The Hideous Secret

Readying for War

Rathgar readily agreed to more than a week, especially when Kennith presented his argument. Allahie now stood in the training room again. Her mate was here this time instead of being separated off with young  soon-to-be lords.

He prowled close by not taking his eyes off her. It was still hard for her to accept all the gazes directed towards him. She didn't want him to have that attention, it could lead to pain or agony or an attack.

"I want you all to divide into three teams," His voice was steady but by the growl he was struggling to speak. His morning sickness was atrocious and he was struggling with his rapid weight gain as well. Aleksandar was always off balanced and always looked in pain.

Allahie ignored grouping up after his command and came to stand beside him as he leaned on the table and huffed. "Darling are you alright?" she questioned wrapping a cooling sheet of ice around his abdomen.

"Nothing that I can't handle," he replied straightening up, "Personally I want you with me to see how much you've learned."

"But honey," Allahie whined, "What of the babes?"

He ignored her and smiled showing all his fang teeth, "You beat me," he purred, "And you've beat the grand master, and have all the fame," he grinned wider, "You won't beat me, no one ever has."

She seized his wrist and grabbed his ear, "Not now!"

She could see his golden eyes narrow,  and while he couldn't physically hurt his own mate she could sense him struggling to keep from crippling her momentarily. "Let me go right now, you are causing a scene," he snapped down the bond. She let go instantly at the cruelty in those thoughts.

"My apologies, what shall we fight with?" Allahie questioned when another lord set the cadets off.

"Get out a sword," he demanded leading the way to a padded fighting pit. She had no choice but to follow. In the ring she tried to stand confidently but failed too.

Mate or not he was still a dark lord with centuries of training. Her biggest fear was not for herself but their little babies, for she didn't always maintain control. She watched the muscles in his back as he studied the sword rack. She was glad he didn't allow himself to be any less fit--as selfish as that was for he was pregnant. This way she knew he could protect himself and he was still a pleasure to look at.

"Are you aware how careful you have to be?"

"Of course, I wouldn't ever intentionally swing as hard as I could at your belly."

He scowled at her, "Not that, the fact we are using real metal and the fact magical grip around me is very tight?"

She loosened it at once. Another moment she smiled. His stomach was simply the cutest.

"Stop looking like you want to wrap a ribbon around me and get in ready stance!" Aleksandar barked and she rolled her eyes at him. He may have looked and seemed fierce to anyone but her, but she would have none of it.

"Yes, pumpkin." Allahie smiled at him, and even he rolled his eyes before grinning.

Authors note!

So sorry for the short chapter! My hopes are to have a much longer one tomorrow! Thanks again for the votes likes and reads! I will again be doing shout outs at the end of this book!