by Donna Grant
“You need privacy,” Eilish said by way of explanation. Then she held something out.
Claire saw the box but hesitated to take it. “I can’t be pregnant. V told me that it’s rare for a mortal to get pregnant.”
“Rare, but not impossible,” Eilish said in a soft voice and held out the box again. “You won’t know until you take the test.”
With shaking hands, Claire took the box and, with legs that felt wooden, walked into the bathroom. She took out the stick and did a quick read-through of the instructions. It was the first time in her life that she had ever taken a pregnancy test.
As she lowered her pants and sat on the toilet, Claire kept hearing V’s words about how rare it was for a King to get a mortal with child. And how those who did lost the babe, or carried to term, only to birth a stillborn.
There was a knock on the door before Eilish said, “Claire? You’ve been in there for over five minutes. Is everything all right?”
Five minutes? She put the cap on the end of the stick and set it on the sink before she cleaned herself and stood to pull up her pants. Then she washed her hands, careful not to look at the stick to get any sort of answer to the question running through her head.
When she finished, she opened the door to Eilish. “It’s there,” she said, pointing behind her.
Eilish looked around her before green-gold eyes focused on Claire once more. “You didn’t look?”
“I can’t.”
The Druid nodded and moved aside for Claire to walk out. Claire tried to sit on the sofa. Then she moved to the chairs. Finally, she gave up and paced. The longer Eilish remained silent, the more worried Claire became.
“Tell me I’m just late for the first time in my life,” she begged Eilish.
The Druid walked out of the bathroom, holding the pregnancy test in her hand. “I can’t do that.”
Claire’s legs gave out, and she crumpled to the floor. “Oh, God.”
Eilish was beside her in an instant. “You’re living in a magical place. Anything can happen. Forget what V told you.”
Claire wished she could do that, but she couldn’t. She met the Druid’s gaze. “How many others have lived here for much longer than I have? How many have become pregnant?”
“A lot. And none that I know of.”
Emotion welled up, choking Claire. “I can’t be pregnant. I-I can’t!”
“You’re going to be all right,” Eilish said as she wrapped her arms around Claire.
“I’m going to fall in love with the baby just as I am with V. Then I’m going to lose it.” The truth of it was like a knife right through Claire’s heart.
Tears poured from her eyes before she could stop them. All she wanted was V, but she knew he had other duties at the moment. And she wouldn’t tell him even if he were there. He didn’t need her fears and anxieties on top of everything else he was dealing with.
Claire clung to Eilish as she gave in to the overwhelming tsunami of dread and panic within her. She didn’t know when someone else came into her room or how long Sophie held her.
It was Eilish who told her the news, and it was Sophie who began to calm Claire down. It took some time, but the tears lessened, and Claire was finally able to breathe easier.
Sophie smiled as she wiped the tears from Claire’s cheeks. “Do you want me to get V?”
“No,” Claire said so loudly it was nearly a shout.
Eilish rubbed a hand along Claire’s back. “No one is going to tell him but you. That’s your decision.”
Claire sniffed and looked between the two women. “Could the test be wrong?”
“No,” Sophie replied. She cocked her head to Claire. “I’ve got my bag. Do you want me to give you a checkup and tell you how far along you are?”
Claire looked at the rug she sat on, the same one she and V had made love on. “I’m just a few weeks,” she replied.
“Let Sophie have a look,” Eilish said.
Claire let them help her to her feet. She removed her pants and lay on the bed while Sophie got her bag. As Claire looked at the ceiling, all she could think about was holding V’s baby.
A bairn with ice blue eyes and dark hair.
Her thoughts skidded to a halt when V’s words about them being different species came back to her. How were dragons born? She’d never thought to ask. That’s when the tears came again.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Not even a flight around Dreagan helped V anymore. After his patrol, he’d made his way into the mountain in search of Henry. He found the mortal in the cavern, looking at the map once more.
With still no sight of Rhi or Usaeil, Henry had made use of the map by returning to his original search for the Dark Fae. Then he incorporated the places where Usaeil might be in control. It was a good thought.
For as long as the Kings had been worried about what the Dark controlled, they hadn’t realized how much power Usaeil was quietly gaining.
There were black pins all over Ireland now, denoting the towns that Henry and Ryder believed Usaeil controlled. The sheer number of them in relation to the red ones for the Dark Fae was staggering.
Henry turned his head to V. “Con could be anywhere. And I’ve not looked outside of Ireland yet.”
With lines of strain on his unshaven face, the mortal looked as distressed and troubled about Con’s disappearance as the rest of them.
“He isn’t my king,” Henry said, “but I consider Con a friend. If you don’t think I’m doing everything I can to help, you’re wrong.”
V briefly lowered his eyes to the ground. That’s exactly what had been going through his mind. In reality, V just wanted someone to blame, and it was easy to point a finger at the human.
The Englishman snorted loudly, his face full of mocking anger. “I still haven’t truly accepted my role as JusticeBringer, but I even tried to use that power last night. That’s when my sister reminded me that it only works on Druids. The one time I want it to work, it won’t.”
“You’re doing a good job,” V told Henry. Then he raked a gaze over Henry’s haggard appearance. “When was the last time you slept?”
“I don’t know. I lose track of time down here.”
Ulrik walked in then. “It’s been nearly forty-eight hours since you’ve taken a break, Henry. You’re due.”
V could tell it infuriated the mortal that he had to rest and sleep. Henry wanted to soldier on like the Kings, but the simple fact was that he couldn’t.
“I’ll rest for a couple of hours,” Henry conceded indignantly as he strode out of the cavern.
V shook his head as he walked closer to the map. “I’m having a hard time believing that Usaeil is able to hold Con.”
“Maybe he isna trying to get free.”
V jerked his head to Ulrik, frowning. “I hadna considered that.”
“I’ve fought Con. Twice. There is much about him no one knows. Especially the part where he doesna let all of his power loose.”
Now that was a surprise. “Why no’?”
Ulrik shrugged. “You’d have to ask Con. I suspect it’s because, in the back of his mind, he’s always worried an enemy might come one day. Someone that can actually defeat him. Anyone who has studied us will believe that Con’s power has a max. They’ll learn differently at the right time.”
“Like when Usaeil attacks.”
“Just like that,” Ulrik replied with a grin.
V drew in a deep breath and released it. “I still doona like it. And while I like your idea on things, I can no’ help but wonder if Con is trapped.”
“You mean like Roman was in Iceland.”
V briefly closed his eyes and turned so his back was to the map and he could look directly at Ulrik. “You saw what the Others’ magic did to him.”
“We saved him.”
“Barely.”
Ulrik’s lips flattened. “The Others are strong. I’ve never denied that. They tried to get to the Kings by using that wooden dragon. While it was brought to Drea
gan, it didna have the consequences they wanted.”
“We assume,” V interjected.
“Then there is you. The Others altered your memories. You broke through their magic.”
V couldn’t take all the credit for that. “If it hadna been for Sabina and her brother, I wouldna have been able to do that.”
“It doesna matter what began it. You’re the one who discovered what to look for in order to rip through their magic. You did that.”
“How is that going to help Con?”
Ulrik grinned. “No matter how cunning you think he is, he’s much more. He’s more astute, and defter than anyone realizes.”
“Oh, I’m verra aware of all of that,” V said with a snort.
Ulrik shook his head, his smile widening. “It’s more than you think. Con hides more than his feelings. He shows what he needs to those around him to secure his position. The rest, he keeps inside, waiting for the day he needs it.”
V had thought he knew Con. It looked like there was much more to the King of Kings than he realized.
“Con told me his plan after he’d been King of Kings for a decade,” Ulrik shared. “I laughed then because I honestly couldna imagine us having an enemy greater than our magic.”
V shook his head. “Con could have taken all of us down during the war with the humans.”
“Easily,” Ulrik agreed. “But he didna. He knew there wasna a need. If there was ever a doubt that he’s the right one to lead us, the answers have been there through the eons.”
Which meant that they needed Con back at Dreagan. Soon. No matter what Ulrik said, V still wasn’t convinced that Con allowed himself to be held.
“We need to talk to Rhi,” V said.
Ulrik’s lips twisted. “I’m still trying. She willna answer.”
An idea ran through V’s mind, one that made his stomach turn. “You said the darkness wanted Rhi. Could her association with Balladyn have brought it closer to her?”
“Maybe,” Ulrik said with a shrug. “What are you thinking?”
“What if Rhi fell to it. What if she’s working with Usaeil?”
Ulrik’s head jerked back as if he’d been punched. “Never.”
“Rhi has helped us time and again. Why would she turn away from us right when we are about to go after Usaeil? Why will she no’ answer our calls?”
For long moments, Ulrik stared at him. Then, the King of Silvers ran a hand down his face and murmured, “Fuck.”
The sound of boot heels clicking on stone announced someone’s approach. V looked toward the entrance and spotted Eilish. She immediately smiled at him, but it was forced. And when she looked at Ulrik, V saw the fear and urgency in her gaze that she tried to keep hidden.
Ulrik held out his hand, and Eilish walked to him. They embraced. It made V think about Claire. He needed her touch. Needed to hold her and feel her heartbeat.
“You should take a break, as well,” Ulrik told him. “Go see Claire.”
It was the quick glance that Eilish shot him that made V feel as if something were wrong with Claire. V didn’t say anything as he strode away in search of his woman.
He found her in their bedroom. V had stopped thinking of it as his after only a few days. Claire sat in the corner of the sofa, her legs tucked under her as she stared into the dark fireplace.
She looked as if she were lost deep in thought, her mind far from Dreagan. Concerned, V walked to the couch and sat beside her. As soon as he took her hand in his, he felt how cold it was.
“Vlad,” she said when she turned her face to him.
“You’re like ice.” He started to rub her hands and arms to bring some warmth.
She watched him for a few moments. “I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?” The words came easily, but he could tell by the tone of her voice and the way she wouldn’t meet his gaze that what she had to say wouldn’t be good.
All he could think of was that she wanted to leave Dreagan, that she could no longer handle the stress and fear. And he couldn’t blame her. He didn’t want her to go, but he wouldn’t stop her either.
Minutes went by without her saying anything.
“Claire?”
“I am cold,” she suddenly said. “Will you hold me?”
He scooted back on the sofa and wrapped an arm around her. When she leaned against him, he brought his other arm up and held her securely. “Doona be afraid to say whatever it is you need.”
“I’ve thought of a million different ways to tell you, but none of them seem right.”
“Take your time. I’m no’ going anywhere.”
He closed his eyes when she gripped his shirt tightly. She was deeply upset, and he didn’t like that. V wanted to know what bothered her so he could fix it and put a smile back on her face.
“I thought I could keep it to myself. I thought it would be the right thing to do so you could concentrate on everything else that’s going on.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I can handle whatever is on your mind.”
Silence met his words. It lengthened until there was no doubt that she had changed her mind about telling him. He didn’t push her to speak, though his mind raced with ideas of the kinds of things it could be—and none of them were good.
“I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, his mind went blank. Then he thought of all the times he’d longed for children of his own. Desired to teach his hatchlings how to fly and fight and use magic.
V’s thoughts came to a screeching halt when he remembered that Claire was human. She wasn’t a dragon who laid eggs. Then he recalled the success rate of a dragon and mortal coupling.
V squeezed Claire tighter. He wasn’t sure what to say. Would it be better for everyone if she lost the bairn sooner rather than later? He wasn’t sure he could survive seeing his child stillborn.
They had only been together for a short time, which meant Claire wasn’t that far along. How could he rejoice in the life growing inside her when he knew it wouldn’t survive?
“Your silence is what I feared,” Claire said.
V grasped her arms and shifted her away so he could look at her face. “I’m quiet because I’m no’ sure what to say. I know this isna going to be easy for you.”
“Or you.” She put her hand on his cheek. “You wanted children, didn’t you?”
“I’ve had other things to worry about.”
“I’m sorry I’m not strong enough to give them to you.”
At her words, he frowned. “Listen to me carefully. This has nothing to do with you. You are strong and brave enough to do anything. This is about two species who are incompatible. That’s all.”
“Maybe I’ll be the one who changes things.”
He smiled and pulled her back against him so she didn’t see the remorse in his eyes. “Aye, sweetheart. You might verra well be.”
They remained just as they were, silent and lost in their thoughts. V hated that it was Claire who would have to go through this. It had been a blessing so far that none of the other mates had gotten pregnant.
Losing a bairn—wanted or not—was a traumatizing experience. Every King and their women had each been through so much. It seemed unfair that this was piled on top of it all.
V rubbed his hand up and down Claire’s back. “I will be here for you.”
“I never doubted that.” She swallowed. “I thought it might be better not to love this child since the odds are that I’ll lose it. But … I’m not sure I can do that.”
He squeezed his eyes closed to hold back the emotion. “Love our child with everything you have, as I will. We can do no less since it was love that created it.”
Claire sat up. When he opened his eyes, he saw the tear streaks down her face. She dashed the droplets away and sniffed as she studied him.
“What did you just say?”
He inwardly grimaced. “Something I’ve wanted to tell you for some time. I’m in love with you, Claire. Surely, you know that.”
The tears came again, dropping quickly to roll down her cheeks. V struggled to figure out how to take back his words or say something that would fix whatever he had messed up.
Then a smile pulled at her lips, causing his heart to skip a beat. There was no denying the joy that erupted on her face as she looked at him.
“You love me?”
“Verra much, lass.”
She threw her arms around him and squeezed his neck. Then, she whispered in his ear, “I love you, too.”
V sighed as peace once more filled him. That’s when he knew that as long as he had Claire, he could do anything. Face any hardship.
Because of her love.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
He was going to have a child.
V halted his thoughts as he aimlessly walked the grounds the next morning. He couldn’t allow himself to think that. There was little hope that the babe would survive the first few weeks. And if it did, the odds favored the baby being born dead.
Still, Claire was pregnant. With his child. A life grew inside her, made up of the two of them. No matter if the bairn survived or not, this moment was one of joy.
At least that was how V was going to look at it.
Because to think the worst would only bring pain to both himself and Claire. He would stay positive for her. Regardless of the outcome, he would never forget the moment she’d told him, never forget the absolute euphoria he felt.
If there were pain later, he would cross that bridge when he came to it. And carry Claire over it if that’s what it took. He would shoulder any pain or torment for her.
He and Claire had spent a quiet night together. They didn’t speak of what might or might not happen with the baby. Instead, they focused on their love. They laughed, they held each other, and they made love throughout the night.
But with the dawn came the realization that he had to be prepared for whatever happened next. Not just with the baby, but also with the upcoming encounter with Usaeil. Because it was just a matter of time before the queen came. Everyone knew it. And they were ready.
V’s gaze moved to the sky. If a bairn were born that was half-human and half-dragon, would it be able to shift? Would it look human? Or would it be a mixture of both, forever unable to move in the mortal world?
