chapter 79

Everly The next morning, I wake up to a knee in the kidney as Valarian climbs into the bed, causing me to grunt. He weasels his way in between us before yanking Valen's pillow out from under his head as he steals it. Valen lurches upright, and I chuckle and close my eyes as Valarian wiggles closer to me. “Ah, good. You're up. Can I have pancakes, please?” Valarian whines at his father, as if he didn’t just wake him by thieving his pillow. “I am, thanks to you!” Valen says, rubbing his eyes. I open my eyes to see my mate groan and scrub a hand down his face, trying to wake up. “Please, Dad. Please, Dad,” Valarian repeats, shaking his father's shoulder. “What time is it?” Valen yawns. “Breakfast time!” “Isn't your mother up?” Valen yawns, and I quickly close my eyes, pretending to be asleep; I really don’t want to get out of bed. Valarian rolls beside me, his fingers prying my eyes open, and I try not to smile as I fake sleep, though I notice his lips are covered in chocolate. “Leave her