“Did it work?” Ternen’s voice was hopeful, but still wary. He didn’t want to get his hopes up.
I held my hand out for the towel, but I realized it was soaked with blood. I looked at Toya. “I think we are going to need more towels.”
She snorted as she rubbed my side. She turned and went into the kitchen, coming back with a small box full of old rags and a bowl of water. “Like I said…The man was prepared.” She placed it down on the table and dipped a rag into the water before ringing it out. She wiped the place where Shelly’s rune was, and it was gone.
Shelly tried to look, but couldn’t see anything. “Did it work?”
I smiled. “It did.” The relief I felt had me sagging against my mom. Rick picked her off the table and kissed her.
“You did amazing, baby.” She smiled and then they hugged. “You did so well.”
I blew out a breath as I turned to Alannah. “You are next.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach.
“Will it hurt the baby?”
I walked around the table. “No more than the rune already is.” I held out my hand. “But once it is gone, your pups will be better off. And they will grow into healthy, happy little kids.”
Everyone froze. Ternen stepped up next to Alannah. “What did you just say?”
I smiled and held out my hand, waiting for permission to touch her. Alannah nodded, and I pressed my hand on her. “I wasn’t sure until right now. Your perfume has worn off, and I’m a little confused with all the drain, but you have two pups in here. One boy and one girl.” I smiled as I felt the two kicks. “Very active and strong. But two none the less.”
“Are you sure? Like really sure?” Alannah sounded a little breathless.
I nodded. “I am. I’m happy we got you out tonight because you are about to explode.” Her eyes grew enormous. “Not literally.” I laughed. “I just meant you are about two and a half months pregnant.” My mom came over and held out her hand. Alannah nodded, and she pressed her hand to her stomach.
My mom smiled. “Amy is right. Your little ones are lying sideways, almost as if they were helping you hide them, but they have already started to shift. You might be two sizes bigger by tomorrow morning. Plus, this is the growth window. All pups double or triple in size during the second and third month.” She moved her hand to her own stomach and ballooned them out. “In a month, you are going to be huge.” She smiled. “Take care of this now and let them have the energy they need to grow healthy.”
Alannah looked at Ternen and then nodded. She walked to the table and Ternen helped her up on to it, then I got to work. Now that I knew what I was doing, Alannah and the pups were quick work. I was able to kill her leech in less time. But the power rushing back was still discombobulating.
I staggered against my mom as Toya wiped off the bottom of Alannah’s foot. She smiled. “You and your pups are safe.”
Alannah cried in relief. “Thank you.” She hopped off the table and cried into Ternen’s arms. Their relief was palpable. But I shook off the weakness and turned to Ternen.
“You’re next.” Ternen nodded and kissed Alannah, then slid on to the table. Within minutes I had cut the rune off of his neck, this time being more careful than with the others, because it was so close to his throat. Then I dove into his mind. His wolf, a sweet boy trying his best, was terrified in the corner. But he was willing to do anything to protect his mate and pups.
We ran together, deeper into the dark than he had been in a very long time. Tim, Ternen’s wolf, was a soft grey. His trembling body tensed right before the leech struck, and I laughed as I drowned it in my power. Nix and Megan held it to my body as I burned it from the inside out.
I sat down after Ternen was done. My magic was waning from being pushed out and snapped back to me. The toll on my body was starting to affect me. I dropped my head between my legs to stop the room from spinning, and to push the bile back down. My mom rubbed my back as I breathed through another wave of nausea.
“You’re okay baby.” Her voice was soft.
“We can do this another night.” Rick waved me off. “Go to bed, regain your strength. There is no need to push yourself this much, not for me.” He tried to reason with me, but he didn’t understand what was on the line.
I shook my head. “No. I’m okay.” I gagged, the bile making it to my mouth.
“Amy, look at yourself. You are not good. You are about to throw up all over the floor.” Rick came over to me. “I can wait.”
I pulled my head up, and I could feel the tears burning behind my eyes. Frustration so thick coated me. I wasn’t this weak, and I hated that my body was betraying me like this. “You don’t understand.” I cleared my throat. “I have to.”
“You don’t. I promise it’s okay that you don’t get to me tonight.” I shook my head and lifted a hand. He smiled at me and grabbed my hand. “Don’t hurt yourself for me. Not after everything I did to you.”
I sighed as I watched sweat break out on Rick’s forehead. “No, you misunderstand me.” Rick winced.
“What do you mean?” His voice sounded a little strained.
“Vince knows.” My voice trembled as Rick leaned against the table for support. Another wince, and a shaky breath from Rick, had everyone growing quiet.
“Knows what?” Rick’s eyes were a little too wide. He grunted and then stumbled a step, slamming his hip into the table.
