Ferro

“Babies.”

The big muscular bear shifter opposite him laughed at the observation. “Yes, lots of them, and more on the way from what I hear,” he joked.

Ferro smiled, accepting the slight ribbing from Ajax, Alpha of the Emerald Crew, a group of bears who mined the mountains nearby. Despite the joke, he detected a deep sadness, almost a longing of sorts from the bear. As if he wished for a child of his own. He knew Ajax was unmated, and had remained single ever since—

He cut off that line of thought, trying to keep happy thoughts.

“I was not aware I had so many friends who would be eager to welcome me back,” he said softly, appreciative of the show of support for him.

The entire Emerald Crew was there, along with the Jade Crew, many of whom were now either carrying a baby—in Trestin’s case twin boys—on their hips, or sporting bulging bellies, indicative of future children. The Kedyn brothers were there as well, and hiding in the far corner, Ferro was positive he even saw one or two of the reclusive Ruby Crew, who were even more private than he was.

“We’re here because of you,” Ajax said softly. “If you hadn’t intervened when Luthor attacked us, we would all be dead. Believe it or not, we’re rather appreciative of that.”

Ferro brushed it off. He didn’t want to go back down that path.

“Grandpa?”

He turned at the sound of Karlie’s voice.

“Hello again,” he said, pulling her into another fierce embrace. Then he turned to the man next to her. “Thank you again, Raphael,” he said. “I do not know if I will ever be able to thank you properly.”

The pair exchanged looks.

“Well,” Raphael began. “There is a way.”

Ferro felt his eyebrows narrowing. “Do I want to hear it?” he asked, his voice dropping several levels.

Karlie made like she wanted to hug him, but stopped herself. His granddaughter squared her shoulders, and faced him head on.

“Grandfather, there is something I need to tell you.”

The wily old dragon didn’t miss how she subtly moved to interpose herself between him and Raphael. Neither did the big bear shifter. He saw muscles flexing as he tried to stay calm.

“What is it?” he growled.

Karlie looked anxious, her eyes jerking back and forth between Ferro and Ajax, who was still nearby. “Raphael and I are in love,” she blurted.

“What?” Ferro roared. “Absolutely not! No.” He took a step toward Raphael, but was blocked by his granddaughter.

“Grandfather. Ferro! Stop,” she said, her hands firmly on his chest, holding him back.

“How dare you touch her!” he raged at the bear shifter.

“Ferro, what the hell are you doing?” This was Ana, rushing over from the far side of the room where she had been talking with some of the pregnant/new-mother shifter mates.

“He,” he stabbed a finger at Raphael. “And her,” another jab at Karlie.

Ana held up a hand, not needing to hear more.

“And let me guess. You don’t like it.” She crossed her arms, staring at him.

Ferro frowned. “Of course not. Nobody touches my granddaughter.”

Ana rolled her eyes, walking closer to him. “She’s not a baby anymore, Ferro,” she said softly. “You need to let her go, to let her spread her wings.”

He shook his head. Ever since she was born several decades ago, Karlie had filled his life with joy.

“She’s an adult now,” Ana said softly.

“And I’m going to be a mother,” Karlie said softly.

“What?!” Behind them, Raphael stumbled back in surprise. Another bear shifter, this one missing an arm, was there to support him so that he didn’t fall. “Congratulations,” he whispered to his friend.

“I’m sorry for not telling you earlier,” Karlie said with a wince as she went to his side. “I was just waiting for the right time.”

“I’m going to be a father,” Raphael muttered, in shock.

“Babies,” Ajax muttered behind Ferro, mimicking his earlier tone.

Ferro whirled to stare at him. The big bear shifter’s arms were crossed as he fought to keep a smile off his face. It was a losing battle, and shortly thereafter the Emerald Alpha was laughing loudly. Others shortly followed as everyone relaxed.

Even Ferro found himself caught up in the moment.

“You truly love her?” he asked Raphael as the mood calmed and people filtered away. “You would do anything for her?”

“He risked his life several times saving me, Grandpa,” Karlie said fiercely from Raphael’s side, her arms around him protectively.

“He better have,” Ferro said gruffly, though he gave Raphael a firm nod. It wasn’t much, but between men, both parties knew that it meant they were okay, and that Ferro was giving him his blessing.

“Stop it,” Ana commanded with a jab to his ribs. “Be nice. They’re clearly as in love with each other as we are.”

“Why must you take their side?” he grumped.

“Because you’re being ridiculous,” Ana said.

“So I’m going to be a great-grandfather?” he asked.

Karlie nodded, one hand on her belly. “Yes, you are.”

Raphael’s fellow Stone Bears, Uriel and Gabriel, arrived to congratulate him properly, pulling him away for some drinks.

Ana gave Ferro one last, loving glance, and she and Karlie moved away, talking excitedly about their pregnancies and potential names and if they hoped it was a boy or a girl.

That left only him and Ajax.

Ferro snorted, a grin splitting his face. “Babies.”

 

THE END

 

Keep reading for book 2 of Genesis Valley!