Chapter 21 – Empusa
EMPUSA
The cabin looks beautiful. Not perfect, but damned beautiful.
My guys are all asleep inside our giant bed.
Or, actually, the two king-sized beds that make up most of our bedroom.
I wiggle my swollen body out from between them and murmur comforting words when Narath starts to stir.
I manage to get him back to sleep, pull on my robe and slippers, and sneak out of the bedroom.
In the main part of the house, Charm and her puppies are asleep in their doggy beds near the fireplace.
Through the open door near them, I see the newly decorated nursery, just waiting for our little one to complete it.
The smell of chili cooking in a crockpot fills the room, and I can see the morning light peeking through the window.
I grab my phone from where it’s plugged in in the kitchen and eye the chili, deciding that I’m not ready for it.
Not just yet.
Quietly, I go outside and then sit on the little swing the boys had put up for me.
I push back and forth with my feet, holding my massive belly.
“Well, darling. This is officially your due date. Anytime you want to come out into the world, you’re welcome to.
And we’ll all be here, ready to love you more than you ever imagined. ”
In response, my entire belly starts to move as she does her backflips.
I smile, feeling happier than I’ve ever been.
Suddenly, my phone buzzes, and I look down in confusion at Leo’s name. Something must be wrong; she never calls this early.
I swipe to answer. “Hello?”
“Hello.” She sounds breathless. “Listen, I don’t have a lot of time.”
I stiffen, sitting up higher in the swing. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, well, everything, but nothing. I just…listen, I have to disappear for a while.”
“Disappear? What are you talking about?”
“I’m fine, okay, don’t worry about me. I just didn’t want you to, well, worry. The vet’s office is a bit of a mess, and I’m sure cops will end up getting involved.” I hear shouting through her phone and pounding.
“Leo, we’re coming!” I start trying to stand.
“No! I didn’t call you to fix this for me, I called so that you’d know I’m okay. There’s something I have to take care of, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take me, but I swear to god when I come back you sure as hell better name me that kid’s godparent.”
My heart’s racing. “You’re sure? We could be there soon.”
“I’m sure.” And she sounds calm. “Just, hug that baby extra tight for me.”
“I will.” I push away tears that form in my eyes.
Leo has been there for me through thick and thin.
It feels wrong that now that she’s gotten into her own trouble, she doesn’t want help.
But part of what makes her and I such good friends is that we trust each other.
If she says she’ll be okay, I have to find a way to accept that she knows what’s best for her.
“Now,” she sighs, her words taking on a harsher edge. “I guess it’s time for sweet Leo to go, because the sphinx is back…and this time, she’s taking names.”
The line goes dead. I stare at my phone, then get up, fully intending to send my guys down to check on Leo. Even if just from afar to be sure she’s alright. But then, pain explodes across my belly and I freeze.
Oh, hell, my first real contraction.
It seems Leo and I are both about to begin a new adventure...