by Layla Silver
He nodded, and Julian came to my side and took my hand in his.
"I was going to take you for a picnic, is it alright if we go?" he asked.
"It's alright. Dad, did you want anything to eat?"
My father shook his head and waved me off. "You two go have fun; I'll make myself something to eat later. I need to rest anyway."
Julian said his goodbyes, and we were off in his car. I saw the bags of food in the backseat, but I just had to ask.
"Are you really taking me for a picnic?"
"Yes, but in my bed. Naked," he replied with a serious face as he drove.
That shut me up for the rest of the drive to his home. As soon as we got inside and closed the door behind us, Julian had me pressed against the wall and was already getting rid of my clothes. I was wearing a loose fitting short dress and a pair of leggings which he almost ripped as he took them off. I kicked my sandals off to help him out, and he growled as he knelt down and kissed my now naked leg.
"You are so perfect," he said against my skin, kissing up my leg until he reached my wet core.
He gave me a kiss there, too, and my back arched off the wall. Seeing my reaction, he took his time pleasuring me until I was begging him to stop. But Julian was merciless, and he took me to the peak of pleasure with his mouth alone. I wanted him to stop, but I grabbed his hair and held him against me in a move that contradicted my thoughts as I rode out my climax. When I was sure that I would die a little if he continued, I let go of his head and tried to move away from his wicked mouth. He let me go but just kept kneeling, now looking at my baby bump.
Julian looked at it with some kind of awe and raised both hands to touch it. He leaned in to press little kisses across my belly before laying his head against it as if he was trying to hear the baby move. I held him against me like that for a while, knowing he needed it. When he finally moved, his urgency to make love to me was gone, and he moved up slowly to kiss me on the lips and take my hand.
We walked to his bedroom, and even though I had never been in here before, it felt familiar. It was because the room smelled like him. Julian helped me onto the massive bed and proceeded to slowly take off his clothes. I enjoyed the show, loving that he was truly mine now and I could make love to him whenever I wanted to from now on.
Julian kissed me again and squeezed my fuller bust, drawing a moan from me. His mouth followed, teasing my two rose colored peaks until I felt as if I would climax again. Only then did he lie down and encourage me to take over, to slowly ride him and take my pleasure from him a second time. I took the time to run my hands across his chest, marveling at how toned he was. His body was now my playground, and I was going to enjoy playing with everything my eyes could see. I leaned and kissed his cheek, moving to his earlobe and biting gently. His grip on my waist tightened, letting me know that I was moving in the right direction.
His neck was next, and my fangs elongated just a little as I marked him gently. Julian moaned, and I did it again and again until I was satisfied to see that it would be there for a few days. I felt strangely territorial, and I wondered if that's what having a mate felt like. Would I always feel the urge to stake my claim and mark him? Only time would tell, and from what I could see, Julian didn't mind it anyway. In fact, he seemed to love it.
He had a few bruises and scratch marks from the fight, but they were already healing. I kissed those gently, trying to offer him comfort with my touch.
"I'm sorry you got hurt," I said softly, pressing another kiss to his chest where I could hear his strong heartbeat.
"I'm already healing," he replied, his thumbs making small circles on my skin.
I finally positioned myself over him, and we both moaned as I took in all of him; we were a perfect fit. It felt so good that I had to stop for a second and catch my breath. Julian seemed to be having the same trouble because his jaw was clenched and his fingers dug into my skin where he held me.
"April," he whispered, his voice strained.
I understood what he needed and moved a little bit faster, wringing every bit of pleasure that I could out of him. Julian squeezed me harder, and I threw my head back with a moan, never slowing down my movements. I dug my nails into his chest when it became too much, crying out at the same time he did. We finished the journey we had started together, and I looked forward to many more to come.
"I love you," he whispered as I lay on his chest, exhausted.
"I love you too," I said back, already feeling sleepy.
And when I slept this time, I only had pleasant dreams. Dreams which I knew Julian would turn into reality soon.
When I woke up the next day, I felt like I was walking on clouds and couldn't wipe the permanent grin that seemed to be stuck on my face.
That feeling continued for the next several weeks, and it helped that my dad and uncle were getting used to the idea of Julian and I. My mate had been on his best behavior and trying to impress them, although he didn't need to because he was perfect just the way he was. I might have been a bit biased, of course.
"What are you smiling about?"
I raised my head as Julian walked towards me, then happily accepted his kiss when he leaned in.
"Oh, I was just thinking of my uncle. I think he's getting excited about the baby now."
Julian groaned and moved away from me. "Your uncle hates me. He wants to knock me out, lock me in a small box, and then ship me to space."
"Ouch babe, that's very specific," I said.
I laughed at Julian's pained expression, he was still wary of my uncle despite all of the progress we had made as a family in the last weeks. I didn't blame him though, Uncle Jay gave me him death glares every time they were in the same room.
"Come on, you know he just does it to keep you on your toes. But he will learn to love you just as much as I do, and the baby too. So just continue being yourself and he will see that you're harmless."
Julian pounced on me playfully and bared his lengthening Wolf fangs. "Harmless, huh?"
"Well, maybe a bit dangerous. But just in ways that I like."
He leaned in and kissed my ear, making his way down my neck until he settled on my shoulder, sucking gently. I closed my eyes and moaned as he made love to my skin with his hot tongue and wicked teeth. He was trying to leave a mark on me, and I didn't care one bit; I enjoyed walking around with his love bites. Just as much as he enjoyed the ones I gave him.
"If only I could just kiss your uncle too to make him like me," he chuckled as he drew back, taking in my needy expression.
"Are you saying I'm easy?"
"So easy," he replied with a wink before leaning down to prove his point.
My fingers immediately went to his hair, and I tried to keep him in place. His hair was back to its usual length now, but I still had enough to tug on when the need arose, which I loved. So I did, and he indulged me but laughed and pulled away when I started trying to pull off his shirt.
"Let's not get too excited, shall we? I need to finish baby-proofing the house."
"But the baby isn't going to be here for another few months," I said with a roll of my eyes.
"Yeah, but the nursery isn't done yet either, and we can't keep on holding it off. Before you know it, the baby will be here."
"That's because you keep insisting on doing everything yourself when you could do with some help," I reminded him.
Just last week he had tried to make a stuffed toy chandelier for the baby and had almost destroyed the ceiling.
"The only help I need is you wearing some clothes when I'm trying to work," he said, pinching my cheek playfully.
"Fine," I said and pulled him back for another quick kiss before pushing him away. "But just for the record, it didn't take just a kiss for me to like you."
"Oh yeah? What did it take?" he asked with a mischievous grin.
I knew what he was thinking, but I was happy to disappoint him this time.
"I found out that you are really sweet and attentive and the best kind of we
ird."
"Weird? I'm as normal as they come!" he protested with a laugh.
I reminded him that he had a fear of chocolate cake, and he laughed again.
"Okay, fair enough. And it's not fear by the way; it's a very rational decision to never eat chocolate cake."
"You lie so smoothly, should I be worried?"
"I love you, and that's the only truth that matters," he replied, giving me a quick wink.
I would never tire of hearing that, I thought. He could tell me that he loved me all day every day, and I would still want to hear it some more.
"I love you too," I said.
Chapter 23 – April
"Someone has a letter," Julian called out, walking into my room with a white envelope in his hand.
He waved it around and pretended to listen to it. "I believe it's from a certain college. Your dad just dropped it off, but he was in a rush; he said he'll come by tomorrow."
"You are failing to be dramatic, Julian. Just give me the envelope, it might not be good news anyway," I said.
"Your father would be so proud that he raised such a pessimist. What father doesn't want that?"
I rolled my eyes and stood up to get it myself, feeling like I would pop anytime now with any kind of movement. It had been an incredible nine months filled with so much adventure that I hoped the birth would be without drama of any sort. I would want that, I thought, after everything I had been through. Especially the time when I'd thought I would lose both Julian and the baby.
"It's not that I'm pessimistic, I'm just wondering if all the drama is necessary for a sealed envelope."
He passed me the envelope, and my heart leapt when I saw which college it was from. Or maybe it was just the baby moving, I wasn't so sure these days. It was from my number one choice though, and if this college accepted me I would be close to home. I ripped it unceremoniously, which made my mate groan out loud. I laughed as I took out the folded letter, my eyes zeroing in on that one sentence.
"Miss April Grant, we are pleased to..."
I yelped when Julian suddenly picked me up in celebration, letting out a loud whistle. He did that a lot; picking me up and swinging me around as if I were a child. No matter how heavy I got, my mate just continued carrying me around like I was weightless.
"You know one of these days you're going to squeeze me, and I'll just pop." I playfully hit him when he put me down.
His body was firm and toned while I was ballooning with his child. It was great for me in every way that counted, but I couldn't help but sometimes pout that he couldn't share the pregnancy pains with me. Which he would if he could, and he made up for it by catering to my every need.
Over the last few months, Julian had proven to be the best father-to-be and mate that I could ever dream of. The baby was going to be the most spoiled baby in the universe, just like I was probably the most spoiled pregnant woman in the world. He would make me breakfast in bed as often as he could, give me a thousand massages and had anything I wanted to eat delivered as soon as I asked for it. But my favorite thing of all was hearing him tell me that he loved me after a round of tender lovemaking.
Julian gestured to the letter and gave me an innocent look. "I was just celebrating the good news."
I tried to look as stern as I could as I admonished him. "Yes, but we could celebrate without the lifting and the squeezing."
"I'm just so happy for you, sweetheart. And I can't wait to distract you while you try to study," he laughed and gave me a light kiss.
"You know the whole point is for me to pass, right?" I asked, shaking my head at him.
He nodded and smirked, giving me a glimpse of that dimple I loved so much. It made him look young and sweet, despite the never-ending flow of evil thoughts he had. All of them deliciously evil, of course.
"I know, but I can't help how I am. And you love me for it," he said.
I decided not to encourage that line of thought and read the rest of my letter instead. The truth was, I did love him for it, and my life would be boring without Julian's antics. But I would never tell him that, lest I create a monster that I couldn't handle.
"You know your father, and I will help with everything the baby needs while you are at school, so there's no need to worry. You'll do great," he said and wound his arms around me from behind, rubbing my belly softly.
"We will have to come up with some sort of schedule then and take turns to have the baby. That way, no matter who is doing what, the baby will be with someone we trust always," I responded, enjoying the warmth that filled me every time my mate touched me.
This time it was only his gentle embrace; there was no squeezing. Just the way I liked it.
"Natalie offered to interview some super-nannies for us, then send the best candidates our way," he said. "What do you think?"
"I think that's not part of her job description, but it's really nice of her to think of that."
Julian shrugged. "You know how she is; she's probably feeling weird now that I'm not working as much and she doesn't have a lot to do."
I couldn't help but smile; Natalie really was a godsend. And probably the highest-paid personal assistant in the country, but worth it. I had told her once that I wanted a Natalie of my own too, but she had regrettably told me with a very serious face that she was one of a kind.
"That would be helpful, but maybe in a few months. I just want him all to myself for a little while," I said, imagining my little baby already.
He would have the same hair as his father and that same mischievous streak. The house would never be quiet with the two of them getting up to no good, and that was just how I wanted it. Julian was more laid back in that regard, he wasn't favoring any gender.
Julian chuckled and rubbed my belly again. "You're still hoping for a boy?"
"Of course. It will be so much fun having two of you around to dote on me and cause all sorts of trouble. I already have my scolding voice ready."
"If that's the case, do you think if I rub your belly three times he might grant me a wish and come out soon? Because I can't wait to meet him."
I laughed as he proceeded to rub my belly while chanting some gibberish. I placed my hands on top of his and smiled as I thought of how perfect my life was at this very moment. But happiness wasn't the only thing I felt right then, because I suddenly felt… wet? I looked down at myself to see the small puddle at my feet.
"Umm, babe?" I said, still looking at my feet.
"Yes?" Julian responded.
I laughed and felt tears coming to my eyes, but they were happy tears. I couldn't believe this was happening right now, but it was just like Julian's child to be as dramatic as he was. He just couldn't come into the world without an interesting story.
"I think the baby just granted your wish," I said, then laughed again as I wiped my eyes.
Julian let me go and turned me around before looking at my feet. Why was I suddenly feeling so emotional? If I started crying now, then what would I do during labor? I couldn't help it though, and Julian looked at me for a second as he wiped my eyes with his thumb.
"My son is a genie!" he suddenly exclaimed with a laugh, making me hit him again.
"We have other things to be thinking about right now, don't you think?"
"More important than our son being a magical creature?" He grinned and kissed me.
I pushed him away gently. "He's already a magical creature according to humans. But this won't be a magical birth so let's get my bag."
A frown appeared on his beautiful face. "Are you sure the baby is coming? You seem to be in too good a spirit."
"You want to stay here and find out?" I raised a brow at him.
He sighed, then nodded before hesitating to leave me.
"I will be alright, just breathe and do as I say," I teased him.
I bit my lip and groaned when my first contraction hit; this baby was not in the mood to play. My mate's mood quickly changed, and he ran to get the bag from the nursery and then his car keys. We wa
lked to the car, and he helped me inside, lowering the seat until I sat comfortably. We got to the hospital as fast as we could while being safe, and he had me in a wheelchair in no-time, pushing me inside.
"We need a little help here," he called out.
A couple of nurses came to our aid, and we were set up in a ward. My contractions were coming fast, and the pain was excruciating. The doctor came in and checked my progress, trying to make me as comfortable as possible.
"Please remind me to never do this again!" I all but screamed, drawing blood when I tried to hold in a cry by biting my lip.
A couple of hours later, and I understood why they called it labor. It really was a lot of hard work and a lot of pain. Going through labor was the worst pain any person could possibly endure, of that I was certain. Nothing could be worse than this. And I couldn't even cry, I could only scream. My body felt like it was coming apart, being put together again and coming apart at the seams once more.
"You're almost there, sweetheart," Julian said softly, wiping my forehead with a cool cloth. "I would take the pain away if I could."
I knew he meant it, and I loved him for being so caring. But that was the last thing I wanted to hear right now. I was fantasizing about punching him at that moment, even though he had done nothing wrong.
When I was finally given the go-ahead to push for the first time, I screamed and cursed Julian and every male who ever lived. Then I cursed Dr. Carlton for not warning me about this part before she helped put the baby inside of me. Then I cursed the doctor who was helping me deliver the baby because they kept telling me to push even when it was obvious that I was dying. And finally, when I was about to curse my parents for bringing me into the world in the first place, the baby finally had mercy on me.
Hearing that first cry was like a beautiful song I wanted to put on repeat for the rest of my life. I loved the sound of Julian singing off-key in the shower. I loved it when he laughed. And I loved it even more when he whispered things meant only for me when we were in bed together. But hearing my child cry for the first time? Now, that was some kind of magic.