Kaleb (Samuel's Pride Series) by Kathi S. Barton Page A

to his seat. It took him several moments of breathing deeply before he realized that it was a mating bond between Thor and Kaleb. And yet it was so much more.
    He’d had a feeling for years now that Kaleb was more than he’d said. A werebear wasn’t a species that Samuel had had a great deal of contact with , but he knew that while Kaleb had never said he was more than simply a shifter, he had hinted that he had powers that were great. And Samuel was pretty sure that Stephan knew it as well.
    “Did you feel that?” Kennedy sat down as she waddled into the room. “I thought me to be in labor, but then I realized it wasn’t coming from me. Did ye feel it?”
    “Yes. It was Thor and Kaleb. I believe they’ve mated and bonded.” He was feeling a good deal better and stood up to go to his wife. “How are you feeling, love? You’re doing okay?”
    Kennedy was due the previous day, but the doctor had told them that everything was fine. Samuel didn’t want to alarm anyone, but he didn’t think his wife was okay at all. She looked about ready to burst.
    “Fine. I’m tired is all. This morning I went for a walk in the forest for a bit of air. Did you know there are several póilíneachta running around?” It took him a second to translate she’d meant police, but before he could tell her they were his men and were necessary, she continued. “Every time I moved, one of them was there to help me over a log or to offer to go and get ye’re car for me. I can walk and be alone, you know.”
    “I’m sure they do as well , but I think they simply want to make sure you don’t have this baby in the forest.” He was terrified she’d have it somewhere there were no drugs...not for her, but for him. He wasn’t going to make it. “Besides, I’m reasonably sure you told them you were fine.”
    “Aye , I did. Several times as a matter of fact.” She stretched out her legs, and he got up to put them on his lap. “I’ve a question for you. Do you remember that man Vinnie told us about? The one who does the work on old furniture?”
    “Yes. Russel Hawkmen. I think he goes by Hawk. Why? Do you have some old antiques that you didn’t tell me about?” She smiled and nodded her head. “You thinking of having an affair with him?”
    “Nay, I’m thinking we need to have some of the things from Ireland brought over for our daughter. Seanmháthair is coming here, and when she does, I’d like for her to make us a list.” Samuel nodded, liking the idea. Kennedy’s grandmother was a wonderful woman, and he loved her as much as his own mom. He thought about getting the five of them together. He’d like—
    “Girl? I though t you said a son?” She grinned at him, and he tweaked her toe. “Not nice. I was afraid there for a minute. Especially when I think of how long it took us to decide on a paint color for his room.”
    “I didn’t take that long. I said blue. You’re the one who went to the store nineteen hundred times trying to find the perfect color.” She rubbed her hand over her extended belly. “I’ve a mind to have Thor and Kaleb over for dinner tonight. Do ye think you can persuade Jimmy and Gab to come too?”
    “Yes. And I’ll invite Stephan, too, along with Vinnie if you don’t mind. And if I can find him, Hawk. We’ll make a night of it.” She nodded and put her feet on the floor. “When are we going to the doctor?”
    “This afternoon. I’m going to tell Butler that we’re having guests for dinner. Something simple if you don’t mind.” He told her steaks on the grill was fine with him. Nodding, she left him to his work, and he moved to his desk. Samuel did have a lot to catch up on, and the sooner he got it finished, the more time he would have. He really didn’t want to have to work when they were finished with the doctor.
    Samuel was buried in a file when his phone rang. He nearly didn’t answer it but picked it up with a bark of his name. The person at the other end was quiet for a few