She smiled at his willingness to let her try. “Agreed. I can do that.”
Marcus faced the witch. “Zephra, I want you to take Nate back with you…”
What the hell? Ella pushed her chair back. “You cannot be serious. We only just got Nate back!”
“Goddammit, Ella—be reasonable. You said the Morrigan mentioned Nate—by name. You said her words chilled you to the bone, and instinctively you picked him up. I will not let any harm befall him, Ella, and while you’re helping Steel, it leaves him vulnerable. The coven as a whole can protect him. Listen to Zephra.”
Ella swallowed down an invisible lump and faced the woman, who gave her a sympathetic smile.
“Our isle is ancient and fortified in the strongest of magic. It’s a place of serenity and peace. Nate will be well protected and cared for, until it is safe for him to return. I will guard him with my life.”
Ella knew she could fight this, but deep in her heart, she knew a temporary separation would be best while they tackled the Morrigan. A part of her feared that by sending her son away, she wouldn’t be there to save him should anything happen. Danger followed them everywhere. Was this isle really an impenetrable location? Marcus pressed into her back. She should push him away, but right now, she couldn’t. Studying her husband, she acknowledged the lines that bracketed his captivating eyes.
“It won’t be for long,” he said.
No one knew for sure how long it would take to defeat this monster. Ella smoothed her hand over her flat belly, knowing that the life growing inside her was an issue she needed to discuss with her husband. She couldn’t do anything about the life inside her, but she could do this.
“Okay—I need to explain Nate’s routine and gather all his stuff. You wouldn’t believe what a six-month-old requires…” Her voice broke and she placed a trembling hand over her mouth as her heart squeezed. In a matter of hours, Marcus and Nate would leave her, and she may never see Isabella again. Her family was dissolving before her eyes. She spun around and launched herself into Marcus’s waiting arms, sobbing.
He pressed his weight into her and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. “Shh, it’s okay. Let it out.” He rubbed her back.
The gentleness he displayed was not lost on her as she splintered. Footsteps tapped behind her and the door clicked closed as she pressed her wet face into his solid chest. She sobbed until the tears dried up. He kissed the top of her head and continued to stroke her back, allowing her to fall apart, secure in his embrace. She turned her head to the side and listened to the slow and steady beat of his heart as she played with the buttons on his shirt.
“Everyone is leaving.”
Marcus brushed her hair away from her face and tilted her chin up. “It’s not forever, Ella. Nate will be back. As for Isabella, you heard Zephra—she isn’t lost to us. We have to believe she will be all right, even if she’s a vampire. Look—we need to talk.”
“I haven’t forgotten what you did. Don’t think because I’m in your arms I have forgiven you because I haven’t.”
He brushed his thumb over her lower lip and a warmth pooled inside her belly. She closed her eyes, allowing the tingles to dominate and flood her senses. She needed the energy he provided to help her weather the storm.
“I know, but I hope in time you will. I love you, and I will do whatever it takes to win you back. I’m sorry—I should have made you listen, but hell, you are so stubborn, Ella. You never back down, even when you need to listen. You scare the life out of me. I need you to understand—I never completed the ritual. I never wanted control over you. I just wanted you and Nate safe.”
She lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. “Do you think Isabella is going to be all right?”
“Did you listen to anything I just said?”
“Yes. I did, but right now, I cannot stop thinking about Isabella, and what becoming a vampire will mean. A vampire, Marcus. Her mortal life is over.” She covered her abdomen with her hand, knowing how her friend loved Nate, and perhaps someday would have wanted children of her own. She pressed her lips to stem the cry.
He shook her gently. “Isabella is one of the strongest women I know, after you, and she will adjust.”
He spoke the truth. Isabella was one tough cookie. If anyone could survive and persevere, it would be her.
“I’m pregnant.”
He kissed her temple and let out a long breath. “I’ve been having visions, but I didn’t believe they were anything more than wishful thinking on my part. I also noticed certain additions to the grocery list, like chocolate ice cream. You never buy stuff like that. I could mention other signs, but hearing you confirm it, well, I knew. When did you take a test?”
Marcus bracketed her shoulders, waiting, and she bit her lip. “A couple of days ago.”
“And how do you feel about it?”
“Truthfully—I don’t know.”
“Well, just know you’re not alone. I will do whatever you need me to do. Look after Nate more, buy you ice cream. Give you massages. Whatever you want. I’m here for you.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The memory of Marcus’s confession and his attentive behavior before he left
