Kiyana's reply prevented his beast from saying anything more. "Not until Alistair's further along with his physical therapy. It wouldn't bother me if he walked with a cane for the rest of his life, but dragonmen have a bit more pride than most, and I know he'd like to walk on his own in front of everyone."
It was true, although he hadn't said as much.
Kiyana already knew him so well, he couldn't imagine what their lives would be like ten years down the line.
His brother Hamish jumped in. "Aye, well, our father used a cane toward the end. So maybe it has more to do with that, even though our dad was strong and stubborn to his last breath."
Alistair hadn't talked about his father in years. They all still loved him, but he'd been severely injured and poisoned by some humans. The dragon hunters hadn't been as organized ten years ago, but the internet had allowed like-minded individuals to gather and carry out their bloody deeds.
His mother huffed. "Of course he was. Try putting the three of you together, and you'd start to get an idea of your dad's stubbornness. He probably could've been clan leader if he'd aimed for it, but he’d wanted to spend more time with you three and settled on being a builder." His mother stared down at the bairn in her arms and said softly, "He was a good male, the best. And he would've been proud of you all."
Silence fell, and Alistair tried to think of what to say. His mother hadn't been so forlorn over his father in over a year, thanks to the old nutters courting her.
He may think the two males were both a wee off in the head, but Archie and Cal had made his mother happy again. And for that, he was grateful.
Kiyana's mother spoke up. "I know how that goes, too. I think your husband and mine would've gotten along well."
His mum met Carol Barnes's eyes. "Probably, unless they were trying to outdo the other when it came to stubbornness."
The two older females smiled at each other, showing Alistair something else he'd missed over the last few months. Kiyana had said their mothers were friends, but maybe they were closer friends than he'd thought.
His dragon said, That's a good thing. She and Lorna MacKenzie used to be this close until something happened. Mum needed a new friend who understood the pain of losing a mate and found it in Carol.
Wee Roman cried, and his mother handed him back to Alba. Once the lad was nursing, he quieted right down.
The sight reminded him of what he'd be soon himself—a father.
And he couldn't be more impatient if he tried.
Kiyana cleared her throat. "Since small silences are rare here—and I'm not complaining, just stating the facts—there's something Alistair and I want to share officially." She glanced around the table. "Although I think everyone already knows, given how Hamish likes to talk."
Hamish looked sheepish, but Alistair couldn't be mad at his brother.
After sharing a glance with him, Kiyana said, "Alistair and I are having a baby in just over eight months' time."
Graham's son Hugh grimaced. "Another cousin? We aren't going to fit around the table soon. And I don't want to babysit it."
Everyone chuckled, but it was Hamish's son Cody who jumped up in his chair and did a little dance. "I want another cousin. They'll be younger, and smaller, and I can be in charge."
Cody's mother tried to get him to sit down, but since she still nursed wee Roman, Cody easily jumped off the chair and raced over to him and Kiyana. The lad tried to whisper but didn't quite manage it. "Although if it's a girl, I'll be her protector. She'll be safe with me. No one will ever be able to hurt her."
Since Bruce on his lap was trying to mimic his cousin's earlier dancing, Alistair first had to get a better hold on the lad before he managed to grip Cody's shoulder and squeeze lightly. "I know you'll do a fine job, Cody. Lad or lassie, you'll be a good protector."
Cody looked at Kiyana. "But don't name him Nigel. Or Neville. Or Jumba-something. Maybe I should help name it. I could pick a better one."
Kiyana laughed. "We'll see, Cody. We'll see."
Alistair's mother clicked her tongue. "Get back in your seat, lad, and finish your dinner. Us adults want to celebrate Kiyana and Alistair's news, but first you need to eat and go to bed."
Cody's shoulders slumped. "But I don't want to go to bed. I want to celebrate, too."
Hamish motioned for his son to go to his seat. "Go on, Cody. Sit down as your grannie asked."
The boy trudged his feet but eventually made it. And as chatter filled the table, Alistair tried his best to keep smiling and hide his impatience. Because he'd wanted to whisk his mate away as soon as possible to not only talk with her, but claim her again.
However, if his mother was serious about celebrating, he may not get to do it for hours yet.
His beast spoke up. Let her celebrate. It'll give our mate time to rest before we take her again.