Luckily, I was also starving for food. I quickly shoved another roll, something topped with avocado, into my mouth.
Get it together, Oakley.
Once again, I wished my sister was here. In addition to worrying about her and missing her, I knew she would run interference. But there was no one else to hide behind at the moment.
I gripped my sticks around another sushi roll, barely done chewing the last before I popped it in my mouth.
“Have you been eating enough?” Atlas asked, looking slightly concerned at how fast I was inhaling sushi in front of him. “If you need me to hire someone to cook for you—”
I held up my hand, stopping him as I swallowed down that last roll. “That won’t be necessary.”
I’m trying to fill myself up on food right now so I’m not tempted to fill myself up with you.
Who was to blame for turning me into a horny teenage witch, my weakened magic or the surplus of hormones? Or was it the full moon closing in, amplifying everything?
“How are things back home?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“Good. Work has been insane, as usual. Lots of big changes coming in the next year or two, and I’m trying to keep everyone happy.”
“I’m sure it’ll all work out. You’ve always been good at keeping everyone satisfied.”
“I’m glad you think so,” he replied with a wink before eating another bite of sushi.
I choked on my dragon roll, chest heating in embarrassment. Dropping my gaze, I avoided thinking about all the ways I knew he could satisfy me and the tiny scraps of leftover Desire flitting within me. I clenched my thighs, hating that I felt this way, especially with him.
If I gave in, I’d be leading him on, and I’d never forgive myself. We had a son to raise together for many moons to come. Plus, there was that whole I-almost-kissed-the-neighbor-and-I-liked-it issue too.
Remaining in a permanent knot for the rest of dinner, I was grateful when Atlas excused himself and went to grab his bag. He didn’t even give my room a second glance, instead setting it right by the couch. “Got any spare blankets? I brought my own pillow.”
I nodded, heading to the linen closet, pulling out a few flannel throws, and handing them to him.
“Do you have milk stored in the fridge so I can let you sleep if he wakes up?” Atlas asked, taking the baby monitor. “I figure you probably haven’t gotten much sleep, considering…well, everything.”
“I don’t, just because I haven’t had a chance to stockpile anything since we moved in. But if you’re sure—”
“I am,” he said with the authoritative tone he used in his position as Archon.
“Okay.” I scanned the room for wherever I’d managed to put my pump, finding the bag tucked off in the corner of the kitchen. “I’ll pump in a little while before I go to bed. He’ll still probably need me at least once since I think he’s having a growth spurt.”
“That works. Get the sleep while you can. I’ll bring him to you if he wakes again after the first feed.” He pulled out his laptop, setting it on the couch before grabbing a small bag and walking toward the hallway bathroom. “I’m going to go ahead and get ready for bed. Need to do a few things for work before I go to sleep anyway.”
I went into my room, calling the Artemis Police Department and leaving another voice message before grinding up some herbs. Collecting the grains in the tiny capsules, I set aside the nursing supplements. I’d been tempted to make some full moon suppressants, but upon further research realized they weren’t safe to use while breastfeeding. I’d just have to think long and hard about if and how I would go about recharging my magic tomorrow night.
Grabbing the pump, I sat on my bed, wrangling my breasts into the cups. Then I held my hands over them, thinking through the spell a handful of times. It took a few tries, and I could feel another sliver of my magic gone—possibly never to be replenished—but a moment later, the cups suctioned against my chest, taking long drags, relieving the pressure that had built there.
There were other kinds of pressure coiled within me, albeit lower, that I vowed would get no relief tonight with Atlas here.
Thank Goddess in less than forty-eight hours he’d be gone.
Unfortunately, this ache wouldn’t be. With each passing day, my magic dwindled. From the way my Desire was thirsting after every attractive witch we’d come in contact with in the last few days, it was getting desperate to replenish.
AndIdesperately needed to stay away from Atlas with the full moon’s arrival tomorrow.
It was going to be alongweekend.
Blessed Crescent always bustled when the Goddess’s copper belly filled.
Preparations were underway for her worship, with each household celebrating the occasion in their own way—some merrier than others.
