Amber Eyes (Amber Eyes #1)(52)

Her father cupped her cheek and kissed her before pulling away and turning his attention to Hunter and Jericho. His gaze held both curiosity and concern. Kaya stepped back into the shelter of the two men and smiled tentatively at her parents.

Her father held out his hand to Jericho. “I’m Lawrence Carver, Kaya’s father. This is my wife, Merry.”

Jericho returned his shake. “Jericho Hartley.”He nodded at Merry when she offered a smile.

Lawrence turned to offer his hand to Hunter as well.

“Hunter Caldwell,”Hunter said grimly.

“Our family is growing,”Merry said, her eyes glistening with tears.

Jericho stared at her in disbelief. Just like that, she accepted his and Hunter’s place in Kaya’s life. There was subtle wariness in Lawrence’s expression, but nothing in his body language suggested he took exception to either him or Hunter.

Kaya took his hand then reached for Hunter’s. She pulled them forward until they stood flush against her sides. “Mama, Papa, these are my mates.”

Kaya shifted nervously against them, her hand shaking in Jericho’s grip. He squeezed to reassure her. She wanted her parents’ blessing, and for her sake, he hoped they gave it, but their disapproval wouldn’t stop Jericho and Hunter from having a life with Kaya.

Merry smiled gently at her daughter. “It is obvious they love you. They have my gratitude for caring for you well.”

“And mine,”Lawrence said.

“Now tell me of your little one.”Merry stepped forward to place her hand on the bulge of Kaya’s stomach.

Jericho watched as Kaya lit up like a Christmas tree and told her parents of the Great Maker’s gift to her daughter—his daughter. Hunter’s daughter. It all seemed surreal, something out of a bizarre dream to listen as shape-shifting was calmly discussed as if it were an everyday occurrence. But then for these people it was.

And now this was his family. He stole a glance at Hunter who looked as nonplussed as Jericho was. For two guys who had isolated themselves from the world, they were growing a damn big circle of people.

To his surprise, it felt pretty damn good.

Kaya rose on tiptoe and brushed her lips over his ear. “I love you,”she whispered.

He smiled and squeezed her hand. Somehow she knew just what to say and when. She moved to Hunter, and he let her go, knowing she’d return. As she settled into the crook of Hunter’s arm, Hunter’s arm came snug around her.

She laughed and smiled, her eyes bright and shining. The haunting loneliness was gone from her gaze.

The loneliness was gone from Jericho’s soul. The pain and fatigue eased from his body, replaced with warmth that went bone deep.

And then Kaya turned her beautiful amber gaze on him, and his heart was lost all over again.