I nod, knowing that the words could never express my gratitude to him and to every other person that will arrive. I know without a doubt that each will stake their lives to protect the life of Taryn and our child and for that, I am forever in their debt.
Taryn
Since my dream the other night, Merick is on edge. He’s always watchful and appears as though at any time if needed he is prepared to strike. Right now he’s outside chopping wood with my dad while Mom and Rowan make dinner. I know Rowan’s purpose here is to be part of my protection, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with her.
She and Mom are getting along really well and chatting away like they’re old friends. I haven’t been sleeping well since the dream so they’re all making me stay curled up in front of the fireplace. I appreciate it, honestly, I do, but they need to loosen the reins a little. I feel like I am suffocating.
When Amelia came over the night I had the dream she checked my vitals and we listened to my baby’s heartbeat, reassuring me that everything was okay. She burned some herbs in the room and placed crystals all around. She said that they’d protect us and they’d promote dreamless sleep.
Of course that would be if I could sleep more than an hour or so at a time. I can’t help it though, I just wake up scared and then I usually can’t fall back asleep. When Mom and Dad came over earlier, she took one look at the bags under my eyes and made me lie down on the sofa.
Last night Merick had Ryder over and they were talking about things. I know that more people like him are here to help protect us, and I find it comforting that so many people are seeing to our safety.
Rowan interrupts my thoughts when she comes out, bringing me a cup of tea Amelia left for me. It’s supposed to help relax me. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” I take the cup from her and rest a hand on my belly.
“Of course. Your mom is so great.” She also places her hand on my belly. “Try and get some sleep, okay? You both need to rest.”
“I will, I promise.” Rowan surprises me by kissing me on the forehead and then heads back into the kitchen.
The tea is delicious and cooled off enough that I’m able to drink it all down. I look outside and watch two of the most important men in my life as they chop wood together. Merick smiles and laughs at something Dad says to him.
It’s the most relaxed I’ve seen Merick in the past couple of days and I’ll take it. My eyes start to get heavy.
“Should we wake her?”
“She should probably eat something.” I hear someone say quietly, “Merick what do you think?”
I fight to open my eyes, but they’re so heavy. I can’t fight it and let myself fall back to sleep.
The room is bathed in the glow from the fireplace. I sit up, stretching my stiff body. I look over and find Merick asleep in the recliner. “Honey?” I reach out to touch him and he jerks awake. “It’s just me, sorry.”
He doesn’t say anything only pulls me down onto his lap. “How do you feel?”
“Rested. I feel bad I slept through my parents’ whole visit. How was dinner?” I rest my forehead against his neck. My stomach chooses this moment to growl, loudly.
“It was delicious and it sounds like someone is hungry. Let’s feed my girl.”
Mom pulls me into a huge hug. “I’m gonna miss my girl but we’ll be back in time for the baby.” She smiles at me with tears in her eyes.
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” I whisper. It’s the truth—I don’t want to give birth to my first child without my mom there, but for their safety they can’t stay.
Merick comes walking out of the house followed by my father. Dad pulls me into a hug, squeezing me tight. “I’m going to miss you baby girl, but I know you’ll be safe.” He’s quiet for a moment and then smiles at me. “He’s a good man and I know there isn’t much that he wouldn’t do for you. I’m glad you have that.”
“Thanks, Dad. I love you.”
We walk them to their car and Merick rests his hands on my shoulders, giving me strength as I watch my parents pull out of the driveway and then disappear down the road.
I don’t bother hiding the tears as they flow down my cheeks. “They’ll be back when it’s safer for them.”
My parents received a call that there was a water main break in their yard, and they needed to get home. I’m not sure how Merick made that happen but if it keeps them far away from the danger that’s coming then I’m okay with that.
I turn in his arms, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I know. Thank you for whatever you did to get them to leave.” I reach up, stroking his cheek. Merick places his hand over mine. I push up on my toes and kiss him before heading inside.
I pass the mirror hanging on the wall in the entryway and stop. I turn and look at myself. “Holy shit,” I whisper. My belly has really popped out and when I pull up my shirt, I stare in open mouth awe. I look like I’ve swallowed a volleyball.
Merick appears behind me. “You have never looked more beautiful.” He rubs a hand over my belly and our baby gives a little kick. He looks to the door and pulls me back. “Someone’s here.”
“Who is it?”
He looks outside and turns to me. “It’s Marissa and Jonathon. I wanted to see if they could sense anything about your powers and if they’re changing. The dreams are becoming more real for you and I’m just worried.”
“I will do whatever
