“So you’re telling me I’m going to stay like this for another five months or so and then all of a sudden just pop?”
Anastasia nods. “Yes. And the sudden and drastic change can be quite traumatic on the host’s body. That is why you must receive your proper Energy, to make sure you are strong enough to survive the birth.”
“The host? You make it sound like I’m giving birth to an alien here,” I mutter.
Anastasia almost cracks a smile. “Unfortunately, in most cases of a demonic pregnancy, that is all the human woman is—merely a host. A warm, safe environment for the baby to grow in and get stronger.”
“I won’t be that way though. I’m the mother, not some incubator.”
“As you wish. But you should be aware that you might possibly have some side-effects, too—”
“Like what?”
“Well, it’s not uncommon for the host mother to exhibit characteristics and traits that are being instilled in her unborn offspring. So while Lucky is the one currently in possession of your demonic powers, don’t be surprised if you start picking up some unusual abilities yourself.”
I stare at her, my eyes wide. “Like what?”
She shakes her head. “I honestly have no idea. It will be interesting to see what develops as it might give us some sort of indicator of what to expect when the babies arrive. And with twins…”
“And this will just come out of nowhere, no warning… nothing?”
Anastasia shakes her head again. “Not usually, no. But I can tell you that whatever happens, it will never harm you or the babies. In fact, you will become surprisingly resilient and strong. The babies’ way of protecting you and themselves. While you yourself may not be all that powerful, the lives inside you are, and getting stronger every day. Their only function is to grow and survive, and that means keeping you safe.”
I chuckle. “My own little bodyguards.”
A small grin passes her lips. “Well yes, in a way. But just remember, they are not immortal and neither are you.”
I nod. “That reminds me, I need to ask your permission about something.” I tell her about the conversation Kieron and I had earlier about the two demions coming over.
Her jaw tenses, and she takes a deep breath. “I am not interested in having any more demons on my property. But if they are as you claim, and have only latent, passive powers of defense, then they should be unaffected by my protection spell and shouldn’t suffer any negative repercussions. They are under the same orders as the others not to come near my house, and I don’t want them staying a minute longer than necessary.”
“Thanks. You won’t even know they’re here. I’ll keep them in the cottage. Promise.”
Anastasia nods tersely. “I already figured there would be activity that we couldn’t predict. But thank you for getting my permission first.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for your hospitality and your help. I really appreciate it. We all do.”
For a split second I feel a rush of warmth, as if I could close my eyes and pretend I’m talking to Tattie.
But my eyes are wide open.
“Maybe I should go get Corrine before she thinks I’ve forgotten her.”
Anastasia stands and smoothes down her long, pale yellow dress. “When are you going to let the others in on your secret?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
I look out towards the ocean, unable to meet her probing gaze. Corrine I have no problem with. It’s Kieron I dread telling. I know once he learns my secret, nothing will ever be the same.
“Not until I absolutely have to.”
********
Corrine says she wants to wander down to the beach for a while, so I head back to find Kieron. He’s not in the house anywhere, but I finally find him outside on the patio in a lounge chair, reading a spy novel.
I lie down beside him and snuggle up, and he wraps his arm over me. When I turn to face him, he drops his book and starts stroking my hair, then leans in for a kiss. It starts off slow… sweet, then becomes hotter and more intense. He positions his body on top of me, and for a moment I can almost feel the fire return… the passion that used to inflame me every time we touched. Every time I so much as looked at him.
But almost as soon as the spark ignites, it dies away. Our kisses turn awkward and clumsy, as if we can’t quite find the rhythm. He feels too heavy on me, and his hips are digging into my side. I break free from his embrace and try to move away.
“You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say lightheartedly. “It’s just this stupid lounge chair isn’t exactly ideal for making out.” I give him an apologetic smile while I struggle to my feet.
“Anastasia said it’s okay for those guys to come over,” I add, trying to diffuse the sudden tension.
Kieron nods and swings his legs over the side of the lounge. He pulls a cell phone from his pocket, and I wander away and head toward the cliffs. The ocean is lapping the shore, and I feel like I could stare at it for hours. I take a seat in the dewy grass and watch as the waves slither back and forth on the sand in an erratic, yet rhythmic procession. Near the water’s edge, Corrine digs her toes into the wet sand, apparently looking for seashells.
I’m enjoying this moment of solitude, and cast a stealthy glance over my shoulder to see where Kieron is. He’s still back on the patio, several dozen yards away. But even from way over there I can feel his gaze on me, and sense his unspoken questions.
The shift in the energy between us is tangible. I feel it, and I know he can feel it. I care for him so much… I love him, and I can’t quite figure it out. I know I don’t love him any less, but I feel like I love him differently. It’s almost as if this invisible barrier is wedging itself between us, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Sometimes when I’m with him it almost feels wrong, which is crazy I know. Kieron is the one thing in my life that is right. He’s my rock, my stability. I can’t even imagine where I’d be without him.
So why is it that when I’m with him, I feel like I shouldn’t be? What the hell is my problem?
It has to be all these crazy pregnancy hormones. Has to be. Too bad there’s not a book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Twin Demon Spawns From Your Split Personality’s Dead Incubus Lover.”
It’d really come in handy right about now.
Chapter 15. Liora
I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting here alone, pondering the world and my predicament. Maybe Kieron will be accepting. Maybe he’ll take the babies on as his own and help raise them as their father.
But maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll be so hurt by our betrayal he’ll leave and never return. Maybe he’ll hate us. My brain is a whirlwind of clutter as I stare out to the water.
Suddenly a movement catches my eye as two figures make their way down the shore towards the house. Two men from the looks of it—tall, one with dark hair, one with light. They don’t appear to be casual beach strollers. They are walking with purpose and intent. I glance over to where Corrine is sitting enjoying the sun, unaware, as the two men draw nearer.
“What? No!” I gasp.
I jump to my feet ready to scream a warning, when I hear Kieron’s voice right behind me. “It’s okay. It’s just Vincent and Demetri.”
Startled, I spin around. How long has he been standing there? I turn back and see the two men now talking to Corrine. She’s smiling, but from her body language she seems flustered. She turns and points at us, and then the three of them begin heading up the side of the cliffs.
Kieron rests his hand on my shoulder.
“Looks like we have company.”
********
The first thing I notice about the darker one is the intense, thoughtful look in his eyes. The second thing I notice are his lips… and how deliciously kissable they are.
“Liora, this is Demetri,” Kieron says pointing to the light-haired man. “And this is Vincent.” He nods to the one on his right.
“Nice to meet you both,” I say, my gaze firmly locked
on Kieron’s eyes.
Kieron gives a small grin. “Liora isn’t very comfortable around demon types she doesn’t know,” he says, trying to explain my odd demeanor.
A warm hand on my back gives me a jolt that nearly causes me to jump out of my skin. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid of us,” a quiet voice says. “We’re only here to help you. To protect you. You are a part of us, and I for one will personally lay down my life before letting any harm come to you.”
Oh. My. God.
Slowly I turn to meet the gaze of the man whose touch sent rockets of fire up and down my limbs. I nod. “Th-thank you,” I gulp.
Vincent’s expression doesn’t change, but I see the smile in his deep brown eyes.
“Let’s go inside where we can talk,” Kieron says. “Not sure how much longer I have till I need to nod off. Hopefully this one will be a quickie since I slept a bit last week in the Hlbafa dungeons. Not the greatest rest, though. And needless to say we’ve been through a lot lately.” He glances at me with a nervous laugh.
“Don’t worry, comrade. We’ll stay with her as long as necessary. No harm will come to her or Lucky while you slumber. That I can assure you,” Demetri says.
Kieron glances at Demetri, then Vincent, then back at me again. I can’t read the expression in his eyes. I don’t know if he’s pleased or displeased.
“Come on, follow me,” I say, leading the three men back towards the house. Corrine has already gone inside, and as we walk through the sliding patio door she’s standing in the family room wearing a clean blue sundress and holding a plate of crackers and cheese.
“Welcome. Please make yourselves at home.” She swishes her hand toward the couches and sets the appetizer tray down on the glass coffee table like the perfect mistress of the house. “May I get you anything to drink?”
She’s probably asking all of us, but her gaze is locked solely on Demetri. He favors her with a polite smile. “I’d love a soda if you have one.”
“Coming right up!”
Forgetting about the rest of us, she spins and hurries to the kitchen. I chuckle softly under my breath.
“Gentlemen.” Kieron motions toward the sofa and chairs. Vincent and Demetri each take a seat on the long couch, and Kieron in the loveseat. But instead of sitting beside him, I curl up on the oversized chair across from Demetri and Vincent.
Kieron glances at me but doesn’t say anything, and subtly repositions himself in the center of the sofa, his legs crossed. Demetri reaches over and grabs a few crackers, while Vincent glances absently around the room. I stare at a vase of yellow flowers on the coffee table and try to figure out how I can avoid staring at Vincent without being obvious. But if Vincent happens to be the one talking, it would in fact be really rude not to look at him, wouldn’t it—?
“Here you go.” Corrine sets a tall glass filled with ice and soda in front of Demetri and gives him shaky smile. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
He looks up at her, his blue eyes soft. “Thank you, Miss. That’s very hospitable of you.”
“Corrine. My name is Corrine Wilson.” Suddenly she seems to realize there are more of us in the room than just Demetri. She covers an embarrassed giggle with her hand. “Uh, did anyone else want anything?”
“No thanks.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m good for now.”
We all shake our heads and politely decline. She glances at me, and her cheeks are flushing rosy pink. “Okay, well, I can see that you have a lot to talk about, so I’ll just make myself scarce.” She hesitates a moment as if unsure, and I give her a small nod.
“Thanks. We probably won’t be that long.”
“I’ll just go watch a movie in my room or something.” She waves at us and heads down the hall.
We sit silently for a moment, and I reach over and grab a few crackers—only to have something to do to distract my brain from Vincent’s presence. I don’t know why I’m so hyper-aware of him. I don’t even know the guy. But there’s just something about him that I find extremely appealing. Maybe it’s how he moves, or his voice, or his confident posture, or the way he said he’d lay down his life in order to protect me…
“So, Liora’s the one who had the most interaction with the Light-angels,” Kieron begins. “I’ve already told you all about Lucky’s and my confrontation with them.”
Demetri nods. “Yes. That information is extremely helpful, the way you managed to actually kill them. Their strengths and weaknesses are such a mystery, those details are crucial.”
Kieron nods. Then he slowly rises to his feet and comes over to me. “I leave you in good hands, my love.” He leans over to give me a soft kiss and gently squeezes my arm. “I’ll wake as soon as I can.”
“Take all the time you need,” I say without thinking. His brow twitches, and I quickly add, “I need you at full strength. I want you feeling your best.”
He nods and gives me another quick peck on the cheek.
“You know I’ll probably be out a minimum of twenty-four hours, but it shouldn’t be longer than seventy-two.”
“Sleep well,” I say, as he heads down the hall.
After Kieron leaves, I return my attention to the two men on the couch across from me. Suddenly, I feel like a teenager whose parents have left her alone and unsupervised for the weekend. Who knows what sort of trouble I could get myself into?
And as I lock eyes with Vincent, I realize I can’t wait to find out.
Chapter 16. Liora
Vincent leans back into the couch and brushes the hair from his eyes. “Are you comfortable talking to us without your boyfriend here?”
“Yes… yes, I’m fine.” I shift my gaze to Demetri who is sipping on his soda, then back to Vincent. “You guys seem cool. Not like regular demons. The ones I hate.”
“And why is that, love?” Demetri asks as he sets down his drink.
“Why is what?”
He smirks. “Why do you hate demons when you are one? Sort of self-defeatist, don’t you think? Not a very positive self-esteeming way to go through life.”
I sigh and roll my eyes. I really don’t feel like getting into my issues with this guy, and I certainly don’t need some random demion judging me. But for some reason I don’t want Vincent to think that I’m a bigger nut job than he probably already does.
“Demons murdered my best friends about five years ago. Slaughtered them. Then they cast the curse that made me this way—human by day, demon by night. My whole world was shattered instantly, so I guess you could say I have my reasons.”
“But you only feel this way when you are a human, right?” He glances at Vincent. “I mean, your demon counterpart, Lucky, she seems quite normal.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Normal?”
“And your boyfriend, Kieron… Isn’t he a demion as well?”
“Well, yes. But he’s different. Look,” I scowl and cross my legs, suddenly defensive. “I’m not in the mood to have to explain my likes and preferences to you or anyone else. You have some questions about the Light-angels, ask away. Otherwise, I’ll thank you to stay out of my personal business.”
Vincent’s mouth twitches in an almost-smile, but his eyes remain serious. “Unfortunately, we think your feelings toward demons is what made you a target for the Light-angels in the first place,” he says.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning there are those who would wish to acquire your ‘services’ to attack demons, and that puts you, and Lucky, in danger.”
“Yeah, I know.” I shift uncomfortably in my seat. When did it get so hot? “That’s why we’re here. Hopefully the Light–angels won’t find me under Anastasia’s protective spell, but even if they do, they’re powerless to do anything. And as for Lucky…” I glance at both of them, but my eyes linger on Vincent. “She’s on her own, but I think… hope she can take care of herself. And now she has you guys to help her too.”
“Tell me what happened with the Light-angels before you cam
e out here. Tell me as much detail as possible,” Vincent urges.
I let out a long sigh. I know it’s important, but I’m so sick of even thinking about how I was just being manipulated. It really pisses me off. I stand up and head toward the kitchen to get some water.
“Well, basically this guy and girl showed up at my school one day, and I started talking to the guy, Tristan. He and his sister were covered with these wicked scars that I thought everyone could see, and I only found out later that wasn’t the case.” I fill up my glass and walk back into the family room.
Vincent nods. “Go on…”
I take a few sips to buy some time. “Well, for a while I became pretty close with Tristan. Which I only realized in retrospect was really weird, because at first I hated him and I was in love with Kieron—”
“But Kieron was away, right? Imprisoned by the Hlbafa?” Demetri asks, with a hint of a smirk.
I give him a look. “Yes, Kieron was away, but I didn’t know where he was or what was happening to him. And I still loved him! But somehow Tristan just made me feel like being with him was normal… like it was exactly what I wanted. I felt powerless around him, but I only realized how powerless I really was after the spell was broken.”
“And what did they want from you exactly?”
I shrug. “I guess they wanted this.” I pull out the Boumeaux necklace from beneath my shirt. After everything that had happened, I’d vowed never to take it off again. The next time Light-angels get too close, I want to know. “And I guess they need me to open the portal for them.”
The Complete Demonblood Saga: A Demon Made Me Do It; Fire With Fire; Curse of Shadows and Light Page 56