They look at each other and then turn back to me. “You met someone? Well tell us about him,” Mom says.
I wasn’t worried about her reaction. I was more worried about Dad’s. “His name is Merick. He lives right in Stone Ridge and has all of his life. He built this home so he could raise a family here. Um...he’s so good to me and is taking good care of me. He’s an amazing cook, which is great because I suck at it.” I laugh nervously, “Um…” I’m unsure of how much I should say, “he works from home. I’m in love with him and I’ve moved in with him.”
“Wow that’s a little quick don’t you think?” my dad asks. His brows scrunch together and his eyes squint in the way they do when he is concerned but trying to hold back.
I shrug. “Wasn’t it love at first sight for you guys? Mom says she knew you were the one when she first saw you. That’s how it was for Merick and me.”
A noise pulls my attention toward the doorway and I find Merick standing there in a black T-shirt and red track pants with white stripes down the sides. I hold out my hand motioning for him to join me. “Come here,” I say to him. Merick smiles and takes my hand as he rounds the desk. I stand up so he can sit down, and he pulls me down onto his lap.
“Mom, Dad, this is Merick. Honey, these are my parents, Jack and Karen Mitchell.”
“It’s nice to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you both. I hope we can meet in person soon.”
Mom smiles widely as she looks at him. “Mom you’re staring,” I whisper.
“Oh goodness me. I’m sorry, you’re a very handsome man.” Dad gives Mom a look that has her shrugging. “What? I’m sorry he is. They’d have beautiful children.”
Merick kisses my cheek and I stroke his forearm as it lay over my lap. I turn back to the monitor. “Plan some time to come out and visit.” My heart beats wildly as I prepare to tell them they’re going to be grandparents.
“Don’t be scared baby.” Merick’s encouragement warms my heart and also gives me the courage to continue.
“Umm...well I have some news to share with you. I-I’m having a baby.” I chew on my thumbnail while I wait for them to react.
“A baby?” Mom cries out, smiling. “Oh my god. This is the most wonderful news. When’s the wedding?”
Merick and I both freeze. “Wedding? Well, we haven’t really talked about that.”
Dad doesn’t say anything and I know he’s upset. I don’t need to hear his thoughts to know that he’s not happy. “I love you, Dad.”
He swallows, “I love you too, sweetheart.”
We disconnect a few minutes later and I turn in Merick’s lap, resting my head on his shoulder. “It went better than I expected.” I say quietly.
“I’m glad and don’t worry about your dad. You’re his baby girl—I’m sure this is hard for him.” He places his large hand on my belly. “If this little one is a girl I would probably be the same way.”
“Do you have a preference about what you want? I want a healthy baby.” I pull back to look at him.
“That’s all I want too.” Merick brushes my hair back.
I lean in, kissing his lips. Our kiss is slow and tender, but soon turns heated. His kiss is rough and deep. Our tongues duel as I move to straddle him, rubbing against his hard cock. I swear, I’ve always loved sex, but Merick makes me feel insatiable—the pregnancy makes it even worse.
I’m moaning into Merick’s mouth when he freezes and pulls away from me. “Someone just pulled into the driveway.” I cross my arms and am embarrassed to admit that I pout a little bit.
His laugh makes me smile. “I’ll see who it is and then get rid of them.” Merick kisses me before lifting me off of his lap and disappearing out of his office.
My phone dings.
Mom: I’ve never seen my girl look happier. I love you my darling.
I smile as tears burn my eyes. She gets it.
Taryn: Thank you mom, I love you.
I get up and stretch before I make my way out into the living room. It’s empty, but I hear Merick’s voice outside so I follow the sound. When I step outside and find him, I freeze.
Merick
“Word is getting out, and quick,” Ryder says, leaning back against the railing he crosses his arms over his chest and I don’t have to ask him to know what his arrival means. Others are starting to arrive, not just shifters but all of those gifted with various powers.
“I heard about the gifted one all the way across the globe. Sitting in a cafe in Paris, enjoying some quiet time and there appeared Rasa.” His grandmother. “She insisted I return to Stone Ridge to confirm the truth before they made the journey.”
The idea that so many others, holding so many powers will be drawn here by the impending arrival of my child meant two different things. Those that wish to harm us will be faced with an army, and the fact that there were those out there was the knowledge I fear the most.
Ryder is a descendant of Lenora and Alaric Russo, who originate in Italy. Their ancestors settled in Stone Ridge, and at first didn’t receive the most humble welcome. To those already settled there they were nothing more than trouble. My ancestors saw them as killers, blood suckers that would ruin the name of our quiet town and set forth a panic leaving bodies in their trail. Only the Russo’s weren’t trouble, they weren’t murderers, but instead they were peacemakers. They became territorial over our land, much like us and together for years they helped to protect Stone Ridge from those
