by L. A. Boruff
“So did I.” I turned my cheek so it rubbed against his hand. “Let’s go away this weekend, just you and me.”
“That sounds amazing.”
I stretched forward with my lips puckered.
He chuckled low in his throat, but ignored my outstretched lips, instead scooting close and nuzzling my neck. “How much longer?”
I moaned. “Four days.”
“That’s too long.” He nipped my neck playfully. “But, I’ll survive. I don’t want little Elias Junior coming too early.”
“This weekend will be perfect, but Anthony might be jealous. Maybe he can follow us down to the house the second day.”
After giving me a long, toe-curling kiss, Elias sat up. “Sounds great. Do you need me to plan anything?”
“No, we’ll just go spend a few days at my house.”
Elias shook his head. “I don’t think so, Riley. First of all, the house has too many bad memories. When are you going to let me clean it out for you?”
“When I’m ready, I’ll tell you.” I grimaced. I had no idea when I’d actually be ready to go through Michael’s belongings.
“Right, then. We can talk about that again after we go away. We’re going somewhere relaxing, and private. Leave it to me. Just be ready when I tell you.”
I chuckled at his excitement and hated to bring him back to Earth. “Don’t forget I can’t fly, and we really need to stay within a thirty minute drive of the hospital in case I go into early labor.”
He stiffened. “Riley, you can’t have the baby in a hospital.”
His words knocked the air out of me.
Of course I couldn’t. What if the baby’s dragon genes dominated and he burst into flame as soon as he was born? Or if he was a Shapeshifter, who knew what he’d look like at birth. We had no idea what a Shapeshifter’s true form was.
“How had I not thought of that?” I whispered. We’d seen the healer, and I’d just assumed everything would be like with Michael. We’d gone to the local hospital to deliver.
Elias’s eyes widened. He looked terrified of my reaction. “I just assumed you knew. It’ll have to be a home birth. We have midwives, and the healer will come back. If you’d like, we can have a witch present as well. We won’t take any chances.” He reached around and rubbed my back soothingly.
“My deliveries with the boys were uncomplicated, it should be fine. I just hadn’t considered it.” How had I not thought ahead?
“You had them in a hospital? What about ultrasounds and stuff?”
“I had no reason not to. Michael never pressured me to have a homebirth or anything.”
He was silent for a few moments, contemplating my words. “That could’ve gone very badly if they’d thought there was reason to do genetic testing.”
“They did. At least, they wanted to. We refused it. Michael said he didn’t want to know the future, and what would be would be. It seemed important to him so I allowed it.”
“I wish I knew what he was thinking. By our laws, he should’ve made sure you didn’t see a conventional doctor.”
I shrugged and searched my memories, but Michael had just acted like any father to be. Another thought popped in my mind and I let out a cross between a moan and a cry. “That means no epidural, doesn’t it?”
Elias chuckled. “You’ll do great. You’re the strongest woman I know.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I still want to stay close to home.”
He winked. “Leave it to me.”
I left it to him. I had no desire to do anything but spend time with my kids and rest. Everyone else could handle things for a while.
***
The classroom was chilly on the top floor of the manor. Seven children, well, six children and a teenager, sat in comfy chairs behind school desks. They worked on various lessons, from colors for Talem, Danyelus and Tammy’s adopted three-year-old Sárkány son, to the—now revised—history of the Supay for Stephen, Anthony’s thirty-four year old teenage son. By Supay standards, he still had another twenty-six years before he reached his maturity and could be considered an adult.
My eyes drifted repeatedly to the blonde highlights in both David and Daniel’s hair. David’s hair had darkened a little over the winter since he wasn’t spending much time outside, and was more of a light brown than a dark blonde. Daniel’s strawberry blonde mop was unchanged, much like my own. I might grab a few extra highlights if I spent an excessive amount of time outdoors, but nothing like Michael’s did, and now David’s.
My boys worked on Supay history as well. Daniel, only seven, had vocabulary words relating to the old god Supay, the Inca, and Bolivia. David seemed to be writing an essay, but straightened when Axoular walked into the room.
Tammy sat in the front corner, scribbling away in a notebook while her adopted Sárkány daughter, Rose, snoozed away on her back. I couldn’t help but imagine her with Daniel on her back when he’d been brought to the manor, while I was back at home mourning the loss of my children and husband.
I shook off my torpor. It wasn’t her fault, and she’d done everything in her power to give my boys a happy childhood.
Axoular winked at me, nestled into a rocking chair in the reading corner in the back of the classroom. It had become a favorite spot for me to rest so I could be near my boys without disrupting their studies.
“Come on, double D. It’s time for your Sárkány lessons.” David and Daniel jumped up excitedly, thrilled to learn about their previously unknown dragon lineage. “Khobi, you too.” Axoular would take them down to an empty field usually used to graze the horses, and teach them to control and master their Sárkány powers. Daniel was still too young for any of his powers to manifest, but Axoular said Sárkány children began their educations as soon as they could behave themselves. I’d join them after I had the baby.
Talem jumped up. “When can I come, Axo?” Frustration was plain on his face.
“When you’re six, little man. You stay up here with your mama for now.” Axoular nodded to Tammy, who gave him a warm smile. He’d really grabbed the hearts and friendships of everyone in the house.
Talem sat back down with a huff. Jaime, Anthony’s daughter, patted him on the back. “At least you’ll get to go eventually. I’ll always be stuck in this classroom.”
“Oh, pooh,” said Tammy. “Nothing wrong with learning about your history, Jaime. We’re different creatures, living under the same roof. We have to learn to embrace our heritages and celebrate each other’s differences.”
Jaime pursed her lips, but nodded. She’d be respectful, even if she didn’t like it.
I stood and patted Talem on the head on my way out the door. “I’ll see you later, Tammy,” I murmured to her as she began writing math problems on the chalkboard.
“Bye, Riley,” she called.
Smiling, I began the trek to the main floor of the manor. Halfway down, on the second floor, I was waylaid by a grinning Anthony. “Wait til you see where we’re going, Coya!” He laughed as he picked me up and carried me down the stairs. “You’re going to love it.”
I swung my feet and grinned up at him. His dark hair had gotten longer, brushing his shoulders. I twirled my finger in a strand of it. “Dollywood?”
“No!”
“I told Elias I want to stay close to home.” I arched an eyebrow in warning.
“You forget, my little spitfire, we have the ability to use portals.”
My eyes widened in excitement. “That’s right! I hadn’t even considered using a portal for leisure.”
“Grease the palms of the right witch and you’ve got yourself a vacation.” He deposited me in a recliner in the family room at the back of the manor, beside the kitchens. On the coffee table in front of me was a tray complete with a citrus soda and peanut butter crackers. “I thought you might be hungry.”
I nodded enthusiastically and grabbed the crackers. “I am, but geez, I’ve been eating enough for four or five, not two.”
“You’re
beautiful and perfect. If you’re unhappy with your weight after the baby is born, we’ll help you. You love to spar and fight, why worry? Any pounds will melt away.”
“I’m more worried about how I’ll look until they’re gone.” I eyed him, worried he might be turned off by my after-baby belly. Those things tended to take on a jiggly life of their own.
“Don’t worry on my count. I love you so much, Riley. I’d love you if you turned into a troll.”
I stopped munching on my cracker. “Are they real?”
“Yes, and uglier than any of the story books recount. Stinky, too.” He shook his head ruefully. “They give the Junta a job, trying to keep their presence quiet.”
I was about to ask more questions about trolls when the den door burst open, and Elias ran in, cheeks red. “It’s all booked!” he exclaimed.
“When do we leave?” I asked, excited about a few days to reconnect and hopefully finally forgive my husband.
“Tonight. As soon as you’re both packed.”
I jumped up and glanced at Anthony who was grinning from ear to ear. “Anthony, too?”
“Yep. We’re all going, and the healer will be here momentarily to hopefully clear your pelvic rest.”
I clapped my hands, thrilled. “What do I pack for? Heat or cold or rain or what?”
“Pack for a week of heat.” He grinned evilly.
“Are you going to tell me?” I asked.
“Nope. Now go.” He smacked me on the butt to get me moving. “Anthony and I will pack our own clothes, just worry about yours,” he called as I waddled from the room. I flashed him a thumbs up and trudged up the stairs. Unfortunately, my excitement didn’t lessen the pain in my lower back or pelvis.
***
Bags packed, shower taken, light makeup applied, I laid on my bed in a robe, waiting on the healer to make her way upstairs. She looked about seven-hundred years old, and I wasn’t entirely sure what species she was. She rapped my bedroom door twice, then entered the room in all her wrinkled glory, her back stooped over, white hair secured in a bun, and gold rimmed glasses.
Healer Rakesha grunted in response to my excited, “Hello!” She opened her black bag and took out a stethoscope, fetal heart monitor, and gloves.
Snapping the gloves on her age spotted hands, she smiled. “Ready to have this baby, are you?” she asked with a raspy, overused voice. Almost like a long-time smoker.
I nodded, amused by her nature. She was simultaneously caring and not about to take any nonsense. “Yes, but it’s still early.”
She nodded her head and put some goo on her hand. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I pulled my feet back to give her access to check my cervix. I looked up at the ceiling, distracting myself by trying to guess where we’d be going. Maybe the Bahamas or somewhere else in the Caribbean.
She finished quickly. “All good, love.” I gave her a relieved smile.
Removing the gloves, she took a tape measure out of her pocket and measured my big belly. Then she turned on the heart monitor and I got to hear the steady, fast heartbeat of my baby boy.
She smiled at the tears in my eyes as I relished the sound of his heart. “Are you sure about the pregnancy timing?” she asked.
“Positive.” I couldn’t be any further along than thirty-two weeks at the most.
“You’re measuring a little bit bigger than thirty-two.”
My stomach dropped. “Is that bad?”
“Not really. Your cervix is closed up, tight as a drum. And the heartbeat is strong and steady. You’ve probably just got a little bit too much amniotic fluid.”
“Is there anything to do about it?”
“If you start swelling, get a headache, or any other odd symptoms beyond the normal pregnancy tiredness and achiness, call me immediately. But I think you’re fine, and so will be your babe.”
She began packing her instruments back into her bag while I covered up. “And the pelvic rest?”
Chuckling low in her throat, she snapped her bag shut. “Enjoy your vacation. Your pelvic rest is lifted.”
“Wahoo!” Without any advanced medical equipment, it was the best news I could hope for. “Thank you, Healer Rakesha.”
“My pleasure, girl. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
Just a few weeks to go. Excitement bubbled up my throat until I wanted to squeal. I refrained and rolled off the bed so I could get dressed. Vacation time, baby! Yeah!
Also By L.A. Boruff
The Unseen War (Paranormal Reverse Harem): https://laboruff.com/books/unseen/
War of Fangs http://www.books2read.com/WoFangs
War of Fire http://www.books2read.com/WoFire
War of Wings http://www.books2read.com/WoWings
Tales of Clan Robbins (Paranormal Western Romance co-write with Laura Greenwood):
https://laboruff.com/books/the-tales-of-clan-robbins/
Outlaw of Ladies (prequel): https://amzn.to/2Ysea1Y
Lady of Outlaws: https://amzn.to/3j9rrEE
Princess of Thieves: Coming Soon
Coven’s End (Complete Paranormal Reverse Harem co-write with Lia Davis):
Series Boxed Set http://www.books2read.com/CE
Kane http://www.books2read.com/CovenKane
Voss http://www.books2read.com/CovenVoss
Quin http://www.books2read.com/CovenQuin
Jillian http://www.books2read.com/CovenJillian
Academy’s Rise (Complete Paranormal Reverse Harem co-write with Lia Davis):
Series Boxed Set http://www.books2read.com/ARComplete
Hell Fire http://www.books2read.com/AR1
Dark Water http://www.books2read.com/AR2
Dead Air http://www.books2read.com/AR3
Lucifer’s War (Paranormal Romance co-write with Lia Davis):
https://laboruff.com/books/lucifers-war/
Devil’s Consort: https://amzn.to/34vi0Lx
Devil’s Assassin: https://amzn.to/3aSyE8V
Valentine Pride (Complete Paranormal Reverse Harem co-write with Laura Greenwood):
Series Boxed Set https://books2read.com/ValentineComplete
Unicorn Mates http://www.books2read.com/Leola1
Unicorn Luck http://www.books2read.com/Leola2
Unicorn Truth http://www.books2read.com/Leola3
A Platypus and Her Mates http://www.books2read.com/Platypus1
The Firehouse Feline (Complete Paranormal Comedic Reverse harem co-write with Laura Greenwood and Lacey Carter Andersen):
Series Boxed Set https://books2read.com/firehousecomplete
Feline the Heat http://www.books2read.com/FirehouseCat1
Feline the Flames http://www.books2read.com/FirehouseCat2
Feline the Burn https://books2read.com/firehousecat3/
Feline the Pressure https://books2read.com/firehousefeline4/
Magic & Metaphysics Academy (Complete Paranormal Academy Reverse Harem co-write with Laura Greenwood):
https://laboruff.com/books/m-m
Magical Mischief http://www.books2read.com/m-m
Magical Mistake http://www.books2read.com/m-m2
Magical Misfit http://www.books2read.com/m-m3
Southern Soil (Sweet Contemporary Reverse Harem): https://laboruff.com/books/southernsoil/
Literary Yours http://www.books2read.com/LiteraryYours
Snow Cure http://www.books2read.com/SnowCure
About L.A. Boruff
L.A. (Lainie) Boruff lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. L.A.’s passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn’t seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.
Visit L.A.’s website and subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a release! She sends on release days and once a month. No spam!
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