His lips parted, then snapped shut as he studied her stubborn expression. Finally he heaved a sigh of resignation and pressed her head back to his chest.
“I will try to be reasonable,” he grudgingly promised. “But it’s not going to be easy.”
“And our grand tour?” she demanded.
“We will decide on the Sylnivia after you’ve seen a doctor.”
She knew it was as good as she was going to get. “Fine. We can no doubt find a competent doctor here in Chicago.”
“I’ll speak to the local pack master.” There was a pause as Salvatore ran his hand gently over her hair. “Harley?”
She tilted back her head to meet his wary gaze. “Yes?”
“Are you…”
She frowned as his words faltered, his expression oddly uncertain. It wasn’t like her arrogant mate to be anything but supremely self-confident.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you happy?”
She frowned at the ridiculous question. Her heart felt as if it might burst with joy.
“Of course I’m happy.”
“Not so long ago you accused me of wanting you only for the babies you could give me,” he softly reminded her, his gaze watchful. “I don’t want you thinking I…”
Harley grabbed his face and yanked it down so she could halt his words with a kiss that was filled with all the love and wonder that flowed through her heart.
“Salvatore, I said a lot of stupid things over the past few days,” she murmured against his lips. “I was scared and stubborn…”
“Insanely stubborn,” he clarified.
“Don’t push your luck, wolfman.” She nipped his bottom lip, chuckling at his low growl of approval. “I was an idiot, but now I can’t imagine anything I want more than to have you as a mate, and our home filled with children.”
“Wait.” His tension eased from his body, although his expression remained wary. “Just how many children are you talking about?”
“Five.”
“Cristo.” He blinked, clearly stunned, then with a loud crack of laughter, he wrapped her in his arms and twirled her around the room. “You’re the most amazing woman.”
“Amazing or not, I’m going to be sick if you don’t put me down,” she teased.
Instantly she was back on her feet, Salvatore’s fingers threading through her hair as he kissed her with exquisite tenderness.
“You do know what this means, don’t you, cara?” he whispered.
“You’re going to have to learn how to change diapers?”
He pulled back, the golden eyes flashing with wicked amusement.
“Si. And also how to appreciate the rare moments when I have my mate’s undivided attention.” His fingers traced a path of fire down her back. “They will soon be few and far between.”
“Hmmm. Did you have something in mind?”
His eyes were lit with a golden hunger that sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.
“We could always return to our rooms.”
“But I was just getting ready to watch the movie,” she said, her expression one of faux innocence.
He glanced toward the screen, his brows lifting in surprise.
“Terminator?”
“Hello. Arnold naked.” She gave a startled squeak as Salvatore scooped her off her feet and firmly headed toward the door. “What are you doing?”
“I have something better for you to look at.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Are you certain?”
He smiled with smug assurance. “Nothing but the best for the Queen of Weres.”
And it was…