“Yes,” Lanna quickly replied with a smile, sending them along. She turned a knowing look on Reese. “Secret makes you angry all the time.”
Phoedra lifted her gaze. “Lanna’s right, Reese. We can’t keep this hidden any longer. It’s not fair to ... him.”
Hearing Phoedra call Quinn him and not dad or father pained Lanna, but this was not the time to tackle that subject.
Reese’s eyes swam with tears she would not let fall. “That’s why I’m so mad ... at me. The guilt is killing me and I take it out on him because I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m doing just that. I know that sounds crazy. Consider the source right now.” Then she gave Lanna a suspicious look. “Wait, you said you think he knows?”
“Yes. Cousin would not be careless, but something must not have worked. I think he knows you carry baby. He will not leave you to do this alone.”
“We were careful, dammit,” Reese muttered. “That freaking InchKeith has to be at fault.”
That would explain a lot.
Lanna recalled hearing how Quinn and Reese had been put through a difficult time to gain information on locating Phoedra only the InchKeith could provide back then.
It was up to Lanna to fix this for Quinn. No man could be more honorable than her cousin. First she had to find out why Reese had not told him yet. “Yes, I remember you two went to New Orleans and were inside InchKeith realm. Cousin said it was difficult time.”
Walking over to the castle steps, Reese turned and sat on the second one up. Phoedra took the spot next to her.
Lanna stood so she could see both of their faces.
Reese leaned back on her elbows and stared up at her. “That InchKeith jerk played games with us the whole time. Half the time I didn’t know what was real and what was illusion.” She tipped her chin down. “But I swear Quinn and I both thought the condom was real.”
“Eww.” Phoedra covered her ears. “I don’t want details.”
Reese smiled and patted Phoedra’s knee. “Uncover your ears. I don’t want to go into details either, but I do need you to know I would not put him in this situation again for anything and he would not have put me at risk.”
Pulling her hands down, Phoedra looped an arm around Reese. “It’s going to be okay, really.”
Reese just gave her a sad smile then asked Lanna, “But how do you know what’s going on? Did Quinn tell you?”
Phoedra groaned. “I told her. I trust Lanna. I’m sorry. I was worried about you, both of you.”
Lanna would not have betrayed that trust by telling Reese that Phoedra had only confirmed what Lanna had figured out. She assured Reese, “I will say nothing about this unless you give me permission. I keep secrets, but I think you need to talk to Cousin. Garwyli tutors me each time I visit Treoir. He said InchKeith is old and has dark sense of humor, but can be busybody friend. Maybe thought he was playing matchmaker. Did InchKeith think you and Cousin were more than friends?”
“No, yes, maybe,” Reese grumbled. “Let’s say yes.”
“InchKeith could have thought he was doing favor.” Lanna held up a hand to stop Reese from exploding. “I do not defend him. Does not matter. Phoedra is happy for baby. I am happy for baby. Cousin will be happy for baby.”
“No. Quinn is not going to be happy to find out he’s been tricked twice. I didn’t trick him, but the outcome is the same and he has every right to be angry.”
“Cousin will understand and will not blame you for this. I think he will be more worried about you and baby staying safe. That is probably why you end up here. Treoir safest place for you, baby, and Phoedra.”
Reese sat up. “Damn. Now everything makes sense. Instead of badgering me about why I got sick at the apartment before we teleported, he put up with my bad mood. He does know. He did ask me if I was okay and I snapped at him ... maybe more than once. He didn’t lose his temper.” She covered her face. “I suck. This won’t do.”
“Why not?” Phoedra asked. “I think we can make this work and Lanna is right. He’s really nice.”
Lanna added, “He will be wonderful father to baby and ... ” She turned a warm smile to Phoedra. “To you also.”
Phoedra’s cheeks pinked with embarrassment. “I know.”
Reese asked Phoedra, “Would you mind getting me a glass of water, Snook? I’m really dry.”
“I’ll get it!” Phoedra jumped up and ran into the castle.
Lanna smiled at Reese using Phoedra’s nickname.
The minute she was out of sight, Reese stood and leaned close to Lanna, keeping her voice down. “I would never keep the baby secret from Quinn, but you don’t understand. He can’t be anywhere around me when it’s time to give birth.”
Icy chill ran over Lanna’s skin. “Why not?”
“I can’t carry this baby to term.”
“I will—”
“No, Lanna. Listen to me. I know you’re powerful and how much you care, but this is not something you can fix. I’ve been cursed, for real, and already lost one child a long time ago. The only reason I didn’t die at the same time was because the person who has been Phoedra’s guardian for all these years kept me hidden from demons. He’s also Phoedra’s guardian because Kizira asked him to protect her baby. He’s the one who put me on a path to meet Phoedra. Quinn can’t be around me or he won’t survive either. The father of my first child didn’t want me or the baby, but he survived only because the guardian kept me somewhere no one could touch me. I may have to go back to the guardian. You told me you would protect my secret. You have to help me keep Quinn away and watch over Phoedra when I’m gone.”
“I will not leave you or the baby to
