Panic rolled through my stomach, threatening to stir the meal I’d been eating. “Different? Different how? Do you feel that I may be?” I put a hand over my tummy. Part of me expected to feel something move, and a mixture of fear and excitement churned under my palm.
“I just feel like we have had plenty of passion, little one. And my body, with yours, just seems right. So, who knows? I don't smell you any differently or anything, but you glow beautifully." His grin turned to a sweet smile as he pulled me in closer.
I pulled back but not away. Studying him, I considered the weight of that being possible… of being pregnant. We aren’t even a couple. Are we? I’ve only been here several days. We don’t even know what we are doing! I wanted to run and scramble to find a way back to Earth; to my home, my bed, my world. But at the same time, I found my hand going to my stomach, longing to let myself curl into him.
I laid my head on his shoulder, my voice betraying how fragile that thought made me feel. “If I were to have your child, would it be human or vampire?”
"It would be a half breed. They would live with benefits of both worlds," he explained.
“A half breed?” My breaths were slow, contemplative.
He pulled me up into his lap, brushing my hair back behind my ear. “This thought scares you.” His piercing blue eyes roamed over my face. “Today has been a lot for you, I am sure. Shall we go home? I can soothe you better there.”
I warmed with his gesture and laid my cheek against his. There was something so comforting about him. And while the thought of the most recent topic both scared and intrigued me, my mind flooded with the events of the prior several days, this day in particular. “Yes. Please. I’d like to go home. I could use a bath. if I’m allowed.”
"Auri, you are not my slave. Of course you are allowed." Kane stood, holding me in his arms, carrying me until we stepped outside of the tavern.
Gently, he placed me on my feet. I looked back through the doors, seeing that the cleanup was virtually complete. Tables and chairs had been reset. Blood had been mopped up. Drinks had been refilled. And even the patrons were starting to socialize again.
And not an eye had followed us directly as we exited.
I felt his hand, his fingers entwining with mine. I don’t know how long I had been standing there, staring off. It couldn’t have been but a moment. But it was a long moment.
“Shall we, little one?” I blinked, looking up at him. His expression was soft with a hint of concern. “Would you like to walk, or do you need assistance?
I tilted my head, blinking again as if I wasn’t registering what he’d said. And I wasn’t. At least not for a moment. My brain was rebooting.
“Auri?” His softness shifted. That hint of concern growing across his brow.
“Yes?” Finally, I responded.
He exhaled a sigh of relief. “Welcome back. Now, how about I get you home so you can have that bath?”
The last of whatever that was rolled off me. I cleared my throat and sucked in a cleansing breath. “Yes. That sounds divine.”
The walk back to the castle didn’t take nearly as long considering that we didn’t stop at any of the shops. Most were closed, but I am pretty sure that Kane wouldn’t have let me detour regardless. Not with how I’d spaced out back there.
So, when he tugged me along, holding my arm wrapped around his, I didn’t fight or argue. I simply walked along with him. Both of us silent. But it was a comfortable silence. Occasionally, I’d look up and see him watching me. And each time, he would smile at me. A smile that I couldn’t help but return.
As we turned the corner into the corridor that led to our chambers, Kane pressed his hand to my lower back. "Would you like me to have Sarah warm a bath for you?"
I liked Sarah. She was swiftly becoming my closest friend on Naelyra. But I was sure I was done with people for the night. “Actually no. I can run it myself. I don’t really think I want anyone else around tonight if that’s alright with you.”
Before he could respond, a woman’s voice echoed down the hall. “Well, that’s too bad since I’m already here.”
“What are you doing here, Mika?” Kane pulled my hand, moving me slightly behind him.
She stepped forward, moving out of the shadow she’d been standing in. “Just out for an evening stroll. I thought maybe I’d stop by and see you two lovebirds considering there’s so much gossip going around about your date night.”
Kane’s jaw clenched. “Our evening is of no concern to you. If you are in need of something it will have to wait until morning. Auriena is tired, and I intend to see her to bed.”
“Oh yes. I am sure you will.” Her words dripped with disdain. “But that’s just the thing, isn’t it? You get to show your lover to bed. You little precious little doll.”
She reached for my chin, but Kane slapped her hand back. “Once again, Mika, what is it you want? You do not lurk in shadows unless you want something.”
Her eyes were on me fully as a smirk shifted her features menacingly. “Oh, you know. I want her heart on a platter. I’m awfully hungry, and if she’s as sweet as you are letting on, I want some.”
A growl emanated from Kane’s chest. “Mika, go. Go to your chambers. Leave us. I don’t have time for your games. I’ve already shown one couple what I do if
