feeling Max’s tummy – he went and got the butter out of the fridge. Just as he was about to butter his toast, Mordecai and Dana walked in. “Morning,” he threw over his shoulder.
“Good morning, Ryker,” Dana’s voice sounded a little formal, but Ryker shrugged it off.
“You guys want anything? Coffee? Food?” he asked.
Dana shook her head, glancing between Max and Ryker. “No, thank you. Mordecai and I were hoping we could talk with you and Max.”
Ryker looked at her over his shoulder once more, giving her a smile before he turned back to finish buttering his toast. “Go ahead,” he invited.
Dana cleared her throat, “Alone.”
Ryker stiffened. Turning around, he noticed his entire Order was staring at Dana in concern. Although Max was big on privacy, they didn’t keep any secrets from each other. Especially not big, important information as it appeared Dana wanted to talk about. Ryker looked to Max, who had gone decidedly pale and he felt anger flash through him. With one word, Dana had caused Max fear. He frowned at Dana, “What the hell? You’re scaring Max.”
He made it to Max in three long strides, tugging her against his side. He was relieved and satisfied when he felt his daughter give a little tumble underneath his seeking palm. His Order all stood, lining themselves up beside him, showing support as well as a united front. Ryker felt so proud of them all. They truly were a unit now. “Talk,” he demanded.
Mordecai stepped forward, raising a calming hand. “There’s no need to gang up on us here. We just want to have a quiet word with you and Max. You can rush back in and inform your Order immediately afterwards if you want.”
Ryker was about to tell Mordecai that he didn’t get to tell Ryker what to do with his Order, but Max squeezed his hand, silencing him. “Ryker, it’s okay. We should listen.” Max let go of him, walking to her parents without hesitation and leading them from the room.
“What the hell was that all about?” Cali demanded, glancing over her shoulder to check on Maxwell.
“I have no idea. But I will find out,” Ryker vowed, his mind reeling with all kinds of scenarios. And not one of them was good. “Stay here. Be ready,” he commanded. His Order all nodded, murmuring supportive words and reaching out to pat his back or arm. He flashed them a small smile of thanks before he hurried after Max.
He found them in the library – no great surprise there. Although Ryker had the area fitted out specifically for Lark years ago, it was a favourite of Max’s. If she wasn’t in the kitchen and dining area, or out by the sea, she could be found curled up on the comfy chairs or in front of the fireplace with a book in her hands. Mordecai and Dana had taken a seat on the lounge and Max was still standing. He hurried over to her, drawing her down to an overstuffed chair and making sure she was comfortable before paying his in-laws any attention.
Max smiled at him, “Everything will be okay.”
“It damn well better be,” he told her, kissing her lips quickly. He then stood up and looked at their guests. He had no intention of sitting down until he knew what was going on.
“Max. I am sorry. It was not my intention to scare you or Ryker. I have been meaning to talk with you about something for a while now, and I confess, I kept putting it off. I was hoping you might come to me of your own accord. That you might have had a premonition or some feelings …”
Ryker noted the way Max looked out at the now cloudy sky before he frowned at Dana. Max didn’t say anything, so Ryker did. “Premonitions? Feelings? What are you talking about? Is something going to happen to the baby?”
Dana shook her head, rushing to answer. “No. Not at all. I promise.”
Ryker’s fierce frown remained in place as he looked at Mordecai. “Mordecai, will you just spit it out. You obviously know what Dana is talking about. One of you get on with it already.”
“I do know, yes. Only because I could see something was weighing on Dana and I made her tell me last night. That’s why we’re here now,” Mordecai responded. His arm was around Dana’s back in clear support.
“It’s okay, mum. Just talk to us,” Max finally urged, her eyes directly on her parents.
“It is about the