Nora

“Are you ladies ready to go to the island?”

“Yes, I am,” I squealed. It was the first time in a week that I’d left the castle. I was finally getting a chance to see the lab he had built for me.

“I know you are, my love. The lab isn’t as full as it should be just yet. We’re waiting on supplies.”

“I understand. We’re not even going to be staying there today, so it doesn’t matter anyway.”

“I’m sorry, but for the time being we need to keep a strong front for our people. They are risking their lives for all.”

“So are we,” I reminded him. I was technically really damn young and I was in danger just the same. All of them had lived long lives. The youngest ones were the new mates. Hell, the youngest born vampire was in his seventies.

“I know that, Nora. That thought hasn’t left my head since the day after we met,” he said, pulling me to his chest. I felt his heart beating hard, a constant reminder that I had his heart and soul. “We’re going to win this, you know?” Falcon said, kissing my hair as he cradled me in his arms.

“So, are we going to do this or not?” Charlotte asked with a smile. I knew she was ready to get out of here, too. The castle was beautiful, but when you were isolated and constantly worrying about the next attack, the place had lost its majesty.

“Let’s go,” Draco said, pulling Charlotte against his chest. Then the four of us left the castle. In mere seconds, we were on this deserted beach as sirens went off. Draco hit a button on his phone and silence.

“Wow, that’s crazy. Does it go off for anything that steps onto the perimeter? We’re literally on the beach.”

“No, but it senses weight and composition. Come, let’s explore our island,” Draco said, taking Charlotte by the hand and leading her down a path that had trees surrounding it. I felt like we were in some wild oasis. We followed behind, but I think these fools forgot one thing. We were over three months pregnant with heavy babies, and even with our strength, it was going be hard. I’d gotten three feet into the path, when Falcon pulled me back into his chest, then bent down and scooped me up.

“Hey, I thought you couldn’t read my mind.”

“As much as I want to be able to do that, as all men would, I can’t. I took one look at your sandals and worried that you would trip over the rocks. Besides, you know I love having you as close as possible.” He leaned down and kissed my lips. I moaned from the feeling and ached for him to take me right here in the middle of jungle. To feel his hands on my skin as the heat from the sun added to our sweaty mess would be amazing. The ravenous urge washed over me like the tide on the sand. “Would you quit moaning, my love. It’s quite hard to walk when my cock is stiffer than these rocks.”

“We could take care of that right now,” I murmured, seductively wagging my brows.

“No, we can’t. Not with them nearby. I want you right now, but we’ll have to wait. In a little while, we could stroll to a private spot. Or maybe I could show you our bed chambers.”

“You know I love when you lose yourself in your old-school language. It comes out a lot and it’s sexy.” I don’t know what it was, but it reminded me of regency romance. Then I remembered he’d been through that era and many others. Suddenly, I was jealous of time. Time that I could have been by his side, seeing him twirl me around in a grand ballroom as a band played where the gowns were stunning and the crowd was in awe. One day, I hoped to dress in a gown with my breasts nearly falling out and my waist cinched in by a tight ass bodice. Our eyes would meet across the room. He would stalk me as I circled the guests, and with a rakish grin, he’d greet me with a promise of seduction. I would feel his hands wrap around my waist as he ushered me from the room, into a secret entrance to have his wicked way with me. It was silly because he could do that to me in any room, but the thought of it turned me into a needy bitch. The fantasy always came to life whenever he spoke to me like that.

“Do you, my dear? If that is what you wish, I shall speak to you as eloquently as I can.”

“Perhaps now isn’t the best time,” I sighed, pressing my hand to my pussy and squeezing the ache away. He shook his head and carried me through the trees until we reached a large clearing. In front of us was a home as large as the castle and nearly as beautiful. It had the large stones like the castle but also had steel reinforcements. It didn’t take away from the esthetics of the massive home.

“How did you keep this place a secret for so long?”

“Mostly a few locals from neighboring islands maintain the area. For large sums of money, they keep their heads down and do what they are paid for. The fast construction and security build came from other vampires, as well as Draco and me.”

“Some vampires know of this place?” I asked.

“Some do, but they have sworn to die before revealing the location.”

“What about governments? Particularly the U.S. government. You know their nosey asses will be looking into the comings and goings of this place.”

“It’s private land, and as a citizen of Italy, they cannot seize it or even monitor it. Most don’t even know there’s an island here. It doesn’t appear on world maps. We’ve made some recent modifications to make it almost invisible until you’re in short distance of it.”

I nodded as though I believed it, but I knew better. I mean, nothing was ever a hundred percent safe, but this place didn’t feel safe to me. I almost got the feeling like we were a giant target. All I cared for was peace and time with Falcon and our son, who would be coming soon.

“Let me show you around our island home. The lab will be last place we visit because I know what’ll happen. I’ll have to drag you out kicking and screaming.”

“You’re probably right about that,” I said with a twist of my lips.

“Probably? Shit, the man is going to have to use his super strength to pry your fingers off the microscope. I think this is the longest you’ve gone without touching one,” Charlotte teased.

“Damn, bitch, you didn’t need to remind me. When we get back, I’m going to delete your music.”

“That’s uncalled for,” Charlotte argued.

“Keep it up and I will,” I threatened.

She narrowed her eyes at me which made me crack up laughing. Charlotte giggled too. Then we hugged as best as we could, considering both of our bellies were gigantic. “Oh my goodness, our bellies are ridiculous.”

We stepped back rubbing our roundness at the same time. “I know, it’s like we stuffed basketballs under our blouses.”

“Well, we should have less than a month left, right fellas?” she asked the guys.

“Yes, that’s what we believe,” Falcon said.

“I love that you’re so sure,” I muttered, feeling cranky as hell.

“Forgive us, love, but it’s been a long time since any vampire we know has given birth.”

“Well, that shit should be written down in a manual or something. We humans have a million books on what to expect while you’re knocked up.”

“Someone is getting grumpy. Let’s take you in for a quick tour then a mini nap.”

I turned to look at my husband and mate, thinking that he was going to get punched, but I saw the implication in his eyes. Oh, that kind of nap. I was totally on board for that. “A nap it is,” I replied with a smile.

He walked us into the large entryway after Draco entered three separate passcodes. I rolled my eyes because that wasn’t something I’d be able to remember. I can’t even remember my Gmail password. I had to send a new password to my phone all the damn time. Three at once, I hope that I wasn’t being chased by anyone or anything or I’d be a goner.

“That’s a lot of damn numbers to remember,” I complained.

“Says the scientist. You’ll get it easily, but we’ll tell you them later,” Draco added. I rolled my eyes at him, giving him the finger as I passed by. He was lucky I didn’t want to waste my time talking when I could be locked away fucking my mate.

“Falcon, I think I need my nap now.” I smiled as he teleported me outside a grand double door. I was in for a major treat.