Ronan

Chapter Forty-Seven

His entire body tensed, ears perking, mind racing.

Through the door, the soft crying of little children reached them. He shot up, ramrod straight, body thrumming with unease.

"What's wrong with them? Do they need something? Are they in danger?"

"Relax," Rosa smiled, grabbing his shoulders. The tightness was undeniable. The warlock was as stiff as a board, scared out of his wits—and he hadn't even really met them yet. "They're crying because they're babies. That's kind of what young kids do. It could mean anything. They might be hungry, tired, need changing, want attention. It's nothing to panic over."

His cheeks were flushed, hands clammy. "I'm not panicking."

She took his face, cradling his cheeks. "You look like you've just seen a ghost."

"Maybe I have."

"Is this your first time really ever spending time around young children?"

"I've spent a load of time around—"

"Ronan."

As far as he could remember, he'd never spent time around the young. He'd never had a reason to. Besides, with his family's track record, it was better he stayed away. Nadine, for one, had spent a load of time with children, moulding them into troubled weapons. What if he messed it all up just the same?

"I have no idea what I'm doing," He confessed, hooking his fingers into Rosa's sides. "You have to tell me. I don't know my up from my down. I thought I was going to break them just carrying them over here."

"You have to relax. Just do what feels right. It'll come to you."

"What if I fuck it all up?"

She flicked his nose. "Stop being so pessimistic."

"You're telling me to stop being pessimistic."

"Motherhood's got me turning over a new leaf. Come on." She bounded up from the bed, offering him her hand. "Let's go and see what your daughters want."

"I—"

Physically, he didn't think he could.

"That means you have to move."

"I don't think I should go."

"Are you going to say that forever? Get out of the bed. You're going to do fine."

"I really don't think I should."

She came closer, ducking towards him. Conversationally, she dropped in, "You should know I've been getting a lot better at that angel command thing. Don't think for one minute I won't force you to go in there."

So those were his options. Summon up the courage to move himself or this slip of a woman would make him go in there, likely dragging him by his ear.

He moved one stiff leg, then the other.

"That's it. You're doing it."

He clung onto her hand for dear life as she led them out into the living room. From here, he could hear his Mother whispering to them softly.

He tensed all over again upon spotting them.

"Are they okay?" He demanded.

Elowyn rocked them back and forth, returning, "They're completely fine. I stubbed my toe. They didn't like the loud sound."

No loud or sudden noises. Noted.

This time, he finally got to see their eyes. They were the same enchanting green as their Mother's, wide and glossy.