Read Online Parallel Fire by Deidre Knight - Free Book Online Page B

Jared intruded on his thoughts. “ N’Vsai , are you feeling all right?” Only then did he realize he was still frozen, one hand over his heart, bowing deeply. With a stiff gesture, he sat up straight in the chair.
    â€œNo, my lord, I am feeling quite…unlike myself.”
    â€œThe past few days took a toll on you, I am certain,” Jared agreed.
    Kelsey gazed at him in concern. “Perhaps you should go to the medical area?”
    â€œNo!” He shook his head, softening his tone. “No, my lady, I have already been.”
    â€œIt wouldn’t hurt you to go back,” she offered, clearly wondering why he’d been so adamant.
    Pressing both hands to his temples, he decided that there was no moment like the present; sucking in a fortifying breath he whispered, “I have much to confess.”
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    Nevin tossed back a shot of whiskey that his king had poured for him. “Well, congratulations are definitely in order,” Jared had thundered joyously. Nevin wished he could share his king’s good humor.
    â€œSir, you don’t seem to understand—I have faltered to the worst possible extent with her. There may well be nothing to celebrate,” he admitted miserably, draining the rest of the whiskey.
    Jared wasted no time, and hit him again; Nevin wasted no time, either, and drained the glass dry with one gulp. He saw Jared’s black eyes sparkle with amusement.
    Nevin turned to him, feeling fuzzy and warm and tossed both hands in the air. “I know! I know! It doesn’t seem at all like me, does it?” he half-slurred. “She’s changed me, Jared, that’s why. She did something to me, Kelsey.” He plunked his glass back down on the table, feeling very cozy with his king and queen. It felt nice to call them by their first names.
    He saw them exchange a look, stifling smiles, the both of them. “Go on, it’s all right. Laugh. I’m sure this is pretty amusing, isn’t it?”
    Jared slipped an arm about his shoulder. “ N’Vsai , it’s only amusing because in the past months my wife and I have known just how falling in love can dismantle you. Completely. It strikes me that Anna has had quite the time taking you apart, piece by piece.”
    â€œShe’s pregnant,” Nevin blurted, reaching for the bottle of whiskey himself.
    He didn’t have to look at the royal pair to see the confusion in their faces. “Yes, indeed, it seems that”—he thunked a fist against his chest proudly—“that I’m actually fertile as the day is long. Nobody knew it. Nobody told me, so hell no, we didn’t take a single precaution. The doc says she might have a few babes inside of her already. A few .”
    Nevin paused only long enough to drain yet another glass filled with Scotch, holding his verbal place in the conversation by keeping one hand extended. “And she has no idea,” he gulped, slamming the glass down once again. Only this time Jared slid it out of his reach, and Kelsey took the bottle back into the kitchen.
    â€œYou need to slow down there, Nevin.” Jared propped both hands behind his head, tilting backward in his chair. “Otherwise, you and your lovely new lifemate will have one hell of a time when she returns. You don’t want to unload all of this upon her without warning.”
    â€œShe’s not coming back, sir. That’s what I’m telling you—I totally blew it with her this morning. She thinks I’m ashamed for the camp to know we’re together.”
    â€œAre you?”
    â€œAbsolutely not—but I am ashamed of my poor judgment. I completely failed you, my lord.” Nevin buried his head within his hands miserably. “I am her superior officer; I knew better…”
    â€œThere are no directives within our military structure that forbid lifemating.”
    â€œNone that are spelled out.” Nevin slapped a fist