Choosing Life

Chapter Twenty

Ben shook his head fondly. "Okay, okay, so Nyx won me over. Hey, I can go on runs with her without you accusing me of hogging Estelle!"

"She'd like that I'm sure...and you do hog my dog Benny!"

Nyx gently licked Ben's hand causing him to smile once more. "I know I wasn't on board with the 'get Estelle a girlfriend' plan but now that we have Nyx...she's part of the family."

"I can agree with that," Mal nodded with a smile as one of the babies kicked, as if agreeing with the sentiment as well despite not knowing who Estelle or Nyx was.

"Besides, we need to make sure the girls aren't outnumbered," Ben teased, walking over and gently rubbing Mal's stomach. "With Nyx, the family's three and three."

"Yes, that is why we got a second dog," Mal chuckled, shaking her head.

"I knew it!"

"You know if she's anything like Estelle, be prepared for her to insist on lap cuddles," Mal told him.

"Who's going to argue with a dog like her?" Ben asked with a shrug. "If she wants to cuddle, she can cuddle."

Estelle plodded over to Ben and gently nudged Nyx away. It was almost as if he was saying 'I'm glad you like her but don't forget who's mate she is.'

"Oh my apologies Estelle," Ben said with a small chuckle. It was amazing how Estelle's tan markings stood out when he stood next to the all black Nyx. "I didn't mean to hog your mate."

Mal shook her head. "Don't be jealous Estelle. You're used to sharing me after all."

Estelle snorted before going to stand next to Nyx, as if to say 'mine'.

"I don't think Estelle's up for sharing Nyx right now," Ben said.

"That's okay,' Mal said with a small chuckle. "He deserves some time with his mate."

Ben smiled as he wrapped his arms around her as best he could. "Well then, mind if I spend some time with my wife?"

"Not at all," Mal told him.

Ben grinned before leaning down and giving Mal a tender kiss which she returned.

"Oh don't mind me, I'm invisible apparently," Hades said, shaking his head. "First walking in on Hadie's kiss and now this? Memo to me, memo to me, keep Rea in the 'kissing is yucky' mentality for as long as I can."

"Dad!" Mal exclaimed as Ben jumped and let go as if he'd been burnt.

Hades couldn't help but chuckle as that reaction never got old. "I'm glad Nyx is going to settle in alright. She seems to like it here."

"Honestly Ben, I'm pregnant. You've done more than just kiss me and lived to tell the tale," Mal muttered into Ben's ear before straightening up and looking at her dad. "I'm glad, hopefully she'll be happy here."

"I think she will be," Hades nodded, pretending like he didn't hear Mal's muttered comment to her husband. "After all, Estelle seems to be giving her plenty of attention."

Mal chuckled. "He certainly likes her. Thanks for helping us find her dad."

"My pleasure Mali. Now, do you need anything?"

Mal thought for a moment before grinning. "Your crispy garlic chicken?"

"I can do that," Hades nodded.

"Thanks dad!"

"The kitchen is at your command, Lord Hades," Ben said, giving his wife a fond smile.

Hades nodded, giving Ben a smile as he walked out toward the kitchen. Mal couldn't help but smile herself as she looked fondly at the two most important men in her life...well after Hadie of course. And Estelle, but that went without saying.