Adele wasn’t sure what was so time-sensitive, but Serafine’s lighthearted attitude did little to ease the panic that was taking hold of her mind. Still, she knew that the sooner she followed Serafine, the sooner everything would be back to normal. Adele crawled out onto the dock and slipped into the water, heading straight for Serafine’s tiny houseboat. It took some effort to get up there, because her muscles were feeling oddly tense after such a short swim, but she made it onto the deck and waited for an explanation.
“Come on inside,” Serafine said.
Adele had barely gotten in the door when she was seized with a strange force. It was as though her body was possessed. Her muscles throbbed, and she didn’t know why. All four of her legs began to tremble, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could remain standing. The wooden planks of the floor suddenly looked extremely comfortable.
Serafine raised her eyebrows. “Your body works fast. Come on.”
She pointed Adele to a pile of straw and reeds tucked in the corner of the room. Adele wasn’t sure she could make it on her unsteady body. The boat was small, but it still seemed to be an impossible distance. Still, she began to crawl as fast as her aching muscles would allow. Halfway across the floor, she paused and looked up at Serafine. She needed a breather, and she wanted some answers.
“Don’t tell me I forgot to explain this to you.”
Adele shook her head, wishing she had a better way to express herself in gator form. Serafine had explained it.
But it’s impossible.
“You really haven’t figured it out? That’s a nest. You’re layin’ eggs, girl. Go on now, make yourself comfortable on the nest.”
Adele tried to hurry over, but the tremors and tension coursing through her body slowed her pace. Her crawls got slower and slower with each step, and it felt like an hour passed before she finally arrived at the nest. All the while, she kept thinking that Serafine had to be wrong, that it was completely impossible for her to be able to have children, whether they were humans or gators. But then her muscles began to strain even more, and she couldn’t deny it any longer.
Every single nerve was pushed to its limits. Soon, Adele had no mental space left to panic, or to insist that this was impossible. Her body took over everything, letting nature take its course. After an hour of exhausting work, Adele suddenly regained her human form. She tried to stand up, but her knees buckled. Her body was completely exhausted. Serafine brought her a glass of water, a towel, and a change of clothes.
“Just relax. It ain’t easy, especially the first time.”
“How long did you know about this?” Adele asked, gasping for breath. “I mean, how did you know before I did? This is just—I can barely believe it.”
“I got the message last night. I felt it in my heart. You forget, I have a spiritual connection to each an’ every member of this congregation. The second I had the vision, I got to work. Was up half the night buildin’ that nest.”
“Why didn’t you come right out and say something? I was terrified. I’m still kind of freaked out.”
“Would you have believed me?”
Adele sighed. “No, I guess not. I’m not sure I still believe it even now. I’m not supposed to be able to have children, remember? This doesn’t make any sense.”
“I told you back when we met. Bein’ turned changes the body. You ain’t the same person you were a month ago.”
Before Adele had a chance to respond, Xavier and Oscar burst through the door.
“Don’t you boys know to knock?” Serafine asked.
“Didn’t someone think to radio us when our mate started layin’ eggs?” Oscar retorted.
“It’s okay,” Adele said with a smile. “Serafine helped me.” She lifted the blanket covering the nest to reveal the cache of three oblong, brown-speckled eggs. “I can’t believe that in two months we’re going to be parents. This is kind of scary. I’m not sure I know how to be a good mother. It’s not like I ever even gave it much thought. I mean, for most of my adult life, it hasn’t even been a possibility.”
“But you’re happy ’bout it, right?” Xavier asked, worry suddenly clouding his face.
“Of course I am,” Adele said. “I’ve gone my whole life thinking I could never have kids of my own. To actually have that chance is amazing. I’m just worried that I’ll screw up somehow.”
Oscar squeezed her shoulder. “Baby, I know you’re gonna be amazin’. I can’t wait till they hatch.”
“Is it safe to move ’em to our quarters?” Xavier asked.
Serafine shook her head. “They shouldn’t be moved. Don’t need nothin’ but to keep ’em warm, anyway, so it ain’t like they’ll be in my way.”
“But what if we miss them hatching?” Adele asked. “I’d never forgive myself.”
“All of our children have been born in this boat. It’s a sacred and protected space. Besides, your body’ll let you know when it’s time for hatchin’. You’ll be over here in plenty of time, I promise.”
“I can’t wait till they’re here,” Oscar said. He took Adele’s hand, and Xavier began to massage her shoulders.
“I can’t, either,” Adele said. “And somehow, this is the most unbelievable thing that has happened to me this spring.”
“But you’re happy, right?” Xavier asked.
Adele grinned. “Of course I am. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than right in this moment.”
“You just wait till they’re hatched, then,” Oscar said. “If you’re happy now, imagine what it’ll be like when they’re actually here.”
Adele couldn’t help but laugh with joy. Oscar was right. The realization that soon she was going to be a mother was exhilarating.
She looked out the window and let her gaze focus on the clear bayou day. She had a beautiful home, caring mates, and soon she’d have children. She’d never realized that life could be perfect, but now she knew that happy endings really did exist.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlotte Rose grew up in the Midwest but relocated to the South when she was twenty-four in search of warmer winters. She now divides her time between Austin, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Charlotte is inspired by the romance and mystery of both of her homes. She loves the way both the hill country and the bayou create compelling landscapes for her sexy shape-shifters to run wild in. Although Charlotte keeps very busy with her writing, she loves getting out into nature whenever possible. She enjoys camping, sailing, hiking, and any other activity that lets her get close to wild creatures. Charlotte finds inspiration in mountain lions, foxes, bears, snakes, and other fierce animals. Her primary muse is her pet alligator, named Priscilla.
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Rose, Charlotte - Bayou Rescue [The Shifters of Alligator Bend 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 15