Lucas lifted an unimpressed brow. "Really, Leon?" he asked. "You were going to fight her? She's pregnant, you moron."
And without waiting for a reply, Lucas drew back his fist and decked Leon clean across the face.
The sound was so satisfying, Kade muttered, "That's going on my list of top ten moments of the year."
Leon hit the ground, nose bleeding, pride shattered, and utterly speechless.
Lucas turned to Ava. "You," he growled, jabbing a finger toward her swollen belly, "have so much to answer for, woman."
Ava's magic slowly fizzled out, her stance relaxing into an irritated wife than raging goddess. "I know, I know," she sighed dramatically, waving a glowing hand. "Can we do this later?"
But before Lucas could respond, a fresh wave of gammas poured into the hallway, some helping their groaning comrades off the floor while others approached to defend their alpha.
Without hesitation, Ava stepped forward.
"Stand down!" she commanded.
And just like that, they obeyed.
