Morrigan nodded.
“Oh, and we have a couple Deathcallers of different varieties. And an enchanter. There is a little of everyone. Though the second biggest group are the witches. We just don’t need a coven,” Druciela explained.
“Hopefully I can explore soon. Maybe the other witches can find their place here. I hope so. Our coven has been falling apart since I was a child. And no one has done anything about it.”
“Once the doppelgangers are exposed and killed, do you think they can accept a new start?”
“They may insist on finding a coven. I’ve learned, but I’ve been isolated since Anthony stepped into Daniel’s role. And I kept the secret because I saw what they did to Mark when he tried to tell them.” Cora finished off her coffee. “I want to help my coven, but I don’t think I belong there anymore.”
“That’s pretty much how Mark feels. He’ll help, but he doesn’t belong there.”
Morrigan dropped her head. When she looked back up, she looked at Druciela. “It’s possible that if Gerard gets his hands on Mark again, he can pull the wolf out of Mark, making him witch once more. Or rather, removing what makes him a werewolf, letting his magic free.”
“That can’t be done.” Druciela said.
“I’ve seen something like it happen. Someone who let someone change them into a wereanimal and was attacked by a doppelganger. The beast was removed, and their magic came roaring back. But because it was blocked and building up, they were far more dangerous, unable to control their magic.”
“We aren’t going to let Gerard touch him,” Cora said. “I can’t let him go through that again. Especially if he wants to help us all, when we let him down.” Cora stood and moved inside for more coffee. She came back and looked around the forest. “Where are we?”
“Nowhere, sort of.” Morrigan lifted a shoulder. “We’re in a rift. It doesn’t exist in a single plane. Don’t worry, the magic here is more stable than any I’ve encountered. And that’s saying something.”
Cora only blinked. She didn’t understand, and honestly, she wasn’t sure she wanted to. No one seemed phased by any of the differences between any of them.
* * * *
Gina slipped from the bed and tiptoed to the bathroom. Before she could slide the door shut, Mark was there, concern on his face.
She touched her rounder belly and turned as she collapsed in front of the toilet, releasing bile.
Mark pulled her hair back. “Morning sickness?” he asked, his voice soft.
She nodded.
“I know someone who could maybe give you something to settle your stomach, but with the changes coming so fast, I don’t know if it will help.”
“Morrigan?” she asked.
His hand drew comforting circles on her back. “Hadn’t considered her, but we could call Druciela, see if they’re all still together. But Dakota has old recipes that help with all sorts of things.”
She nodded. Everyone went to him for the hangover treatment. Not that werewolves usually suffered from that. Still, he helped everyone who felt ill with old potions.
“You okay, Gina?” he asked.
“Yeah. Going to take a quick shower. You make the calls.”
He dipped his head. “I’ll join you soon.”
She kissed his chest and turned for the shower. Gina turned the water on and caressed her belly. “Are you going to make me sick this whole time?”
Badb murmured, It’s your body’s response to having a life forming inside you. I cannot predict how you will go through this or any other pregnancy. However, things are moving fast. Faster than I expected.
“Tell me I’ll be okay after.”
I promise you that you will not only be whole, but what you were, and still have your beast. And I will stay nearby to ensure you have your first child.
She closed her eyes and let the water cascade over her. Her stomach calmed.
* * * *
Mark grabbed his phone and headed downstairs to make tea. There were a dozen types on his shelf, now he had to pick one.
His first call was to Dakota, who answered on the first ring. “Morning, Mark. What’s going on?”
“Have a cure for morning sickness? One for a werewolf?” He squeezed his eyes shut.
“Uh, werewolves don’t have babies, with very few exceptions.”
“Yeah, well, Gina is an exception. And it’s happening fast.”
“Fast?”
Mark rubbed his face. “Yes, the way she’s growing, it’s going to happen in a few days.”
“What the—wait, how did this happen?”
Mark snorted. He wasn’t about to get into details with Dakota.
Dakota groaned. “I don’t mean the sex. I mean, something different had to have happened. I can only think of one werewolf with special circumstances to give birth.”
Mark briefly explained what he understood.
“Okay, there are stories about this sort of thing. I think I know how to help. Are you going to be home?”
“If you can give her some kind of relief, I’ll be happy.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.” He hung up and dialed Druciela. As an enforcer for the Alpha, he had most of the town’s numbers programmed into his phone.
She answered after a few rings. “Hello, Mark.”
“Hello, Dru. Think I could talk to Morrigan?”
“Of course.” She was silent a moment. “Mark would like to talk to you.”
Morrigan came on the phone. “Is Gina all right?”
“Yeah, just morning sickness. I was wondering if you might have suggestions, or a solution for her?”
“Hmm, perhaps Robert can bring me out. I’m willing to try, but I’ve never been good with children or pregnancy.” She laughed softly. “Probably why I only ever had one child.”
“This is your sister, so please, help, if you can.”
“I’ll contact Robert. Either he can bring you both out, or me to her. Either way.”
“Thanks. I need to get back to her.”
“Unfortunately, morning sickness is unpredictable. Take care of her.”
“I will. Let me know what you find out.”
The kettle went off and he poured water over the tea he prepared, then hurried upstairs.
He slipped into the shower and kissed Gina’s shoulder. “Anything I can do?”
“Tell me I’m not horrid now?”
He turned her and smiled as he caressed down her body. “Not in the slightest. And now I’m going to be thinking about you round with my baby until we have ours.” He smirked. “No offense, Badb.”
Gina laughed. “She says none taken.”
“You’re still my gorgeous mate, and nothing is going to change that.”
She leaned up to kiss him.
Chapter 17
Gerard watched Kindra sleeping. She’d been extra attentive to him since coming back from the empty house. Thankfully, she had accepted the change. Her only other choice had been death.
And it seemed that in the next chapter of their lives, they would live as mated werewolves. There were times when doppelgangers couldn’t choose a couple to stay together. And her first time with a new face would be hard enough.
Kindra rolled closer to Gerard, burying her head against his chest. When she first came back to him from her abduction, she’d been appalled by the smell of his decay, but hers set in once they were reunited.
Soon, Valen would call with some sort of news. All they asked him to do was verify that a werewolf fit Anders’ description, and get a sense of the town, as a possible place for the coven to move.
“Heard from him yet?” she asked.
“Not yet. Why?”
“Is there a way to break your tie to Anders so we can go somewhere else and start fresh?”
“No, my love. There is no other way.”
“I see.” Her eyes closed as she rolled to her back.
> Fear trickled in for a moment. He had to know her answer. “What would you choose if you could do it all over again?”
Facing him, she caught his chin and looked into his eyes. “You. I love you.”
“Your coven will end. Can you accept that too?” he asked.
“You’re my people now.”
“We need to get ready. As soon as we have the information, we’ll be making a trip with the other doppelgangers.”
She climbed from the bed and headed for the shower.
The phone rang, and he picked it up to find Valen’s name. “Good morning, son. I hope you’ve found something useful.”
“There is a werewolf who looks just like you. Mark Welling. Mated to Gina Summerset. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
“I’ll explain everything when you come home. It’s time you knew the truth.”
“What truth?” Valen asked boldly.
“Face-to-face, son. I promise, you’ll understand everything when you come back. Don’t stay there. I don’t want them to know who you are just yet. And the sooner we talk, the better.”
“I’ll be there soon, Dad.”
Gerard hung up and stretched. His body was weaker, but that meant his oldest magic grew stronger. He followed Kindra to the shower.
* * * *
Gina rubbed her belly while she watched Mark move through the kitchen. He kept glancing over at her with that smile of his. As if he didn’t believe there was a single problem in their world.
Maybe there shouldn’t have been, but there were real things they needed to worry about. Like the possible takeover of Edenton.
The doppelgangers had been doing it for thousands of years.
They won’t continue. There are enough of you that know what to expect and how to deal with them for good.
Gina thought back, I hope you’re right.
I’ll be here in person, in time to help.
Gina could only close her eyes. How would a baby grow fast enough to help with the coming mess?
Don’t worry about that, Badb murmured.
Easier said than done. Gina’s body was changing so fast she hardly recognized it. Mark didn’t mind her expanding belly.
In fact, he brought a plate to the table and leaned in to wrap one arm over her shoulders and caress her tummy with the other hand. “Everyone will be here soon, and all I want to do is take you back to bed.”
She took his mouth in a tender kiss, then looked into his eyes. “You will later. First, we need to ensure everyone here is safe. And until the doppelgangers are dealt with, I don’t see how.”
He sat back and glanced toward the door. “Why do they do what they do?”
“What do you mean?”
“If the doppelgangers can be what they were meant to be, why don’t they stay as they are?”
Badb told her the answer, and she winced, then relayed it. “They are a cursed people. They were too greedy, so their beauty and power was taken from them. Now they seek to become something better, and it works, for a time, but they kill everything in their wake. They’ll fade away and die if they don’t continue the pattern.”
“Why can’t people be happy with what they have? All I want is you. That’s it. No one and nothing else.”
“Because you’re a good man who appreciates what he has. And you work hard for what you want.”
“I work hard because I like what I do, and because I don’t want to let Clint down.”
“Same thing. Now hush.” She nodded to the door as the first person rang the bell. “How many should we expect today?”
“Who knows. Hopefully Dakota is here.”
“I haven’t felt off since when I first woke up.” She lifted a shoulder. “But I appreciate the thought behind having him come.”
“Yeah, but I don’t like seeing you sick.”
“No, but you took care of me and made me feel better.” Gina hopped up and moved to the door. Dakota stood there with a thermos.
His eyes widened as they locked on the baby bump. “I don’t have a clue what to say.”
“Come in.” Gina stepped inside. “And good morning.”
Blinking, he followed. “Good morning, indeed. Mark mentioned you’ll be able to carry a child after this?”
She nodded. “That’s what Badb told me. I feel the truth. Everything is different.
He nodded. “For both of you. I feel magic where there wasn’t any before.”
Mark shook his head. “The magic is below the surface, but I can’t reach it. It was always there.”
“Not like it is now. No, this isn’t residual magic. This is strong enough you can tap into. What were you?”
Mark groaned. “Witch.”
“What the hell is going on?” Dakota asked.
Mark rubbed at his face and gave Dakota the rundown of where he was from and what was coming to try to take over.
Dakota nodded slowly. “Interesting. We saw a man at In 2 Deep who looks a lot like you.”
Mark swallowed hard. “Did you get a name?”
“I overheard him introduce himself as Valen.”
“We were going to name our boy Valen if we had one. Paige if our baby were a girl.”
Gina could feel the pain rolling from Mark. She asked, “Did you overhear any of the rest of the conversation?”
“He asked about the witches in Edenton and about how well they get along with werewolves.” Dakota shook his head. “You think they’re scoping out the area?”
“Yeah, and using my son to do it.” He rubbed at his face and walked away.
“He may not know.” Gina touched his shoulder.
Mark held up a hand. “Don’t. I get it. It’s been fifty years, Gina. I don’t know the kid. I wish things were different, but shit.” He blew out a breath. “Thing is, he’s against us, or will be once they tell him what’s going on.”
“How can you be sure?” Gina asked.
Dakota let out a breath. “There was something wrong with him. Death and decay lingered in the air around him. In fact, everyone moved away from the bar soon after he took a seat at the counter.”
“He’s one of them. Even if he has my DNA, he’s still Gerard’s.” Mark shook his head. “As long as I don’t think about him being mine, it’s easier.”
“What if there is a way to save him?” Gina took his hand. “What if?”
Mark rubbed at his face. “I don’t know. Does it really matter? Even if there is, there is no guarantee we can. I want to say of course it matters, but we don’t have a lot of choices here. We need to protect ourselves and Edenton. And if he’s been raised by Kindra and Gerard, I have to accept the fact he may not believe a word we say.”
Badb whispered, he may be right. There is no guarantee where the boy is concerned.
He’s older than me, Gina thought back.
Badb sighed. Makes little difference.
It didn’t.
* * * *
Part of Mark mourned for the loss of a son he never knew. A small part. And maybe that made him an asshole, but the kid came to his town, to ask questions. That had to mean he was scouting for the witches. Who else would it be? Edenton didn’t get a lot of visitors, and not usually nosy ones.
Gina watched him with such sad eyes. He turned back and offered a smile, at least attempted to.
“I’m fine, Gina. Look, I’ve always expected the baby died with Kindra. I’ve been okay with it since then. So why should I let the new information change my perspective?”
“I can’t help thinking there must be a way.”
And the truth of the matter was it probably didn’t matter. “Look, if he chooses his mother and the man he’s grown up believing to be his father, I’ll have to deal with him. And seeing as he doesn’t know me, and God knows what that woman filled his head with, I expect him to hate me. I stabbed his mother. The woman who raised him.”
“In self-defense!” Gina argued.
; A bitter laugh escaped. “He doesn’t know that.”
“He’s right,” Dakota said.
“Look, whatever happens, I’ll deal with it. I have to,” Mark answered.
“With me by your side,” Gina vowed.
He pulled her close and hugged her tight. “I know. We’ll be okay.”
Dakota cleared his throat. “Sorry. Here. If this works, I’m leaving the recipe so you can make more. Or you can call. And if there is anything else you need, let me know.”
“Of course, thank you.”
Dakota hugged Gina, then patted Mark on the back. “Honest, anything. I’m here.”
“You’re a sweetheart,” Gina answered.
He glanced at her stomach with a strange smile, then shrugged. “Anytime.”
Mark smiled. “Thank you for coming so fast.”
“Just heat it up when you need it.” Dakota ducked out the door.
Gina took Mark’s hands. “What can I do?”
“You already are.” He kissed her forehead. “Just be here.”
“Always.”
The bell rang again.
He opened the door and found Slater and Jess.
“May we come in?” Slater asked.
“Yeah, of course.” He stepped out of the way.
Jess rushed over to Gina and stared at her stomach. “Slater told me, and I saw something like this, but wow.”
Gina laughed. “It’s fast.”
Jess nodded. “If the rest of what I saw for you is right, it won’t be this fast next time.”
“I can handle slower. This is too fast,” Gina said.
Mark moved to her. “As long as I have you, I’ll be happy.”
She couldn’t agree more. Gina turned to Jess and smiled. “Do you know everything going on?”
“Yeah, and I’m worried about Mark.” Jess side-eyed him.
“Me too,” Gina admitted.
“I’ll be fine,” Mark promised.
Jess rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t mean you won’t be affected by everything to come.”
He dipped his head.
Slater sighed. “What she means to say is that we’re all here for you, whatever happens. And if some of the witches settle here, and you want them gone, just say the word. We’ll make sure that happens.”
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