Page 41 of The Knotty Clause

“He’s not doing any such thing.”

He sighed as he heard Gemma’s indignant voice behind him. He should have known better than to expect her to wait on the porch. He put a protective arm around her as she came to his side.

“My daddy wouldn’t hurt anyone,” Liam said pugnaciously. “Unless they was bad men.”

Krampasarian looked from the scowling child to his very pregnant mate, and suddenly smiled, an unexpectedly charming smile.

“I see that the information I received was incomplete. In my defense there have been incidents where the… visitor was not so well-intentioned.”

“Is that still a problem?” he demanded, and the other male shook his head.

“No. It was taken care of by a friend of mine. But you can see why I had to check.”

He nodded, understanding that protective impulse.

“Why don’t we go up to the house and you can tell us about it?” Gemma asked, smiling at the other male, and he had to bite back the urge to growl.

Krampasarian hesitated, then nodded.

“I have time for a short visit, but my mate is waiting.”

He relaxed a little as he bent down and picked up his mate.

“You know this isn’t very dignified,” she muttered, but he ignored her.

“Is your mate also Tandroki?” he asked as they climbed the hill, and Krampasarian smiled.

“No, she is very human. And my children are both.” He looked down at Liam, who was trotting along at his side. “I have a son just a little younger than you.”

“Really?” Liam bounced a little. “What’s his name? I’m Liam.”

“My son’s name is Anak. Perhaps you can visit and meet him one day. But first tell me a little about yourself. What is your favorite toy?”

He hid a smile as Liam immediately started to tell him about the mechanical dog. The other male had no idea what he’d started, but his kindness towards his son erased the last of his concerns. He looked forward to learning more about the other male and how he had ended up on this planet. Perhaps it was destiny that had brought both of them to this world. He tightened his arms around his mate, remembering the joy she had brought into his life.

She looked up at him and smiled, reaching up and running a gentle finger across the curve of his horn. His cock jerked at the unexpected touch and he growled softly. She laughed, but her eyes glowed with promise. Tonight he would take his mate to bed, and tomorrow he would start making plans for their return to their mountain. The future had never looked brighter.