The Calm Shattered
Embry
It had been a few days since Angus had left. I talked to him every night through our bond, and I sent him my love. There had been no sign of Aaran or the two gargoyles who accompanied him, and Angus was getting distraught. They met up with Addison and Roarke this morning. The two of them hadn’t succeeded either. I prayed Aaran was all right. I didn’t know him, but I knew it would crush Angus if something happened to his brother.
“Hey, Em. How are you feeling today?” Lydia asked.
I looked up to see her enter the little study they had in their house. Like I’d told Angus, I was going to stay here at the Alpha’s house. My parents had gone back home.
My mom was excited at the prospect of becoming a grandparent. My dad was too, for that matter. He told me he didn’t understand how a man could give birth, but he was thrilled at having a grandchild.
“Em?” Lydia’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“I’m doing okay—just a little tired. At least I’ve been able to hold some food down. Angus said morning sickness should go fast. He told me Dragon pregnancies only last three months.”
“You’re so lucky. When I was pregnant with Jasper, I thought I was going to die for the six months I had to carry him,” she replied.
Jasper was my older cousin. He was forty-two and hadn’t found his mate yet. He lived in Florida. He’d always longed to live on the beach and some place that stayed warm all year. When he was old enough to leave the pack, he had, much to James and Lydia’s displeasure. Jasper was an alpha and was supposed to be James’s heir, but Jasper had no desire to lead. He’d sat his father and mother down and had a conversation with them. Jasper told them what he wanted, and they had begrudgingly accepted. They wanted him to be happy, after all.
“How is Jasper? I haven’t seen him in such a long time.”
Lydia sighed. “He’s doing well. I told him about your mate, and he’s happy for you. I’d like it if he came home more often. I miss him.”
“You could always go see him,” I said.
“Yeah, right! James and I haven’t been on vacation in years. We’re always going to, but there’s always something going on with the pack. Don’t get me wrong, I love the pack, and I love being able to help people. I just wish we could take a break and maybe go see our son,” she said with longing in her voice. “But enough about that. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the store with me. I can call Jackson, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to escort us. What do you say?” she asked.
As tempting as getting out and about was. I didn’t want to leave the house. I felt safe here. I knew it was illogical, but Tom couldn’t get to me here. I wished they’d found him, but James had told me the trackers he’d sent had come up empty, so we had to remain vigilant.
I shook my head. “No, that’s okay. I’m just going to stay here and read. Maybe go out on the deck and enjoy the sun there.”
“Are you sure? We can go baby clothes shopping,” she said, smiling.
I smiled back. Little did Lydia know I had already gone shopping. Angus had given me access to his credit card and told me to buy whatever I wanted for our baby. I’d been up late purchasing all kinds of things online.
“Thanks, but that’s okay. I’d much rather read.”
“Okay. If you need anything, James is in his office. Just let him know. I’ll see you later, Em,” she said, and exited the room.
My thoughts turned back to Angus and the baby. We’d talked about what I could expect from being pregnant with a dragon. He said it would only last three months, and when it was time, my conception mark would glow and open, allowing him to pull our son free.
Somehow, I thought it was more involved than that. I would need to ask my brother-in-law’s mate. Devin had given birth the day I’d first seen Angus—he would know.
I missed Angus so much. I wished he were here so I could snuggle in his embrace. I hoped they found Aaran soon, and Angus would return to me.
I shook my head. I needed to think about other things. I got up, picked up my e-reader, and headed to the deck. The sun was shining through the glass door. It was a gorgeous day.
I stopped in the kitchen and made some tea before continuing out back. As I stepped outside, the air was nice and fresh, with a light breeze. The trees swayed; the leaves rustled. It was beautiful here. Peaceful.
I made my way to the Adirondack chair and settled in. I closed my eyes and let the sun’s rays hit my face. I wondered if Angus had a deck. He told me he lived with his brothers and king in a large four-story cabin. I would think they’d have a patio. I’d need to ask him later.
I felt him through our bond, and he was still searching. I didn’t want to disturb him.
Sighing, I lifted my e-reader, intent on being whisked away in my latest sci-fi novel.
Without warning, I felt a pinch on my nape. I raised my hand to my neck, but it fell back like a useless weight. I couldn’t move; I was paralyzed. I felt light-headed and drowsy. I tried to cry out for help but couldn’t, not even in my mind. My thoughts scattered and I felt my pulse race.
What was happening to me? Consciousness left me—my eyelids grew heavy.
