On a Clear Winter Night: An Irin Chronicles Short Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

mean anything. They could continue sporadically for weeks or she could go into true labor tomorrow. Malachi buried his face in her neck and hugged her shoulders.
    “My reshon ,” he whispered as she sucked in a tense breath, “I would bear this for you if I could.”
    “That’s not the way it works,” she said when she was able to breathe again. “I’m okay. What’s the spell that feels like a spiral? That one helps.”
    “It promotes focus,” he said. “The books say that one will help you during labor.”
    “That’s good.” She was feeling sleepy again. “You’re going to be a great father. The best.”
    “Oh?”
    “Yes, and I can prove it. One, you had a great dad, so you’ve seen it done right. And two, you’re a wonderful husband. You take very good care of me, so why are you worried about what kind of father you’ll be? You’ll be even more protective of your children.”
    He was quiet a long time. “And you don’t ever worry about me with the children? After what happened in Vienna?”
    “Malachi.” She tried to turn, but she couldn’t move. She was so big and awkward. She reached back and put her hand on his cheek. “No. Never. I never worry about that. Because you are my reshon . Don’t forget, I haven’t only seen your face, I’ve heard your soul. I know how deeply you love them already.”
    She felt him relax behind her, only to start when the front door slammed.
    “What the—”
    He was reaching for the daggers on his side table when a booming voice yelled, “Happy Midwinter, sisters!”
    Ava looked up at Malachi, whose scowl had turned to a smile.
    “Is that—?”
    “Merry Christmas, too!” a similar accent yelled. “Max, there are no presents under the tree. Aren’t there supposed to be presents?”
    A sardonic British voice replied, “Not if no one has bought any yet. Do you think they magically appear?”
    “Well, we are magic.”
    A jumble of voices came in greeting as the three new voices were joined by the familiar throng.
    “Canım” —Malachi looked down with a happy smile— “I believe we have been invaded.”
    Just then, a silence fell in the entryway, and Ava heard the reedy voice of an old man who couldn’t have been more welcome.
    She and Malachi both smiled.
    “Evren.”

Chapter Four

    MALACHI HAD NEVER IN HIS LIFE been more relieved to see the old scribe. Evren rarely left the ancient scribe house in Cappadocia. Most seeking Evren’s wisdom came to him. But when Malachi saw the wise old man, he almost fell on his knees in thanksgiving.
    “Brother,” he said, bending to embrace him. “You have come to us and we are blessed.”
    “Brother Malachi.” Evren patted his cheek. “I only hope I am welcome. Your brothers mentioned flying here for Midwinter, and since I had not had a chance to speak with you about the birth of your children, I asked to accompany them.”
    “You are welcome,” Ava said from behind him. She’d wrapped herself in a throw from their bedroom and her hair was tangled, but when she waddled toward Evren, her face glowed. “ Very welcome. Thank you for coming to visit.”
    “Ah, sister.” Evren embraced her gently. “Your voluminous blessing has never felt more voluminous, has it?”
    Ava laughed. “I’m so ready to get these kids out of here.”
    Malachi saw the babies jostling in her belly, clearly excited by the familiar deep voices of his brothers, who had spent most of Ava’s pregnancy shouting at her abdomen “to talk to the babies.” Max and Leo were already hovering over Ava, barely keeping their hands off her belly. Rhys gave her a gentle hug, then backed off to speak to Astrid.
    “My reshon .” He walked over, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her. “You are the most understanding of women. Back, back, back.” He shoved his brothers away and led Ava to the sofa. “You will smother her.”
    “We missed you,” Max said, stretching his giant frame out on the rug by the fireplace. “It was boring in