubling up?” Braxis asked as he trailed behind her, two duffle bags thrown over his shoulder and a third in the grip of his other hand.

“Of course we’re doubling up.”

“Nice.”