156. Endless months

156. Endless months
ALICE

These past few months have been a whirlwind of things happening all at once. Not only did the Aladians respond to our plea for peace, but the other races circling us did too. The fae, the vampires, and even some witches decided to join forces with us.

Five months later, and, damn, I’m feeling the weight of it all—literally and figuratively. My belly’s huge, eight months pregnant and slowing me down, with the babies kicking like they’re ready to burst out any second. Yup, twins. Incredibly, from separate placentas. Matt suspects I had a superfetation and got pregnant with both at the same time. Real reassuring stuff.

“You okay, little monster?” Aemon asks for the tenth time today, coming closer to kiss my neck. Right on the spot of his mate mark.

“I’m fine,” I say, closing my eyes as I catch our reflection in the mirror. “They’re restless today.”

“I just hope it’s not a sign they’ll decide to show up during this damn treaty signing,” Aemon grumbles, his large hands rubbing my belly, as if he could calm the little beasts kicking each other inside me.

I give a small smile, resting my head on his shoulder. Before he can say anything else, the bedroom door swings open way too forcefully for my liking.

“Alice, Aemon… Still in bed?” Alaester’s deep, commanding voice echoes through the room. Just one look at him, and you can tell the “alpha king” is in full commander mode. “We need to move. Now. The council’s already gathered, and the Aladians, vampires, and fae are waiting for you two to sign.”

I roll my eyes because Alaester always talks like he’s giving orders to the wind itself. “Good morning to you too, Alaester,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Is that how you talk to your queen? Wasn’t it enough that you left bed this morning without even saying a word to me?” I pout, sulking.
He stares at me with that guilty look. “Good morning, little devil,” he says, stepping closer to kiss my forehead. “It’s been a hectic morning. I know you’re tired, but we don’t have time to mess around.” Then he glances at Aemon, like they’re in on some secret plan. “Get her up quick, before we’re late and those idiots think we’re backing out of the peace treaty.”

“Did I just hear ‘idiots’?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Great way to kick off a lasting peace, my mate.”

“I didn’t…” Alaester starts, but he knows arguing with me lately is a losing battle. He runs a hand over his face and sighs. “I love you so much, but we really need to do this, my love.”

I glare at him, clearly annoyed, and he rolls his eyes. “You love me, but you want to drag me and this giant belly to that endless meeting full of hypocritical jerks staring at me like I’m a bomb about to go off?” I snap, crossing my arms—which is almost comical because I can barely wrap them around my stomach. “Fine, Alpha, let’s go sign this world peace treaty before my kids decide to make their grand entrance on the conference table.”

Aemon stifles a laugh and brushes his hand across my cheek, as if trying to soothe my rising temper. “It’ll be quick, little monster. We sign, smile for the cameras, make it look like we’re the happiest, most united family across all the races… and then we’re back here. I promise I’ll make it up to you later.” He flashes a mischievous grin that makes me roll my eyes, but inside, it warms my heart in a ridiculous way.

“Make it up to me?” I say with a sarcastic smirk. “If it’s a foot massage, I’m in. But if it’s anything else, with these two kicking like maniacs, forget it.”

Alaester clears his throat, clearly impatient. “I’m begging you, let’s move. They’re getting antsy downstairs.”

“Don’t rush me, Alaester,” I warn, pointing a finger at him. “If I trip on those stairs because you’re in such a hurry, I’ll make you sleep in the guards’ quarters for a week.”

He raises his hands in surrender. Aemon lets out a low chuckle and steps back just enough to help me up. “He’s got a point, little monster… the sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can crawl back into bed.”

“That’s the best argument I’ve heard all day,” I grumble. “But if anyone gives me a dirty look today, I’m ripping their head off.”

“Noted,” Alaester says dryly, offering me his hand after Aemon helps me to my feet. “Come on, before the entire council ages waiting for us.”

We head out through the corridors, Aemon on one side and Alaester on the other, like my personal shadows, because moving fast with this massive belly is basically impossible. The walk to the main hall feels longer today. Honestly, getting around with these two kicking inside me is getting worse by the day.

When the hall doors swing open, the tense air hits me like a punch. Representatives from every race are seated in imposing rows, all eyes on us.

Alaester strides ahead, shoulders squared, his gaze deadly. Aemon stays by my side, his hand on my back, steadying me as we make our way to the center. The curious stares hit me hard, making me swallow a lump in my throat.

Lycans, Aladians, Fae, vampires—all together, no weapons drawn, at least for now.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling the pressure build in my back and temples. “Here we go…” I mutter, glancing
at him. “Let’s see if peace actually holds.”

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