"Hermoso, can we chat for a minute?" she whispered, tugging gently at his shirt. He nodded in reply. "You all can keep going for now; we'd like to be excused," she added, and the crowd resumed their conversations. She led him to a quieter corner and glanced around, her gaze landing on a nearby swinging chair. With a playful push, she settled him into the seat before climbing onto his lap. "You could have given me a heads-up that you were in the mood, beautiful, instead of interrupting my announcement," he teased, a playful twinkle in his eyes. She rolled her eyes at him. "You should behave yourself, Your Highness." He chuckled and nestled into her neck. "What will the pack think if they catch us being all lovey-dovey on this swinging chair, hmm?"
She toyed with the button on his trousers. "Honestly, you're my mate, my soon-to-be baby mama. I doubt they'll mind too much." Sighing, she adjusted her position to sit up. "However, can we hold off on telling them for a bit?" His expression turned serious as he took her in, carefully observing her. "I feel like it's all moving too fast. I need to get to know the pack better to earn their trust before bringing them into my personal life." He stayed quiet, watching her closely. "The pack is like family to me; I trust each one of them. There's nothing to worry about; they'll care for you and love you. That's a guarantee," he reassured her gently.
She squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling deeply. "I know, my love. I trust them, too, but can we please wait at least two more months? I want them to see and appreciate me for who I am, not treat me like a fragile doll just because I'm pregnant." She cupped his face in her small hands, blinking up at him. With a resigned nod, he sighed, "Aww, is my bear feeling a bit upset?" His exaggerated eye roll made her chuckle, and soon he was laughing as well, pulling her back as she prepared to stand. "Don't you dare," he warned, sensing the mischief in her expression.
"What? I'm starving; I want to go eat," she protested, laughing as he abruptly stood and scooped her up. "Hey, put me down!" Nyra giggled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Nothing wrong with it; let him treat you like the queen you are." Liora feigned betrayal, gasping. "I'll deal with you later!" She twisted her body and managed to wrap her legs around his waist, her hands resting behind his neck. "What do you think they'd say if they saw us like this?" Malzahar replied with a smirk, "They'd probably admire us."
Suddenly, Liora had an idea and leaned in closer. "Please put me down; I promise I'll make it up to you later." His steps paused. "Really? You promise?" She nodded vigorously, adding, "I'll be waiting in the bedroom after we eat; just come find me." Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "You just invited me to a feast in the bedroom, right in front of the pack." Liora's eyes widened at his words, just as a woman in the crowd chimed in, "Oh, look at them, how cute!" She spun around quickly, her cheeks flushing as she spotted Elowen wearing a teasing grin, while her mother shot her a disapproving look.
Glancing back at Malzahar, she huffed before striding away toward the crowd. "We are mates; it's completely normal, right?" Elowen and Maeve chuckled, nodding in agreement. Eventually, they fell back into their usual chatter. As she approached Malzahar, who was busy mingling with guests, she whispered, "The offer still stands," before walking away. Tempted by her words, Malzahar watched her figure disappear into the mansion before returning to his conversation.
"Let's go already; she's waiting for us," Drakon urged, out of breath. "Get a grip; you sound like a randy teenager," Malzahar teased, but he quickened his pace, heading straight for his room, fully aware she would be waiting there. He turned the handle only to find the door locked. "Baby, open up," he called, but received no answer. "Maybe she's playing a game, but seriously, my patience is wearing thin," he groaned. "Come on, baby, open the door," he tried again, but silence met him this time. Listening intently, he realized it was far too quiet for his mate. "Break down the door; something's wrong; I can't feel Nyra," Drakon's voice turned urgent.