Chapter 15
Kelan
Had he heard correctly? Michelle was having his baby. Kelan's brain went numb. Was that even possible? He hadn't considered it, ever. It was amazing and scary. This could change everything. Michelle was right. The citizens would either embrace it and be thrilled or panic and demand her execution. There was a slight chance that Michelle was wrong about the whole thing. She might be ill from the flight or the food. He could hear her spilling her guts in the bathroom. An illness would be seen as trouble. Talonians didn't tolerate sickness well. They would fear death. Pregnancy was actually the lesser of fearful fates. Kelan tried to get up and go to her, but the world turned black as he sat up. He fell backward onto the bed and went unconscious.
Kelan had a nightmare. There were tiny dragons everywhere. Michelle was rocking one to sleep, and it set her on fire. The others attacked children playing in the park. Even in the nightmare, Kelan knew none of this was possible. Weredragons couldn't transform when they were babies, and he had never seen a female give birth to more than twins. Worry and fear were odd things. They took over your mind when you least expected it, twisting your thoughts into the impossible.
He woke up and discovered Michelle snuggled close. She was in a deep sleep. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her face was pale. Whether she was tired from caring for him or the pregnancy was taking a toll on her body, he didn't know. He felt guilty either way. Turning on his side, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her sweet lips. To his joy, the headache was gone, and his shoulder didn't protest. He was healing. He closed his eyes, content to hold Michelle for now.
The next time he woke up, the healer was standing over him. Michelle was dressed, her hair brushed to a sheen, and color was back in her lovely face. They were both grinning. "What is everyone so happy about?” Kelan asked.
The healer replied, "You're finally awake. For good this time, I think. Michelle and I have had plenty of time to become good friends since you decided to be a sleeping beauty. That's what Michelle called you anyway."
"Am I missing something? How long was I sleeping?” Kelan inquired.
Michelle answered, "Three days ago, I told you my secret. It must have been too much for you to handle. You went to sleep and stayed that way until now. We've been watching over you."
"But, I did wake up. You were snuggled next to me. I felt better, pulled you close, and went to sleep."
The healer stated, "Your body relaxed. It's been healing while you slept. Try sitting up. The cut is completely healed. Let's see if your head is as well."
Kelan slowly rose, expecting pain or darkness to stop him. There was none. "I'm fine, just really thirsty and hungry."
Michelle admitted, "You smell bad too. Take a shower. I'll make you something to eat. We can talk when you are done."
"Food first, please. I promise to stay downwind,” Kelan swore.
The trio made their way to the kitchen. Kelan settled in a chair at the table. Michelle placed a cup of water in front of him and began to make some of her precious coffee. Surprisingly, she appeared comfortable in the kitchen. "When did you learn to cook our food?” Kelan wanted to know.
"I taught her,” the healer replied. "She needed nutrition, and you were incapacitated."
Michelle added, "He found different meat and showed me how to make the eggs taste better. He brought plant leaves to make a tea that calmed my stomach. I don't throw up anymore."
"He knows?” Kelan demanded. "Was that a good idea?"
"It was necessary,” the healer explained. "She was dehydrated and weakening. She would have lost the child. Don't get upset. I've told no one, yet. However, the secret will make itself known before too much longer. As thin as Michelle is, the baby bump will show early. I suggest you make the announcement before gossip begins. It would be wise to get ahead of it. This situation is unprecedented and volatile. I find it interesting and charming. Others won't."
"Will it be a weredragon or human?” Kelan asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine. It could be a mix of the two. I don't know how that would work, but it will be interesting to find out. I'm more concerned with getting Michelle through this unscathed. Her fate will be decided soon, and the baby should weigh heavily in that decision. Level with the citizens, but warn the leader first,” the healer advised.
Michelle
Alone with Kelan, Michelle got up the nerve to ask, "Are you happy about the baby or angry?" She had come to realize how badly she wanted the child and hoped he did as well.
"Truthfully, I've been too shocked to think about my feelings,” Kelan began. "It was unexpected. I know it's often a consequence of sex, but somehow, I didn't imagine it happening between two species. We're very similar in a lot of ways, yet very different in one important way. Oddly, I think I like the prospect of being a father. I'll be happier once we're past the vote."
"Me too." Michelle was relieved to learn he was okay with becoming a dad. "I want this child, weredragon or human. It has begun fluttering inside me. It makes it more real. I love it already."
Kelan enveloped her in his embrace. "It's uncharted territory, and I like adventure. I want it too. We've got this. Everything will be okay."
Michelle wrinkled her nose. "It will be, if you take a shower. I may need some tea if you don't back away immediately."
Kelan laughed and headed for the shower. He was in love, healed, and soon to be a father. It was a good day to wake up.
Michelle cleared the kitchen. She was feeling so much better since the healer had helped her with food and the tea. Kelan waking up had added to her happiness. She wanted to show him just how happy she was. Quietly, she let herself into his bathroom. She could hear the deep blue water from the waterfalls rushing into the shower. She imagined it running over Kelan's hard muscular body. It made her shiver with anticipation. She dropped her clothes to the floor, rubbed the tiny bulge of her belly, and stepped into the shower.
Kelan's back was toward her, and his head was deluged by the water. He hadn't heard her enter. She slid her hands up his solid back, then around to his chest. He moaned and clasped her hands tightly, while her cheek rested on his spine. "Are you sure you want to do this?” he gently asked.
