The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(52)

Asher appeared. “Will you let me help you?”

Kit nodded. “Where’s Luca?”

“He shifted about twenty minutes ago. He said it would be a good idea for the wolves to catch game for tonight. The animals could be butchered for when we stop then.”

Kit blinked in horror as a full body shiver ran through him and bile rose in his throat. He moaned in panic, but thankfully Asher was paying attention and he simply lifted Kit from the cart and held him as he retched into the grass. Someone pushed a cup of water into his hand after he’d finished.

“’Ere, spit and rinse.” It was Attica, and Henry was stood hovering nearby.

“Any better?” Asher asked gruffly when Kit had finished drinking and closed his eyes, sagging against Asher weakly. “I’m sorry,” Asher said. “Should watch my fool mouth.”

“Let’s get you back inside,” Henry said.

“I need to pee.” Kit took a couple of breaths. He eyed a bush that was close. Kit pushed away from Asher, relieved himself, then took a few faltering steps back.

“Right, I’m getting you back inside to lie down,” Asher said determinedly.

“We can use the spare horses to carry what we can’t put back. Four of us can run,” Elliot, one of Sam’s betas, had heard what they had said.

“I don’t want to cause any problems,” Kit said, not a hundred per cent sure he could get back into the cart.

“Sire.” Kit’s heart thumped in response to the respectful greeting Asher gave Luca. “A bit of an upset belly.” Kit didn’t realize his eyes were closed until he felt the warm hands on his face. “Sire, if you jump up, I can pass him up to you.”

Kit barely registered Asher’s suggestion before careful arms lifted him and he was cradled into Luca’s chest. He inhaled slowly, pulling Luca’s comforting scent into his lungs, and he could feel his stomach settling. Kit was warm, held safe, and already nearly fast asleep.





Chapter Fifteen





Luca pushed on steadily for the third day. Kit had dozed most of the previous two in between nasty bouts of sickness. Luca had no idea why they called it morning sickness as it seemed to affect Kit all the time. Then another horse, a gelding this time, had gone lame yesterday and he was beginning to think they were jinxed. It had slowed them down to nearly a crawl and the two day journey to get out of Caedra had turned into nearly four.

Kit had brightened briefly and managed some stew that Henry had made last night, but he slept restlessly and looked awful this morning. Luca drove the cart this time, and sent Asher up to ride next to Sam. He glanced back every so often, but Kit was sleeping soundly at last, and for the hundredth time in the last three days, he questioned his decision to bring Kit with him before the baby had been born—except, traveling with a newborn in winter would have been just as dangerous. Maybe he should have left them both at home?

Luca sighed. Even as the thought was there he knew that wouldn’t work either. Kit had to be seen. If not for the wolves, then for the humans. Whichever way around, something in his plans was a bad idea. More of his wolves were having to shift and run as well because of the two lame horses.

He heard a shout and saw the group of men up ahead. Sam dismounted immediately, as did one of the men and they shook hands. Luca exhaled in relief. This must be the welcoming party from Perse.

Asher jumped down and run back to the cart. He climbed up. “I can manage, Sire. I believe you are wanted.”

Luca glanced at Kit who was just waking up, passed Asher the reins, jumped down, and jogged over to where the gammas were. As soon as he got close, the man who had been talking to Sam turned and as soon as he saw Luca dropped to one knee and brought his arm across his chest. Luca stopped in front of him.

“My father has instructed me to greet you and offer his apologies for not being present. He would be honored to welcome you as guests tonight should you see fit to break your journey.”

Luca thought quickly. They were going to continue, but only had maybe three hours of daylight left. The lame horses might be swapped out here, but more importantly Kit had worried him all day. He’d been snappy, which he never was, and he could use a decent night’s sleep. “My gratitude to your father...” Luca paused.

“I am Sascha Erindell. My father is named Petro.”

Luca put his hand out and helped the Alpha-heir to his feet. “My mate is with child and needs rest and attention.”

Sascha bowed. “Of course, Sire. If you would follow me, I will show your men where to stable the horses, and where they can eat and bathe.” Asher clicked and they all moved forward. Luca mounted the horse and stayed in step with Sascha. “We were thrilled to hear of your news, Sire. We are so excited to meet the pure omega...after she is rested, of course.”

Luca bit his lip and tried not to find the whole thing amusing. Sam was staring down at his horse as if he found the animal suddenly fascinating. Luca took a breath. He might as well get it over with. “My mate isn’t female, Sascha, and he is also human.”

Sascha gaped. Then he seemed to realize what he was doing. “That is fabulous, Sire,” he said, the awe apparent in his voice. Luca smiled cautiously, realizing it was more than awe—there was barely contained excitement in Sascha’s voice. He was glad hearing about Kit hadn’t caused a problem, but he was a little puzzled by Sascha’s reaction.