Page 66 of Ice Devil

I gripped his shoulder, smiling as I did. Anything to keep his ass calm. “You do remember the big secret that was revealed just last year. Right? About our mother?”

Perhaps he’d forgotten our father had finally confessed that our mother wasn’t the shifter we’d believed her to be, but one hundred percent human.

“Yeah, but things could be wrong.”

“With any pregnancy, bro. Let me guess. The reason you’re here with me is because Georgia kicked you out of the house and told you not to come back until you came to your senses.”

The sheepish expression popping on his face was pure confirmation. “She was a bit more colorful than that, but yeah.”

“You should be happy. You’re both going to make incredible parents.” I pulled my beer to my lips, laughing as I did. “If you can get your head out of your ass.”

“You think you’re smarter than me, huh?”

At least he appeared more relieved. “Way more.”

We were able to laugh a little easier. “Thanks for being here for me. This is just nothing I thought I’d want.”

“And now?”

He nodded several times. “I want to be the best father in the world.”

“You will be. You’re going to be fantastic. Hey. I’m going to be an uncle.”

“Yes, you are. And you’ll be a fantastic uncle. Just don’t let that go to your head.”

After grinning, I remained quiet, studying the recap a little more closely. “Let me ask you a question.”

“Sure thing.”

“Did you doubt she was your mate?”

When he laughed, I could tell he thought I was kidding. “You’ve heard the story a dozen times. You know I didn’t want to accept that I needed a mate let alone that I’d found one. Why?”

My shrug was noncommittal, but every muscle in his body tensed.

“Why, Beck?”

“Just asking. I know it hit you hard.”

“Yeah, I was a ravenous beast that shouldn’t be left alone in the forest. Did her presence hit you the same way?”

“Nope. Not even close. She’s beautiful. She’s intelligent and after you break through her ambitious, defiant layers, she’s a hell of a lot of fun to be with, but there was no lightning bolt at first. Just a man’s needs that required satisfaction.” My voice dipped to a level that reminded me of some Viking barbarian. Just like… It was fun being in costume for a little while.

“But I can tell your wheels are turning.”

“Something has changed between us or maybe just with me.”

“You feel even closer to her.”

“Maybe.” I took a swig of my beer.

He shifted on the barstool. “Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“Last few nights.”

“Sweating?”

I lifted my hand, showing him my palm.