“I have better idea,” Rukh says. He tosses our packs off his shoulders and onto the ground. Then, he swings me into his arms and cradles me against his chest. The pressure on my back immediately eases as he snuggles me down against him. “You - you can’t carry me the entire way,” I protest. He’s strong, but I’m a solid girl and I’m carrying a baby. There’s no way. “Can I not? You are my mate,” he says in a low voice. “I would do anything for you.”