by Harms, C. A.
I take a deep breath. “Um...no, I’m not at the cabin. That’s what I wanted to talk to you guys about.” Another deep calming breath, and then I go for it. “I’ve met someone. I’m at his place.”
They look at each other and then turn back to me. “You met someone? Well tell us about him,” Mom says.
I wasn’t worried about her reaction. I was more worried about Dad’s. “His name is Merick. He lives right in Stone Ridge and has all of his life. He built this home so he could raise a family here. Um...he’s so good to me and is taking good care of me. He’s an amazing cook, which is great because I suck at it.” I laugh nervously, “Um…” I’m unsure of how much I should say, “he works from home. I’m in love with him and I’ve moved in with him.”
“Wow that’s a little quick don’t you think?” my dad asks. His brows scrunch together and his eyes squint in the way they do when he is concerned but trying to hold back.
I shrug. “Wasn’t it love at first sight for you guys? Mom says she knew you were the one when she first saw you. That’s how it was for Merick and me.”
A noise pulls my attention toward the doorway and I find Merick standing there in a black T-shirt and red track pants with white stripes down the sides. I hold out my hand motioning for him to join me. “Come here,” I say to him. Merick smiles and takes my hand as he rounds the desk. I stand up so he can sit down, and he pulls me down onto his lap.
“Mom, Dad, this is Merick. Honey, these are my parents, Jack and Karen Mitchell.”
“It’s nice to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you both. I hope we can meet in person soon.”
Mom smiles widely as she looks at him. “Mom you’re staring,” I whisper.
“Oh goodness me. I’m sorry, you’re a very handsome man.” Dad gives Mom a look that has her shrugging. “What? I’m sorry he is. They’d have beautiful children.”
Merick kisses my cheek and I stroke his forearm as it lay over my lap. I turn back to the monitor. “Plan some time to come out and visit.” My heart beats wildly as I prepare to tell them they’re going to be grandparents.
“Don’t be scared baby.” Merick’s encouragement warms my heart and also gives me the courage to continue.
“Umm...well I have some news to share with you. I-I’m having a baby.” I chew on my thumbnail while I wait for them to react.
“A baby?” Mom cries out, smiling. “Oh my god. This is the most wonderful news. When’s the wedding?”
Merick and I both freeze. “Wedding? Well, we haven’t really talked about that.”
Dad doesn’t say anything and I know he’s upset. I don’t need to hear his thoughts to know that he’s not happy. “I love you, Dad.”
He swallows, “I love you too, sweetheart.”
We disconnect a few minutes later and I turn in Merick’s lap, resting my head on his shoulder. “It went better than I expected.” I say quietly.
“I’m glad and don’t worry about your dad. You’re his baby girl—I’m sure this is hard for him.” He places his large hand on my belly. “If this little one is a girl I would probably be the same way.”
“Do you have a preference about what you want? I want a healthy baby.” I pull back to look at him.
“That’s all I want too.” Merick brushes my hair back.
I lean in, kissing his lips. Our kiss is slow and tender, but soon turns heated. His kiss is rough and deep. Our tongues duel as I move to straddle him, rubbing against his hard cock. I swear, I’ve always loved sex, but Merick makes me feel insatiable—the pregnancy makes it even worse.
I’m moaning into Merick’s mouth when he freezes and pulls away from me. “Someone just pulled into the driveway.” I cross my arms and am embarrassed to admit that I pout a little bit.
His laugh makes me smile. “I’ll see who it is and then get rid of them.” Merick kisses me before lifting me off of his lap and disappearing out of his office.
My phone dings.
Mom: I’ve never seen my girl look happier. I love you my darling.
I smile as tears burn my eyes. She gets it.
Taryn: Thank you mom, I love you.
I get up and stretch before I make my way out into the living room. It’s empty, but I hear Merick’s voice outside so I follow the sound. When I step outside and find him, I freeze.
Merick
“Word is getting out, and quick,” Ryder says, leaning back against the railing he crosses his arms over his chest and I don’t have to ask him to know what his arrival means. Others are starting to arrive, not just shifters but all of those gifted with various powers.
“I heard about the gifted one all the way across the globe. Sitting in a cafe in Paris, enjoying some quiet time and there appeared Rasa.” His grandmother. “She insisted I return to Stone Ridge to confirm the truth before they made the journey.”
The idea that so many others, holding so many powers will be drawn here by the impending arrival of my child meant two different things. Those that wish to harm us will be faced with an army, and the fact that there were those out there was the knowledge I fear the most.
Ryder is a descendant of Lenora and Alaric Russo, who originate in Italy. Their ancestors settled in Stone Ridge, and at first didn’t receive the most humble welcome. To those already settled there they were nothing more than trouble. My ancestors saw them as killers, blood suckers that would ruin the name of our quiet town and set forth a panic leaving bodies in their trail. Only the Russo’s weren’t trouble, they weren’t murderers, but instead they were peacemakers. They became territorial over our land, much like us and together for years they helped to protect Stone Ridge from those that wanted to bring harm.
“So, more are coming?” I already knew the answer, I think it is more of a confirmation to myself than an actual question for Ryder. "I'll need to prepare Taryn."
That is when I feel her, without even looking I know she is behind me. The way Ryder is looking past me confirms my love has arrived.
"I must say I see what the initial appeal was." He smirks and I feel protective though I already know that he'd never harm her.
Turning my body enough to reach back to her, I pulled Taryn close to my side. "Meet my old friend Ryder," looking at her, seeing her eyes widened with a skeptical interest in him. "Ryder this is Taryn."
The two of them take a moment to observe one another. Neither saying a word. I wondered what he must be thinking and unknowing of her abilities makes me extremely curious. He has no idea of her gift.
Ryder is confident. I guess you could refer to him as intimidating, though I do not fear him. His height matches my own and our size is equivalent but he is much paler and more porcelain looking them me. He hates when I refer to him as a China doll, pisses him off and takes his once caramel colored eyes and changes them to a deep red, almost black, in an instant.
My girl is awaiting his first move.
"It's lovely to meet you," Ryder finally says, taking a step forward. “I've heard so much about you already."
"Heard of me, from who?"
"It would be easier to tell you who I haven’t heard about you from, as you are the talk of all our people." Taryn's brows furrowed. “You are the angel that Merick has found to restore life. You are the Goddess who will bear the gifted one. That makes you the most precious one of all."
Taryn doesn’t look convinced, but forces a smile.
“Why don’t we move this inside,” pulling Taryn closer I motion for Ryder to pass. “You’ve managed to terrify my woman enough already.” With a chuckle he moves toward the door and I lean in closer to Taryn, whispering near her ear. “Is there something I need to know?”
She looks at me, her brows drawn up with confusion.
“Thought?”
That is when it registers and she places her hands on my stomach, arching upward to kiss my jaw. “Just that he admires you, respects you more so now that you’ve managed to land yourself such a gem.” It’s my turn to wrinkle up my brows which only makes her laugh.
“Come on,” she pokes my ribs and I place my hand over hers. “We have company, and it would be rude of us to ignore him.”
Taryn fell asleep hours ago after a big meal prepared for us by our guest, Ryder. I will give it to the man, he can cook, even though he doesn’t eat. After our stomachs were full, Taryn curled up on the couch and within seconds she was snoring lightly. Sitting on the opposite end of the couch I got lost watching her sleep until I heard a low chuckle.
“You are completely gone,” Ryder grins wide. “That woman has got you under her spell.”
I could tell him that one day he’d know. One day he’d find his mate and he would feel the pull just as I did. But I wasn’t sure it was the same for him and his people as it was for shifters. For us it’s almost as though our mate is the carrier of the other half of our souls and when they are found we become whole once again. Without them we are only half of what we were truly meant to be.
“Let’s move to my office,” I begin to stand and he does the same. ”I don’t want to wake her.” I’m also not sure if our thoughts can invade her dreams and after her recent nightmares, I prefer her to sleep peacefully.
Once we are safely tucked away in my office I ask one of the many questions that I couldn’t ask while in the presence of Taryn. “How far has the word spread? What’s coming our way? And how soon?”
“I heard it in Paris, but Rasa was in Italy when she found out. I think we both know that the chances of the information getting into the hands of those we’d prefer to steer clear from is pretty likely. That could only mean one thing.”
“They’re all coming,” my blood runs cold. “They’ll be showing up, lingering in the shadows, and verifying the truth behind the rumors for themselves.”
“Darkness will loom,” Ryder sat in the wingback chair and lifted his tumbler to his lips. “It’s up to us to build a perimeter. Keep her safe, and the child.”
I know he’s right but suddenly the only thing I can think of is about those that destroyed the lives of my ancestors. The ones that killed my mother. I’d already lost so much. The idea of losing Taryn and my unborn child is crippling. Suddenly I understand how my father felt. How he’d been changed, practically destroyed, after losing his love. The coldness that he’d developed, the desperation to end those that caused him pain. It all makes sense.
“More are coming, and soon.” I stop pacing and turn to Ryder. He is watching me, with a knowing look. “I’ve already sent confirmation, my clan will arrive soon. We’ll keep them safe Merick. Nothing and no one will hurt them.”
I want to believe him, more than anything I want to believe that I will be able to live a life full of happiness, and all our people will be able to rebuild without fear of an attack, but I know we can’t, not yet. I nod, but I know without a doubt Ryder understands my fear. He too lost people once before. He understands the way things can be taken from you in the blink of an eye.
Hours later, long after Ryder had left to take a walk through the darkened streets of town, I gathered Taryn in my arms. Holding her body as close to my chest as possible, I begin to climb the stairs. Burying my nose in her hair I breathe in and find comfort in her scent.
“I love you,” I whisper near her ear as I lower her to our bed and quickly climb in by her side. She doesn’t waste any time seeking me out and curls her body close to mine. She needs me almost as much as I need her, the comfort we draw from one another is our solace. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the two of you safe. You are both my world, my purpose.”
“Mm,” she purrs, and I smile.
“I was created for you, and you for me, my love.” I truly believe without her I would have no purpose. I would be lost.
Taryn
Merick places his hand on the small of my back as we head inside the office to see Amelia for a checkup. I’m starting to look extremely bloated and the baby moves a lot. I love it each time I feel the smallest amounts of movement, which is only flutters at this point. I feel bad because Merick wants to feel the baby move so badly, but only I can feel it so far.
“Amelia,” I call out.
The beautiful redhead comes out from the back, wearing a green turtleneck sweater, black leggings, and black snow boots with grey fur around the top. Those must be a popular style around here. “Taryn, it’s so good to see you again.” I accept her hug and then she does the same to Merick.
“It’s good to see you too.” I tell her as she leads us to the back.
Merick takes my coat and my bag while I remove my boots so I can get weighed. Luckily Merick doesn’t look while I step up on the small metal platform. Amelia writes it down and then I grab my boots following her barefoot across the hall to an exam room.
“Have a seat on the table.” I do as she asks and then she takes my blood pressure, and the rest of my vitals. “Everything looks good. How are you feeling? The baby is part shifter so I know that can have an effect on your body.”
“I feel really great, but I do notice I’m hungry constantly. Also the moment I lay down I pass out. I can also feel the baby move already, but that’s crazy right?”
Merick kisses my temple. “I told her that shifters are only pregnant for six months, but that it could be different for her.”
“Merick’s right, and I’m going to take some measurements. I’m hoping we can pinpoint how fast your baby is growing.” Amelia grabs a gown and paper drape. “Put this on, no bottoms and cover your lap with the drape. We’re going to do a transvaginal ultrasound so I can get a better look at your baby.”
Once I’m changed and back on the table Amelia comes back in and pulls a machine towards me. It’s got a little screen on it. “Okay go ahead and lie back.” She helps me put my feet in stirrups. Amelia puts a condom on the wand looking thing and then covers it with jelly. “You’re going to feel a little bit of pressure.”
I wince when she pushes the wand inside me and then I feel it pressing up against my insides. She taps a couple of buttons and then a fast whooshing sound fills my ears. My eyes burn as I listen to the most beautiful sound in the world.
Merick grabs my hand and pulls it to his lips, kissing the back of it. “That is the best sound I’ve ever heard,” he says as he smiles at me.
“Merick, will you grab that little screen?” Amelia signals to the one on the side of the machine. He pulls it out and then an image appears that immediately causes tears to fall. “That’s your baby.” I don’t miss the awe in Amelia’s voice.
I give Merick a watery smile and he bends down, kissing me. We both turn back to the monitor while Amelia types away and then scribbles stuff down on a notebook. The baby appears to have its little fist up by its face.
“The baby is growing at a rapid rate. She could have this baby in only a few months.”
I look at Amelia, “a few months?”
Her head flies up and she’s got wide eyes. “You heard that?” I nod. “Shit, I’m sorry. Okay don’t freak out, but technically from when your last period was to now, you’re only eight weeks, but your baby looks like one that’s about fifteen or sixteen weeks.” She grabs my hand. “Don’t worry, okay. Your baby is absolutely perfect. I’ll check the measurements and let you know as soon as possible exactly how fast your baby is growing.”
I nod because what else can I do right now?
After our appointment, Merick leads me out to his truck. Before he opens the door, he cups my face in both hands. “I love you so fucking much.” His lips slam down on mine. He forces my lips open, teasing my tongue with his own. He pulls back, smiling
I smile up at him. “I love you, too.”
Merick helps me into the truck and then climbs in the driver’s side. The drive back home is full of comfortable silence. I rest my hands on my belly, closing my eyes trying to hear anything but per usual I’m met with only silence. What I do get is a powerful little flutter, which makes me smile.
The sun shines in our bedroom window and I groan as I pull my pillow out from under my head and place it over
my eyes. The scent of sausage drifts up the stairs, making my stomach growl.
I climb out of bed and stretch my aching muscles. Merick was an absolute animal last night. It was like he couldn’t get enough and before I passed out I threatened to smother him in his sleep if he didn’t leave me alone. In return, I received nothing more than a satisfied chuckle.
I use the bathroom and when I’m done, I wash my face and quickly brush my teeth. I look at myself in the mirror and freeze mid brush— my belly is way more noticeable today.
I turn to the side and pull my nightgown up. “Holy shit.” My hand goes to my belly, rubbing small circles over it. “Baby? You’re growing way too fast. You’ve got to give us time to get ready for your arrival.”
A soft kick from the inside makes me smile. I quickly spit the toothpaste out and run toward the stairs. I’m careful going down but continue running once I reach the bottom.
Merick is in the kitchen shirtless and making breakfast. He sees me running and rushes toward me. “Are you okay?” I grab his hand, placing it on my belly just as our child gives a tiny kick.
He doesn’t say anything simply drops to his knees. Merick pulls up my shirt and places both large hands on my belly. “Hi baby, it’s your daddy. I love you so much and I’m going to do everything in my power to keep you and your momma safe.” The awe in his voice is transparent, I know exactly what he is feeling, because I feel it too.
The baby gives a little kick and Merick smiles up at me, making me weak in the knees.
Merick
I sit on the steps that lead off the back porch into the sprawling backyard. Staring ahead I watch Taryn as she lies on a blanket in the grass with her legs crossed. She’s wearing bright red pants that are more like tights, she calls them yoga pants though I haven’t seen her do any. Granted I do quite enjoy the way they hug her ass, so I won’t question her in the least. Her eyes are closed, the sun hitting her face, and her chest slowly rises and then falls, showing me she has likely fallen asleep again.
