Mar'Garet's grin widened, tilting her head as if she had all the power in this conversation.
"Don't tell me you're embarrassed… Papi," she teased just enough to make his eye twitch.
Then, without shame or hesitation—without a single ounce of restraint—
She leaned in, lips brushing against his ear.
"You do know I'm going to make you a father any day now… Since that crystal egg you left in my loving care will be hatching… really… really soon. Don't you think it's your responsibility to come up with a name for our little one, Papi?"
The way she breathed the words—low, sweet—sent a slow, inevitable wave of heat creeping up Alister's neck.
He cleared his throat. Firmly.
"Let's focus on why I called you."
Mar'Garet pouted.
But then—just as quickly—her amusement shifted, sharpened. Her gaze flicked past him to the gaping red portal, still oozing that wretched mist.
Her expression immediately became serious.
