“Killing myself?” I suggested gloomily.
Ben grinned. “I'm certain we don't need such an extreme remedy.” He reached forward, brushing a strand of my hair from my clammy skin. “I don't think we'll be able to keep this secret for much longer, Charlotte. The symptoms will give you away.”
“Not yet, Ben. I'll manage somehow.”
“You are the stubbornest woman I know,” Ben said. He threw me a wink and disappeared out the bathroom door.
I took a couple of minutes to wash my face, staring at my image in the mirror. I looked ghastly and that was erring on the side of a generous appraisal. Sunken eyes, pale and clammy skin and I was white as a ghost. I leaned against the bench for a further minute or two, ensuring the nausea was controlled before I slipped out to join the others.
Matt greeted me, concern apparent in his brown eyes when I joined him in the main hall. “Hey Charlotte, you don't look so well. Are you feeling okay?” He tugged me into his arms for a hug.
“A tummy bug,” I lied. “I'll be okay”
Matt studied me shrewdly, his eyes narrowed. “Misaki wanted me to ask you to come over tonight. Think you might feel well enough to come for dinner?”
“Sure, I'd like that.” I fervently prayed I'd be capable of eating by then.
“Great, come by around six. Misaki'll be happy to see you. Why don't you bring Ben and Rowena?” He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “They won't eat anything, but they're good company.”
“Sure Dad, I'll see if they're free.”
Ben met me as I walked towards the table, holding a steaming mug in his hand. “Ginger tea,” he said in a hushed voice. “Sip it slowly, Jerome says it should help calm your stomach.”
“Where'd you get hold of ginger tea?” I questioned, sniffing the fragrant steam from the mug. I'd never heard of it before.
“Liberated some from Nonny's store room,” he smiled. “Apparently, we have stock on hand for people who prefer herbal drinks… and pregnant women suffering morning sickness.”
“Nonny didn't see you?” The small woman had eagle eyes and missed nothing in the mess hall she ran with enthusiasm.
Ben rolled his eyes. “Of course she didn't see me. I was in and out in seconds.”
“Vampire speed has its benefits,” I agreed with a weak smile.
I slumped into the chair beside Gwynn. The council had grown exponentially in recent weeks, as more people joined us. I smiled and nodded at some of the new leaders, simultaneously sipping the ginger tea and hoping to hell it would work magic on my recalcitrant stomach.
Epi sat between Ben and Striker, motioning for everyone to take their seats. When he was satisfied, Epi brought the meeting to order. “Good Morning. First order of business will be Charlotte's information.” He turned toward me, bushy eyebrows raised high. “Any new nightmares, child?”
“The Drâghici are still conducting attacks, but they're growing suspicious. A number of their raiding parties have returned and reported their targets have disappeared.”
“Have they questioned our involvement?” William asked.
“No, they're under the impression the packs have fled. They've got younglings attempting to track them – but obviously they aren't going to have any luck.” One of the newly-arrived men caught my eye and smiled his thanks. His pack would have been overrun by the Drâghici if we hadn't portalled them into Zaen and he'd been very appreciative, not least because his little boy was only weeks old and had mixed blood.
“Anything else?” Epi asked.
“Archangelo is still mentioning visits he's making to Zaen.” I frowned, still uncertain why would take such a risk. “He's coming alone. Alberich Bran warned him against it last night.”
“Why would he do that?” Joe Reynolds voiced the question which was uppermost in my mind. “What possible reason would he have, if they've got no plans to attack?”
“Because the bastard is determined to get to Charlotte,” Conal stated coldly, “and he thinks Lucas and I are both dead.”
I found Conal's gaze on me when I looked up. His expression was hard as he stared for a few uncomfortable seconds, then he dropped his gaze to the notepad in front of him.
“Why come alone?” Ben asked. “Why not attack, if Charlotte's the focus of his visits? Surely he must realize she's heavily protected here in the city?”
I think he's doing… reconnaissance,” I suggested. “He's not giving anything away to Bran, so I'm none the wiser as to his objective. The spirits aren't giving me any warnings about it his visits, so he can't be a threat.”
“Why would that be?” Ambrose was at the opposite end of the table, his dark hair creating an unruly halo around his scarred face.
“My ability isn't infallible,” I admitted. “The spirits warn me if I'm in direct danger. So far he hasn't attempted anything, so the spirits can't act in response.”
“We'll have to hope he gives away some clue in Charlotte's nightmares,” Striker suggested. “We've got no other way of establishing his motives.”
“I'd suggest we increase the patrols outside the gates,” Bhekimuzi Kinte said. One of the newer arrivals, he was an honest-to-goodness Zulu from South Africa. Six feet five inches tall, lean and lanky, his skin was the color of dark chocolate and his jet black hair clung to his scalp in a tight afro. I'd found him intimidating when his group arrived, but he'd quickly proven to be kind-hearted and friendly. His pack had settled in well amongst the other residents. Bhekimuzi was their leader and his group shape-shifted to lions, a fact which Rafe found particularly interesting. He'd been the only lion shifter anyone had known of until the Kinte packs' arrival and Bhekimuzi was happy to share information with our solitary lion.
“Sounds like an excellent idea,” Nat agreed. “I'd suggest we head out in groups of four, we might be able to track him.”
Epi nodded enthusiastically, his coke-bottle glasses slipping down his nose. “Keep in mind that Archangelo is extremely dangerous. He's a powerful vampire youngling with the added abilities of an Angel. There's no telling what he would do if cornered. Be aware of the danger and take every precaution.”
Bhekimuzi demurred to Epi. “Nat is right, to go in groups would be wise. Nat and I can discuss the proposal after the meeting, set up a schedule for reconnaissance.”
“Agreed,” Epi announced after quickly scanning the quorum for approval. “The next item on the agenda is the use of Charlotte's blood to permit our fighters to utilize Nememiah's weapons. We've chosen twenty people to receive a donation of Charlotte's blood…”
“Epi,” Ben interjected, “I must interrupt. Charlotte isn't able to provide blood presently, she's anemic. Jerome says it's necessary to postpone for now.”
The heat of a blush flushed across my skin and I stared at the coffee mug in my hands, studiously avoiding everyone.
“Of course, of course,” Epi said. “I thought Charlotte was on a specialized diet to ensure we didn't have this problem?”
“She is,” Ben responded. “But she's been under tremendous pressure, as you well know. Given the traumas of recent months, and the nightmares she's enduring, it's not surprising to find it taking a toll on her health.”
“You do look poorly, child,” Epi agreed, scrutinizing me from behind the thick glasses. He returned his attention to Ben. “How long do you think we'll have to wait?”
I raised my eyes to peek at Ben. “It's hard to say,” Ben admitted cautiously. “Jerome will continue to monitor her blood levels and let you know when we can proceed.”
I knew what the cryptically cautious answer meant. I wouldn't be giving blood to anyone for another eight months. Jerome had confirmed pregnancy had altered my blood and it was unsuitable to give to the others. We were screwed. For the moment, Ben, Jerome and Ripley were using their limited spare time working on a synthetic substitute, but had achieved little success to date.
The meeting dragged on and I slumped in the chair, trying to ignore the nausea. Either the ginger tea wasn't working, or the morning sickness was t
oo severe to be suppressed by a herbal remedy. I was tuning out to the discussions around me, focusing all my energy on quelling the need to vomit.
At long last, the meeting wound up and with a hasty wave to Gwynn, I made a dash for the bathroom, throwing up the minute I got there. I washed my face and headed for the exit, feeling abysmal. Yanking on my coat and mittens I stepped into the bitter cold, intent on visiting Jerome to demand a solution to my misery.
Conal was leaning against a pillar and straightened when I came outside. There was no way past him and it was apparent he'd waited for me.
“Can we talk?” he asked, confirming my suspicions.
I chewed my lip anxiously. “What about?”
Conal raked his fingers through his hair and stared at me with narrowed eyes. “I think you know what, Charlotte. You've been treating me like crap since Lucas died. I need to know why.”
I glanced away, cowardly under his intense gaze. In the distance, I caught sight of the girl he'd been kissing earlier, walking rapidly towards where we stood. My temper burst into life. She was beautiful… and ridiculously young. Probably all of eighteen or nineteen. With perfect skin, beautiful blonde hair and a figure that was all curves. Substantial breasts bounced underneath a tight blue sweater and she was practically poured into her black jeans, all long legs and bountiful assets. “There's nothing to talk about,” I snapped, inclining my head towards the girl. “And your puppy is ready to play.”
Without waiting for his response, I turned and ran down the stairs, slipping more than once before I reached the bottom. I cursed and railed at myself as I stalked through the streets towards home. That had been a low blow and completely uncalled for.
Pregnancy was turning me into a real bitch.
Chapter 10: The Wing
By dinnertime the nausea had subsided, for which I was eternally grateful. Feeling healthier apparently equated to being absolutely ravenous. Misaki prepared a superb traditional Japanese meal and I devoured everything on my plate before indulging in a huge second serving.
After the meal concluded, we settled in Matt and Misaki's living room and I played with Kazuki. He continually amused me, rolling around on the floor and dissolving into frequent fits of giggles as we played together. The little boy was adorable and I loved him already.
He was lying on the floor between my legs, twisting one way, then the other as I tickled his tummy when I first noticed the mark. “Kazuki, come here for a second.”
Kazuki carefully drew himself to his feet and toddled towards me, throwing his arms around my neck with a happy shriek. I settled him on my lap and brushed the hair back from his neck, studying the skin below his ear.
“What's wrong?” Misaki asked.
I glanced up, catching Kazuki's hand when he tugged at my hair. “Has Kazuki always had this little mark?”
Matt nodded. “Yeah, it's a birth mark.”
I exchanged a long look with Ben, confirming he'd seen the mark, then gave my attention to Misaki and Matt. “Angel blood,” I admitted quietly. “He's one of Nememiah's Children.”
Matt and Misaki exchanged a worried glance before Matt spoke. “You're kidding, right?” There was anxiety in his voice, he desperately wanted reassurance that I was mistaken.
“I'm sorry, Matt. He's got the same mark as me. The mark of the wing.”
There was a heavy silence as they pondered my declaration and I used the time to check Kazuki's neck again, confirming my suspicions. “But… he's only a baby!” Misaki protested when she found her voice. My heart went out to her and I wished I hadn't found the mark.
“Charlotte's right. She had that mark when she was born,” Matt said. “When Kazuki was born and I saw he had one too, I figured it was a genetic thing they'd inherited from me.”
“It seems you could be right, Matt,” Ben agreed. “Both your children have it, meaning the mark had to come down through your genetic makeup.”
“What does it mean?” Misaki questioned sharply.
Rowena wrapped her arm around Misaki's shoulders. “Nothing. It doesn't mean anything right now,” Rowena said. “All it means is that Kazuki carries the same blood type as Charlotte.”
“Look at what Charlotte has to do!” Misaki shrieked. “I don't want Kazuki to deal with that, he's only a baby!”
“I won't let that happen, Misaki. Not ever,” I reassured her quietly. “By the time Kazuki grows up, this will be a distant memory.” I paused, exchanging another pointed glance with Ben. “It might be for the best if we ask Epi for help. The three of you should leave Zaen straight away. Epi can put enchantments over your home, keep you safe.” I voiced the suggestion as casually as I could, desperate to keep Misaki from further alarm.
“You think something could happen to him?”
“No, Misaki,” I said, trying to soothe her. “I just think it's better to be safe. It's a precaution, that's all.”
Matt sighed heavily, shaking his head. “We're staying here.” He turned to Misaki, rubbing his fingers across her cheek. “We're safe here, sweetheart. Safer than anywhere else on the planet, I imagine. Kazuki is safe here.” Matt turned to me, his expression sober. “Besides, I can't leave my little girl. Not when she's going to have a baby.”
Startled by this announcement, I met his gaze and saw the certainty in his eyes. My gut reaction was to deny it, but Matt's quiet confidence in his announcement confirmed it wouldn't be any use. “How did you know?”
Matt smirked, shaking his head. “I've been around the mill a couple of times now, Charlotte. You were as sick as a dog this morning, spent ages in the head and you were drinking ginger tea. I could smell it when Ben brought it into the room. Tonight you look great and you've eaten enough to feed a platoon of marines.” He shrugged. “Put two and two together, and you get four. Or in this case, a baby.”
I blushed, heat creeping over my cheeks. Misaki watched my reaction with a happy grin, confirming Matt had warned her of his suspicions. “I get to be a grandma,” she announced cheerfully, calmer now Matt had reassured her about the safety of Zaen.
“Why didn't you tell me?” Matt asked. There was no judgement in his voice as he continued to watch me.
I sighed. “I needed to process the news myself, it was totally unexpected. I thought it would be better if the rest of the city doesn't find out until it's impossible to keep secret.”
“Which won't be long, if you're suffering from morning sickness,” Matt pointed out. “How far along are you?”
“About ten weeks,” I answered.
Matt rubbed his chin. “Well, damn. Thought I was a bit young to be a grandfather.”
“Sorry.”
“I'm the one who's sorry, baby,” Matt responded gruffly. “I'm sorry you're having to do this without Lucas at your side.”
I inhaled sharply and glanced away. “So am I.” A steadying breath subdued the threatening tears. “It is what it is. There's nothing I can do about it.”
“Matt's right,” Misaki announced. “We aren't going anywhere; you need us here. Kazuki is safe in Zaen, probably safer than any other place we could go.”
“Rowena and Ben obviously know about the baby. Who else have you told?” Matt asked.
“The rest of the Tines.”
“You haven't told Nick or Conal?”
I shook my head, focusing on my hands. Matt didn't know the complexities of my relationship with Conal and I wasn't going to explain it. Fortunately, he chose to ignore my obvious discomfort.
“Epi's still in the dark?”
“We thought it prudent to keep the news from Epimetheus, even though he's such an integral part of our operations here,” Ben explained. “He has a rather volatile relationship with Charlotte.”
“Yeah,” I muttered darkly. “He's going to blow a gasket when he finds out.”
Matt leaned back against the couch. “What about this war, Charlotte? You can't fight when you're expecting a baby.”
I raised my chin defiantly. “There's no option. A baby righ
t now wouldn't have been my first choice, but here I am. The war will still go on, regardless of whether I was having a baby or not. The people need me.”
“Charlotte…” Misaki spoke tentatively.
“There's no point arguing this with her,” Ben said. “Charlotte has made up her mind. The only thing we can do is protect her as much as we possibly can.”
Matt shook his head, his expression rueful. “Stubborn. Just like your mother.”
“I guess so,” I admitted. “It doesn't mean I want to do this without help though. I'd appreciate your support.”
“We'll be here to do anything we can, Charlotte,” Misaki said.
“Every step of the way,” Matt added. “You're my daughter. I love you.”
I smiled gratefully, warmed by their reaction. I'd been fearful of telling Matt about the baby, but he and Misaki had both taken the news far better than I'd imagined they would. “Thank you.”
“So I'm guessing that's the real reason we can't use your blood?” Matt said.
“That's correct,” Ben agreed. “Unfortunately Charlotte's blood has been altered by the pregnancy. We don't think it would have the desired effect, wouldn't give the recipients the ability to use the weapons.”
Matt propped one ankle against his knee. “Hell, that's going to make things even more difficult.”
“Ripley and I are working on it with Jerome,” Ben added. “We're hoping to create a synthetic version of Charlotte's blood.”
“Can you do that?” Misaki asked.
Ben nodded. “It's possible, but certainly not easy. We're having to proceed with caution. We need to synthesize Charlotte's pre-pregnancy blood and we only have a couple of small samples to work with.”
Misaki exchanged a fleeting look with Matt before she spoke. “What if we gave you a sample of Kazuki's blood?”
“Absolutely not,” I stated decisively, glancing at the little boy who was still playing with my hair. “I won't consider it.”
“Taking a little blood, it won't hurt him,” Matt protested.
“No way. I'm not using his blood and that's final.” Keeping my baby brother out of the situation was paramount, I wouldn't involve him.
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