What is it? she gasped, gripping the edge of the table. Whats wrong?
Mac, honey. We have to talk.
Two
Nothing like that. Her friend blew out a breath and leaned her hip on the counter. Mackenzie . . . youre pregnant.
The words blew through her like a hurricane. Left her gasping for breath. What?
You heard me. Pregnant, knocked up
Oh, God. Butbut how? Realizing how stupid that sounded, she flushed. What I mean is, unmated shifters cant get their females pregnant! Right?
Melinas voice was quiet, speculative. A shifter, huh? Just who are we talking about here? I get that the father is none of my business, but I wont share anything you choose to tell me.
Mac paused, but just briefly. Even if their talk wasnt confidential, she completely trusted that her friend wouldnt say a word to anyone. Its Kalen, she said hoarsely, searching Melinas face for the slightest sign of censure. She found nothing but concern.
Instead, the other woman laid the paperwork on the counter and reached out, taking Macs hand. A surprising and welcome gesture. Thats who I suspected, considering how weird you two are acting around each other. Honey, Kalens a Sorcerer first and foremost, and his black panther form is second. Hes never been fully human and that makes him very different from the others. Besides, theres still so much we dont know about shifters and how their individual circumstances come into play. We cant take anything for granted.
Her friends words struck a chord and she nodded. Kalen said pretty much the same thing to me back when we were . . . together.
How long ago was that?
About a month. Not long after Aric was taken captive, on the night Kalen and I were attacked by that Sluagh. I dont remember the exact date.
I can get it from Nick. He documents all incidents involving the Pack.
Oh, sure. And their boss would know her secret soon if he didnt already. Hard to keep much from a PreCog.
Melina fell silent for a few moments, consulting her notes, Macs test results and personal information, as well as a paper calendar like the ones sitting on the counter in every exam room. Going just by the dates of your last cycle, Im guessing youre about four or five weeks along. Well know more as you progress. And since we know next to nothing about pregnancies resulting from shifters and humans mating, Im going to want reports from your ob-gyn, copies of your sonograms, stuff like that.
Macs hand went over her tummy. What if the doctor can tell this baby is special somehow? Where in the hell are we going to find a paranormal-friendly ob-gyn who knows how to keep her mouth shut?
Nick will find the answer to that, too. One step at a time, all right?
Macs head was spinning. Jesus, how her world had changed in the space of one morning. Kalens too, though he didnt know it yet.
God, Kalen.
Who wanted nothing to do with Mac anymore.
Her eyes filled with scalding tears and she blinked rapidly, trying to stave them off. Her
throat burned and she breathed through the grief that crushed her lungs. I dont know if I can do this.
Many women less prepared and much less capable than you have thought the same thing, her friend said crisply. Youre going to be just fine.
A tear slipped free anyway. Kalens going to flip. Hes already given me the big brush-off.
Tough shit, Melina said, anger creeping into her tone. He helped make the kid, so he can deal.
Mac gave a watery laugh in spite of herself. That simple, huh? Sure.
Her friend scowled. You honestly think he wont take responsibility?
Its not that. Theres something going on with him that has his head all twisted, and he wont let me in.
Anything to do with the pendant he gave you? Melina glanced questioningly at the silver disk and back to her friends face.
I think it has everything to do with it, she said, reaching to clasp the object. It was warm and comforting in her palm. He gave this to me for protection.
Against what?
More like who . Mac paused, clearing her throat. Earlier, before I went in to tell them Sariel would probably survive, I might have eavesdropped outside the conference room door just a teensy bit.
So? They never tell us shit about their ops unless were patching them up or they have medical questions. The other woman pulled a face. We get answers however we can. Go on.
The one after Kalen is Sariels Unseelie father, Malik.
Is this the same being that encouraged Kalen to free Beryl?
They believe so. The bastard is trying to seduce Kalen to his side so he can use his power for whatever terrible reasons.
If Malik is so strong, why doesnt he just go after Sariel himself? Use his sons power to his advantage, or kill him outright?
I dont know, but there must be a reason or he wouldve done it by now, Mac speculated. If Sariel knows, he hasnt confided in me.
Same here. The other woman shook her head. But youve got more pressing worries. When are you going to tell Kalen about the baby?
Youre assuming I am.
Arent you?
Looking away, she felt crushed. Im not sure. The jerk couldnt get away from me fast enough after our one-night stand, so how do you think hell react to the news that hes going to have a kid? Hell either hightail it out of Wyoming like the whole Pack is out for his blood, or worsehell feel obligated to be with me and take care of our child.