by Martha Woods
“Of course, but I need to go home tonight. We only came up here tonight because you and Skylar were due home. I need clothes and toiletries.”
“I’ll have Michael or one of the other pack members grab your things. Until we have an idea of what’s going on, I don’t want you to leave this house.” He growled, his wolf finally pushing through.
“I agree, Leah. It’s safer for you here.”
“Okay. In the meantime, I think I’d like to watch television.”
“Of course. Would you like to watch in the living room or your bedroom?” Liam asked, stepping away from Skylar and to his mother, extending his hand to her.
“The bedroom is fine. If I doze, at least I won’t have to get up and go to bed later.” She laughed and took her son’s offered hand. “Skylar, I’m glad you made it home safely. We’ll figure this pregnancy thing out.”
Skylar nodded before Liam led his mom from the room and to the guest wing on the second floor. As they walked through the bedroom and attached bath, it surprised Liam how well stocked everything was. The house construction finished while they were in the Caribbean, and Farah took her job seriously and filled it with more than the essentials. He’d have to remember to give her a raise. After his mother settled in, he left her to some sitcom and closed the door. The next thing on his list of things to do was his wife.
* * *
Liam closed the heavy, hickory door and leaned back on it when he found his bride spread out on the bed—naked. His breath caught in his chest, and his cock hardened at the beautiful sight before him. Her curves taunted him. As he made his way to the bed, all thoughts of the evening discussions had disappeared from his mind. The only thing that mattered to him now was his beautiful wife.
“Do you like?” Sky grinned as she lifted her upper body and supported herself on her elbows.
“I love, baby. I can’t wait to feel you wrapped around me.”
“After the two weeks we had, I thought you’d have tired of me.” She giggled.
“Never. There’s no way I’ll ever tire of you, Sky.” His wolf growled in agreement.
“Well, what’re you going to do about it?”
Liam pulled his shirt over his head and shoved his pants from his hips, allowing them to pool around his feet before he stepped out of them and crawled onto the bed. His cock sprang to life as he positioned himself beside Skylar’s silky body and pulled her on top of him. “I want you to ride me because I need to watch as your orgasm possesses your body.”
Skylar lifted herself and positioned her body above his cock. When she lowered herself, Liam closed his eyes and a pleasurable moan escaped from his body. As she began moving up and down his shaft, he opened his eyes and allowed his hands to roam over her voluptuous breasts, pinching her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. “You’re fucking beautiful, wife.”
Liam’s eyes roamed her body, caressing each curve. When his eyes touched the curve of her stomach, he groaned in appreciation. She was beautiful to him from the second his eyes fell upon her, but now, the pregnancy glow added to her and turned him on more. It amazed him how they created a life, and now her body provided the nourishment for their child.
Sky’s chest rose and fell with her increased movement, and he snaked one of his hands lower, across her stomach, until it found the nub between her legs. As he flicked and rubbed the pad of his finger against her, moans escaped her body and her head fell back. “Don’t stop, Liam. I’m so close.”
He didn’t stop, but he brought his other hand to her hip and grasped the skin of her curve. As her body came closer to climax, her pussy gripped his cock. Pressure built inside his lower back. He wouldn’t last much longer, but he wouldn’t allow himself to release until she exploded around him, releasing her juices. He increased his speed and pressure on her clit, her body speeding as she closed in on her release.
“I’m…oh…Liam!” she cried out as her body tensed and started to spasm with her release. Liam rolled her onto her back and thrusted inside her…once…twice…until he stiffened and his orgasm wracked his body as he exploded inside her.
He held himself above her until the sensation passed, and then he rolled to the side, pulling her moist body against his. “Did I hurt you?” he whispered into her ear before he buried his nose in her hair.
She shook her head. “You don’t have to ask that every time. It’s the twenty-first century. It’s been proven it’s perfectly safe to have sex.” Her voice had a hint of amusement to it. He could picture her grin in his mind.
“I know, but this isn’t a normal pregnancy.”
“I’ll let you know if I have any problems. Until then, don’t stop.”
They lay in silence for a few minutes. Liam thought of their honeymoon, and despite the progression of her pregnancy, how much fun they’d had together. He would have liked they’d had a few years without children so they could get to know each other better and spend time traveling. However, he wouldn’t change anything. He and Skylar would adapt and make a pleasant life for their kids.
“Liam?” Sky asked, her voice sultry.
“Hmm?”
“Can we go tomorrow and look at commercial buildings? I’d like to open my tax business as soon as possible.”
Liam rolled the question around in his mind. He understood her desire to open her own business. It allowed a feeling of accomplishment. He’d felt that way when he’d started his own, however, under the circumstances, he wished she’d wait a few years. He had more than enough money to last them a lifetime, and he didn’t want her to ever feel like she had to work. But Skylar was the type of woman who was used to working for what she had, and there was no way he’d deny her the opportunity of being independent.
“We can do anything you want, but I have one condition.”
“And what’s that?”
“I want you to go see the shaman before we start. You haven’t seen a doctor since you were in the hospital and found out.”
“I have an appointment scheduled for next week.”
“I don’t think you’ll be able to keep the appointment. This isn’t a normal pregnancy, and to be honest, it scares the shit out of me. What will I do if something happens to you while you’re pregnant?”
Skylar was quiet, and he assumed she was weighing the pros and cons. “Liam, I know I’ve said this before, but I’m fine. I know in my gut our baby and I will be okay, but if it eases your worrying, I’ll see the shaman. Afterward, can we meet straight away with a realtor?”
“We’ll do anything you want, baby.” He rubbed his hand down the side of her stomach and allowed it to rest on the curve of her hip. Now, he would have to wait and see what the shaman said and what information Hayley could find. After he had all the facts, he would stop worrying.
“I want a space big enough that we can put a small playroom for children in the back of the office. I want our baby to be with me all the time, and I’d like to offer childcare for parents during their appointments.”
“That’s a great idea. It probably won’t hurt to start interviewing for a nanny. I’ll have Farah post an ad.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about having a nanny,” she replied.
“Do you not want one?” His finger traced circles on her hip.
“It’s not that I don’t want one. I just hadn’t given it thought, but you’re right. I’ll need someone to work in the daycare area of the business. I think it’s a good idea, but I get to choose who we hire.”
“Deal.” He moved his arm from her hip and wrapped it around her, molding his body to hers. As they lay in silence, he slowly drifted to sleep appreciating the moment.
Chapter 2
Skylar stretched her arms above her head and reveled at the feeling of her sleeping muscles throughout her body as blood began to pump into them. She’d slept well and was excited about looking at property today. She rolled onto her side and frowned when she realized Liam wasn’t in bed with her. She moved her eyes from the empty space on the bed and to
the windows. Bright light shone around the pulled drapes. As she tossed the blankets aside and climbed out of bed, she wondered where her husband was. This was the first time in the last month he’d been out of bed before she woke.
When her bare feet hit the warm wooden floor, she smiled. The heated floors was the one thing she’d requested when she and Liam planned the new house. Despite the rays of sunlight peeking around the curtains, she knew it was cold outside. When she stopped in front of the window, she threw them open. It was a gorgeous day out, despite the snow covering the ground. Yes, this was the day she began her work dream, and she couldn’t be more excited.
Skylar headed into the bathroom and turned the shower on, allowing it to heat before she stepped inside. She turned to the mirror and looked at her reflection. Her stomach appeared to have grown since yesterday. If this kept up, she’d be the size of a hot air balloon before this pregnancy was over.
“Sky?”
She turned her head toward Liam’s voice in the bedroom. “I’m in the bathroom.” She almost grabbed a towel to cover herself before she realized what she was doing. There was no need. This man had seen her naked numerous times. In fact, he was the reason she was naked now. After their tryst last night, she’d fallen asleep in his arms.
“Hey, the shaman is here. He’s ready when you are.” Liam popped his head through the open door. His eyes caressed her body as they traveled the length of her body. “Although, he can wait.” He stepped into the room and began lifting his shirt.
Skylar laughed and stepped to him, placing her hands on his and preventing him from removing his shirt. “Hold up. We aren’t doing this now. We have plans for the day, or have you forgotten?”
“I didn’t forget. That’s what I’ve been doing all morning. We have an appointment with a realtor at eleven, but she can wait.” He waggled his eyebrows and smiled.
Happiness coursed through her, but she stood her ground. “She might be able to wait, but your wife can’t. I need to see the shaman, and after, we’re meeting the realtor—on time.” She pushed him from the room. “You go. I shower,” she said, sounding like a caveman.
“Fine, but you won’t get away from me so easy tonight.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” She swatted his butt and closed the door.
Skylar hurried through her morning routine. When she finished in the bathroom, she went into her closet and unzipped her suitcase. Since the construction on the house had completed during their honeymoon, she and Liam hadn’t been here to unpack. However, none of the clothes in the boxes in their bedroom would fit anyway. Thankfully, she’d shopped during the honeymoon and bought maternity clothes. However, they weren’t suited for this temperature, but she had just the thing to wear today. She dug through the bag and pulled out a pair of leggings and Liam’s oversized sweater he’d worn the day after they married.
“Perfect,” she said as she dropped the towel onto the floor and pulled her clothes on. After she dressed, she looked into the dressing mirror and smiled. Despite her growing figure, his sweater still dwarfed her. The cable knit sweater hung off one shoulder, and it reached mid-thigh. It was the best she had at the moment. Instead of fretting, she smiled at her reflection and went in search of Liam and the shaman.
When she found them in the living room, she smiled. “Sorry it took so long, but it took me a few minutes to find clothes that would fit.” She turned to Liam. “I hope you don’t mind I’m wearing your sweater.”
“I don’t care, but remind me to take you shopping soon.”
She nodded and returned her attention to the elderly shaman.
“Where would you like the examination to take place?” he asked, standing and grabbing his bag from the floor beside the chair he’d vacated.
“Oh, um, we can use our bedroom or one of the guest rooms,” she answered because she hadn’t given it much thought.
“I’ll follow you.”
“Do you want me to join you?” Liam asked, standing.
“I prefer to see her alone. I’ve found it’s always easier this way.”
Skylar shrugged her shoulders. She was sure the shaman wouldn’t do anything that hadn’t been done to her in the past, so she said, “I’ll be okay. If I need you, I’ll send for you.”
After Liam nodded, she led the aged man to the guest room on this floor. There was no need to have him go up the stairs.
Once inside, she asked, “Where do you want me?”
“If you could remove your pants and lie on the bed, that would be great. I need to check your cervix. As soon as I’m finished, you can dress.” He set his bag on the dresser and rummaged through it.
Slightly uncomfortable, Sky did as he asked. Before she lay on the bed, she grabbed the throw blanket from the footboard and draped it over her midsection and upper legs. No matter what, she was naked beneath, but she didn’t feel as exposed.
When the shaman approached the bed, he explained to her what he would do. His professionalism relaxed Skylar somewhat. She closed her eyes and before she knew it, he had ordered her to get dressed.
She grabbed her leggings and shimmied into them. “Done,” she said when she finished.
“Skylar, as I’m sure you are aware, the pregnancy is progressing at a much faster rate than a normal. My findings in the internal exam are normal, however, I’m worried because in my experience, I don’t know of any humans who’ve carried a supernatural to term. How do you feel? Any pain? Bleeding?”
“I feel great. I haven’t experienced any side effects other than looking like I’m about five months pregnant.” She shrugged.
“Based on this exam, I’m guessing, you’ll deliver within the next two months.” He closed his bag and sat on the bench at the end of the bed. “Do you have any supernatural blood in you?”
“Like I told everyone last night, I don’t know.”
“Well, it’s definitely something we can’t rule out. If you do have supernatural blood, it explains the rapid pace.”
“Is it possible to check lineage for supernatural bloodline through a blood test?”
“Dear, I wish it were that simple. Unfortunately, you won’t know if you possess it unless you can trace your family history or it makes itself known.”
Skylar exhaled. Despite feeling fine, the doctor’s words hit her harder than Liam or the others. “Are we finished?”
“Yes, but I’d like to see you again in a week. In the meantime, take it easy, and if you have any symptoms, call me immediately.” He stood and picked up his bag.
“Thank you. I promise, I’ll call if anything happens.” Skylar watched him walk from the room, and she took a few moments to process his words before she grabbed her phone and dialed Hayley’s number.
As she listened to the other line ring, she brought her thumb to her mouth and chewed on her nails—something she hadn’t done since childhood. Realizing what she was doing, she dropped her hand to her side. When Hayley’s voicemail picked up, she ended the call and grew worried. It wasn’t like her friend to not answer. Anxiety start to fill the front her mind. When she turned and walked out of the room, she said a prayer for her friend and herself. After hearing what the shaman had to say, she couldn’t help but worry about her pregnancy. She hoped like hell that she had some sort of supernatural blood in her lineage that she didn’t know about. She’d already grown to love her baby, and she couldn’t imagine her life with him.
* * *
Skylar pressed the seat heater button and hoped it warmed fast. She and Liam spent the last two hours in and out of the cold with the realtor looking at properties. As she rubbed her hands together, she said, “I’m not in love with any of the properties we’ve seen.”
“What don’t you like about them?” Liam glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road.
“They’re either too small or too close to others. When I picture my business, I see a single-story building on a secluded lot.”
“Let’s take a look at the other properties Marni has before
you rule out anything.”
She nodded and turned her attention to scenery passing. She wouldn’t rule anything out yet, but she knew if the other places were anything like the ones they’d seen already, she’d decline those, too. Her office didn’t need to be large. Even the waiting area could be small because she’d only work with appointments. However, she wanted a large area for the daycare part. She’d need, at minimum, two cribs, a reading area, and inside toys to keep the children occupied and happy while she worked with their parents. She also wanted a small kitchenette for her and whatever employees she hired. She hadn’t been out of school for long, and she knew she should be thankful she was in a position she could open her own business, but she couldn’t help wanting what she wanted.
“I’ll look at the others and will keep an open mind,” she said when they pulled into the parking lot at the realty.
“Thank you.” Liam pulled the car into a parking space and pushed the shifter into park.
Skylar took a deep breath before she opened her car door and stepped out into the arctic air. She shoved her not so warm hands into the pockets on her parka and hurried toward the building’s entrance. Inside, she stamped her feet on the welcome rug and moved to the side to allow Liam inside.
“Skylar, I get the feeling that the properties we have seen aren’t of your liking. However, I think do think you’ll love the others I have to show you. I’ll let you and your husband scroll through the photos, and if you see one you’d like to look at, let me know,” Marni said and removed her coat, hanging it on a hook by the door.
“Let’s not waste your time, Marni. I have another idea.” Liam interjected.
Skylar turned her head toward him, wondering what he had up his sleeve.
“What’s that?” Marni asked and raised her eyebrow.
“Skylar knows exactly what she wants, so I think we should change our search criteria and look at commercial lots. We can build to suit her needs. She’s adamant about the daycare portion, and to be honest, I think this is the only way she’ll be satisfied.”