Shattered Skye (The Skye Chronicles Book 3)

by Anna Moranski

  Maddox had to fight a smile. She was rambling. She sounded as if she already knew the answer and was just too shocked to accept it. He took her hands in his.

  “No. I did not hook up with anyone besides you. You are my girlfriend. My one and only girlfriend.” He answered calmly. Skye nodded quickly.

  “Okay so then, um, I’m pregnant.” she stated. Maddox nodded even though it wasn’t technically a question. “We just fought a huge battle and I’m pregnant with your baby. And if I’m pregnant, then I was pregnant when I had been kidnapped and…” Her face paled.

  “The baby is fine and so are you.” Maddox cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips softly. “Skye, you and the baby are fine. We had you checked out.” Skye looked into his eyes and tried to slow her rapid breathing down. Nodding slowly she let out a shaky breath.

  “We’re having a baby.” Skye whispered. Maddox couldn’t help the huge grin on his face.

  “Yes we are.” Skye looked around then quickly whispered.

  “Does anyone else know?” Maddox couldn’t help but smile again. She had that effect on him.

  “Everyone knows. We kept it quiet so you would be able to concentrate and not freak out. We didn’t want you upset, especially when you didn’t know me. The idea of knowing you were pregnant with my child when you didn’t know me would have been too much on you.” Skye gave a quick nod.

  “Too much information. Yes.” Skye looked down at the ground quietly. Maddox would have given anything in that moment to be inside of her head and know what she was thinking. A million different emotions played across her face: shock, grief, joy, confusion, and then a sort of calmness.

  “Baby, are you okay?” He pulled her softly into his arms embracing her.

  “I’m in shock.” Skye whispered.

  “I understand that. I was too when I first found out. I’ve had time to deal with it. You’ve had so much on your plate lately. After tonight’s battle I just didn’t want to overwhelm you.” Maddox said all the right things. Everything Skye needed to hear. She still took a moment to think before looking up into his eyes.

  “I never knew if I wanted kids. Being raised the way I was, it was never something I thought about. Mostly because I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. I didn’t know what kind of a future I would have. Then I find out I’m an elf and in love with a demon. Then things go even crazier and I have mixed bloodlines of all sorts of creatures and there’s a prophecy.”

  “Those sorts of things can put a damper on future plans.” Maddox added with a grin.

  “Yeah, you’re telling me.”

  “How do you feel now? Knowing this? That you and I are going to be parents?” Maddox asked carefully.

  “I’m still scared. I worry about the future, of course, but I’m happy.” Skye folded her hands over her small stomach. “There’s a small piece of you and me made from our love that is inside of me. I know that we will protect this baby no matter what.” A small tear escaped Skye’s eye. Maddox kissed her softly pulling her to his body and put his own large hand over her small hand that held their baby safe nestled safely inside of her stomach.

  “I will protect both of you for the rest of our existence. Everyone here will as well. We are one big family now. This baby is going to be so loved.” Skye smiled at his words.

  “I love you so much Maddox. So much!”

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down to her lips and kissed him with a passion he had forgotten she had. It had been too long since they were able to feel free from threats and fear. It had been too long since they had a chance to think of what they could really do without having to truly hide. This was the first time they would actually get to plan a real future together. The idea excited them both more than words could ever express.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Six Years Later

  Although the battle had come and gone, the lasting effects from it were still felt many years to later. Many supernaturals had been displaced from their lives after losing their abilities. Confusion reigned and then terror. Several reached out seeking to see if it were possible to regain their powers, but every magical source they found denied them. They were told that they had chosen their path foolishly when they went up against someone they had deemed as evil. Someone who had only been an innocent bystander in it all. The loss of their powers and immortality was the price they had to pay.

  Adjusting in the mortal world was hard at first. Many struggled longer than others. Cloud and Gary remained in the Earthly realm to help guide those lost souls. Gary was able to make connections through Julia, the seer, who had ways of getting ID’s and birth certificates for them.

  It had taken quite a while to get everything in order, but Cloud and Gary took control and led those who needed help. Surprisingly Luke had even stepped in to assist them. Luke seemed to have many friends in high government offices, which was no surprise to anyone. Those friends were able to help the dislocated former supernaturals become working citizens in the United States. Luke wouldn’t share who his contacts were, but from the area codes that he had calls from, everyone knew that they were from Texas.

  The group who had stood by Skye debated on where they should go after the battle. Some wanted to stay hidden in the mountains of Kentucky. Most wanted to go back home to Charleston, South Carolina. In the end, Charleston won. It was their home and they needed to be together. They would be stronger together if anything should ever come up again.

  Buck and Kel wasted no time getting married once back in Charleston. They had a romantic wedding on the beach surrounded by demons, elves, and many other supernaturals that had become their extended family. Buck and Kel even bought a house right across the street from Skye and Maddox so that they would be in constant contact. Kel and Buck being the godparents to Skye’s baby made it impossible for them to stay away.

  Maddox had proposed to Skye numerous times. She shot him down every single time. Skye had been afraid that he was only proposing for the benefit of their baby and she refused to be anyone’s burden again. After their daughter was born, Skye finally accepted Maddox’s proposal. They, however, did not have a romantic beach wedding. They went to the court house and had it done quickly. After everything they had been through they were not willing to wait any longer.

  Now, six years later, they all walked together through the elves home realm and headed straight to the massive castle that Skye was once afraid to see. Now she smiled happily as they walked towards it. Snuggled in her arms was her daughter Maddie who was almost six months old now. In Maddox’s arms he carried their oldest son Skylar, who was now five as well as their daughter Luna, who was only three years old. Skye smiled happily at her husband.

  “You look so beautiful tonight Skye.” he whispered to her.

  “And you are just as handsome as ever.” she replied.

  “Oh gag me already!” Kel blurted out, walking behind them. Her large pregnant stomach looked as if it were ready to burst. Buck laughed as he walked along beside her.

  “Her pregnancy hormones can make her a bit edgy guys. Anything sweet seems to piss her off.” Buck warned. Buck was surrounded by their children. Kel had given birth to two sets of twins. The boys Bentley and Bayden, were four years old, and the girls Kelisa and Kaley were two years old.

  “Seriously? I had no idea that you were a twin baby making machine when we got together. I love my kids, but if I don’t stop getting pregnant I’m gonna make you lose a body part that you are so very fond of.” Kel shot at him.

  “It’s not my fault. I had no idea that birth control didn’t work on shapeshifters.” He put his hands up in his defense.

  “Neither did I.” She huffed. “But Dr. Carroll says if I stop transitioning then it will work.” Buck grinned at her.

  “Are you going to stop?”

  “Hell to the no. I love it too much.” She caressed her stomach and couldn’t suppress a smile. I love our babies too. I just didn’t expect to have a litter of them.” Buck laugh
ed at her and put his arm around her.

  “You are the one who turns into those types of animals. I suppose I can’t take the blame for it.” Kel rolled her eyes.

  “I’ll place the blame wherever I please since I’m the one that is always pregnant.” Skye laughed at the two of them. They picked at each other like teenagers, but they were deeply in love. There was no denying that. Skye knew the feeling. Maddox was the best husband she could have ever hoped for and their kids worshipped him. Skye was also thankful that birth control did work for her. As much as she loved her children, she was ready for a break from giving birth.

  “I can’t believe this is his.” Evan said as he popped up beside them. His wives followed by his side with huge smiles on their faces. Surprisingly their fangs were not as distracting as they had first been. Skye had become quick friends with his wives and was quite happy when they all moved into the neighborhood as well.

  “I’m so proud of him. He truly deserves all of this. He’s been an amazing leader to this realm.” Skye said with a huge smile on her face. Maddox glanced over to her forcing himself to ignore the small bit of jealousy he felt. He knew he had nothing to feel jealous of. Skye proved her love for him every day and every single night. He couldn’t help a wry grin at the thought.

  Walking into the castle felt surreal to Skye. It had been so long since she had last been there. It was beautiful and full of happy faces. The diversity was huge this time. There weren’t just light creatures there, but supernatural creatures of every kind and they were celebrating together.

  “Welcome!” Mike announced walking over to them. He put his arm around Skye, careful of the baby, and kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you all could make it.” He patted Maddox on the back before going around shaking hands with the rest of the group.

  “Are you kidding? We had to be here King Mike.” Skye gave a small curtsy. Mike laughed loudly, pleased at the gesture.

  “Skye, you will never have to be that formal with me and you know it.”

  “Yeah, but I thought I should do it at least once.” She replied. “So where is she?” As if summoning her by the question, a beautiful strawberry blonde appeared by Mike’s side. Her bright green eyes and wide smile welcomed them.

  “I’m so glad you all came out to celebrate with us.” she said.

  “Queen Esadora it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m only sorry we weren’t here for the wedding.” Skye said with an apologetic frown. Esadora looked at the small bundle in Skye’s arms and laughed.

  “Considering you were busy giving birth to this beauty, all is forgiven.” She winked playfully. “I’m just so pleased to finally meet you all. Mike has told me so much about his family and I’m thrilled to have you as my own family now.”

  Skye was struck by how kind she truly was. Mike had told them she was sweet and genuine, but until meeting her Skye had no idea that Mike wasn’t giving her enough credit for how amazing she was.

  “So when are the two of you planning on some babies?” Buck said wiggling his eyebrows at them. Skye sighed. Only Buck would come right out and ask.

  “We’re waiting for a while. I want to be selfish and spend as much time with this beautiful elf as I can.” Mike said wrapping his arms protectively around her.

  “We do want kids, but in the future. We have all the time in the world for that. Right now just being with my King is enough for me.” Esadora kissed Mike quickly and blushed. Skye felt her eyes fill with tears. Esadora noticed and gasped. “I’m sorry. Did I offend you in some way?” Skye shook her head.

  “I’m just so happy. Mike deserved someone special that would love him the way he should be loved and I’m so thankful that he found you. I’m elated for you both.”

  “I’m thankful I found him as well.” Esadora said with a proud smile. “Why don’t you all go and mingle and enjoy the food. We have enough to feed several kingdoms.” Esadora said.

  Buck and Kel found a comfortable place to sit down so Kel could get off of her feet. Their kids ran around them playing cheerfully and surprisingly well-behaved. Buck had a way of letting them get too wild and then Kel would have to put them in check. Tonight though, they were just enjoying themselves.

  Maddox laid the children on a couch in the corner and tucked the baby in a small bassinet next to them. Mike had thought of everything for his friends. Maddox took Skye’s hand and lead her only a few small feet away from their sleeping children. Wrapping his arms around her, he danced with her slowly. Skye leaned her head against his massive chest and sighed happily.

  “Do you ever regret it?” Maddox was unable to stop himself from asking. Skye glanced up to meet his eyes in question.

  “Regret what?”

  “Picking me. You could be the queen you know. This could be your castle and your realm. Mike is a great guy. As much as I hate to admit that, but he is. He has found a way to make peace and lead all of these people.” Maddox sounded so insecure that it broke Skye’s heart a little.

  “I regret nothing. I am a queen. I’m your queen. I have the man I love in my arms and the children I adore sleeping beside me. There’s nothing more I could ever ask for.” She kissed him softly.

  “Even though your father-in-law lives right down the street?” Maddox teased.

  “Even then. Luke has actually changed a lot. He loves visiting his grandbabies and the girl he is finally dating I think is keeping him on the straight and narrow.” Skye said with a smile.

  “Yeah, my dad dating a succubus is a bit weird, but he’s happy and she really is nice.” Maddox said with a shrug.

  “She keeps him busy too. Too busy to cause trouble and that’s a good thing. I like her.” Skye winked to him.

  “You just about like everyone anymore. What happened to the little outcast I fell in love with?” Maddox teased her.

  “I’m still an outcast, but I’ve found my own outcasts to team up with. I have the best family I could ever have chosen and I’m just happy. Happy is nice.”

  “Who would have ever thought that?” She pushed him playfully and then pulled his face down to hers.

  “You make me happy, Maddox. You give me the ‘happily ever after’ that I never believed could happen. I love you so much.”

  “I love you Skye. More than anything.” His lips brushed hers slowly then his mouth took hers completely. She felt consumed by him and enjoyed the feeling. Maddox tightened his grip on Skye and knew he would never let go of her again.

  The End

  Acknowledgements

  I want to thank each and everyone one of you who picked this book up and read it. You are amazing and you rock my freaking fuzzy socks!! Reading and writing have been a passion of mine since before I can even remember. The fact that I get to write and share it with you means more to me than I could ever express. I may not be the best writer in the world, but I am a happy writer and that is what counts to me.

  Thank you to Kelly Scott for once again being an amazing editor. Always on point and always ready to call me out or question what is going on. I love that about you. Thank you to the amazing friends I have that have encouraged me, supported me, and even become characters in my books.

  Thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers out there. You help us Indie Authors get our names out there. You support us in ways that we could never imagine. You guys are amazeballs!!!

  And last, but certainly not least, thank you to my family. The support I have always gotten from you means the world to me. I have the best family I could have ever hoped for.

  Drake, you make me so proud to be your mom. I love you always!

  Adam, you make me feel safe and loved. That is a huge accomplishment. I love you.

  About this Author:

  Anna Moranski is Kentucky girl living a South Carolina life. She is a Wildcat fan and she even bleeds blue! She also loves the Denver Broncos. When she is not busy writing, being with her family, or helping out the Boy Scouts of America, she is hard at work in college to get her Bachelor’s degree.
>
  Anna’s house is full of crazy and that is the way she likes it. She shares her home with her husband Adam, her son Drake, their two dogs Gabie and Zeus, their cat Bella, and their fish Psycho Fish (And yes that is the fish’s name).

  Follow Anna on Facebook.com for updates or random craziness.

  https://www.facebook.com/annaleahmoranskiauthor

  More books coming soon!!

  Including“The Pleasure Principle”