Page 37 of Triplets for the Dark Elf

“Yeah,” I murmur. “I think they would like for you to come here more.”

Slowly, he faces me, his eyes guarded. Uh, oh. What’s he about to say?

“Why don’t you move in with me?”

I blink, once, twice, but still he’s staring at me with that same look. He can’t be serious, right? I just rejected him.

“You’d have your own room, of course, but I want to be with my kids more.”

“Miothro, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

I fight a sigh. Are we really doing this? “The city is dangerous for children, especially those that look human.”

“Are you saying I wouldn’t protect them?” He doesn’t sound angry, more curious than anything. He crosses his arms over his chest and leans against the counter in a stance that makes me think of Indie.

“No, I’m not saying that. But it will be harder to there.”

“But–”

“Can we not do this tonight?” I snap, immediately feeling guilty. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired. I know you want to see them more, and I want that for you, too. I just don’t think we’re ready to take such a big step.”

He smirks. “Can we take a little one then?”

I raise my eyebrows. “Meaning?”

“They need to know I’m their dad.” I chew on my bottom lip, having thought the same thing already. “I can’t take anymore of ‘Mimi.’”

At this, I crack. “Oh, come on. Mimi is cute.” He glares at me, and I take a deep breath. “But you’re right. I think it is time for them to know. We’ll tell them soon. But we don’t need to overwhelm them and teaching them magic was a big step.”

“I’m sure they’d love to show you,” he says gently, and it amazes me how well he can read me. How did he know that was bothering me?

“Probably. Maybe you all can tomorrow?”

He nods, seeing where I’m going with that. I walk him to the door, and he pauses, looking at me as he pulls the door open. “Think about what I said.”

“I will.”

My hand is on the door, preparing to shut it, and I didn’t realize how close that put us to each other. Without thinking, I lean up and kiss him on the cheek, shocking myself more than him. My heart leaps to my throat as I jerk back. “Good night!” I practically shout with a fake smile.

And then I slam the door.

What have I done?

20

MIOTHRO

Being around Annalise and the triplets has been nothing short of pure joy. Of course, being two year olds, the three of them can be absolute terrors – especially when they gang up on us – but it’s incredible to see bits of myself and Annalise in our children.

They don’t know exactly who I am yet but they’ve seemed to warm up to me fairly well. Two year olds are pretty simple it seems. Give them a treat or a hug and they seem to be pretty content. Even after our disaster of a night together, things seemed to calm down fairly quickly. I won’t be giving them a bunch of sweet treats again anytime soon though!

Straightening my jacket, I knock on the door and Indie flings it open. “Mimi!” he calls out, throwing himself in my arms.

I internally roll my eyes at the nickname but hug him back and swing him around. “Did you have a good day?” I ask.

Indie stares at me, then grins. He nods and babbles on about an equu or something and I follow along as best I can.