“I’ll do no such thing.”
“You are impossible,” pushing at my chest, I laugh when she grunts in frustration. “This may be one of the last days I have to get out and enjoy my freedom before the baby comes. Let’s face it babies take a lot of time, but neither of us truly know exactly what this little lady is going to require.”
Taryn shrugs and I slowly release her, reluctantly of course.
“Ya know, half shifter and all.” she smiles as do I and I decide that I need to let her go. She’s right, we are getting close to the arrival of our little angel and though Taryn appears strong and sure, I know she is worried.
“Enjoy your day,” I force the words. When in my mind I am screaming please just stay home with me where I can keep you safe. “Jonathan is on his way over and we have a few things to handle anyway.”
I spend the next few minutes kissing her, until Rowan barges in and steals my woman. Taryn laughed when I growled at my lifelong friend as she led her right out the front door and into the awaiting car.
I’ve been a raging ball of nerves and agitation every single second since.
“Are you planning to pace the entire time they are gone?”
Instead of responding to Jonathan, I freshen my drink and fight the urge to look out the large picture window that overlooks the long drive leading to my house. It is the same move I have been making almost constantly since Taryn left over an hour ago with Lily and Rowan.
Shopping and lunch. It seems harmless really but in our world it can be a path leading to something destructive. I want to be able to allow Taryn to live a life as close to normal as possible, but when she isn’t near me, it is excruciating. Too many things run throughout my mind, terrifying things. Life changing things.
“You are going to combust,” again Jonathan taunts me. “Is that smoke coming out of your ears?”
“Are you finished?”
“I don’t know,” he appears pleased with himself. “Are you done pouting?”
I wasn’t pouting.
Taryn
“Oh my gosh I can’t eat another bite.” I pat my large rounded belly and my daughter gives a satisfied wiggle.
Today has been exactly what I needed. I look around the table at Lily, Rowan, and Amelia. The first is my bestie and the other two are becoming two people I care about immensely. Rowan and Amelia have both welcomed Lily with open arms.
My bestie knows they’re both special, but I thought they could share with her when they feel comfortable to do so, why exactly they are.
“Let's have a toast,” Amelia says as she holds her glass up.
I smile as I watch the other two girls hold up their glasses and I join them. “What are we toasting to?”
“To Taryn, Merick, and baby girl Samuelson.” We clink glasses and they all take drinks. I don’t take one because tears fill my eyes as they smile at me. I place my hand on my belly and take a drink of my lemonade.
“Thank you, so much. This is what I needed.”
They cover the check, not letting me pay. Lily helps me up from my seat. I grab the thick cardigan, shrugging it on. At this point I’m too big for much of anything. Hell, I’m wearing one of Merick’s sweaters right now. I do have to admit I do look pretty cute, even though I feel like a big whale.
We head down the street to a children’s store, Twinkle, Twinkle. The entire time I don’t miss the way Rowan stays by my side— my protector. Lily holds the door open for us as we step inside.
This is the cutest store I’ve ever been in. It’s decorated in soft pinks, blues, and creams. The owner, Clarisse, is super sweet and grew up with Amelia— she’s just not supernatural, but her family is one of the original settlers in Stone Ridge and they have always supported the supernatural nature of the town.
“Hi ladies, take a look around. Girls clothes are over here.” The petite brunette signals to the right of the store, “and boys are on the other. If we don’t have the size you need let me know and I’ll see if I can order it for you.” She and Amelia walk off together talking and Lily starts looking at outfits.
By myself, I look at little dresses and smile, imagining Olivia wearing them. She’s gonna be tall like her daddy, I can feel it.
“I have to get her alone, we can grab her then. They want the baby and don’t want to wait any longer.”
I grip my belly protectively and glance around the store. It’s only my friends and me. I close my eyes and listen hard.
“She’s got that shifter bitch sticking close.”
My stomach cramps and I rub my belly. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Fear clogs my throat and I’m frozen where I stand. I feel anger, such deep seated anger. I move toward the girls when a blinding pain rips across my belly.
I bite my lip to keep from crying out. I quickly glance around the store and spot the girls by the counter. Someone in a dark hoodie stands toward the back of the store watching me. Chills run up and down my spine. They start moving toward me. I open my mouth to scream, but it’s like my mouth won’t work.
Pain grips my belly again. I reach behind me until my hand lands on the door handle. I quickly pull the door open and then rush out onto the sidewalk. Marissa’s store is down the street, if I
