“I’m just thankful no one… Well, you know.” I clutched his arm, relieved that no one died.
“We’re fine.” He put his hat back on.
“Thank you… for everything.”
“Think nothing of it. You okay?”
“As well as can be expected.” I sucked in a sharp breath.
He stopped and regarded me with a concerned look. “What’s wrong?”
Atticus turned around, and Tak followed suit.
I held my hand against the side of my belly. “It’s kicking.”
“That’s because he knows he’s home,” Tak said but then looked like he wanted to eat his words. “Sorry. I only meant the unborn know when they’re around wolf energy.”
Cecilia’s bracelet jingled when she held out her hand. “Would it be okay if I felt it?”
I placed her hand over the spot. When the baby moved again, Cecilia’s hazel eyes glittered with excitement. But that excitement wasn’t hers alone.
Tak approached and placed his large hand over the same spot. When the baby kicked again, a smile crossed his face, and he whispered something in his native tongue.
Montana felt next, but his reaction was laughter. “I can’t believe women can carry a whole person inside them. That one’s gonna be a kickboxer.”
While lying in bed last night, feeling the baby turn, I had reimagined my future. I’d always assumed I would give up the baby, but my feelings for it were growing stronger. Those newfound emotions didn’t invalidate my doubts, but it made me realize it was okay to be unsure. And maybe it was okay to change my mind, especially with the pack supporting me no matter my decision. That unconditional love meant the world.
I jerked my head back when something flew at my face. When it flitted around me at lightning speed, I let out a tiny shriek.
“It’s not a bug,” Atticus said on a laugh.
Tak grinned at the blue-green bird, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. “Hummingbirds bring luck.”
“They’re migrating.” Montana cast his gaze around the field. “I saw two this morning by the well.”
Cecilia worried her lip. “Maybe we should leave out some sugar water. They’re probably thirsty.”
It briefly landed on my belly and then took off. “My shirt has flowers. He must have thought I was dinner.”
Tak threw back his head and laughed. “Wolves are fearless predators, but I’ll never understand why the smallest of creatures aren’t afraid of us. Some cultures believe hummingbirds are healers. He chose you. That’s a good omen.”
Once inside the house, Cecilia carried my bag up to my room and then left me alone to settle in. Without Salem’s books, clothes, and medical bag, the room was a hollow space. Atticus planned to deliver my new wardrobe, and while I normally might have turned down the offer, I quickly discovered that nothing in my closet fit anymore. Hope would also be needing maternity clothes soon, and I could pass them on to her.
When toenails scratched against the door, I opened it.
Catcher hopped into view and sniffed me all over. He whimpered, wagged his tail, and pushed his way into the room.
“I hope your paws are clean.”
He rubbed against my belly excitedly, which put a smile on my face. Catcher was just showing his love and doing what he did best—protecting those who needed protection.
“Did you miss me?”
He barked loudly, then groaned. Catcher didn’t understand where I’d been, only that a Vampire had attacked us and our lives were thrown into chaos. He must have thought something happened to me, so I stroked his head until he settled down.
A knock startled me. Catcher growled at Atticus, who remained at the entrance.
“Catcher, stop. This is my friend.” I hated to scold him since he wasn’t a pet, but I also didn’t want a bloodbath on my hands.
