Ashes

by Wright, Suzanne

  Tanner looked at Harper, expression almost apologetic. “I know you love your job but, not to be an asshole, it’s going to be hard to adequately protect you when you’re constantly around strangers.”

  Harper sighed. “Tanner —”

  “You have to admit,” the hellhound began, “now that you’re pregnant and don’t just have your own safety to worry about, you’re going to look at everyone suspiciously, wondering if they’re Horsemen or if they hired the hunters. Your demon definitely will be.”

  Harper wiped a hand down her face. “All right, I won’t deny that. But I have a business to run.”

  “It’s a business you co-run,” Knox softly corrected. “You can afford to take some time away from your job. It’s true that you’re the main draw for the studio, but it’s also true that your co-workers are completely capable of running it in your absence.”

  “I know that, but I also know that I’ll get restless and bored and start taking things apart.”

  Larkin’s mouth quirked. “Maternity leave is a good thing.” She paused to frown at Keenan, whose arm bumped hers as he dug out his flask. “Demonic pregnancies aren’t easy, Harper. The last stage is particularly hard.”

  Standing near the fireplace, Levi added, “By then, it will be easy for people to tell that you’re pregnant. That’s when your safety could really be at risk.”

  “Don’t forget that people are reluctant to fuck with pregnant demons,” said Harper. “We can be vicious and moody creatures when crossed.” She looked at Knox, adding, “And then maybe you’ll finally fear my mighty wrath.”

  One side of his mouth lifted. “I really don’t see that happening.”

  Harper sniffed. “Fine, blind yourself to the truth.”

  “Back to the point at hand,” said Knox. “Larkin made a valid point. The next few months will be hard on you. Do you really want to make it even harder? And maybe you should bear in mind that being at the studio every day will not make things easier for you – there, you’ll have your co-workers constantly coddling you. The further along you get in the pregnancy, the worse that coddling will become.”

  Pissed that he was right, Harper barely held back a growl. “I’ll make you a deal. The doc said that when I hit the eighteenth week, I’ll actually start to look pregnant – that will be in just under two weeks’ time. On that very day, I will start maternity leave. It’s a good compromise.” And it would stop her demon from stressing too much.

  Knox gave a slow nod. “I can live with that.”

  “Good, because I don’t want to have to hit you.”

  Levi snorted a laugh. “In the meantime, it would be a good idea to keep Tanner and Keenan close to you at all times.”

  “I wouldn’t worry so much about our lair finding out,” said Tanner. “They’ll rally around you both.”

  “That’s what Wren said.” Harper told them all about the barista.

  “I’m not worried about our lair’s reaction,” said Knox, “but I still want to be in control of when others find out.”

  Tanner inclined his head. “Then we keep it quiet for now.”

  “You know,” began Harper, “I have the distinct feeling that finding out I’m pregnant may draw out the remaining Horsemen.” She looked at Knox. “What better way to make you lose all control than to take your pregnant mate from you?”

  A muscle in Knox’s cheek ticked. “I know that, and I hate it.”

  Yeah, so did she.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  As Harper took her jacket from the coat rack, the girls gathered close – their expressions sad, eyes shiny with unshed tears. She rolled her eyes. “For God’s sake, I’m not going off to war or anything.”

  “It just won’t be the same without you around,” said Devon, shoulders drooping. “I’ll bet Knox is delighted that this was your last day at work for a while.”

  “Oh, he’s ecstatic,” said Harper. “He doesn’t even have the courtesy to pretend differently.” Earlier that morning, he’d given her a self-satisfied, lopsided smile as they parted ways. She’d bet he’d been doing a mental countdown, ticking off each day with utter pleasure.

  “You decorated the nursery yet?” asked Khloë.

  Slipping on her jacket, Harper flicked her hair out of her collar. “No, I decided to leave everything until I started maternity leave or I’d have nothing at all to do.”

  “If you need any help with anything, just let us know,” said Raini.

  Harper smiled. “Thanks.” The days since she’d found out she was pregnant had passed so fast. It had also passed without incident. Nonetheless, her demon had become edgier and edgier as time went on. It looked upon each stranger as a threat, and craved Knox’s company more than usual – he was the one thing that made her demon feel safe and secure. The entity needed that sense of safety right now.

  Tanner raised a brow at Harper as he and Keenan rose from the sofa. “Ready to go?”

  She grabbed her purse. “Yep.” Each of the girls pulled her into a hug one at a time.

  Raini bit her lip. “It’s going to be so weird not seeing you every day.”

  “Same here. And it’s also going to be weird not coming here every day. I’ll pop in occasionally.” At Tanner’s disgruntled growl, Harper shot him a hostile look. “I will not confine myself to my home, no matter how totally cool that home is.”

  “I’ll miss you.” Devon patted her arm. “But one good thing will come from you not being here so much. It means the pooch won’t be here so much either.”

  Tanner grinned. “Ah, kitty, we both know you’ll miss me. Want a tissue?”

  “For my tears of joy? No.”

  “We went shopping for baby clothes.” Raini held up her hand. “Don’t worry, we took Aunt Kayla, so it didn’t look suspicious. Next time we come see you, we’ll bring the little outfits with us. Wait till you see how cute they are!”

  Khloë tilted her head, frowning at Harper. “You don’t look good.”

  “I don’t feel good,” she admitted. She felt a little flushed and just… off.

  “And you didn’t say anything earlier?” Raini shook her head in frustration. “I know you’re used to soldiering on, no matter what happens, but you don’t have just you to think about now. Your body’s telling you it needs to rest, so listen to it.”

  “I didn’t say I was tired, I said I didn’t feel good. But I haven’t exactly felt ‘right’ since the moment I conceived.” As Dr. Rodgers had predicted, the fatigue was gone, her appetite was back, and she no longer had a problem sleeping. She’d also regained the weight that she’d lost and had a noticeable pouch going on. She’d so far been able to conceal it with baggy clothes, but she wouldn’t manage that much longer, so it really was best that she started her maternity leave now.

  “Fine,” said Raini. “Just take care of yourself, okay?”

  Harper saluted her. “Sure thing, Mom.” Slinging her purse on her shoulder, she gripped the strap as she gave the studio one last look. She was going to miss her job big time.

  Tanner opened the door for her, but he didn’t usher her out. He just stood there, patiently giving her a few moments.

  Harper shot the girls one last smile. “Don’t be strangers.” With their goodbyes ringing in her ears, Harper followed Keenan out of the studio. The two sentinels flanked her as they stalked down the strip. The Underground was busier than usual, making both her and her demon feel crowded, and she found herself repeatedly blowing out a long breath to stay cool and calm.

  Soon enough, they were heading up the elevator and then leaving the club. The valet waited outside with the Audi. As usual, Keenan rode shotgun as Tanner drove them back to the mansion. Taking off her jacket, Harper slung it aside and fanned her face. The cool leather and the blast of cold air from the vents felt so good.

  She relaxed in the seat, feeling… conflicted. While she knew that spending the last stage of her pregnancy at home was the right thing to do, it was going to be damn weird. Since the age of fourteen, sh
e’d had one job or another – even when she was attending many of the different high schools during her traveling years with Lucian. It would be strange to not have her days filled with work, to not have her own money, and to not be doing what she loved.

  She wasn’t going to renege on her promise – she’d made the right choice for her, Knox, and the baby. But being at home all the time was going to take some adjusting to.

  Feeling a jab on the left side of her stomach, she smiled. Now that the baby was bigger, its movements were more noticeable – just as the doc had predicted. The fluttering sensations had become light jabs, thuds, and sometimes she could swear she felt it turn and roll. She put a hand on her stomach, feeling yet another jab. The kicks weren’t hard enough to be uncomfortable, but they soon would be. It was scary to think that in another twelve weeks, she’d be holding the baby in her arms. Yep, seriously scary… but she was looking forward to it. Couldn’t wait to see what this little person looked like; whether it was a boy or a girl; what abilities it would have.

  A dark, familiar mind touched hers. I’m on my way home. Where are you?

  She knew from Knox’s telepathic check-in earlier that he’d attended a long-ass meeting in one of his Vegas hotels, where he’d fired a board member who’d been doing a little inside trading. Her mate was known for being ruthless, so she had no idea why anyone would even try to cross him, but whatever. I’m in the car, on my way back too.

  A vibe of contentment tinged her mind. Good. I’ll see you soon.

  Soon. Puffing out a long breath, she said, “Tanner, could you turn up the air conditioning please?”

  “It’s already on full blast.”

  Twisting in his seat, Keenan eyed her curiously. “You all right?”

  She shifted against the leather, which seemed to be heating beneath her. “Just feeling a little warm, that’s all.”

  By the time they drove through the iron gates of the estate, she was no longer feeling just “warm”. Harper scrunched up her hair to bare the nape of her neck. “God, I’m hot. Isn’t it hot?”

  “No, it’s not hot.” Keenan reached over and put his palm to her forehead. “Shit, you’re burning up. I mean really burning up. Tanner, check her.”

  Once Tanner braked outside the steps of the mansion, he turned to press his hand to her forehead. “Your temperature is way too high.”

  Keenan cursed. “I’ll tell Knox she seems to be running a fever.” He opened the rear door, helped her out of the car, and guided her inside, passing a concerned Dan. “Knox and Levi are almost here,” Keenan assured her as he tossed her jacket at Dan, so she guessed he’d contacted Knox telepathically.

  “Is something wrong?” asked Dan, following them into the living room.

  “Yes. She’s fevered.” Keenan led her to the sofa and urged her to lean back as Dan disappeared down the hall, calling out to Meg.

  Harper almost jumped out of her skin as fire burst to life in front of her. It crackled and popped as it died off, and then Knox was there – the image of concern.

  He crouched in front of her. “What is it, baby?”

  “I’m just hot.”

  Anxiety skittered down Knox’s spine. Heat seemed to be literally radiating from her. Knox touched her cheek with the back of his hand and almost snatched it back with a wince. “You’re dangerously hot. Feverish.” Alarmed, his demon snapped to full alertness.

  She shifted restlessly. “My blood feels hot. Isn’t that weird?”

  Knox blinked. “Your blood feels hot?”

  “Is it a pregnancy thing?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” He’d never heard of such a thing in his life. Meg rushed inside with a glass of cold water, and Knox took it from her gratefully and handed it to Harper. “Baby, drink this.”

  Harper took it, but her hand was shaking so badly that he had to help her guide it to her mouth. She was thirsty, but it was hard to drink because it felt like the water was curdling in her stomach like sour milk. Still, her demon urged her to swallow more.

  Knox took the glass from her when she gagged. “Are you going to be sick?”

  She shook her head and leaned back, taking deep breaths. “I’m okay.”

  No, she damn well wasn’t. “I need to call Rodgers.” Knox stood and pulled out his cell phone just as Tanner entered the room and headed straight for Harper. The moment Rodgers picked up the phone, Knox said, “Harper’s running a fever. She says her blood feels hot.”

  A pause. “Her blood feels hot?” The doctor’s words rung with confusion and disbelief.

  “Yes. What’s wrong with her?” The question came out through gritted teeth.

  “I can’t say without examining her. Put me on speakerphone so I can talk to her.”

  Knox did as he requested, and then crouched again in front of Harper as the doctor addressed her – asking her various questions that she drowsily answered. The whole time, Knox rubbed her thigh. He could feel the feverish heat of her skin even through the denim of her jeans. Insane with a worry it wasn’t used to feeling, his demon snarled and roared.

  A moan slipped out of Harper as she began to tremble. “It’s like my blood’s sizzling.”

  “Sizzling?” Rodgers echoed. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  She scratched at her skin, eyes wide. “Shit, I feel like my veins are going to explode.”

  “That’s not good either,” said Rodgers.

  Knox’s hand tightened around the phone. “We’re fucking well aware that it’s not good. I’m going to send a teleporter to collect you. Are you home or in your office?”

  “Home.”

  “They’ll be there in a minute. Be ready.” Ending the call, Knox spoke to Tanner. “Send Armand to collect Dr. Rodgers and bring him to the mansion.”

  Levi jogged into the room, expression hard. Watching as Harper reluctantly sipped more water, he asked, “What’s wrong with her?”

  “I don’t know.” Knox urged her to drink more. “Does the water help, baby?”

  “Yes, I’m okay.” Harper handed him back the glass. “I’m cooler now.”

  Knox looked at her, dismayed. “No, baby, you’re not. I swear, I feel like I’m sitting next to a damn radiator.”

  Shaking her head, she pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m cold. Ice-cold. But my blood still feels hot.”

  Knox’s jaw clenched. “Your skin is still burning. You’re not cold.”

  There was a knock at the front door, and Dan left the room only to swiftly return with Rodgers. The doctor pushed his way past the people gathering around and spoke to Knox, “Armand says he will come back when you need him.”

  Standing, Knox nodded. “Find out what’s happening to her so we can fix it and make her better.”

  Harper looked at Rodgers through squinted eyes. “Something’s wrong, Doc,” she said, teeth chattering.

  Rodgers put his hand to her clammy forehead and grimaced. “You say your blood feels like it’s hot?”

  Harper nodded. “But I’m freezing. Where’s the damn blanket?”

  “As you’ve seen for yourself, she’s roasting hot to touch,” Knox said to Rodgers. “Tell me you know what kind of fever this is.”

  Levi’s brow creased. “Give me a second.” At that, he fished his cell from his pocket and backed out of the room.

  Knox stood there, arms folded, as Rodgers used a penlight to check her eyes and pottered around, checking her temperature and other things. Knox fisted his hands, impatient for an answer. Harper seemed to have drifted off, which only increased his worry. “Rodgers…”

  The doctor sighed. “I truly have no idea what’s the matter with her.” And he was now panicking.

  Knox’s demon growled and shoved its way to the surface. “How can you not know?” it demanded of Rodgers. “You are a doctor. Do something. Make her better.”

  Rodgers paled. “Th-there’s nothing physically wr-wrong with her,” he stammered. “I’m a gynecologist. This sort of thing isn’
t my specialty, but I know enough to be sure that this isn’t pregnancy related.”

  Knox forced his demon to retreat before it scared the doctor away. “What would normally cause a fever this intense?”

  Rodgers seemed relieved to be once again dealing with Knox. “Honestly? Nothing I’ve ever come across.”

  “Could it be some kind of allergic reaction?” asked Meg, hovering close enough to stroke Harper’s hair. “Some demons develop allergies when they’re pregnant.”

  Rodgers shook his head. “It’s too extreme to be an allergy.”