“Caleb, get out here!” I called through the window.
“I can’t! Theo is kicking my ass at Super Fighting Guys!”
With a deep scowl, Adriel slunk into the door and muttered, “I’ll handle this.”
From the window, I saw Adriel enter the living room and stand silently behind Caleb until the match was complete. Theo seemed to notice his brother’s presence, but Caleb didn’t - until he got up and shrieked at the sight of the tall vampire two inches from him.
Theo burst into laughter. I couldn’t help laughing, either. Something about the seriousness of Adriel’s expression combined with Caleb’s shock was hilarious. Even Pierce was smirking.
“Did you plan this?” I asked him.
“Me?” he said innocently. “No, never.”
18
Pierce
Benji looked unwell.
As the months progressed and he finally entered his third trimester, I knew there was nothing to be done about the upcoming challenge he was to face. All I could do was provide the necessary item, and provide emotional support. Everything else was up to him.
As we laid in bed that night, I looked him over. Lately dark shadows formed beneath his eyes, and his skin was pale.
“Benji,” I began.
His eyes moved slowly upward, like the tiny action cost him a tremendous effort. “Yeah?”
“I think it’s time.”
Without elaborating, I knew he understood me. He shut his eyes with a sigh. “Yeah.” With every ounce of strength, he pushed himself upright. “Let’s get this over with, then.”
* * *
I assistedBenji in his descent to the dining hall. He slumped in the seat, looking limp and miserable.
“Why didn’t you say something earlier?” I asked gently.
“It wasn’t that bad before,” he mumbled. “I only really started feeling crappy tonight.”
I sighed. “Well, it will be over soon. Wait here.”
As I turned to head towards the cellar, Benji grabbed my wrist. “Wait. Can you bring Theo and Caleb?”
I felt a surge of sympathy. He didn’t need to explain further. I knew he needed emotional support for this.
“Of course. Wait here.”
On the way out, I noticed a shadow lurking in the front hall. Instantly I tensed and readied myself for a confrontation.
“What is it?” I asked tersely.
Margaret emerged from the darkness, looking small and weak. “Is it time? Is he drinking?”
“He will be soon,” I replied in a clipped tone.
Margaret nodded. “Good. He needs to keep his strength up, you know, or the baby will - “
I cut her off. “I’m well aware.”
