The moonlight fell like silk over the windows of their cottage, casting silver across the floorboards where Adrian paced, barefoot and shirtless, with a squirming bundle held securely to his chest.
Tiny fists peeked out from the soft blue wrap, and from the edge of the blanket, two sleepy eyes blinked up at him, glassy and unfocused.
Kai smiled from the couch, legs tucked under him as he watched the scene like it was a dream he never thought he'd get to live.
"Someone's finally decided to stop screaming," Kai murmured, teasing, voice hoarse from the hour-long lullaby session he'd sung earlier.
Adrian turned toward him with a crooked grin. "Don't jinx it, my love, He's got lungs like a banshee and timing like a vampire hit squad."
Kai giggled, the sound sleepy and full of warmth. "Wonder where he gets that from."
Adrian tilted his head at the baby. "He gets his fire from you. His attitude from me. God help the world."
The baby let out a tiny sneeze, then curled tighter against Adrian's chest. And just like that, something in Adrian's gaze softened like every monster inside him sat down and melted for this one, fragile little life.
He made his way over, easing down beside Kai on the couch with their son cradled between them.
Kai ran a finger down the baby's cheek. "He looks like you when he frowns."
Adrian smirked. "Poor thing. He's doomed to be too handsome for his own good."
But the moment cracked faintly, but it did. A breeze stirred the curtains. The scent of the forest carried something bitter. Off.
Kai felt it too. He tensed beside him.
"Adrian," he said quietly. "You felt that, right?"
Adrian nodded, jaw tightening. "Someone was near the edge of the wards. Close enough to watch. Not close enough to act."
"Do you think… your side?"
"No," Adrian whispered. "This isn't vampire. It's something else."
He curled an arm protectively around Kai and the baby, instinct surging up like wildfire through his veins.
"I won't let anything happen to either of you," he said, voice low, dangerous, possessive in a way that sent shivers down Kai's spine. "I'll kill gods if I have to."
Kai met his eyes, heart full, throat thick. "I know."
Their baby stirred between them, soft and unaware, like the world wasn't holding its breath.