My Gifts at Christmas (Bewitched And Bewildered)

Caspian led them to a long hallway that was dimly lit by small, round, glow stones. ‘Most of the rooms on either side are empty. Just choose which one you would like.’

Broderick felt giddy at the prospect of having his choice of rooms for his new lab. He opened each door and peered inside. He passed his hand over the crystal by the door to activate the glow stone in the center of the ceiling of each room he inspected. They were all about the same size with very little to distinguish one from the other. ‘I’m not sure which one to pick.’

‘May I make a suggestion, Your Highness?’ Tarak asked, speaking up.

‘Of course, and please, call me Broderick. I’m no where near comfortable being called ‘Your Highness’.”

Tarak grinned. ‘Broderick then. You have a baby girl right? Then if it were me, I would choose the second room on the right. It is close enough that you are nearby for your daughter, but, far enough away where the traffic to and from the Prince’s quarters will not distract you.’

Broderick felt relieved, that was the perfect solution. ‘We’ll do just that. I guess that is the room where all the crates can go.’

Tarak and Kuruk exchanged rueful glances. ‘Could we possibly see the baby first?’ Kuruk asked.

Broderick nodded. ‘Of course, let’s go see if she’s awake.’

Caspian stayed at his side as they walked back to the Rioux personal quarters. He opened the door and they walked inside.

‘Magnus, Sebastian, we are back,’ Caspian called out.

Magnus holding Beth emerged from the direction of the kitchen, Sebastian right behind him. ‘Tarak, Kuruk,’ the prince said, nodding.

‘Your Highness,’ they echoed in return.

Broderick stepped forward and lifted Beth from Magnus’ arms. ‘There’s my Honey Bunny! Look, we have new friends to meet. Beth, this is Tarak and Kuruk.’ Broderick was feeling a bit devilish as he plopped his daughter down, right into Tarak’s arms. The poor man looked like he would faint at any moment.

Instantly Tarak cuddled her close, as his brother crowded in from the side.

Tarak gulped. ‘Gods! She is so tiny! I mean, we of course heard about how small babies are, but it is so different seeing one.’

‘Tarak! Look at her tiny fingernails! She has fingernails, just like a real person!’ Kuruk pointed out excitedly.

Broderick laughed. ‘She is a real person.’

His daughter stare up entranced at the men’s enthusiasm. Then, she must have decreed them her friends because she leaned forward and mouthed Tarak’s jaw. ‘She must like you. She only gnaws on people she likes,’ Broderick informed them.

‘Tarak, let me hold her, please,’ Kuruk pleaded.

Sighing Tarak handed Beth over to Kuruk. ‘Have her sit on your forearm and you can support her little back with your other hand,’ Tarak said, positioning his brother’s hands.

‘She hardly weighs anything,’ Kuruk said, staring down at Beth.

Broderick couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘You say that now, but after holding her for hours on end, she can feel quite heavy.’

Kuruk shook his head. ‘This little angel could never be heavy.’

Beth must have decided she liked Kuruk too, because she was soon biting his jaw as well. Kuruk beamed at everyone in the room. ‘She likes me!’

‘Hmmph,’ both Magnus and Caspian grunted in unison.

Broderick turned away so his mate and new brother wouldn’t see his smile at their chagrin. They were both jealous that they hadn’t been anointed.

‘I can take her so you can start on those crates,’ Caspian said, plucking Beth from Kuruk’s arms.

Both men smiled as they nodded. ‘It will not take us long. Thank you for introducing us to your daughter, she is a true blessing.’

‘Thank you again, guys.’

They waved and headed toward the door remarking over each tiny feature they had seen on his baby girl.

‘Am I not your friend?’ he heard Caspian ask.

‘No fren!’ Beth yelled.

‘Elizabeth Monroe, you be nice,’ he warned.

She sniffled. ‘No fren. My Papa.’

Caspian inhaled and swung her around in the air causing her to squeal. ‘That is right baby girl! I am your Papa!’ He actually had tears in his eyes when he turned to face his brother. ‘Did you hear that!’

Magnus was all smiles. ‘I did! What a smart baby. She must take after her Uncle Magnus.’

‘Unky!’ Beth said, pointing at Magnus.

Magnus stepped closer to his brother and ran his finger down Beth’s cheek. ‘That is right. I am your uncle. I will be the one to spoil you horribly.’

‘And me?’ Sebastian asked, pointing to his chest.

‘Bas!’

‘Oh! She knows my name!’ Sebastian wheeled to him. ‘What are her favorite foods? I will cook up a feast for tonight.’

‘She loves any type of vegetable and lately I’ve been adding in bits of chicken for her.’

‘Any desserts?’

‘Just some fruit should be fine. She especially loves berries.’

‘I will get started right away.’ Sebastian practically ran from the room.

Magnus eyed Beth. ‘I can watch her again while you unpack. Or maybe Caspian could show you his quarters.’

Caspian scowled at his brother. ‘You are positively shameless for trying to entice him into my bedroom just so you can monopolize time with my daughter.’

Magnus shrugged. ‘He does have to get settled, Caspian,’ he pointed out.

‘Fine!’ Caspian lifted Beth up so they were eye level. ‘Remember Bethy, Dada and Papa love you best.’

‘Hey!’ Magnus protested.

Broderick just shook his head and kissed his daughter soft cheek. ‘See you at dinner, Honey Bunny.’

Caspian handed her back over to Magnus who looked like the cat that ate the canary. ‘Come along Bethy, you can help your Unky in his office.’

When the door shut behind them, Caspian pointed to the closed door. ‘Do you see what I have to live with?’

‘He’s a wonderful brother and an amazing uncle. Beth and I are lucky to have you both.’

‘Let us go supervise Tarak and Kuruk. With any luck they will be so babystruck we can have them move things around until they are to your satisfaction.’

‘Caspian!’ Broderick exclaimed.

‘They are as strong as they look, we should not waste their offer for assistance.’

‘Then you will show me your quarters?’ he asked slyly.

Caspian swallowed hard. ‘It would be my pleasure.’

‘I’m sure it will be,” Broderick murmured.

*****

With Tarak and Kuruk’s help it didn’t take long at all to get everything unpacked. He still had some organizing to do, but the major components and heavy furniture were in place. His stomach grumbled. ‘Gods, I’m starving!’

Caspian took his hand. ‘I am sure Sebastian has already cooked up the feast he promised. Let us go see what he has prepared. You have done more than enough for one day.’

Broderick leaned back, cracking his spine. ‘All I want is a hot bath, a hot meal and a soft bed.’

His mate nuzzled his neck. ‘Then, that is exactly what you will get.’

Broderick looked up at Caspian. ‘You’re okay with us not claiming each other tonight?’ As much as he wanted to learn every inch of his god-like mate, traveling for the past few weeks to get to Noctem Falls coupled with getting his lab set up had pushed him past his limits.

Caspian tilted his head. ‘Of course. You are practically dead on your feet and I have a feeling once you have food in your stomach, you will pass out at the dinner table. I do want you to enjoy and remember our first time together.’

Broderick wrapped his arms around Caspian’s waist and rested his forehead on the man’s sternum. ‘Thank you.’

‘You will always and forever come first.’

Broderick felt the last tenuous strings of hesitation snap concerning their mating. He had truly been blessed by the gods when they gave him Caspian as a mate. ‘Let’s get going. The sooner I bathe, eat and sleep, the sooner it will be morning and I will be well rested.’ He stepped back and winked up at his mate. His playful spirit died a quick death when he saw the raw desire swimming in Caspian’s crimson eyes. When his mate grinned down at him his fangs peaked out causing Broderick to shiver in anticipation.

‘I am counting down the moments,’ Caspian promised.

Broderick gulped. ‘So am I.’

Caspian led him from the room and locked the door behind them. Broderick knew he had done the right thing in following Tarak’s advice in room selection. The walk back didn’t take long, but was just far enough away that visitors to the Prince wouldn’t be poking their heads through his door out of curiosity.

Going through the door, Caspian led him straight to their quarters. ‘You can pick out your evening attire and I will run your bath for you.’

Broderick shook his head. ‘Don’t worry about me, I can do that.’

Caspian walked over until he was standing in front of him. He then, reached up and pinched Broderick’s lips together. ‘What was that love?’ he asked.

Broderick simply stared in silence at his mate.

‘You would like for me to run your bath for you?’

Broderick sighed.

‘Of course I will. I have been looking forward to spoiling my mate for centuries, I know you would never deny me the joy of taking care of the one I have dreamt about for so long, you are too kind for that.’

Broderick shook his head, freeing his lips. ‘Fine. But just so you know, I love a truly hot bath.’

Caspian blew him a kiss. ‘Consider it done. Now, go pick out your clothes and relax.’ His mate turned and walked into the bathroom, leaving him feeling loved.

He took out his suitcase and placed it on the bed. He didn’t have much to choose from. He laid out his one nice jacket and fresh change of clothes.

‘Broderick, love. Your bath is ready,’ Caspian called out from the bathroom.

Broderick looked at the doorway feeling confused. He had only been looking at his meager clothing selection for a few minutes. How had Caspian boiled that much water so quickly?

He hurried toward the bathroom and was immediately brought up short by the cloud of steam that greeted him the moment he stepped inside.

‘How?’ he whispered.

Caspian frowned. ‘How, what?’

Broderick could only stare at the large tub that was miraculously filled with steaming water. ‘How did you get so much hot water, so quickly?’

Caspian blinked then laughed. ‘I am not laughing at you my dearest, it is just, your expression right now is priceless.’

Broderick couldn’t wait a second longer. He stripped off his clothes, which effectively shut his mate up, then stepped into a piping hot bath. He lowered himself into the water and sighed in pure bliss. ‘This must be what heaven is like,’ he groaned. He looked over at his now silent mate.

Caspian was staring at him as if he were going to devour him at any moment. ‘You are so beautiful,’ he whispered.

Broderick was glad of the water’s heat, he knew it hid his blush. ‘I’m not much to look at, but if you like what you see, then I’ll be grateful for that.’

Caspian stood his hand trembling slightly. ‘I will see to your clothes. If I do not leave this room where the very steam now carries your scent, I will not be responsible for my actions.’

‘Close the door on your way out so the cold doesn’t come in,’ Broderick said, closing his eyes.

‘Right. Door. A door between us would be a good thing,’ Caspian muttered as he left.

Broderick smiled as he felt every muscle in his body turn to goo. He had already planned on staying in this bath as much as he possibly could, the fact that him bathing turned his mate into a blithering, idiotic mass of lust was just icing on the cake.

*****

When Broderick finally dragged himself out of the bath, he was surprised to find their room empty. He quickly got dressed and combed his hair back in an effort to look presentable. When he stepped into the antechamber he realized that no matter what he did, he’d be severely underdressed. He tugged at his sleeves staring at the floor. His mate, and the Prince wore shimmering silk shirts, crisp linen trousers and smartly fixed cravats. He looked like a commoner going to church in his Sunday best.

‘About time. I was worried you might have drowned,’ Caspian said, pulling him into the curve of his body. ‘Did you enjoy your bath?’

Broderick looked up at his mate. ‘I loved it. Is the hot water a special thing since I just arrived or do you always have access to hot water on the Royal level?’

Caspian smiled. ‘That is right, you distracted me before I could explain.’

‘What is this?’ Magnus asked, as he approached holding a glass of wine.

Caspian turned to his brother. ‘Broderick was impressed by your water system.’

Magnus smiled softly. ‘It took a lot of courage from many women of the upper levels, to approach me concerning the issues in doing laundry. Their main complaint was that the water never seemed to stay hot long enough to do much at any one time. I conferred with the witches of Storm Keep and had one of their fire witches bespell certain pipes throughout the city to provide hot water. They were in and out of the city within a day, but it made such a huge impact on the women of the city.’

Broderick felt himself getting excited. ‘Could I get water hot enough to boil in the lab?’

Magnus nodded. ‘I do not see why not. Why?’

‘In my research I use a lot of glass, and every piece of that glass needs to be washed and sterilized. If I had access to boiling water that would increase my productivity by at least fifty percent,’ he explained in a rush of words.

‘My mate is a genius,’ Caspian bragged.

‘I never thought that spell would be so useful,’ Magnus mused.

‘It could even help with baby bottles,’ Broderick continued then stopped. He looked around in a growing panic. ‘Where is Beth?’

Magnus huffed and sent a disgruntled glare toward the kitchen. ‘Sebastian kidnapped her from my office earlier. He has her propped up in a highchair he must have commandeered from gods only knows where and said that he needs her opinion in picking out dinner.’

Broderick exhaled in relief. He wasn’t accustomed to others watching his daughter. The fact that he hadn’t sought her out the second he was out of his bath just brought home how tired he really was.

‘If Beth is picking out dinner, we’ll end up with peas and carrots with mashed potatoes. She could eat that every day and not tire of them,’ he advised Broderick and Magnus. Neither man looked that concerned.

Magnus shrugged. ‘Whatever she wants, is fine with me.’

‘You say that now, but weeks and weeks of it, gets old fast.’

‘Gentlemen, dinner is now being served,’ Sebastian announced, Beth settled firmly on his hip.

‘Dada!’ Beth reached for him.

Broderick went to her quickly and scooped her up. ‘Did you miss me Honey Bunny?’

She nodded. ‘I help.’

‘I bet you did.’ He looked to Sebastian. ‘What did she help you decide?’

‘We will be having oven-roasted chicken, baby peas and carrots in a butter sauce, green beans and mashed potatoes,’ he said, smiling wide.

Broderick chuckled and shook his head. ‘And so it begins.’

‘Nonsense. I am excited to see what my daughter likes,’ Caspian said, steering them both toward the dinning room.

Broderick took one look at the formal settings on the table and turned to his mate. ‘Beth can’t sit at this table. There’s crystal and…’ he squinted. ‘Are those diamonds on the salt shaker?’ he asked feeling faint.

Sebastian stepped next to them and placed his hand over his heart before bowing. ‘A thousand apologies. I set the table the way I normally do. I did not take into consideration that crystal may be dangerous to the little one.’

Broderick stared. ‘That’s not why I was upset, I would never let her near enough to glass to get hurt. But she could still kick her legs and destroy all these expensive and beautiful things. Maybe I could feed her in the antechamber?’ he suggested.

Magnus was already moving. One by one he removed every piece of crystal and anything that looked expensive. Sebastian was carrying away the china and Caspian was bending down next to an old sideboard along the back wall. ‘Magnus, did we not have stoneware in here?’

Magnus nodded. ‘Yes. Sebastian had them made when he was trying to determine if food served on stoneware stayed warmer than silver.’

‘They were just plain white right?’ Caspian asked, half in the cabinet.

‘Yes. Do not forget to bring out that large white cotton tablecloth. I ordered it from Level Six for the table when baby Vivian would visit.’

‘Found it!’ Caspian crowed triumphantly holding up a bundle of white cloth. Working in unison, the three men had the table reset in just a few minutes. Sebastian added the final touch when he carried in a wooden high chair and placed it next to the chair at the head of the table. ‘Magnus sits at the head of the table, but insisted that our princess sit next to him. Broderick you of course will sit on her other side.’ He turned to Caspian. ‘You can choose to sit as you normally do at your brother’s right hand side, or next to your mate.’

‘By my mate of course,’ Caspian answered.

Broderick felt like he could breathe again when he saw faint juice stains on the tablecloth. His Beth wouldn’t ruin anything.

As they sat down and he got Beth settled in her highchair, Magnus turned to him. ‘Broderick, I think you should understand that even had Beth somehow managed to flip this table and smash everything to bits, no one would care. A single smile from her is far more precious than china.’

Broderick swallowed down the growing knot in his throat. ‘We’re just new here and I didn’t want her to break anything that you treasured.’

Magnus looked confused. ‘What could we possibly treasure more than the two of you?’

Broderick couldn’t stop his tears even if he had wanted to.

‘Look what you did Magnus!’ Caspian exclaimed, before pulling Broderick close. ‘It is okay darling. He did not mean to upset you.’

‘He didn’t upset me, not in a bad way. To think that the Prince of all vampires treasured me and my baby girl over all his possible wealth is a bit overwhelming.’

Caspian pulled back and scowled down at him. ‘This prince also treasures you both more than anything in our vaults.’

Broderick sniffled before smiling. ‘Yes, but I knew that. Having your family’s unconditional love and support means a lot.’

Caspian’s eyes narrowed. ‘My love is better right?’

Broderick chuckled. ‘Yes, you silly, silly man.’

‘What I think he means to say is that your love was expected at some point during your mating. He never considered the affection he would receive from me and Magnus as we are not part of a typical mating equation,’ Sebastian said, scooping mashed potatoes onto Beth’s small plate.

Broderick nodded. ‘Exactly like that. I always hoped and prayed I would find a mate someday, but I never dreamed I would also get such an amazing family as well.’

Magnus looked around the table before his finally stared at Beth. ‘We are like a real family now, are we not?’

‘Weren’t you always?’ Broderick asked.

Caspian rubbed his back. ‘We are family, but it felt more like two bachelors living with an over protective mother than a true family.’

Caspian jerked forward as Sebastian cuffed him upside the head before he resumed his position between Beth and Magnus.

Broderick hid his smile behind his napkin. ‘I can see that.’

Caspian rubbed the back of his head. ‘Now, we have you and Beth, she represents the start of the next generation, we get to share our traditions with her and watch her grow.’

Broderick nodded to Sebastian when he held up the bowl of potatoes. ‘Speaking of traditions, what do you all do to celebrate Christmas? It’s right around the corner.’

Sebastian, Magnus and his wonderful mate looked horror struck as they stared down at Beth who was oblivious to the attention.

Caspian and Magnus as one turned to Sebastian. ‘Sebastian!’ they exclaimed together.

Sebastian was already nodding. ‘Never fear. I have many contacts on Level Six, our baby girl will have nothing less than a perfect Christmas.’

‘We have to have candies,’ Magnus said, rubbing his chin. ‘Children love candy.’

‘Do not humans have trees now that they decorate?’ Caspian asked.

Broderick looked around. ‘What did you do as children to celebrate?’

Magnus winced. ‘Broderick, I was born before Christ. We did not have Christmas, we, like most paranormals, still to some extent celebrate Longnight, the longest night of the year. We would bundle up, prepare a hearty meal and if we received anything, it was a sturdy new piece of clothing. Times were very different back then.’

Broderick grabbed at his chest as he took in what Magnus said.

‘You did it again Magnus!’ Caspian exclaimed, rubbing circles on Broderick’s back.

Sebastian set a water glass down in front of Broderick. ‘Exactly how old are you Broderick?’ he asked gently.

‘Not older than Christ,’ he wheezed.

Magnus sighed. ‘I should have phrased that differently.’

Caspian glared. ‘You think?’

‘If you are that young, how do you have a daughter?’ Sebastian asked.

Broderick took a few calming breaths. ‘Beth’s mother wanted a child and I was the only other Lepus curpaeums within a thousand miles. There aren’t many of us left.’

‘Where is she now?’ Magnus asked.

Broderick felt tears prick his eyes. ‘She died in a carriage accident the week I received your offer.’

‘Gods!’ each man swore under his breath.

‘Did you love her?’ Caspian asked quietly.

‘I did, but I was never in love with her. She was my very best friend. I always knew I’d probably have a male mate, so when she approached me, I figured it would be my only chance to have a child.’

‘How did…’ Caspian didn’t finish the question. To Broderick’s delight his mate was blushing clear to his hairline.

‘A lot of whiskey and laughs. Hannah always said that’s why Beth never cries, she was conceived in such a hilarious way.’

‘That was Beth’s mother’s name?’

Broderick nodded. ‘Hannah Elwell. She hated her last name, so Beth got mine.’

‘We need to add a memorial for her here in the Royal mausoleum,’ Caspian said.

‘You’d do that?’ Broderick asked.

‘Of course. She gave us a priceless gift, we could do no less than provide a suitable place for her daughter to visit. She may not be with us, but had she lived she would have been a part of this family too,’ Caspian explained.

Broderick felt the words coming and couldn’t stop them. ‘I think I’m falling in love with you,’ he blurted out.

Caspian’s answering smile was wide and warm. ‘And I know I am already half in love you and Beth. You both have become my entire world.’

‘Sebastian, we need wine for a toast!’ Magnus said, holding up his glass.

‘We have just the thing. I found a bottle of red wine made by monks in Italy on Level Six, it should be the perfect thing,’ he said, before disappearing behind the doors leading to the kitchen.

‘He spoils the two of you doesn’t he?’ Broderick asked.

Caspian shrugged. ‘Probably, but he will spoil you and Beth as well.”

‘I can live with that.’

Sebastian returned with the wine and poured them all a glass. Magnus stood and raised his drink. ‘To family. May the gods bless and keep us safe.’

Broderick along with Caspian and Sebastian echoed his words. ‘To family!’

The wine was smooth on his tongue and created a nice cozy warmth in his belly. Magnus sat and they resumed their dinner. He felt Caspian stand and wasn’t at all surprised when the man dragged his heavy wooden chair around him to sit between Beth and Magnus. Both men were completely entranced by her cooing smiles.

‘Here, try this one,’ Caspian said, holding out a soft green bean to Beth. She opened her mouth dutifully and Caspian delicately fed her a single bean. Broderick could only shake his head. At some point Beth would have to learn how to feed herself, but it wouldn’t be anytime soon the way the brothers were acting.

‘She loves green beans,’ Broderick advised and continued to eat his own meal. Maybe once the novelty of having a baby in the home wore off, then Beth could resume learning how to use a fork. He sighed, that wasn’t likely to happen. But, he was able to eat a full meal uninterrupted for the first time in well over a year. Maybe he should just concentrate on the positive for now.

‘Broderick!’ Caspian’s urgent shout pulled him from his thoughts. When he turned, his mate’s expression of terror had him instantly reaching for his daughter. ‘Beth!’ She was trying to gasp for air, but was turning red as her efforts failed.

He forced himself to stay calm and gently turned his daughter over so that he supported her body. With his free hand, he firmly whacked her back. When nothing happened after the third attempt he felt panic creeping in. ‘Beth, please!’ He took a deep breath and whacked again. Finally! A small piece of green bean flew from her mouth and she began to gulp down air. Only then, did his heart begin to slow down.

‘Thank the gods! Thank the gods!’ Magnus repeated over and over.

Broderick turned her around and cuddled her close to his chest. When she looked up at him her eyes were serene, though she did look aggravated. He would have thought she’d be in tears.

‘Is she well?! Please tell me she is well!’ Caspian begged.

When Broderick looked at him, he saw that his mate was crying enough for everyone, including Beth. ‘She’s just fine.’

‘I almost killed her,’ Caspian whispered in horror.

Broderick shook his head. ‘These things can happen with children. We just have to be careful. Ironically, this isn’t the first time she’s choked on some food. She must still be learning to chew.’

‘Really?’ Caspian asked, hope in his eyes.

‘Yes. She gets into scrapes and tumbles just like any other child. I’ve had to bandage her up and give her stitches already. It’s all part of raising a small person. She didn’t really start getting hurt until after we lost Hannah. I used to think it was because I wasn’t watching her as closely as her, but with each injury, there simply wasn’t anything that could have been done to avoid the fall. Accidents happen.”

‘My heart may not be able to take it,’ Magnus stared down at his plate in a daze.

‘I am going to the kitchen to puree her food and prepare a cold fruit dessert for her poor throat. I.. I have to do something.’ Sebastian abruptly turned on his heel and practically ran for the kitchen.

‘Poor man.” Broderick shook his head and kissed the top of Beth’s head. In her father’s arms she was now reaching for more food.

‘Still hungry, huh?’

‘Broderick, please wait for Sebastian to puree something. I do not think I could watch her choke again and stay sane,’ Caspian pleaded.

‘Caspian, she can’t live off of baby food forever.’

‘Just for a little while. Please.’

‘Okay, my love. For you, we’ll do puree for a few days.’

Sebastian hurried back from the kitchen. ‘I muddled some green beans in a mortar and pestle along with the pea and carrots she likes. I added a touch of butter, I hope she likes it.’

Sebastian set a small bowl of green mash next to his plate. Broderick picked up a spoon and dipped into the mix.

‘Here Beth, see what Sebastian made just for you.’

Beth wrinkled her nose, but opened her mouth for the bite. He fed it to her then sat back to see what she thought. Her entire face brightened. ‘Mo peaze!’ she squealed.

‘Looks like it’s a new favorite,’ he announced.

‘Thank the gods,’ was muttered by the other men in the room.

Once he saw that Beth was eating, Sebastian walked around and poured them all a new drink. This time the liquid was gold and smelled of apples.

Caspian downed his in one shot then held out his glass for more, Magnus wasn’t too far behind him. Sebastian poured them each another serving.

‘What’s that?’ Broderick asked.

‘Forbidden Fruit whiskey, made from apples here on Level One. A visiting witch discovered the potency amongst paranormals and Magnus paid him handsomely to sell him exclusivity rights to the recipe,’ Caspian explained, his face relaxing a bit.

‘Poor thing, Beth scared the hell out of you didn’t she?’ Broderick said, giving his mate a sympathetic smile.

‘I never, ever want to experience that level of terror again,’ Caspian declared.

‘We’ll do our very best not to scare Papa, won’t we Beth?’ Broderick asked.

‘Yum!’ Beth ignored him and was now reaching into the bowl with the green mash and eating it with her hands.

‘She said she’ll be more careful in the future Papa,’ Broderick improvised.

‘May I…do you think it would be safe if I held her?’ Caspian asked.

‘Of course!’ Broderick handed Beth off to his mate and made sure to place the small bowl of mash within reaching distance for his daughter.

Caspian rested his cheek on the top of her head as she ate oblivious to the chaos her scare had created.

‘Caspian, you have to eat as well,’ Broderick reminded him.

‘Later. Right now, I just want to hold her. She has only just come into my life, but I can not imagine a single future moment without her,’ he replied.

Broderick looked over to Sebastian. ‘Would it be possible to have a plate made up for him, for later?’

‘Excellent idea, I will make one now.’ He eyed Magnus who was nursing his second glass of whiskey. ‘Maybe for Magnus as well.’ He nodded. ‘Yes, that is a wonderful idea.’ He returned to the kitchen to get started.

Broderick ate a few more bites then took a sip of the whiskey that Sebastian had poured for him. If he thought the wine was relaxing, it was nothing compared to this. He knew despite the fear he had experienced, the whiskey, in addition to crash that was coming from the relief he felt when his daughter began breathing again, would probably send him into a well-deserved coma.

Like Magnus, he nursed his drink as Beth became the only one actually eating dinner. He met his mate’s eyes over their daughter’s head. Caspian looked like he was finally calming down.

‘Love you,’ he mouthed.

Caspian gave him a wan smile. ‘Love you, too,’ he mouthed back before kissing the top of Beth’s head.

He truly had been blessed to be given such a loving and caring man. He looked at how comfortable Beth was being held by her new Papa. They were both, very lucky indeed.