Chapter 15
1 month later
They’d decided against living in the house with the others. Callie decided that staying in her house wasn’t that bad, considering it wasn’t all that far from the dragon land. It was easy enough to go visit, and they spent most of their free time there, anyway. Aris promised they would get their house soon. Zarin and Willow’s house was nearly completed now. Willow had become an even closer friend than she could have imagined. The two of them bonded, even though their lives were worlds apart.
Every day was a new day. The best part of it all, her shop was doing well. She spent her days surrounded by books. It was heaven. She’d finally stopped being hounded by Matty’s family. They moved on. Or maybe he’d told them to back off her. She had found her peace within herself. The beast was the reason, of course. She helped her through everything.
Callie felt better than ever. It had taken a toll on her both mentally and physically, but she’d come clean to Evander about her past. His first response was to pull her into a hug and tell her he loved her no matter what. That she was beautiful. His second response was to enforce a proper diet and exercise plan for her. She’d never felt as good as she did now. The weakness was nearly gone, thanks to her mate…and Zarin, who happened to be a personal trainer. He coached her and taught her how to use her body in a healthy way.
“Hey, hon,” Willow said, handing her a bottle of water, “Zarin’s running behind today. It’s just us girls.”
“That’s cool. I wasn’t ready for him to make me hate my life today.” She laughed. In fact, she wasn’t sure she should take his abuse. Her insides were bursting with excitement. She hadn’t told anyone–not even Evander.
“What’s going on with you?” Willow was smart. And Callie loved her. She was like the sister she always wanted and never had.
“I can’t.” But her heart raced, and her stomach curled. She’d been lucky so far and had not been sick, but she was starting to feel nauseous more often.
“Tell me, woman!”
Callie laughed. Her friend wasn’t the most patient woman. “Well, Sophie’s due really soon, right?”
“Yes, why?”
“What if I were to tell you there will be another little one coming, too?”
Willow gasped. “You’re pregnant?”
She nodded, and tears filled her eyes. “I’m finally healthy, and now I’m carrying my mate’s child. I just….”
“Why haven’t you told him?”
“I don’t know if he wants babies.”
“Of course, he does. What man wouldn’t want to create a mini version of himself to carry on the line?”
“You’re right, I’m sure. I guess...I don’t know. I’m scared.”
“Of what?”
“I never had a dad.”
“Oh, honey, he’s not going to abandon you.”
“Damn straight I won’t,” a deep voice said. She was busted and kicked herself for not paying better attention to her surroundings.
She turned to him and wiped her tears away. “Surprise.”
He frowned. “I should have known first, but worse, I don’t want you scared. I’ll never abandon you or our baby.”
She knew this. “I know,” she said, and sighed. She glanced at Willow, who took the hint and slid from the room. “I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure. I just found out a few days ago.”
He strode to her and kissed her lips. “I knew before you. I sensed the change. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me.”
“I–”
“Don’t apologize, love. I know we have a lot to learn about each other still, but things are better.”
“Yes, for now. It’s been quiet, but it won’t stay that way. We both know that.”
“Of course not, but Aris is planning. He’s putting out a call to all other Halflings. More allies should be showing up.”
That was news to her. “Oh, a lot?”
“Who knows? I guess it depends on who feels the call and comes.”
“That’s how it works? He sends out a magic call?”
“Yes. Though I think more goes into it than that. But you’d have to ask him.”
She smiled, glad he knew, even though it wasn’t how she was intending for him to find out. She worried things would change. Would he become even more over-protective than he was now? She loved how much he cared, but she could barely stub her toe without him asking if she was all right. At some point, he needed to relax. It was one reason why she was concerned about telling him about her pregnancy.
“Love, stop thinking so hard.”
She sighed. “I just don’t want you in panic mode.”
He nodded, and she could see the wheels turning.
“I’m fine. I know you can take care of yourself, and Zarin, as hard as he is, is an amazing teacher. I would be too soft on you.”
Callie laughed. That was the truth. The only time he handled her roughly was during sex. Otherwise, he treated her as if she were dainty and small, when she so obviously wasn’t. Since the incident in the cave, she’d gone out of her way to take care of herself. She called a therapist and admitted her problem to the whole tribe. They didn’t judge her, and they all went out of their way to help her. She loved how supportive everyone was.
***
Evander loved Callie. He loved his new life. But most of all, he loved being away from the king and queen. He loved being away from the dank dungeon. He loved being away from Lyle and the other guards that did things to him when no one was looking. He was treated with respect, and the others seemed to like him well enough.
Things had been too quiet. He was on edge, waiting for something to happen. But nothing did. Finding out his mate was pregnant was the biggest blessing he’d ever received, but now his beast prowled in his mind anxiously. He couldn’t allow anything to happen to her. Especially now.
He’d been dreaming, and what he’d seen wasn’t good. The Council was gathering forces. They would come to Stratham, and they would destroy anyone–mortal or not–that got in their way toward annihilation of the Halflings. He couldn’t believe they’d gone through so much trouble for just the few of them. It wasn’t as if the Halflings were a threat. Most of them just wanted to live their lives and be left alone. That’s how he felt.
Now he was going to be a father, but he knew more than anything that the Council needed to be knocked off their throne before his baby was born.
A baby. He smiled at his mate and brushed his thumb along her jaw. “You know I’m going to watch you like a hawk, right?”
She sighed, but the smile widened. “I know, but please remember that I am capable of taking care of myself.”
“I know, love.”
“Are you happy?”
He sensed her unease. She was so concerned that he would leave them. “Why would I ever leave you? You’re my mate.”
“I know, and you’re mine.”
“Then let’s celebrate.”
That was all it took. Callie threw herself into his arms and hugged him. He sighed when he felt the warmth of her skin and the strength she now held. She was okay now.
“I love you.”
She pulled him tighter and sighed. “I love you, too.”
He wasn’t sure how long they stood like that, but it wasn’t until Aris came in with a frown that they pulled themselves apart.
“Bev needs our help.”
“The witch?”
“Yes, she’s on her way now, and be warned: don’t offend her. Willow will chew your ass off.”
He didn’t doubt it, but he really wasn’t looking forward to dealing with the old witch. She had a lot of power and a lot of hate. What could she possibly need their help for?
***THE END***