"Glad you're not dead-dead. Have a nice life." Rhyn strode away, concern for his family making him want to leave as soon as possible.
"Rhyn, if you need anything, know that I'm here for you," Andre called after him.
Rhyn rolled his eyes. Too late, Andre. I know better than to trust any of my brothers.
He took the stairs three at a time to the level where he shared a room with Katie, disturbed despite his attempt to act unconcerned.
He shoved the door to his room open and relaxed. His pregnant mate was folding clothing and placing it one of two suitcases on the bed. She glanced over her shoulder at him with a quick smile, her blue eyes standing out from her dark hair and golden skin.
"Hey, Rhyn," she called cheerfully. "How's Gabe?"
Rhyn cursed. "I'm standing here covered in blood, and you want to know how Gabe is?"
"I'd know if you were hurt," she reminded him.
"He's wonderful. Fine. Happy." Grunting, he peeled off his shirt, knowing she'd never let him hug her when he was soaked with blood. Covering the distance between them with ground eating strides, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her into his body tightly.
"I missed you," he whispered, nipping her neck.
She clasped her hands over his. "I missed you, too, Rhyn. Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"I'd hug you properly, but I'm too fat." There was a note of dismay in her voice, a sign her mood was about to change.
Rhyn rested his hand on her huge belly, where their hatchling grew. Katie was due in a few weeks, and he resisted the urge to curse and destroy the entire chamber.
His baby was coming, and they were about to be homeless.
He hugged her harder. "You're packing," he said, realizing what she was doing.
"Yep. We're exiled," she said in a hushed voice. "I told Toby and Hannah to pack," she added, referring to their adopted son, a guardian angel, and her sister.
"I guess they have to come."
"Of course they do! They're our family." She tugged free and faced him. "We'll be okay, Rhyn. You won't be stressed out anymore, and we won't have to worry about all the shit that goes on here. Demons, Wynn, whatever." She took his face in her hands.
Peering into the eyes of his mate, his anger evaporated, replaced by worry. "I'm so sorry, Katie," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. "I'm the worst provider ever."
"You're amazing, Rhyn."
"Worst ever."
"We'll be fine. Look." Leaning away from him, she bent to heft a huge gym bag sagging beneath the weight of its contents. She placed it on the bed. "Andre said you won an award and this is your prize." Her eyes were twinkling, a sign Andre had said more than he should about the trip to the underworld.