19. Kaden

Chapter 19

Kaden

S o, here we are, rushing through this enormous mansion, with paintings on the wall, spotlights illuminating the art, and green plants adding life to every corner. The place looks lived in and loved. We head upstairs, passing several maids who bow our way, taking a bit too long to stare at me before rushing away.

Once we reach the third floor, we find ourselves in a long hallway. Outside a doorway, Sasha turns to me, handing me Chowder.

"Maybe best if you stay with Kaden for a bit," she suggests and smooches him on the head.

"What's in room?" Chowder asks. I collect him, and he scrambles back into his backpack. I half throw it over my shoulder, allowing him to lean against me to see what's going on.

"Babies," I answer Chowder, and he just stares at me as if he's uncertain how to register that.

The girls enter the nursery, and I follow them, remaining near the doorway. Two wooden cribs catch my attention first, with whites, blues, and mauves used in the toys and the linen. The walls are painted to resemble the sky, as though we're floating among the clouds, with stars on the ceiling that twinkle from the sunlight. The white carpet gives the impression of fluffy clouds, and I can't help but feel like I'm back on the plane.

There's a blue-and-white-striped couch with blankets and cushions, shelves filled with books and toys, and pristine white cupboards. Above each crib hangs a rotating mobile—one of a gryffin, the other of a wolf. The small baby sounds draw my attention to Billie lifting a baby out of one crib and into her arms.

"So, this is my firstborn, Lucian," Billie explains,

He's tiny with a dark patch of hair, his face all squishy, and appearing quite serious for a baby. As Billie lifts him, he coughs and releases a small explosion of fire.

"Whoa," Sasha states, both of them laughing and cooing over him.

"Well, I didn't expect that," I mumble to myself.

She's smiling down at the baby. "As you can see, he takes after his father, Tallis, with his demon side."

"Can I hold him?" Sasha asks instantly, her voice filled with excitement.

Billie hands Lucian over. The baby sits in Sasha's arms, resting against her shoulder as she coos and kisses him.

My heart thunders in my chest. Seeing her all maternal, clucking over this kid, shouldn't impact me, yet here I am, hungry for our own children. I want a big family.

Billie glances up at me. "Aren't they adorable?" She gives me a look, and I can tell she's dying to ask me when Sasha and I will be doing the same. If it was up to me, I'd be doing it now.

"Yeah," I murmur, unable to tear my eyes away from her. "Absolutely adorable."

"If you two ever have babies, they will be so beautiful. I mean, look at you both, and the beauty of a mermaid, nothing compares." Billie grins at us both.

Sasha laughs nervously, avoiding staring at me. "We're not… it's complicated." She turns back to the baby in her arms. "You must be so proud of your little bundles."

"It's ridiculously exhausting, but I wouldn't swap it for anything. They're both my little miracles." She moves to the second crib, leans into it, and gently lifts another baby. This one has a very thin layer of hair, lighter in color, and the brightest golden eyes I've ever seen. Even Chowder, who's been silent in my arms until now, leans forward with curiosity. The baby, wearing only a diaper, stretches out a pair of beautiful chestnut-colored wings from his back, almost a dark golden hue.

"Why does baby fly?" Chowder mutters, his whiskers twitching.

"Anything is possible," I answer, my voice soft with awe, making me wonder what my child would look like. Powerful kraken limbs, strong jaw like his father, handsome so every girl fawns over him? Our DNA is dominant.

Billie's kissing the baby all over his chubby face. "And this is my bundle of energy, Dante. He takes very much after his father, Eryx, and is a complete handful."

Sasha, holding Lucian, reaches over one hand to stroke Dante's cheek, and both now have their arms full of babies. It's a beautiful sight, and all I can think about is my little mermaid pregnant, her belly round with our child, how beautiful she'll be, how demanding she'll be when she's lusting after me. The thought sends a jolt of excitement through me.

"I can't believe you have two babies. It feels like just yesterday we were back in South Africa, living together," Sasha murmurs.

I glance over at Chowder, who's watching them intently.

Sensing movement from the doorway, I twist in that direction, where a man stands tall and proud, grinning. His long, flowing black hair reaches past his shoulders, and his eyes are as dark as hell itself. A faint smell of burning wood floats around him. He stands like someone in command, someone unafraid, and I instantly know he's the father to the fiery child—a demon.

"Tallis," he says in a strong voice, glancing my way and extending his hand to me. His handshake is firm and powerful. He wears a leather band around his wrist embedded with a golden tree symbol, which I'm guessing is a family emblem. I've seen similar ones in Norway but with different designs. His assertiveness demands attention, and I can respect a man like him.

"Kaden," I answer, shaking his hand just as hard.

"I hear you're a kraken." Tallis takes a step into the room, watching our two women and the babies, then swings his attention to Chowder on my shoulder. "They are rare as fuck… you must feel special."

I chuckle. "Yeah, something like that."

Tallis laughs heartily. "Well, we have a huge lake behind the woods at the rear of our property. You're welcome to use it, and we have heated pools indoors, too."

"Appreciate it. Might take you up on those."

His gaze lifts. "Who's the critter on your shoulder?"

"I am Chowder. And why black eyes?"

I chuckle. "He says what he's thinking and has no filter."

Tallis grins. "I like it. It's refreshing. He and my brother Eryx will get along wonderfully. Anyway, welcome to our home, Kaden and Chowder. Make yourselves comfortable. Later, you can meet my brothers. Eryx is up in the mountains, and Khaos is out with King Kaspian."

My interest is beyond piqued. "Speaking of King Kaspian," I bring up.

He raises an eyebrow. "I heard you want an audience with King Kaspian?"

I nod. "That's my reason for visiting, and Sasha's been eager to catch up with her friend, so two birds, one stone." I raise an eyebrow at Tallis, who chuckles, his dark eyes constantly moving between me and Billie. He's absolutely smitten with her, and seeing a man show that kind of obsession and commitment resonates well with me.

"Since arriving in Norway, I've had a few mercenary issues, and rather than leave a trail of bodies, which I guess the king wouldn't appreciate, I'd rather work things out amicably."

"Well, as long as you respect those who intend you no harm, as my brothers and I are mercenaries, then we'll have no problems. We run a very successful business connecting those around the world to some of the best mercenaries living here in Finland."

"You have my word," I state honestly, head high. "I want them off my back now that I'm a citizen of the House of Gold and Garnet, which doesn't seem to have been communicated."

"Well, my friend." Tallis grins and slaps a hand on my shoulder. "The king isn't easy to get hold of, but I respect your willingness to resolve things peacefully. It shows a lot of restraint."

I chuckle. "Something I often don't have control over. But I appreciate help from you and your brothers. I won't waste the opportunity to set things straight."

We both turn to our fated mates. Billie collects Lucian from Sasha's arms, then hands both babies over to Tallis. Sasha told me that he's a succubus demon, so to see him in daddy mode gives me hope that I'll make a first-rate father myself.

"Come, let me show you both to your room," she offers.

She and Sasha head out of the room, laughing, leaning into one another. Tallis is juggling the babies, one batting his wings, the other coughing flames, which catch on his shirt. They're small burns that go out instantly, and he doesn't seem to feel it.

"Need a hand?" I ask him.

"Or a paw?" Chowder pipes in.

He laughs. "Nothing I haven't done before. Usually easier when one of my brothers is here, but I'm getting used to it when Billie needs a break. It'll be interesting when the next baby or babies come along. My plan is to hire an army of nannies because these two are already a handful." He grins at me while placing both babies into one crib and turning on the wolf mobile overhead, which starts spinning and singing.

"Billie's pregnant?" I ask, raising an eyebrow, not remembering Sasha telling me this.

"Not yet, but my oldest brother, Khaos, is determined to ensure our next baby is his. And he's taking every opportunity." He's grinning suddenly. "Except Eryx and I have a bet on which one of us will get her pregnant first instead."

I'm chuckling, shaking my head. "Sounds like a hell of a challenge. She must be incredible to keep up with all three of you."

He laughs, deep and hearty. "She's not one to take any crap from us, and I fucking love that about her."

"Something must be in the water in South Africa. Sasha's the same. Well, I better go catch up with them before I get lost in this castle."

"Good luck." He gives me a nod, and I can see myself spending hours with Tallis over drinks. I bet he's got a lot of stories to tell.

I turn and head out of the nursery, my thoughts shifting to Sasha. Following their echoing voices through the grand hallways, I catch up with them in no time. Chowder, half-asleep, is nestled comfortably in his bag, finally catching some rest after staying awake for the entire flight. By the time we reach our room, Sasha and Billie are hugging tightly, and I notice how much Sasha's smiling.

Striding past them into the living area of our guest quarters, I take in the immaculate decor. A sleek leather couch sits in front of a large stone fireplace, and there's a cabinet with decanters filled with various honeyed drinks. The room is fancy, no doubt, but it feels a bit bland for my taste—too perfect, too untouched.

Two doors lead off from the living area into separate bedrooms, and another door reveals a lush, enormous bathroom. This could be a home in itself. I decide that the smaller bedroom will be Chowder's domain. I place him on the bed, still half in his bag, careful not to wake him, and shut the door.

Returning to the living area, I find my beautiful mermaid buzzing around, checking everything out. She's grinning, light on her feet, her energy reaching me.

"This place is stunning. I missed Billie so much. I can't believe she has two little boys… they are just everything," she gushes, her joy infectious.

I stroll up to her, taking her into my arms from behind, and lower myself to whisper in her ear, "You looked so fucking beautiful in the nursery. I saw the way you were gushing over those babies." My hand slips under her shirt to her bare skin. "I was going to wait a bit, but I'm going to put a baby in you."

She stiffens, fighting me, but I hold on to her. "Kaden, what the hell?"

"You heard me… all I can think about is you pregnant and how beautiful you'll be, how much fun I'll have with your swollen breasts, your gorgeous body, how you will make the most incredible mother…"

She twists to face me, her eyes wide. "Whoa, slow down there, cowboy."

I chuckle at her words, having no idea what a cowboy has to do with anything.

"Yeah, I want a family, but not now, so cool your damn jets."

My lips find her neck, and I sense her softening against me.

"We should at least start practicing more."

She pushes against me, trying to resist, but I've been dying to have her writhing beneath me. She throws an elbow into my ribs, and I grunt as she slips from my grasp.

"Damn, Sasha," I groan, clutching my side. "You're going to be the death of me."

"Good," she snaps, though there's a playful glint in her eyes. "Focus on why we're here."

"It's all sorted, but I'm not seeing the king now, so until then, we can enjoy ourselves."

I watch her as she ignores my words but checks out the rooms, her eyes lingering on the luxurious details. "Nice, we have two bedrooms."

"One's taken," I say, smirking. "You're going to have to share with me."

She studies me, the glare she gives me makes my heart race.

So I change the topic. "I find it intriguing that your friend has three fated mates."

She arches an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with it?"

"Hell no, the more the merrier and I'm happy for her. But I just want to make it clear that you are a one-man mermaid. No one touches you or looks at you with the wrong intention… I don't share. Krakens don't share."

She laughs, shaking her head. "Just calm down, Kaden. I'm a one-guy type of girl, too."

"Good." I take a step closer, stealing the distance between us. "Because I'm not letting you go."

She rolls her eyes but doesn't move away. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Only because I want you. Seeing you with those babies… it just made me realize how much I want that with you."

Her expression hardens, and she takes a deep breath.

"We're not officially even an item, so how can you be talking about babies?"

"That's where you're wrong. We've been destined to be together from the moment you were born. Don't delude yourself otherwise."

She studies me, not saying a word because she knows I'm right.

"I'm going to go find that heated indoor pool." Stretching her arms above her head, her muscles visibly relax. "I'm desperate to sink into the water."

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a wicked grin spreading across my face at how hungry I am to sink into her. I smirk, grabbing her hand.

"Let's go find the pool."

She hesitates for a second, then nods, her grin matching mine.

"Okay, but just to be clear, this isn't some romantic getaway. We're just finding the pool and relaxing. Nothing more."

"Sure, whatever you say," I reply, unable to hide the amusement in my voice.