“I love you,” I whisper near her ear as I lower her to our bed and quickly climb in by her side. She doesn’t waste any time seeking me out and curls her body close to mine. She needs me almost as much as I need her, the comfort we draw from one another is our solace. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the two of you safe. You are both my world, my purpose.”
“Mm,” she purrs, and I smile.
“I was created for you, and you for me, my love.” I truly believe without her I would have no purpose. I would be lost.
Taryn
Merick places his hand on the small of my back as we head inside the office to see Amelia for a checkup. I’m starting to look extremely bloated and the baby moves a lot. I love it each time I feel the smallest amounts of movement, which is only flutters at this point. I feel bad because Merick wants to feel the baby move so badly, but only I can feel it so far.
“Amelia,” I call out.
The beautiful redhead comes out from the back, wearing a green turtleneck sweater, black leggings, and black snow boots with grey fur around the top. Those must be a popular style around here. “Taryn, it’s so good to see you again.” I accept her hug and then she does the same to Merick.
“It’s good to see you too.” I tell her as she leads us to the back.
Merick takes my coat and my bag while I remove my boots so I can get weighed. Luckily Merick doesn’t look while I step up on the small metal platform. Amelia writes it down and then I grab my boots following her barefoot across the hall to an exam room.
“Have a seat on the table.” I do as she asks and then she takes my blood pressure, and the rest of my vitals. “Everything looks good. How are you feeling? The baby is part shifter so I know that can have an effect on your body.”
“I feel really great, but I do notice I’m hungry constantly. Also the moment I lay down I pass out. I can also feel the baby move already, but that’s crazy right?”
Merick kisses my temple. “I told her that shifters are only pregnant for six months, but that it could be different for her.”
“Merick’s right, and I’m going to take some measurements. I’m hoping we can pinpoint how fast your baby is growing.” Amelia grabs a gown and paper drape. “Put this on, no bottoms and cover your lap with the drape. We’re going to do a transvaginal ultrasound so I can get a better look at your baby.”
Once I’m changed and back on the table Amelia comes back in and pulls a machine towards me. It’s got a little screen on it. “Okay go ahead and lie back.” She helps me put my feet in stirrups. Amelia puts a condom on the wand looking thing and then covers it with jelly. “You’re going to feel a little bit of pressure.”
I wince when she pushes the wand inside me and then I feel it pressing up against my insides. She taps a couple of buttons and then a fast whooshing sound fills my ears. My eyes burn as I listen to the most beautiful sound in the world.
Merick grabs my hand and pulls it to his lips, kissing the back of it. “That is the best sound I’ve ever heard,” he says as he smiles at me.
“Merick, will you grab that little screen?” Amelia signals to the one on the side of the machine. He pulls it out and then an image appears that immediately causes tears to fall. “That’s your baby.” I don’t miss the awe in Amelia’s voice.
I give Merick a watery smile and he bends down, kissing me. We both turn back to the monitor while Amelia types away and then scribbles stuff down on a notebook. The baby appears to have its little fist up by its face.
“The baby is growing at a rapid rate. She could have this baby in only a few months.”
I look at Amelia, “a few months?”
Her head flies up and she’s got wide eyes. “You heard that?” I nod. “Shit, I’m sorry. Okay don’t freak out, but technically from when your last period was to now, you’re only eight weeks, but your baby looks like one that’s about fifteen or sixteen weeks.” She grabs my hand. “Don’t worry, okay. Your baby is absolutely perfect. I’ll check the measurements and let you know as soon as possible exactly how fast your baby is growing.”
I nod because what else can I do right now?
After our appointment, Merick leads me out to his truck. Before he opens the door, he cups my face in both hands. “I love you so fucking much.” His lips slam down on mine. He forces my lips open, teasing my tongue with his own. He pulls back, smiling
I smile up at him. “I love you, too.”
Merick helps me into the truck and then climbs in the driver’s side. The drive back home is full of comfortable silence. I rest my hands on my belly, closing my eyes trying to hear anything but per usual I’m met with only silence. What I do get is a powerful little flutter, which makes me smile.
The sun shines in our bedroom window and I groan as I pull my pillow out from under my head and place it over my eyes. The scent of sausage drifts up the stairs, making my stomach growl.
I climb out of bed and stretch my aching muscles. Merick was an absolute animal last night. It was
