His eyes lit up, reminding her of a small child. “Please can I…” He was looking at her belly.
She was shocked at how much it had grown in such a short time. There was a definite curve. So much so, that she was beginning to look pregnant. Ceri nodded. “Here.” She took his hand and placed it on the spot where the little one had just kicked.
Thump.
“There,” she said. “Did you feel it?”
Bay frowned. “I don’t think so.”
“They’re still very soft.”
Thump. Thump. A bit harder that time. “Did you…?” She could see he was frowning even deeper than before. “Wait.” She sat down on the bed and lifted her top, pulling down her tights a little. Then she took his hand and placed it directly on her skin. His eyes were narrowed in deep concentration.
Thump.
Bay’s eyes widened.
Thump.
He sucked in a breath. “I can feel him. I feel the kicks!” he choked out. His eyes stayed wide, she could see he was barely breathing.
Thump. Thump.
Bay choked out a laugh. “That’s amazing! He’s kicking.”
“Or she.” Ceri found that she was smiling too.
“Or she, although dragon females are rare, one is hardly ever born. Never from a human female.”
“I am a vampire,” Ceri said. Then she realized that his hand was still firmly on her stomach with her hand pressing over his. His thigh was also up against hers. It suddenly felt close and intimate. Her mouth felt a bit dry. Other parts of her felt other things. Things they shouldn’t be feeling. Her nipples tightened. There was an achy feeling between her legs.
It was those blasted hormones. She was extra horny since becoming pregnant. Ceri jumped up, fixing her clothing.
Bay stood up as well. “I’ll just get unpacked then.”
Chapter 21
Two days later…
Something woke her. She felt instantly wide awake. Her curtains were a grey shade, telling her that the sun had started rising but that it was still early. There it was again, that sound she’d heard earlier. She lifted her head.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” Bay held up a hand, looking sheepish. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Ceri decided right then that she hated him. Bay had insisted on living with her so that he could drive her batshit crazy. His hair was wet. Droplets ran down his chest. The towel was fluffy and white. It was fastened around his hips. Low on his hips. Low enough that she could see every single one of his abs in all of their wet glory.
“Um,” she cleared her throat, “that’s okay.”
“I’m meeting Brant,” Bay mumbled. “Thought it best if I showered before meeting with one of the kings. I tried to be quiet, I swear I did. You go back to sleep.” He took another step.
“That’s okay. It’s almost time for me to get up anyways. Why the meeting?” she asked, sitting up.
His gaze dropped to her boobs, lingering there before returning to her eyes. Ceri wore a light purple sleeping shirt. The garment had become tight around her breasts and snug around her belly. “Ah…” He lifted his gaze, looking like he couldn’t remember what it was he wanted to say. Two small frown lines appeared between his eyes.
“The meeting.” She smiled, raising her brows. It was good to know that it wasn’t just her who was still affected by this attraction. Bay looked like he was still feeling it, even though her body was changing. They had never struggled in the chemistry department.
“Oh, yeah, um, I’m hoping he’ll allow me to work while I’m here. I want to be close to you, but I can’t sit around all day doing nothing.”
“You can come and help me at the clinic,” she blurted. “I could use an extra pair of hands.”
Bay laughed. “I’m not so sure about that. I think there might be an opening on the Elite team. I’m probably better suited as a warrior than a healer.”
“You won’t get a spot on the Elite team. No offense ‒ those types of positions are hard-won.”
He flexed his muscles. “Good thing I’m up for the challenge.”
“Good luck then!”
“What do you have planned today?” He ran a hand through his still dripping hair, trying to finger-comb it.
“Oh, I need to get to work. I have a ton of appointments today, but first, breakfast.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know how you do it. Vampires drink every couple of days. We do eat solid food, but we certainly don’t need three square meals, and then don’t forget the snacks in-between. It’s so time-consuming.”
“Oh, that’s interesting.” He folded his arms and took a step towards her bed. “So you don’t drink blood anymore?”
“I do but very little and not very often. I think my requirements have changed because I’m pregnant with a dragon shifter baby. Human females crave blood when they are pregnant by vampires.”
Bay made a sound of agreement and took another step, putting him right at the foot of her bed. His eyes were so blue. His shoulders broad. His— Enough, Ceri!
“It is similar when human females are pregnant with dragon whelps.” He thankfully hadn’t noticed her…discomfort. “They crave more meat and prefer it to be more on the rare side. They go off milk…dairy products in general.”
“That explains my cravings for steak. I can’t get enough of it. That and ham sandwiches, with plenty of ham.”
He gave her a half-smile. “How are you feeling otherwise?”
“I’m good.”
He scrutinized her. “Do you mean that?”
“No, I do. I’m great. My energy levels are back up. I had a few days of nausea a while back, but I put that to…” Missing you. Your blood. You. She couldn’t say any of that. “I wasn’t sure what was going on, but it was over before I thought anything of it.”
“What about how you’re feeling, on the inside?”
“My feelings?” Was he still talking about the baby? She assumed he was. “I’m still scared…for the little one,” she put a hand on her belly, “and for myself as well. I know how badly things can go. I’ve seen the worst-case scenario firsthand.”
“I know, and I wish that wasn’t the case. You won’t be pregnant nearly as long as a vampire female normally would be. It’s going to work out. We have to believe that.”
“We don’t know anything, at this stage, but I think you are right. Stressing about it isn’t going to solve anything.” Her mouth felt dry just thinking about it. Her stomach felt like a rock had lodged itself inside her.
“Okay, well, I’d better get dressed.” He looked down at himself. “I’m leaving in ten minutes. Have a good day.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Good luck with your meeting. I must warn you, Brant comes across like an asshole if you don’t know him. He was very upset about this pregnancy. He shouted and broke a table, but then he got over himself. Now he’s really worried about me.”
“My kings weren’t too thrilled either.”
“He will probably act like a complete jerk initially. Don’t take it personally. Don’t let that get to you, he’s actually quite a nice male deep down. He just doesn’t often show that side of himself.”
“Yep, my king is the same. They feel they need to come across as being in charge and in control. They act like they don’t have emotions.”
“Except for maybe anger.”
He grinned. “Yep! Like I said, I was in big shit for,” he widened his eyes, “for all of this.”
“Oh…sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. It takes two to…make a baby.” He got this strange look, but it was gone before she could place it. “See you later.”
She nodded. “Yep.”
He paused and turned back just before he got to the door. Bay glanced back at her. “I’ll make dinner tonight. I can barbeque a mean steak.”
“That would be great.” It’s not a date. It doesn’t mean anything, he’s just being nice.
Ceri pulled in a breath. “It really would be lovely, thanks.”
Why was she being so polite? This was so awkward.
Bay left, closing her bedroom door behind him. She fell back onto the pillows. Ceri was thrilled about this pregnancy. The life growing inside her was truly a miracle. Hopefully the birth would be smooth and without incident. Not thinking about that! The situation with Bay was difficult though, to say the least. The next few months were going to feel long and drawn-out.
Chapter 22
Five days later…
“So, where is he?” Drago asked, looking around her apartment.
“He who?” Ceri answered even though she knew exactly who Drago was talking about.
Drago looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “You know who! Where’s the father of your unborn child? The male you’re living with?”
“Oh, Bay?”
“Yes, the dragon. Of course the dragon. Who else?” Drago had referred to Bay as the dragon ever since the fight.
“He’s at training.”
Drago snorted. “I hear he’s hoping to make it onto the Elite team. What bullshit! He’s not one of us.”
“Don’t start!”
“Don’t start what?” His face turned all innocent. Yeah, right!
“Like you pointed out not one minute ago, he’s the father of this baby. It shouldn’t matter what species he is. I would prefer it if you didn’t bad-mouth him.”
“I guess it irritates me that you spent months pining for the guy ‒ don’t try to deny it, I now know it for what it was. The not eating or sleeping, the whole ‘working yourself to a standstill’ thing you had going on for a while there.”
“There was ‒ still is ‒ a lot to do at the clinic,” she countered. “I’m taking it a little easier because of the pregnancy. Otherwise, I’d still be working those ridiculous hours. That had nothing to do with Bay.”
“You pined for the male. Don’t even try to deny it.”
“’Pined’ is a strong word.”
“And yet it’s the right one.” Drago sat back on the sofa and folded his arms.
“Okay fine, I’m not sure why but I did…feel something and, I guess, it translated into pining-like behavior but I’m not in love with him or anything. There’s nothing between us.”
“You pined and he fucked around. He may not have had sex with anyone, but the dragon was at that rut weekend.” Drago made a disgusted face.
“Yeah, but like you pointed out, he didn’t have sex with anyone.”
“He almost did. Came very close. And he was there in the first place, wasn’t he?” Drago was saying all the things she had been thinking. Still was thinking.
“It’s over between us, we’re going to raise this child as a couple and that’s where it will end.” She shook her head. “Please stop being hard on him. You are going to have to work with him and—”
“No, I’m not! He won’t make the Elite team.” Drago looked animated. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
“Brant told me that Bay has fantastic skills. He is also calm under pressure and intelligent as well.”
Drago snorted.
“He isn’t a bad guy, I swear.”
“Are you sure you don’t have feelings for him?”
She shrugged, not wanting to lie.
“Great!” he groaned.
“I won’t act on them. Not after everything. Besides, I don’t think he feels the same. He’s here for the baby.” She picked up one of the cushions from the sofa and hugged it to her chest.
“Still. Living with someone you could end up falling in love with is risky.”
“I don’t have a choice here. I won’t act on it,” she assured him again. “With that in mind, I need blood please.”
Her stomach churned. Thing was, she didn’t want Drago’s blood, she wanted Bay’s. Not a good idea though, given that the act would be sexual since they were so attracted to each other.
Drago lifted his brows. “You’re tempted to drink from the dragon.”
She nodded. “And if I drink from him…”
“You guys will end up rutting,” Drago stated the obvious.
She looked down at her lap. “That’s what I’m afraid of. His scent is growing more appealing by the day.”
“His scent or him?” Drago asked, his eyes on her.
“Both, I guess.” There was no guessing required. It was stupid of her. Stupid but true.
“I’m worried about you.” Drago turned to her. “I’m worried you’re going to get hurt. That the two of you will end up together for all the wrong reasons. You might just live to regret it.”
“I know. That’s why I need some of your blood. I’ll stay two steps ahead of this.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I’m fine. I might need to drink from you a little more regularly though.” Even if it wasn’t what she wanted.
“Of course. Any time.” He held out his arm.
“Even though I can’t return the favor.” They decided it would be better if Drago didn’t drink from her again, on account of her blood was becoming addictive to him. Same as Bay’s had become to her. It seemed that dragon blood was pretty addictive to vampires. Drago wouldn’t admit it, but he was struggling after going cold turkey.
“Of course.” He smiled, but she could see the tightness in his jaw.
“I’m sorry.” She narrowed her eyes into his.
“It’s for the best.” Drago pretended to play it cool, but she could see the tension in him.
“You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.” She took his arm.
“You know it,” Drago said, winking at her.
Ceri sank her teeth into his skin just as the door opened and Bay walked in. He stopped in his tracks, his smile dying on his face. Bay roared just before he attacked.
Chapter 23
He was excited to finish practice early. Zane had told them to take the rest of the day off. The others had been just as excited as he was. Zane was normally a hard-ass about practicing. Who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth?
Bay planned to ask Ceri if she wanted to go to lunch with him. It was her day off. She didn’t get many of those and he wanted to make the most of it.
He could sense she was apprehensive to explore anything further between them. She was still attracted to him. Possibly even as much as he was to her. Ceri had been gorgeous before, she was unbelievably sexy now. All beautiful soft curves. He knew without a doubt that he wanted her, and he hoped and prayed that she felt the same way. He hadn’t tried to make any moves. Maybe today was the day. He wanted to push for something small, like holding her hand maybe. They had to start somewhere. He had to convince her that a real relationship was the way to go. It felt right to him.
It probably wasn’t a good idea to rush into sex. Although compatibility was important in any relationship, it wasn’t everything. Not by a long shot.
He needed to convince her there could be more between them. He was feeling more, at least from his side. The shared meals, the laughs. He touched her belly at any chance he got, still couldn’t believe he was going to be a father. He couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather have as his kid’s mother. Ceri was going to be an amazing mom.
Bay was going to suggest that they go into town. They needed a ton of things for the baby. Clothing, a stroller, a crib. He’d been doing some research on newborns. In less than three months the little one would be there, and they needed to be ready. After shopping, he would suggest lunch. He’d take Ceri somewhere nice ‒ he’d already booked a restaurant, just in case. Call him an optimist.
Bay couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He opened the front door, expecting to find her curled up on the couch with a good book.
His smile died instantly as his eyes locked with that asshole vampire. A smirk appeared on the male’s face. He had his arm slung around Ceri’s shoulders. His female. His! Ceri had her fangs in the soft flesh of Drago’s arm. She pulled back, her eyes wide.
That’s when he realized he’d growled. The sound low and fierce. Anger coi
led in his belly. He’d made it clear that he was there if she wanted blood. Why was she taking from him?
The male’s smirk grew. His arm tightened around her in a possessive fashion.
Fuck that!
He growled again. He couldn’t help it. This asshole was getting on his last nerve.
“Bay,” Ceri said as he marched over to them. “Wait! What—?” she yelled as he grabbed Drago by the hair, hauling him to his feet.
“You don’t get to touch her, fucker!” he snarled, his voice deep and guttural. He wanted to pulverize Drago. Teach him a lesson once and for all.
Drago tried to punch him, but he blocked his fist. “She’s not yours,” the male retaliated. “You don’t deserve her,” he added with a sneer.
“Ceri is mine and it’s about time you realized that.”
Drago laughed. The asshole laughed in his face. Bay saw red. He punched the vampire…punched him hard. Not hard enough to break anything but it was close. The male would sport some bruises. Drago went flying, crashing into the dining room table. There was a crack as it splintered under his weight.
“Stop!” Ceri cried, grabbing his arm. “Don’t! I asked him to come. I asked if I could drink from him. If you’re going to get angry with someone, get angry with me.”
“I told you, you could drink from me.” It took everything in him to speak softly. “You don’t need this asshole.” He growled the last.
“This asshole happens to be my friend,” she snapped back, eyes blazing. Her hands moving to her hips.
Drago stood up, he was rubbing his jaw. He gave a shake of his head. “I think you two have a couple of things you need to discuss.” The male grinned.
Asshole!
Bay frowned. He hadn’t expected that response. Truth be told, he thought he was going to have to fight. His hands were still curled up into tight fists. His muscles bunched. Bay’s frown deepened as he watched the male leave.
“What the hell was that?” Ceri demanded. “I’m not yours. You’re here for the baby, not for me.”
“I’m here for both of you.”
The Water Dragons Box Set: Books 1 - 4 (Complete) Page 53
