Chapter 17

ASTOR

Sin can't keep the grin off his face and though I feel happy for him, I'm insanely jealous. I know he's been waiting forever to have Wynter, but…

Turning the shower off, I wrap a towel around my waist and pull the curtain back. Arsen is at the sink, brushing his teeth and humming a song.

"So am I going to have to dig the details out of you or are you going to just admit already that you fucked her?" I grumble.

"I didn't fuck her. I showed her how much I craved her and loved her," he mumbles, pouting.

Shaking my head, I sigh. "You're so whipped, bro."

Opening the door, I walk into the room and drop the towel, pulling out some boxers and clothes from my suitcase.

I haven't unpacked because we should be moving into the house soon. We just need to finish the bedrooms, but Rus seems to be dragging his feet on that.

A gasp behind me has my body freezing. "Oh, ummm, sorry," Wynter rushes out, and I look at her from over my shoulder.

I don't turn because I'd rather her see my naked ass than my cock that's decided to wake up.

Pulling up my boxers, I quickly dress, then spin around. Wynter is standing there, holding two to-go coffees and her eyes are closed.

She looks adorable in a rainbow cropped-hoodie and jean shorts. There is a tiny pudge where her stomach is, and I can't believe that she's already showing.

Rus tried to explain a Fae pregnancy, but I still don't understand much about his designation.

"You can open your eyes now," I whisper, moving closer to her and breathing in her blackberry scent.

My brother uses her body wash, so it's almost comforting to me now. I take one of the coffees and wait.

Her cheeks are flushed, and I want to kiss her. But I'll wait. We aren't there yet. Sin chooses that moment to leave the bathroom, and he looks at me quizzically.

I shake my head, and Wynter laughs. "I need to remember to knock. I'm sorry, Astor. I was just excited about today," she mumbles and looks at her shoes.

I have never seen this side of her before, and I have to wonder if she's starting to change a little bit.

After Erick broke her heart, she became cold, cruel. I can't blame her, but I'm glad she's starting to thaw.

"Good morning, dove," Sin says, and I move out of the way so he can kiss her.

"Hi," she breathes, giving him a huge smile.

Backing away from her, he nods at me, then moves over to the bed.

"You two have fun today. Rus and I are going to start on the stairs."

Wynter waves and opens the door. Rus is standing at my truck with his phone to his ear.

He's yelling at someone in a different language. When he sees us, he grins.

"Pookiez, my Nan wants to know if next week will work for your exam?"

Wynter places her coffee on the hood, then her hand on her stomach and nods.

"This is all moving so damn fast, but sure," she mutters.

"Yes, Nan, bring all the things. See ya then. Noodles." He ends the call and pulls Wynter into his arms, kissing her until she's panting for a breath.

"Take care of our snookums, twinsie," he says to me, then walks off toward the motel room.

"So…" Wyn says and I sigh, moving to open her door and helping her inside. "Thanks," she laughs when I try to buckle her.

Backing away I grin, shaking my head. "All set?" I check.

"Yup. Let's go, Jeeves!"

Rolling my eyes, I shut her door and move toward the driver's side. Rus is peeking out the curtains, watching me and he gives me a big smile with a little wave.

What's he up to?

Opening my door, I climb in and start the engine. Wynter instantly turns on the heated seat, and I worry she's cold.

"Ah, that's so nice. My back has been killing me. I wonder if Cirrus or Sin would give me a massage later…"

"I can…" I blurt out, internally wincing. "I mean if you'd like me to, I will."

Avoiding her eyes, though I can feel them staring at me, I look behind me as I back out of the motel.

There are a few cars at the gas station. I wonder if other people are going to Spells Hollow.

Wynter places her hand on my thigh and gives me a small squeeze. I glance at her, and she's smiling.

"I'd like that, Astor. But don't feel obligated," she mutters, and I laugh.

"Shit, why is this so awkward between us? We used to be friends. Studying at the library. Hanging out at the beach. Hell you even came to the clinic with me when I thought Susie gave me something," I mutter, and she bursts out into giggles.

"Oh my God. I'd forgotten all about that. Hey, you were the dumbass that decided to fuck her in the woods. At least it was poison oak."

"Ugh. Don't remind me." I absently scratch my cock, and Wynter laughs harder.

"How about for today we just have fun. No talk about curses or assholes that left me at the altar. We just hang out like old times?"

"I'd like that, so bestie, crank the tunes, no Taylor Swift, and let's get this road trip started."

"Please. Oh Astor, it's so fucking cute!" Wynter squeals, holding up a baby onesie with elephants on it.

She'd convinced me to go to the mall before we got groceries. I guess she needed new clothes and panties.

The thought of her buying things at Victoria's Secret has had me rock hard for an hour, so I eagerly agreed.

How was I to know there was a Carter's next door.

I have never seen her like this before. Usually she has a scowl on her face or she's pouting.

She seems excited and like a woman about to have a baby.

"Didn't you say you were having a little girl?" I reply, grabbing a pink one with elephants and hearts. She mentioned it on the ride here.

Her mouth opens and her eyes start to water. "Fucking hormones. My God," she curses as her lips start to wobble. "I've always wanted this, Astor."

"An elephant onesie? I think Rus could get you one like the unicorn," I mutter, pushing hangers aside for other prints.

They have preemie, newborn, zero to three and larger. How big will a Fae baby be?

Rus and his brother are huge, but his Nan is like a pixie. Are girls smaller than boys? And with being half witch will she just be the normal size?

My thoughts are spiraling, and I'm about to text Rus when Wynter scoffs.

Glancing at her, the tears are dried and she's scowling.

"No, Astor, not a onesie. A mom!" she huffs, then grabs a few more things and stomps over to the checkout counter.

I follow her passing a soft purple baby blanket. I grab it, and place it on the counter.

Wynter is digging in her bag, looking for her wallet. Pulling out mine, I quickly pay.

"No, you didn't have to…"

Cutting her off, I kiss her quickly and smile.

"She's my daughter too, right?" I ask hopefully.

Nodding, she blinks a few times, then grins. "Yeah, Astor, she is."

The clerk hands me my card back, and I thank her while she packs up what we bought.

Wynter is quiet for a few minutes, so I leave her to her thoughts. My lips tingle from that kiss, and I wish we were alone so I could have deepened it.

Exiting the store, Wynter takes my hand, intertwining our fingers.

"Thank you," she whispers and rests her head on my arm. Lifting my hand, she releases me and lets me put my arm over her shoulder.

"So lingerie and then how about some lunch?" I suggest, stopping in front of Victoria's Secret.

"Yes, please. Don't get me wrong, the diner has good food, but I'm craving something else."

Laughing, I guide her into the store and over to a huge display of panties. There are so many different styles and I can't stop getting flashes of Wynter's amazing ass in them.

My cock weeps as she walks away from me and over to a matching navy blue bra and panty set.

The color with her hair would look incredible.

"Yes," I grunt like a caveman, reaching to grab it. Wynter laughs, stopping me. She moves some hangers aside, looking for her size, then hands it to me with a wink.

"Mine," I grumble, and she tosses her head back and giggles, then nods.

"Sure, big guy."

I walk around, looking at the soft clothes and pajamas while Wynter continues shopping.

Grabbing a few pairs of sweatpants and hoodies for her, I turn to find her. Last I saw she was at the perfume stand.

"Wynter," I call, but she doesn't answer. A sales lady comes over to me with a sultry smile.

She's tall, blonde, the opposite of my girl.

"If you're looking for the woman with dark blue hair, she dropped a bunch of stuff and bolted from the store."

My phone rings and I thank her. Pulling it out of my jeans pocket, I answer when I see that it's Wyn.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"No, fucking Fae sperm. Will you buy the stuff I dropped and wait for me? I'm going to be a few minutes," she croaks, then groans.

The call drops after I hear some retching, and I cringe. I guess morning sickness has hit her.

Finding the pile of things, I take it to the counter and also grab a gift card. Wynter may need new sizes after the baby is born.

Ignoring the obvious flirting, I quickly pay and head over to a small convenience store. I saw one as we entered the mall.

Getting a small thing of saltines and a ginger ale, I find the bathroom closest to the lingerie store and plop down on a bench to wait.

It's not long till she returns and I stand, handing her the soda.

"Ugh, thanks," she mumbles, rubbing her stomach. Pulling her into my arms, I hold her for a minute.

"Feeling better?" I check, and she nods.

"Yes, and I know this is crazy, but can we go get lunch now?" Pulling away, I press a kiss to her damp hair and nod.

"Any suggestions? We can eat somewhere here or go to a restaurant closer to Costco?" I suggest, pulling my phone out to look up places.

"Pasta please."

"Okay, there is an Olive Garden, Applebee's, Chili's, or a small Italian bistro near Costco," I say, reading off the list on Google.

"Olive Garden is fine, but first I need to buy a toothbrush and brush my teeth," she mutters, walking off while opening her soda and taking a sip.

I grab the bags, thankful she's done shopping. I don't mind it, but usually my secretary or personal shopper does this.

Yes I know I'm bougie as fuck, but I have to look sharp, in designer suits during court. It's ass backwards, but I get more respect.

Finding a dollar store, we go in and grab a few things. I let Wynter check out on her own.

She's pouting that I paid for all her lingerie, and she hasn't even seen the pajamas and things I got her yet.

She better get used to being spoiled. Arsen loves to shop, and Rus has magical clothing powers. Though he seems to only make pajamas.

Taking my arm, we walk back to my truck. I'd hit the autostart when we were still at the dollar store, so it should be nice and cool when we climb in.

Leather seats are a bitch in the summer.

Wynters phone rings, and she frowns. "Ugh, I keep forgetting to call my mom," she mumbles, pulling it out of her hoodie pocket.

"Hi."

Wynter talks to her mom as we walk through the underground parking garage. There aren't too many cars around since it's the middle of the day during the week.

I feel unsettled not working, but I guess I'm going to have to find a way to get used to it.

Reaching the truck, I unlock the doors and open the passenger side. Wynter gives me a smile as I help her in, and she grabs my shoulder, giving me a quick kiss before I can pull away.

I'm smiling as I close her door and place all the bags in the back seat. I'm going to need to buy a cooler and fill it with ice for our groceries.

Or maybe Wynter can help with that. I don't know if it's polite to ask her to use her magic or conjure stuff.

Just another question to add to my list of things I have no clue about.

As I climb into the truck and start the engine, Wynter is consoling her mother. Seems she's not ready to be a grandma.

WYNTER

After being guilt tripped for twenty minutes, we pull up to the restaurant. I can taste the garlic sticks from here.

Today has been a good day. Minus getting sick from the perfume. But Astor has been sweet for the most part.

When he kissed me I was surprised but not put off. I mean he's supposed to be in my life right?

It's a little weird being with his twin and him, but if they don't have any issues with it, then I won't complain.

Maybe I'll even get to cross something off my bucket list.

Parking, Astor leans over and gives me another kiss. Closed mouth of course because I still need to brush my teeth.

My stomach grumbles and he laughs, pulling away and unbuckling his seat belt.

"Let's feed you and our princess," he says with a smile, and I melt. What the fuck is with me these days.

I swear my badass card is going to need to be turned in. These men are changing me, or maybe they are breaking the curse and I haven't realized.

I wish there was a handbook explaining shit to me. Or I could just order Melisande to tell me what to do.

Opening his door, he climbs out and stretches, giving me a peek of his tight stomach.

And there goes my panties. Sighing, I close my eyes and smack my head against the headrest a few times.

My door opens, and Astor clears his throat.

"Do you need a few minutes or are you ready to eat?" he asks and I note the joking lilt in his tone.

"Food. Definitely food," I grumble, letting him remove my seat belt and help me from the truck.

I'm not incapable of getting out by myself, but I'm enjoying this spoiled treatment.

Taking his hand, he leads me to the door. Oh shit. I freeze, and he looks at me.

"I forgot my toothbrush. I'd like to brush my teeth before I eat," I explain, turning back toward the truck.

"I'll grab it. Why don't you give our name to the hostess and find out how long of a wait it'll be."

Opening the door for me he waits till I'm inside, then rushes back to the truck.

"Hi, welcome to Olive Garden, can I get a name?" a young red-head asks. She's got gorgeous blue eyes and a big smile on her face.

A sensation runs down my spine and I smile. I love being psychic sometimes.

Moving closer to her, I lean down. "Don't think I'm crazy, but take the leap of faith and call him. I promise it'll be worth it."

She blinks up at me. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Table for two, under Wynter and it's a gift, babe. Call him."

I step away, and she writes my name down.

"Thank you," she mumbles and pulls her phone out. "It'll be a five minute wait."

Astor takes that moment to walk in, and she gives me a big smile before rushing off to the bar.

He hands me the bag, and I head to the bathroom to quickly pee and get this nasty aftertaste out of my mouth.

When I return Astor is waiting for me with the red-head. She's practically bouncing on her heels.

"Thank you. I don't know how you knew, but you saved me," she says, then takes a step toward me and hugs me.

I awkwardly pat her back and nod.

"No thanks needed," I mumble, and she pulls away, pushes some red hair behind her ear and grabs two menus.

"Your table is ready if you'll just follow me."

Astor takes my hand as we walk along empty tables, over to a booth.

"What was that about?" he asks after we're seated, and the girl leaves.

"A small premonition. She's been struggling and wanting to call an ex-boyfriend of hers. I told her she should."

Grabbing my hand, he holds it in his.

"You're amazing, Wynter Nefari. I was always in awe about your predictions, but now seeing what you really can do…"

Shaking his head, he gives me a smirk.

My cheeks flush, and I look over at a small tablet. It's full of games or you can place an order on it.

"When I was little, I used to think it was a curse. There was a teacher at school. She had an abusive husband and I predicted her death… I warned her, but she called the school counselor. She was killed three days later."

"It wasn't your job to save her, Wyn, you were just a kid."

"I know, but after that I kept my visions and powers to myself. My mother moved us, and I kept a low profile from that point on. You and Astor are the only ones in college I told about my gift."

"Erick never believed it. He was an asshole, but Sin and I could tell you were legit."

I laugh and sit back, pulling my hands away as a male waiter arrives with breadsticks and a huge bowl of salad.

"Hi, I'm Walt, I'll be your waiter this afternoon. What can I get you to drink? Any appetizers?"

I glance at the menu and nod.

"Water please and a side of your fried cheese."

"I'm good with just water. Thanks," Astor says.

"How about cheese?" Walt asks, grabbing a portable cheese grater. I nod and he places it over the salad. "Say when."

"You'd be better off leaving it here. I like a lot of cheese and it seems my daughter is also craving it," I mumble, patting my stomach.

I noticed this morning, I have a tiny pudge. Crazy Fae sperm.

Walt laughs, hands the cheese to Astor and walks over to another table.

We laugh as Astor grates the whole block on my salad. He goes to stir it and I slap his hand.

"No. That is sacrilege!" I gasp, then take the tongs and dish out my portion.

"You should have just got some salad and had me grate it over your plate," he mumbles, and I frown.

Why didn't I think about that?

Our appetizer arrives as well as our water, and we order entrees. Me the seafood pasta and him the lasagna.

It's a nice lunch, and I enjoy seeing this side of him. He's always so prim and proper and serious. Comes with the job I suppose, but we needed it today.

I reconnected with him, and I'm excited for what the future holds for us… And I can't wait to get him into bed.