Princess of Darkness (The Dark Prince #3)

by Autumn Winchester

  “Yes, a lot,” Chase said, a smile in his voice. “Sebastian taught her a lot, a lot more than I ever thought of. She’s amazing, mom. I love her even more for how tough she is. She can kick anyone’s ass now.” And more, but he left that all out. He liked his wife having a backbone, not taking shit from anyone now.

  “She’ll be good for this family,” Kayla said. “She always has been. I can see how much everyone loves her, and not even your father can hide his feelings about her.”

  “I don’t think he’ll ever see Summer like that,” Chase said with a sad shake of his head. He wasn’t even sure Summer would ever be able to see his father as a family member either.

  “He doesn’t show it, but he does care about her,” Kayla said, walking to sit next to her son. “He made sure you were safe, tried to make sure she was safe. He was the one that had Sebastian do everything he had for Summer throughout the years. It was Ivan’s idea for Sebastian to ever approach her, to give her a better life. Although it did backfire, it helped Summer live a bit longer for you to come into the picture and be her Prince.

  “Ivan kept Sebastian on as his guard for other reasons, but the main one was to keep Summer...to protect her until you were able to do that part. Then he had Sebastian disappear, just in case something like what had happened, did in fact happen,” she ended, touching Chase’s arm in a motherly way. “Between the two of them, they had an out for just about anything that could have possibly gone wrong.”

  “Why?” Chase asked. It didn’t exactly make sense to him.

  “Because of you. Your father knew you would do whatever needed to be done to keep her safe since that first time you saw her. You didn’t make it a secret from us, Chase. We both knew you wanted to save the scared brown eyed girl, and you would do just about anything to do so. And you did. But she also saved you,” she went on.

  “I did save him, as much as he saved me,” Summer said, her voice quiet but her stance proud, no matter that she had crazy bed hair. “We had to save each other to be strong together. That’s what anyone who loves someone enough, would do.” She would do it again if she had to.

  Chase, once again, was left speechless at his wife. Somehow, she always knew just what to say, and when. She stood there, holding Alyssa against her shoulder, one hand supporting her head and the other just under her bottom. One would think that was her own baby, just because she was hardly showing.

  She had braided her hair off to the side, although some of the pieces were stuck up, or falling across her face.

  “Exactly,” Kayla said with a smile. “Fate made sure you were both together, and here you are. Married, in love, and a baby on the way.”

  Summer smiled a sweet, tender loving smile at Chase, as the baby began to wriggle around, searching for food.

  “I’ll get her a bottle ready,” Kayla said, standing up from the couch. “Does she need a diaper change?”

  “Already got it,” Summer said. “I figured Clare could use the sleep.”

  “Between us all, I’m sure that baby will have someone to take care of it during the night hours,” Kayla laughed. “And the day, too.”

  Summer took a seat on the couch next to Chase, leaning into his side. He couldn’t help but stroke the baby’s cheek, feeling how soft and warm she was.

  “Do you want a boy or girl?” he asked her quietly.

  “I’m not picky,” Summer said. “A boy would be good since we have Alyssa here. Then a girl later on in a few years.”

  “What do you think you will have?” Jack asked out. He didn’t know much about pregnancy, and he certainly wasn’t going to learn now.

  “I don’t really know. I guess, I haven’t really even thought about it. My mind had been on a lot of things over the past few months. I was just trying to get strong enough to take John out.”

  “And you did,” Chase said, still in awe over it. He could still picture her with the gun, keeping perfect aim and stance the entire time.

  “You took John down all on your own?” Kayla repeated, surprised.

  “Sebastian helped,” Summer said, a blush covering her cheeks. “But yes.”

  “Wow,” Kayla said, not sure how else to respond. She was surprised no one had told her, but yet, at the same time, Kayla wasn’t the one to keep tabs on happenings.

  “It was amazing to see,” Jack said, a glint in his eyes. “I didn’t even get to do anything.”

  “Hopefully you won’t have to anytime soon,” Summer said. “I’ve had my share of blood on my hands now.”

  “You are stronger than I ever could be,” Kayla mused, handing the bottle to Summer.

  Summer gently laid the baby down, propped up on her arm, and fed her. Of course, she made sucking noises and grunted with each swallow, content.

  “I can’t wait for ours to arrive,” Chase whispered to her. “What do you think about getting some maternity pictures done? I heard it’s a good experience.”

  “Maybe,” Summer said. Of course, Chase would turn out to be the man that wanted to document everything he could.

  “What about a doctor?” Kayla asked as the thought clicked.

  “I do need to find one,” Summer mused. “Sebastian found me one in Colorado, who was Fayth’s aunt, and said everything was looking good. I don't want to go into labor without one. Unless we can talk Gabriel into doing it.”

  “Good luck on that one honey,” Chase laughed, knowing that was not a likely chance for that to ever happen, no matter how whipped he was by Summer. “I’ll give Clare’s doctor a call. I’m sure she’ll take you on.”

  “When was the last time you were checked?” Kayla asked, instantly in doctor mode.

  “Less than a week ago,” Summer said. “And everything looked perfect.”

  “I’m sure Sebastian can get the stuff faxed over,” Chase said towards his mother. “From what I saw, and have seen, everything does seem to be okay.”

  Kayla took a moment, looking over Summer. She was healthy, much healthier than her sister had been. Morning sickness seemed to not be an issue, nor did she seem to be overly tired.

  “Okay,” Kayla said, letting her worries drop for now. “I can see that Sebastian made sure you were in good hands.”

  “Of course he did,” Summer said with an eye roll. “He made sure I ate, slept, and kept myself healthy before all else.”

  Although Summer had rolled her eyes, a lasting effect of being around Fayth so much, she liked that everyone worried about her. It wouldn’t stop anytime soon. But that was okay. She'd learn to deal.

  Chapter 39

  The house was full of voices. Summer sat in the middle of the couch, Clare on one side of her, Fayth on the other. Zinna sat on the floor as Sarah made herself comfortable in Summer's lap, content to be quiet and soak up any and all attention. Sarah had been stuck to Summer like glue since she entered the house just an hour before. She certainly wouldn’t be leaving her sight anytime soon, either.

  Summer was quieter herself as Fayth pretty much took control of any questions that were shot their way. Like how Summer and she got along so well, and even how they became friends. Fayth certainly didn’t beat around the bush, that was for sure.

  The girls, well everyone really, liked Fayth just as much as Summer did. She fit right in into the crazy family, and Summer couldn’t help but smile, knowing the redhead was part of the family too.

  Sophie was exploring the house, not a care in the world that there were so many people. She wagged her tail, letting it thump against everything with a loud whack. Her pink tongue hung out of her mouth, happy to be home.

  “So,” Asher said, burping Alyssa gently by patting her back after being fed. “Have you had experience with children?”

  “Well, yeah,” Fayth said. “I did sorta teach kids about the animals at the shelter.” She had no idea what Asher was getting at.

  “Well, the daycare in town is looking to hire some aides for some of the children that are more . . .” Asher trailed off, not sure how to say the handic
apped children without sounding like a jackass.

  “Handicapped?” Clare prompted a look of love and amusement on her face. Asher was tough, but yet he hated to call people out for what they were.

  “Yeah, that,” Asher said with a cough to clear his throat. “They could use some help if you’re sticking around, and I hear the pay is above average.”

  “Of course I’m sticking around,” Fayth huffed out. “I ain’t leaving my chica here, that’s for damn sure.”

  She’d have to think about that offer. Fayth wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, and there was no rush either. Chase was letting her take the loft apartment for the time being so she had plenty of time to figure out what to do. Whatever she did do, she defiantly wouldn’t be going far.

  “You know, I really like you,” Zinna said, lifting her head up at her, a happy smile on her face.

  “That’s what she said,” Fayth smirked back, nodding her head towards Summer. She had been a tad bit disappointed that Zinna was married since she was just as good looking at Summer. She couldn’t help but mutter out that all the good chicks were taken already, causing most of the room to laugh. She was still waiting for that kiss that Summer promised her.

  “Did you have a baby shower?” Fayth asked, turning to Clare. “Alyssa is such a cutie!”

  “Not really,” Clare said, her voice nearly emotionless. “I wasn’t exactly up for a lot of company.” And that was an understatement.

  “Hey, what if we put something together for both of you, then. Mother, and mother to be! That way you both get a baby shower,” Fayth said, nearly vibrating in her seat.

  “Ohh! That would be totally amazing! We can get that to work!” Zinna agreed, her brain already beginning to plan.

  “Hey, wait a minute,” Sebastian said, jumping in. He hadn’t been far away at all. Not that he feared for Summer’s safety, but wanted to make sure she didn’t get overwhelmed. He tended to be a little over protective of her. But so was Chase.

  Chase was across the room, talking to Gabriel and his father, who hardly spoke a word to Summer yet, simply nodded a greeting. The Prince kept checking over her, making sure she was okay and not overcrowded.

  “What?” Summer asked, looking up at him with questionable eyes.

  “Kayla and I may have worked together when I called her with our arrival details,” he muttered, looking anywhere but at the Princess. He wasn’t sure why he was nervous about such plans.

  “Yes?” Summer prompted him.

  “We have you both a baby shower set up for Sunday afternoon,” he said, meeting Summer’s eyes. “I know it’s so soon, but Clare may need a few things, like a swing, a crib, and such. You will need things too, figila. Kayla already has it in the works.”

  “Of course she does,” Clare said with a happy sigh. “I wouldn’t have expected any less.”

  “We weren’t going to spring it on you or anything, but . . .” he trailed off.

  “Neither of you have really had to chance to tell us,” Summer finished for him. “That’s okay. Really. Kayla tends to like to spring things on me because she knows I don’t much care for attention, as you can tell. But I’m slowly getting used to all of it.”

  “You are doing wonderful,” Zinna said, patting Summer’s knee. “I’ve been there. I wasn’t . . . . in the same family status as you are, but I’ve been there. Kayla tried her best to not remember how we got to where we are, and she means well.”

  “She’s a good mother, to everyone,” Clare piped up quietly. “She really does mean well.”

  “Where will the baby shower be held?” Summer asked.

  “Here,” Sebastian said. “There’s no sense to have it at the Marcel Estate and have to move everything back here afterward. Your house is big enough to hold everyone, I’m sure. Or we could even set up tents outside.”

  “Outside would be nice, as long as it’s not rainy and cool,” Clare said. “Alyssa doesn’t need to be out if the weather isn’t warm.”

  “Kayla and Zinna will figure something out, I’m sure,” Sebastian said with a knowing look.

  “And me!” Fayth said, not wanting to be left out.

  “Of course,” Sebastian snuffed out a laugh. “Wouldn’t dream of leaving you out of the party planning.”

  “You still have what? Three months before you have your little one?” Zinna asked.

  “Summer?” Sarah’s soft voice reached Summer’s ears. She looked down at her, waiting for her to continue. “Your tummy moved.” Her cute little nose wrinkled in confusion, her mind trying to come up with some sort of reason why.

  The women held in their amused laughs, as Summer thought about how best to answer her.

  “Well, you know Clare had a baby?” Summer asked.

  “Yeah, Alyssa,” Sarah answered, still confused.

  “Well, Alyssa was in Clare’s tummy,” Summer said slowly.

  “Do you have an Alyssa too?” Sarah asked.

  “Well, sorta. But a different baby, who will have a different name when he or she is born in about fifteen weeks or so,” Summer answered.

  “A baby? In there?” Sarah said, her eyes widening before dropping to Summer’s round stomach. “Can I touch?”

  “Of course,” Summer said.

  Slowly, Sarah placed her hand on Summer’s stomach, which was only slightly bigger than the week before. Summer was still carrying small, but she’d be seeing a new OBGYN, come Thursday afternoon. The same doctor that Clare had seen.

  Sarah’s eyes widened even more once her small hand was lying along the most rounded part of her stomach. The baby moved, somehow knowing what to do.

  “Wow!” Sarah exclaimed. “What will you name it?”

  “I’m not sure yet,” Summer said with a smile. “I won’t know until he or she is born.”

  “So I’ll be . . .” Sarah trailed off, not sure the word she was looking for.

  “A cousin,” Fayth said before Summer could.

  “What about Birdie,” Sebastian said. “A mix of a sister and cousin. A special name for a special little girl like you.”

  “Birdie?” Sarah said, testing out the name on her tongue. “I like it.”

  With that, she laid her head back against Summer’s shoulder, keeping her hand on the bump that held the baby within her. She wasn’t sure about it, but babies were always cute, so she liked whatever was going on.

  “She adores you,” Fayth said a smile on her face.

  “Sarah’s been stuck to Summer since they met,” Clare laughed out, remembering how they had been before life kicked in again. “She certainly missed her Aunt.”

  “I did,” Sarah said through a yawn.

  “She didn’t sleep much at all last night when she heard you were back,” Abigail said from the nearby chair. She was sitting on Trent’s lap, content to be held there. She now wore a silver collar with a diamond jewel, that hung against the small dip of her neck and chest. “She may fall asleep against you. I can take her to go lay her down.”

  “She’s fine,” Summer said, knowing right away by how Sarah pushed herself into her more at just the words, that she’d most likely cry and wouldn’t sleep at all then.

  Abigail gave Summer a knowing smile but didn’t push. Sarah would be asleep within minutes, as they sat there. Her eyes kept blinking more and staying closed longer and longer.

  “So, what do you still need Clare? I will have to go baby shopping for you too,” Fayth piped up.

  “Sleep,” Clare laughed out. “Alyssa is up every two hours, on the dot. But otherwise, there isn’t much I need. She’s so little, so a crib won’t be needed for a while. So I don’t really know.”

  “I’ll find something,” Fayth said. “I always do.”

  “She doesn’t have a crib yet,” Zinna said. “Lyssa is small, so it’s not like she needs one right this minute. I know for a fact that Asher gets up more times with her than Clare does.”

  “He won’t let me do much of anything,” Clare said with a laugh. “Not that I mind.
I really can’t overdo it right now anyways.”

  “Girl, everyone is at your beck and call,” Fayth said. “And the same for you, chica.”

  “Still so hard to let everyone take care of me,” Summer muttered out. “But I am getting better at it.” She was. It was a slow process, but she was getting there.

  “Will your mom be there at the shower thingy?” Fayth asked out next. “I’d love to meet her.” Summer had talked about her mother often and knew they still had more catching up to do.

  “I’ll make sure she is,” Sebastian said, butting in. “She may not like me too much at the moment, but she’ll be here.”