Thad cleared his throat, and Jacque could see the irritation in the djinn’s eyes.Right, time to get serious.
“Such a shame we can’t continue this very illuminating conversation,”Fane said through their bond, his voice filled with humor.
“Funny guy,”Jacque muttered. She gave her attention back to Thad. “I apologize, again, for our lack of tact and decorum at the least appropriate times. Our human lives were never this tumultuous. At times, we’re still adjusting.” Jacque shrugged. “Sad but true.”
Thad glanced around the room at the nodding heads of the girls and then looked back at Jacque. “You’re right. I’ve not considered the fact that all of this is not normal to you. And I honestly hope that one day it will not be.”
“I won’t hold my breath,” Jen muttered before settling closer to Decebel.
“Please do,” Sally said. “Hold it for a really long time. But wait until after you’ve had the next little demon.”
Jen flipped their friend off, and Jacque figured they’d better get things rolling or Jen might decide she didn’t care that she and Sally were both pregnant and tackle the healer.
“So you think Cain is actually serious?” Jacque asked the djinn.
“I doubt it,” Peri answered before Thad could reply, as she suddenly appeared in their midst.
A shoe flew across the room at her as Bethany jumped.
“Dude.” Jen growled. “Why do you get to throw things?”
“Because unlike you, my target can actually feel itself being hit,” Bethany pointed out. “I’m not throwing at a freaking wall that won’t appreciate the abuse being inflicted upon it. Hopefully my target will learn not to just pop into a room and scare the crap out of the jumpy new mom. I’m dealing with the fact that the chicks I care about are going to be meeting with a bloodsucking vampire.”
Jen’s eyes widened. “Are you sure you’re not pregnant again, too? I mean, two pregnant chicks in this pack are going to be interesting, but three? That would be a shit show.”
Peri’s head slowly turned to look at Jen. “What do you mean, three?” Her words were slow and measured.
Jen grinned and clapped her hands, the dork completely unaware that Peri did not share in her excitement. “Turns out I’m not going crazy. I’m pregnant!”
“Aren’t they the same thing?” Peri asked, deadpan.
“Yes,” Drake said from beside Bethany.
Bethany threw an elbow at him. “Keep it up, and you know what will happen. I’ll be marching around this sprite compound naked as the day I was born.”
“Still got the sheet and the safety pins, beautiful,” he quipped. “By all means, try that little stunt again.”
Peri pinched the bridge of her nose and took several deep breaths. “Apparently Decebel and Jen need us to discuss with them all the reasons they shouldnotcontinue to reproduce. But we don’t have time for that conversation right now. We’ve got to get back to dealing with the Cain situation.”
“I agree.” Zara shuddered, and Wadim wrapped an arm around her. “Vampires are nothing to fool around with.”
“I apologize that I didn’t consider your history when I asked you to join us, Zara,” Jacque said. “You do not have to come, and no one will think lesser of you. I don’t want to bring up memories that will cause damage to any healing that has happened since you’ve been out of their clutches.”
“That’s not necessary,” Peri spoke up, glaring down at the shoe that had hit her arm. “Zara’s wolf has proven to be quite protective of her.” She looked at Zara. “And you have been able to control your wolf, correct?”
“Yes.” Zara nodded. “And Wadim and I have been sparing.”
“Bedroom acrobatics don’t count,” Jen muttered.
Peri didn’t acknowledge the jab but continued to address Wadim’s mate. “You will stand before the king of the vampires and show him that what they did to you hasn’t broken you. You may be bruised and a little battered, but you are not conquered.”
“Peri fairy, you are on a freaking roll with the pep talks.” Jen grinned. “Keep going.” She motioned with her hand. “My inner kick-ass bitch is totally preening right now. That and, ya know, I’m glowing because of the whole pregnancy thing.”
“Just what we need.” Zara laughed. “Considering you seem to stay in a constant state of preening without the pregnancy. Now you will be constantly reminding us of your glowworm state.”
Peri laughed. “I love that you’ve found your voice, Zara. This pack has been good for you, as have these crazy, estrogen-filled, though battle-ready, chicks.”
Zara shrugged. “Finding your tribe, your people, your pack, or whatever you want to call it is important. Being around those who build you up when you’re feeling crushed goes a long way toward healing brokenness.”
