Masters had disappeared from the two tables they’d pushed together. Only the women—Josie, Andrea, Kim, Gabi, and Sally—remained.
A quick glance around the small bar revealed a slouched-over man at the bar, an older couple at a table in the center of the room, and a serious lack of Dominants.
“What’s so funny, Valerie?” Andrea asked.
“When we started talking about labor and delivery, our squeamish Masters staged a retreat.”
As everyone laughed, Josie grinned. “I saw them sneak out, probably to admire Holt’s new bike.”
“What new bike?” Kim’s expression held worry. “Did he break his Harley?”
“Did he ever.” Josie made a face. “Some aggressive New Englander was tailgating him—in a downpour, no less. Holt drove onto the shoulder, but the flooding hid a huge pothole. He was going slow enough he only ended up bruised, but his bike got twisted up.”
“Poor Holt.” Sally shook her head. “Other states get daffodils in spring; we get potholes.”
“I’m glad he’s all right,” Gabi said. “Did he mourn his bike?”
Valerie grinned. Of course, the social worker would worry about Holt’s feelings.
“Not for long—because Carson really wanted to help him shop for a new bike.” Josie snorted. “And now all I hear are biker terms: displacement and flickability and farkles. My nerdy boy wants to be a biker.”
Everyone grinned. Valerie had heard Josie’s twelve-year-old was brilliant.
“Speaking of sons, are any of you going to obey Master Z and give his children playmates?” Valerie asked.
“Us.” Kim raised her hand. “I tossed my birth control last week, actually. Although we’ve only been married a year, he’s been my Master for over three years now. We’re ready.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “You’re the only one I know who would think a Master/slave relationship is less stressful than getting married. Would you believe my Demon Doms and I have been married for two years now?”
The brunette was positively glowing. Valerie also noticed the glass in front of her. Water. “Aaand, is there something you want to share?”
Sally burst into giggles and pointed at Valerie. “Ghost is going to have trouble with you; you’re too smart.”
When Sally’s huge grin confirmed it, there were squeals of joy, and she was smothered with hugs.
Resurfacing, she said, “I know y’all are dying to ask, but we don’t know or care if the father is Galen or Vance. However, when the time comes to make a second baby, the first baby-daddy will be celibate during those days of the month.”
Gabi snickered. “Won’t that just go over well.”
“By the way.” Sally held up her hand in a gesture for silence. “My Doms and I aren’t the only ones making like rabbits.” She cleared her throat. “Andrea?”
Andrea turned red, then beamed. “Me, too! We’re now past the three-month mark and were going to tell you next week.”
Her smile was huge as she collected hugs from everyone.
“I bet Master Cullen is all pumped up,” Gabi said as she sat back down.
“He really is.” Andrea was flushed with happiness. “And he keeps patting my belly.”
Valerie couldn’t hide her snort. “No wonder he almost panicked with how long Jessica was in labor.”
They all laughed.
In the parking lot, Saxon held his phone to his ear, waiting as his vet tech pulled up a post-surgery poodle’s weight and current vitals.
At a distance, the other Masters had circled Holt’s bike and were teasing the firefighter about riding a donorcycle.
Holt’s new Harley was a classy bike, but Saxon wasn’t interested. For a brief period in his younger years, he’d joined a motorcycle club. His delusions of being a rebel had died a quick death. Hell, he hadn’t made it past prospect status.
His tech came on the phone and a minute later, Saxon was able to stuff his cell phone in his pocket and rejoin the group.
“A problem at your vet clinic?” Ghost asked.
“Yeah, I did surgery on a poodle hit by a car. He’s on IV pain meds, but the rate needed to be increased.”
“You have a good tech to have seen the dog was hurting,” Holt said.
“He has a gift with animals. Jake and I want him to go to vet school.” They’d fund his tuition. It would be a shame for the teen to be deterred for lack of money.
Marcus glanced at the door of the bar. “Do you suppose it’s safe to return?”
“Doubtful,” Holt said. “I tell you, labor and delivery stories can get gory.”
“Jesus, that first one sounded worse than combat,” Ghost muttered.
Raoul tilted his head. “Do you hear them cheering?”
Saxon grinned. “Probably the latest prank Sally pulled on