“No—you’re not to blame. The Morrigan is to blame, but she was worried about you enough to risk her health for you. You two are alike in ways. Reckless and willing to break the rules for those you love. When people love you that much, sometimes it makes them do crazy things. Neither Marcus nor Isabella wanted to hurt you. Quite the opposite. As for Steel—I love that man with all my heart. I would never harm him, and he knows that. To answer your question, yes, we had an affair. He was separated from his wife at the time, but do not tell Isabella, I beg you.”
Raine ended the conversation and walked away, sobbing, but Ella carried on.
“What happened?”
“I happened. I’m a witch, which means I’m not entirely human. We view the world with different eyes, and there is always danger. That wasn’t the issue with Steel being a military man; he faced danger many times. He accepted me and all that entailed right away. I think in truth, in the beginning, it was simply sex. Ha, that’s not true. It was never just sex, because the sex was amazing. The sort you never forget. Anyway, as our feelings grew, we broke it off. A mutual decision. A relationship with a human is not encouraged in our coven because, like you soul-shifters, when we choose a mate, it’s for life. Steel is mine. I knew this the moment I met him. I explained how that works, but he wouldn’t accept it. He told me to find someone my own age to settle down with. He’s twenty years older than me. It doesn’t bother me one bit, but he wouldn’t hear it. He’s a stubborn fool.”
“What about his wife?”
Raine put her hands up. “Have you ever met her? Or even seen her? I did ask, but I didn’t want to pry. He told me they married right out of high school when he enlisted. After several miscarriages, she changed. She left him, I think, but as far as I know, they’re still legally married.”
Ella nodded—not even Marcus knew about Steel’s past fully—and she dipped her head low. She knew Steel was a man of honor, and there must be more to the story, even if Raine didn’t know it herself. She had observed these two together, and her boss held strong feelings for the witch. In the scene she entered with Steel, Raine was pregnant with his child.
“Raine, something isn’t right here, and you have to listen before you go crazy. When I slipped into Steel’s mind, like I said, you’re there. His world is right there with you. You’re pregnant. I have never seen Steel so devoted. He’s in love with the idea of you and his child. I couldn’t wake him up. He’s adamant what he’s seeing is real. I need to step into this virtual world he’s created and make him see me.”
“How can I help?” the witch asked.
Ella rubbed her bracelet. “You need to leave, Raine. Get Elizabeth. She can monitor me.”
Raine studied her. “Marcus said I should stay to keep you grounded, to pull you back if needed.”
“You’re linked to him. Holding him hostage even if it isn’t on purpose. I need to break into this façade, and I cannot do it with you here. You have to trust me.” She moved closer to the witch and pressed her hand on the woman’s arm.
“Okay—but Drayton will be pissed.”
“You leave him to me. Go and get the doctor.”
Ella marched over to the side of the table and grabbed a bottle of water. After she drank enough fluids, she settled back down on the pullout and waited.
Dr. Davies strolled into the room, minus the witch. “Are you sure you want to do this, Ella? I’m concerned this might actually be harmful for you.”
Ella narrowed her eyes and studied her friend, shaking her head. “Marcus told you, didn’t he?”
The doctor removed her white coat and hooked it on the back of the door, which she closed. She stopped at the foot of Steel’s bed and reviewed the machines and recordings.
“Yes—he knew he would be gone several days and wanted me to keep an eye on you. I don’t understand why, as your doctor, you didn’t come and see me. We need to arrange an ultrasound and blood test.”
“I know I should have, but after last time, I just needed some time to sort out my feelings.”
“And how do you feel?”
Ella huffed and shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know. There’s so much going on right now, and things between Marcus and me aren’t exactly blissful.”
“Look, when this is done, let me run some tests, so we can establish a date when this baby is due, and check that everything is as it should be.”
Ella nodded, unable to speak for the moment. She hadn’t allowed herself to truly explore how she felt about being pregnant again. Everything between her and Marcus seemed a challenge and having another baby wouldn’t make it easier. She rubbed her forehead.
“I’m not an outsider, which I feel sometimes, and it doesn’t help the team one bit to exclude me. Being pregnant is important, Ella. You can’t just brush it under the carpet. And besides being your doctor, I’m also your friend.”
Ella sat up.
The doctor squeezed her hand, and she let out a long breath. “Now, what do you need me to do?” Elizabeth asked.
“Right—I’ve only done this a couple of times, but I’m going to slow my heart down as if I’m about to die.”
The doctor made no sound as Ella started to undress.
“The first time, I was naked and cold. I’m going to recreate that, removing everything except my bracelet. I just need you to make sure I’m not unconscious for too long, and if necessary, to pull me back.”
“Exactly how do
