Veil of Secrets · Y/n story by @ExquisiteStar

The late afternoon sun slanted through the nursery nook, catching dust motes dancing in the warm, still air. Imani sat amidst a sea of tiny, folded clothes, her hands resting on the pronounced curve of her belly where the twins had been tumbling and kicking for the last hour.

Kael

Hey, you. His voice was warm as he appeared in the doorway, a tired smile on his face. He leaned against the frame, not entering immediately, his gaze sweeping over the room before settling on her.

Imani

Welcome home. How was Phoenix?

Kael

Dry. Full of people who get way too excited about tax-code integration. He finally pushed off the doorframe and crossed the room, kneeling before her to press a gentle kiss to her stomach. Missed you both.

As he straightened up to kiss her lips, Imani’s arms went around his neck. He felt solid, real. But beneath the soft cotton of his shirt, the muscles of his shoulders and back were coiled steel, thrumming with a residual tension that a conference couldn’t explain.

Kael

He brushed a stray curl from her forehead, his thumb lingering. You look tired. You should be resting, not sorting all this.

Imani

They were restless. I was keeping busy. It’s peaceful in here.

Kael

It is. It’s perfect. He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a beat too long, as if drawing strength from the contact. I just have to… check some emails that came in. Crisis with a server farm in Oslo. Won’t take long.

He gave her one more soft smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes, which remained watchful, assessing. He turned and left the room, his retreating footsteps silent on the hallway runner.