He heaved a rueful sigh. “There’s no hit squad. I’ve simply made it clear that I would be pleased with anyone who could give me information on the cur’s current location.”
She snorted, well aware that any pureblood who managed to get their hands on Caine was going to make his life pure misery.
“You make it sound so very civilized.”
He arched a raven brow. “You wouldn’t be implying that I’m a savage, would you?”
Her thumb brushed the sensuous curve of his lower lip. “When you want to be.”
The gold of his eyes flooded the room as he studied her with smug pleasure.
“You can be something of a savage yourself, cara.”
She chuckled. It was true. With Salvatore’s urging, she’d become downright aggressive in bed.
With stunning results.
“I haven’t heard you complaining,” she murmured, draping her arms around his neck.
“Never.” His eyes darkened with a tender emotion he kept hidden from all but her. “You are perfect in every way.”
“I’m your mate. You have to say that.”
His hands skimmed up her back, pulling her close as he gazed deep in her eyes.
“Not just my mate,” he husked. “What we have between us is more than biology or ancient powers, Harley. I adore you. I crave you. And most of all, I love you.”
Her heart clenched with a joy she’d never dreamed possible. “Forever?”
“Beyond eternity.” He bent to brush a gentle kiss over her lips.
Her knees threatened to buckle. Damn him. He knew how emotional she became when he was all sentimental.
“I love you, too, Salvatore Giuliani,” she husked, her voice thick with tears.
With a last lingering kiss, Salvatore pulled back, a teasing smile on his lips.
“Naturally.”
She punched his arm, but secretly she couldn’t deny a flare of relief. It was going to take time for her to become comfortable with the mushy stuff.
“Your modesty overwhelms me.”
He chuckled, his eyes flashing with wicked amusement. “I have a better way to overwhelm you.”
Amen to that.
She shivered, but once again she resisted the urge to give into temptation.
“Do you intend to wait here until Caine is discovered?”
His smile faded. “I know you wish to spend time with your sister, cara, but the packs are anxious to meet their new queen. We must begin our grand tour soon.”
Harley wrinkled her nose. “Grand tour?”
“Our mating has brought back traditions nearly forgotten by the purebloods.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “In the ancient days, the King of Weres would perform the Sylnivia when he became mated.”
“And just what does this…Sylnivia entail?”
“Nothing too outlandish.” He shrugged. “We will travel to meet our various packs and receive the blessing of our people.” He paused, the smile slowly returning to his mouth. “It’s supposed to ensure our fertility.”
Harley abruptly cleared her throat.
She wouldn’t get a more perfect segue.
“Actually—” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I don’t think we’re going to be needing help in the fertility department.”
Salvatore froze, his hands gripping her with a sudden tension. “Harley?”
She shifted, feeling awkward beneath the searing intensity of his gaze.
“When I woke up this morning, I felt weird.” She unconsciously pressed a hand to her stomach. “At first I assumed it had something to do with our bond. It’s been…a little erratic.”
Looking decidedly shell-shocked, Salvatore obediently nodded.
“I’m still struggling with my powers,” he muttered absently.
Harley smiled. That was the understatement of the century. Over the past week, Salvatore had accidentally shorted out the electricity, yanked the bathroom door off its hinges, drained Harley of her power one minute, and the next filled her with such energy she was nearly bouncing off the walls.
Which, of course, explained why she had first dismissed the bundle of warmth her wolf sensed in her womb.
As the day passed, however, she could no longer ignore the truth.
It was the spark of life.
Actually, her werewolf was whispering that it was several sparks of life.
Barely more than a few days old, but already growing strong.
“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” she teased.
“Harley.” He stopped, clearly struggling to breathe. “Are you saying…?”
She went on tiptoe to press her lips to his. “You’re going to become a proud papa, Salvatore Giuliani.”
“Papa.” For a crazed moment he swayed as if he might pass out. Then without warning, he sank to his knees, pressing his face to her flat abdomen. “I knew you were my savior, cara, but now you have given hope to the entire race of werewolves.” Tilting back his head, he gazed at her with such profound respect that Harley had to fight back the urge to weep. “You are a miracle.”
She gently threaded her fingers through his raven hair. “I think you might have had a little something to do with this particular miracle.”
His fingers brushed over her stomach, treating her as if she were as fragile as spun glass, even as his face darkened with sudden concern.
“How are you feeling? Are you sick? We have to get you to a doctor…”
“Salvatore, I’m fine,” she interrupted, belatedly realizing that her mate’s protective instincts were about to kick into hyperdrive. Frigging hell. She would be smothered if she didn’t nip a few of them in the bud. Firmly she tugged him to his feet and laid her head on his chest, taking comfort in the steady beat of his heart. “Obviously we’ll have to find a doctor who will help me through the pregnancy, but I’m not the first woman to have babies. It’s all perfectly natural.”
He pulled back to glare at her casual tone. “I don’t care about other women, only you. We’ll travel straight to our lair in Italy tomorrow. I have a number of doctors at my disposal, as well as a full staff of servants to make sure you have nothing to worry about but taking care of yourself.”
She frowned. “But what about the Sylnivia?”
He blinked, looking at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Naturally, it will have to be postponed.”
“There’s no ‘naturally’ about it.” She caught and held his gaze, her expression warning. “I told you I feel fine, Salvatore, and if you try to treat me like a mindless child who can’t decide what’s best for herself, you’re not going to like the consequences.”