Chapter Twelve
Maggie needed to see him again.
Not just because he was her baby, but because of the crippling sensation that was now too strong for her to bear. She needed that high he gave her. She needed him to wash her over with that good sensation… not so that she could feel the delight of that first time, but so that she wouldn’t feel the horrible crash that she’d woken up with.
She stumbled down the hall, gripping onto the rail at the side for support.
Just a little farther. Just a little…
She inched her way to the nursery, her hand pressed against her forehead.
It was an intense pain—like a migraine—the kind she knew no amount of ibuprofen could cure. And as she was fed this supernatural high, she imagined that it was the only thing that could sate her hunger for it.
As she came to the nursery, she opened the door.
A tall, blond man stood beside the crib, cradling her child. As he turned to her, she saw beautiful blue eyes… eyes she’d seen before.
This was the higherling who had stood at the end of her bed when she’d given birth, who had watched her scream out in agony as she’d endured the pain of labor without any painkillers or relief. This was the Janka Kinzer had told her about so many times before… the one who had betrayed him so cruelly.
What’s he doing here?
Trento lounged in the recliner, his eyes closed, evidently enjoying a moment of not tending to Jeroda.
“Hello, Maggie,” Janka said.
She wanted to snatch her child from him, not just to keep such a disgusting creature from holding him, but to hopefully soothe the pain that continued to plague her.
She maintained her poise and approached him.
“May I have my son please?”
“Of course,” he said, handing him over.
As Jeroda beheld Maggie, his eyes sparkled. He giggled.
A rush of delight swept through her. It didn’t take away the pain, and it didn't give her that exquisite high she’d felt before. It was just enough to make it bearable.
Why hadn’t he given her more? Perhaps he didn’t understand how much she needed it. Or perhaps he was weak because they weren’t feeding him enough.
This is all Veylo’s fault.
“Maggie, I don’t believe we’ve ever been properly introduced,” Janka said.
“I’m not sure there is a proper introduction when you steal someone’s kid.”
She glared at him, hoping to exude as much hatred as she truly felt for him.
Janka’s lips curled at the ends. He was obviously amused by her remark.
“You should feel fortunate.”
“Should I?”
“You are Jeroda’s mother. You may very well be the one mortal who is allowed to survive the End of Days. Doesn’t that mean something to you?”
“Yes. I’m eager to watch my baby grow and be forced to work in your service. He’s not a weapon. He’s a child. I would think a creator so proud of His creations would know the difference between the two.”
Janka chuckled, though Maggie found it a disturbing thing to chuckle at.
