Becky peeked through the blinds for the second time in less than a minute. “They’re definitely both out there. They are talking to each other.”

Tanya huffed, she wasn’t falling for it. It was easy to misinterpret a conversation when watching from afar. Just because Brant and Zane were talking to each other, did not mean that they were getting along or that anything had changed.

“Oh my God!” Becky squealed, her eyes focused on the road below.

“Stop it, Becks. They might think that I’m the one peeking through the blinds. It could give them false hope.” Everything in her burned to go and take one little, tiny peek. To see her males again. But they weren’t hers, not anymore so she held back. Only just.

“You have to see this, they are laughing together.”

Without thinking, Tanya rushed over and sure enough the males were both smiling as they talked in what looked like…agreement. She had been fooled before though. They had made it clear that it would never work. Instead of taking a step back, she leaned in a little closer. Zane had stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. His t-shirt pulled tight around his large chest and biceps. Brant’s pants hugged his large thighs, and the way his golf shirt lovingly caressed his torso had her mouth watering and her heart clenching. She forced herself to take a step back and then another and another. Once she lost sight of the big vampires, walking away became easier. The ache in her heart increased though. Hopefully in time it would get easier. Somehow she doubted it would.

“They have been getting along much better lately.”

Tanya shrugged. “You see…proof that it’s better without me to complicate things.”

Stephany shook her head. “So cynical.”

“You can’t blame me. A week ago they were getting ready to beat each other to death.”

“A lot can change in seven days, Tanya.” Stephany eyed her with concern.

“I highly doubt it.”

“You are pregnant with their child. Maybe you should give them another chance.” Becky took a step towards her and Stephany. She gestured towards the window. “I just saw another truck pull up.”

Tanya groaned, covering her face with her hand. “Not more flowers or chocolates I hope.”

“They are only trying to win you back.” Stephany raised her eyebrows.

“How? By buying me ridiculous amounts of things? Yet putting no thought into it? I am not interested in things.”

“I think it’s kind of sweet.” Becky smiled.

Tanya rolled her eyes. “Fine, let’s just say I did go back. I’m willing to bet you that they would be at each other’s throats again in a matter of days.”

Stephany laughed. “Spoken like a true vampire.”

Tanya managed to crack a smile. Her friends were helping her to keep her sanity even if they were both set on trying to convince her to give Zane and Brant another chance. It was easy for them to say that though, since they wouldn’t be the ones being shuffled from one male to the other. Stuck in the middle of a pissing contest and liable to have to watch them tear into each other. An image of her males snarling and chests bashing came to mind. She knew that if they really intended to kill one another at some point, then there would be nothing she could do to stop them. The thought of being forced to stand by and watch them kill each other was just too much to bear.

A knock came at the door, thankfully stopping her current train of thought. Great. She knew that there were vampire guards posted outside her apartment day and night and that they followed her to the bookstore every day. She was also well aware that Brant and Zane often came by to see how she was doing. The fact that they came by regularly meant more than the silly things that they kept sending. Both had tried to see her, but she still refused and would continue to do so until she was much stronger. For now, she just didn’t trust herself to keep them at arm’s length.

Another insistent knock. Becky skipped to the door. “No, don’t.” Tanya held out her hand.

Becky stopped and looked over her shoulder. “They’ll keep coming back until you deal with it, so may as well be now. Besides, I really want to see what they’ve sent you this time.”

Tanya let out a sigh. “Fine, but only because I want this over with.” She turned to face Stephany. “Please tell them to stop sending me things. I’ve just about had enough of this.”

The vampire held up her hands. “Oh no, honey. You can tell them yourself. I’m not becoming the go between.”

It was wrong of her to have asked, especially when Stephany was doing so much already. “You’re right. I apologize. I’ll send them a text message or something.”

Stephany smiled warmly. “You should speak with them.”

Tanya pursed her lips.

Becky opened the door and greeted two men. After a half a minute of conversation, she turned back to Tanya. “It’s a furniture delivery from Brant for a new lounge and dining room suite as well as a new”—she waggled her eyebrows—“king size bed. Maybe they plan on visiting sometime soon.”

“Stop, Becks. It’s over between us. How many times do I need to keep saying that?”

“Whatever.” Becks moved to take the delivery note.

“Don’t you dare sign that. You can take it back,” she addressed the two men in overalls.

“Um, Tanya”—Becky put her hands on her hips—“I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you could use the help.” She gestured to the threadbare couch and rickety dining set.

“I’m happy with my old faithfuls. I’m not taking their gifts. I don’t plan on taking them back so it wouldn’t be right.”

“You are pregnant with their child, so it would be fine to accept their help,” Stephany said.

“I am grateful enough for the renovations they did to The Book Corner. Business has picked up substantially. I will be able to support us now.” Without thinking, her hand slid to her belly.  “I don’t need hand-outs. In time, they can help out financially with our baby.”

Tanya signed the necessary paperwork, which stated that she would not be taking delivery and closed the door. A dull headache started up, so she put her fingertips on her temples and closed her eyes for a second while leaning her back against the cool wood.

“You need to drink,” Stephany said.

“Eeew! Now? Really?” Becky wrinkled her nose.

“You are a big wussy when it comes to the whole blood thing for someone so intent on dating vampire males.” Stephany narrowed her eyes at Becky.

“Sex”—she bobbed her eyebrows—“yes, please baby, but the whole blood thing. No thank you.”

Tanya couldn’t help but to laugh. “I hate to break it to you kiddo, but for vampires sex and blood drinking go hand in hand. I don’t know why I’m arguing a moot point since it is still forbidden.”

“Not for long.” She lifted her eyebrows. “I have it on good authority that the males have started a petition, which they plan on taking to Zane and Brant. Most of the unmated males have signed.”

“How do you know that?” Stephany’s brow creased with concern.

Becky’s cheeks heated and she looked down at the tight t-shirt she was wearing and picked at some non-existent lint.

“Becks!” Tanya used the most authoritative voice she could muster.

Her best friend looked up with determined eyes. “Ross and I have been texting each other.”

Stephany gasped. “I can’t hear this. I will have to tell Brant, who in turn would need to tell Zane.”

Becky put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side, her chin lifted. “Tell him. We haven’t done anything wrong, or is it illegal to send a few messages?”

Stephany’s eyes softened. “No, but no good can come of it because nothing can come of it. You understand that don’t you?”

Becky took a step towards Stephany. “Once the kings see the petition, they will overturn these stupid rules. I’m sure of it.”

“These stupid rules – as you call them – are there for your safety. What if Ross were to kill you?” Stephany’s blue eyes were wide.

Becky huffed. “Please, as if.”

“What you don’t realize is that a certain number of vampires have what’s called bloodlust. They can’t control themselves when they taste human blood, it’s especially bad during rutting. If Ross has bloodlust, then he could kill you if he so much as tasted a drop of your blood.” She sighed. “You will end up dead and his life will be ruined with a good chance of him being executed for his sins as well. You are putting yourself and him at risk.”

Tanya had to school her reaction. Brant was affected by bloodlust. He’d said so himself. It hadn’t been lost on her how careful he was when it came to drinking. One of the males was always close in case he lost control and he’d never taken blood from her during sex. It was one of the things that she longed to experience during the mating. One that would never happen now. Her heart clenched painfully.

“Maybe it’s a risk that I am willing to take.”

“Stop,” Tanya said. “You can’t do this, Becks. It won’t end well.”

“You two need to chill. We’re only texting. I won’t see him.”

“Pinkie swear that you’ll stay away from him.” Tanya held out her finger.

Becky rolled her eyes, her blond curls bounced as she walked towards Tanya and clasped her little finger with Tanya’s. “I pinkie freaking swear. Are you happy now bitch?” She smirked. “You just completely ruined my sex life.”

“There are plenty of human men out there, you brat.”

Becky pouted. “You obviously turned blind, dumb and deaf since returning from Vampireville, but you are lucky that I love you anyway.” Becky threw her arms around Tanya. “We’ll have to move in together and get some cats or something since we’re going to be spinsters.”

“So freaking over dramatic.” Tanya giggled as they released each other. She tried not to feel depressed at the truth in her friend’s words.

Becky picked up her oversized Gucci purse. As a medical doctor with her own practice, she did extremely well and was often underestimated based on her fire cracker personality. The low cut tops might also have something to do with it. Truth was though, she was highly intelligent and dedicated to her field. Tanya was so proud of her friend. “You don’t have to leave,” Tanya said.

“I won’t say anything to Brant,” Stephany chimed in.

Becky lifted her eyebrows. “Looks like I’m not going to be getting any action any time soon, so I’m off to buy myself a large vibrator and an extra pack of batteries.”

Stephany’s brow knitted in confusion.

“Oh, come on already. You vampires act like you’re from the dark ages or something. A vibrator is like an extra-large penis, except as an added bonus it vibrates at different speeds.”

“They’re vampire males, Becks,” Tanya said turning to Stephany. “They are normal sized fake penises.”

“You have to be freaking kidding me?” Becky stomped her foot. “They’re sexy as sin, buffed up the whazoo and they have humungous dicks and I’m banned.” She shook her head and huffed. “I’m so buying the one that stimulates both your g spot and your clit. I can’t believe you’ve never heard of them.” Becky shook her head, a look of disbelief on her face.

“Stephany is celibate, I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear all of this.”

Stephany turned her gaze to the floor, she clasped her hands together in a tight knot on her lap.

“Sorry, Steph, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It fine,” she whispered but she didn’t look in the least bit fine.

“Are you sure? Is there something you want to talk about?” Tanya got the distinct feeling that her vampire friend was keeping something from her.

Stephany looked up and smiled. She looked sad. “I really am fine, thanks.”

“I’m here if you change your mind.”

Stephany licked her lips and nodded once.

“All the more reason to buy yourself a vibrator. I’ll get you one if you want,” Becky offered.

“Thanks, but no thanks.”

Becky took in a breath, intent on arguing.

“She’s good,” Tanya intervened. Becky could be a bit overbearing.

Her bestie shook her head. “Your loss.”

Becky said her goodbyes and left blowing a noisy kiss at the door before she closed it.

Stephany sank back into the couch looking relieved. Tanya had planned on bringing up what was going on with the female vamp, but decided to drop it instead. At least for now. There was definitely something different about her friend since she had been returned by the wolves.

“You need to drink.” Stephany leaned her head to the side exposing her neck. The throb in Tanya’s head increased and her teeth sharpened. Her mouth felt dry. In that moment she could hear Stephany’s heartbeat, could scent her vanilla fragrance, like freshly baked cookies yumo.

“Thank you for helping me. I hope the kings haven’t given you too much flack.” Tanya made her way to the couch and moved in next to Stephany.

“Nah, they want you both healthy and would prefer you drank from me.”

There was a burning question that kept swirling around in her mind. One she had to ask but didn’t know how.

She leaned in and sank her tiny fangs into Stephany’s neck. It was weird. She finally understood what her…the males had been trying to tell her. Drinking was not always sexual. Tanya enjoyed taking blood from Stephany just like she enjoyed licking the butter icing from one of her favorite cupcakes or sucking on a block of decadent chocolate. Although it was enjoyable, there was nothing remotely sexual about it. Once she had drunk her fill, she released Steph’s neck and carefully licked the two leaking holes until they sealed. “Thank you.”

“Anytime. I’ll be back in a day or two.” Stephany rose and retrieved her purse. Either she asked now or she would have to wait for Steph to come back.

She needed to know.

“Who are Brant and Zane drinking from?” She blurted, expecting Stephany to tell her to ask them herself like she did whenever she asked a question about either of them.

Stephany smiled. “You still care.”

“You know I do.” She huffed. “I left them because I care. Although I really wish my emotions had an on/off switch, they unfortunately don’t, so I can’t switch my feelings off. Now who are they drinking from? I need to know.”

Stephany’s brow furrowed. “That’s the thing, they don’t seem to be drinking from anyone. I assure you that it would be common knowledge if they were. You don’t even want to know how many bets are flying around the castle. Who will they drink from? Who will they rut first? Will you come back? How long before they rut with someone else? How long before you come back?”

And that was the second burning question that wouldn’t leave her mind. “I take it they’re not rutting with anyone then?” She inwardly cringed.

Stephany smiled. “I should be telling you to go and speak with them yourself, but in this instance I think it is important for you to know that they are definitely not rutting with anyone. They have to be drinking from someone, but I don’t know who.”

“If you don’t know about the drinking then you may not know about the rutting.”

Stephany squeezed Tanya’s arm and shook her head. “You have never in your life seen a more sorry sight. They are devastated at your leaving. They mope around, growling and scowling at everyone that has the bad luck of crossing their paths. It’s comical. You may start getting requests from the general population to return to them. Life has become difficult at the castle.” She smiled down at Tanya warmly. “I would know if they were rutting and I am certain that they are not. They want only you, Tanya. Remember that.”

Tanya felt her eyes prick and she blinked a few times to hold back the tears. “Why did they have to be such jerks?”

“I hope that in time you can forgive them.”

“It is not about forgiving them. They hurt me by going behind my back like that. That is something I can forgive, but I cannot watch them destroy each other and they made it clear that their dominance would never diminish. They will never be able to rule together. They told me that the three of us would never work.”

“I think that they were wrong. Only time will tell.”

“I don’t see how time will change anything. They can’t change their dominant natures.”

Stephany shrugged. “We’ll see.”

Tanya had to roll her eyes. She refused to allow hope to creep into her heart. It would only mean more heartache for her in the long run.

“Call me if you need me.”

Tanya nodded. “I will.”

 

****

 

Brant tortured himself for many long hours staring up at Tanya’s window. He eventually had to face his responsibilities though so he made his way back to the castle.

His first instinct was to shoulder his way through the closed door in front of him. By entering Zane’s private suite unannounced, he would show dominance over the other male. With or without their chosen female, they were still in a predicament over who would take the lead when it came to ruling the newly integrated covens. A fight to determine leadership was inevitable. He sighed heavily. Not something he wanted to think about right now since there was the more pressing matter of getting their female back. While working together to gain back her trust, they seemed to have formed a truce of sorts. Whichever male was working on winning Tanya gave over decision making to the other. They met daily to discuss all pressing matters as well as their game plan when it came to Tanya.

Brant scrubbed a hand over his face and knocked twice on the heavy wooden door.

“Enter.”

He turned the handle and strode in. A scantily clad female he would once have thought of as attractive inclined her head, a small smile played on her lips. The room was thick with the scent of arousal. The female sidled past him and closed the door as she left.

Zane pulled a shirt over his head. Brant’s blood caught fire as anger coursed through his veins. The bastard.

His mind blanked, his vision narrowed until his focus was solely on the other male. He should have known Zane would drop to this level.

Zane’s brow creased. “What?” he had the audacity to ask.

“Fuck you!” Brant growled as he launched himself at the male. Zane didn’t move to block the punch, which took him square in the jaw. He stumbled backwards barely managing to keep his balance. Using his backward momentum to his advantage, Zane was able to mostly dodge his left upper cut and blocked the next punch easily.

Hot anger boiled inside of him. The emotion blocked his ability to think rationally. Did Tanya mean so little to this arrogant dickhead that he was already taking other females to his bed? It was not something he had felt the need to discuss with Zane. He obviously had wrongly assumed that the other male would take his same stance on the matter.

No other female would do. Not now. Not ever.

Zane’s infidelity would devastate his female, would crush her fragile confidence. As much as he disliked the other male and wanted her for himself, her happiness meant everything to him. His rage stepped up another notch, his vision turning a hazy red as he grabbed Zane on his upper arms so that he could anchor him for a knee to the stomach. Zane grunted with the impact. Using his forehead, he bashed Brant hard in the face. Pain blossomed but quickly subsided as his wounds began to heal. The momentum from the knock sent him flying backwards into the closet door. Zane grabbed a hold of his arms. The bastard was strong. He was shouting something, but all Brant could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat ringing in his ears. Brant managed to yank an arm free which he used to punch the other male. Instead of striking back, Zane allowed himself to be hit grabbing Brant’s arm as he tried to pull back for another.

“I didn’t rut her. I didn’t touch her.” Zane’s words finally registered.

“You lie,” he rasped.

Zane’s hold on him loosened but he didn’t let go altogether. “You would be able to scent our rutting.”

Brant tried to suck in air through his nose but clotted blood slid down his throat making him choke. Zane released him and moved back a step. “I could scent her arousal when I entered.”

Zane grinned making Brant want to smash his face in. “I have that affect on females.” He shrugged. “She came to try and rut with me but I turned her away.”

“Did you drink from her?” Another explanation for the strong scent as he entered.

The other male grunted wiping blood from his mouth. “I think you loosened a few of my teeth. Maybe check first before you start swinging. I didn’t take from her. We have an agreement. Tanya is the only female I want in my bed.”

“Good. I think you may have broken my nose.”

“It was a reaction. You might want to straighten it out before you fully heal.”

Brant touched a hand to his face, feeling how his nose stood at a slight angle. There was a crack followed by a sharp pain and then some more blood as he straightened his nose while moving to the mirror so that he could check his handy work. His nose was blue and swollen. He looked terrible, but at least everything was back to being symmetric. Thank blood for his accelerated healing.

“You can’t tell me that you haven’t had offers since our female left us,” Zane said.

He shook his head. “Stephany put the word out that she’ll take out any female that tries to rut with me, so they are staying away. She also threatened to cut my dick off with a silver blade if I so much as look at another female.” He smiled thinking of the fierce vampire. In a few short weeks, his most trusted assistant and loyal friend had sided with Tanya instead of with him. “Other than to threaten me, she hasn’t said more than two words since Tanya left.”

Zane sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on his boots. “Since our covens are now one unit, will you ask her to let the females of my coven know that I am off limits also? I’m not tempted by any of them, but it is becoming annoying to tell them to leave and that I am not interested.”

Brant chuckled. “What part of her not talking to me don’t you get? Ask your assistant to speak to the females of your coven.”

Zane lifted his eyebrows. “You are right, Charlotte has not tried to rut with me since our human left. She is not dominant like Stephany though, so I do not think the females will listen to her.” He rolled his shoulders a few times before standing while holding a hand to his left side. “I think you may have cracked a rib.”

“You’ll heal.”

“Bones can take a few hours.”

“Yeah…” Brant cleared his throat. “Sorry about that.”

Zane nodded. “I understand. How did it go today?”

Brant felt his shoulders slump. “She wouldn’t accept my gift.”

“That is bad news. I did another internet search”—Zane gestured to the laptop on a mahogany desk in the corner—“I may have found something we can use…apparently diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

“How can a sparkling stone be a best friend?” 

Zane shrugged. “Humans are weird. As you know plants, food stuffs, stones…giving these items is considered courting in their culture.”

“It doesn’t make sense to me.”

“Me either, but I have to try. Did you notice if her ears were pierced? I never saw her wear any ear adornments.”

“She never wore anything on her ears,” Brant answered.

“I will get her a bracelet or a necklace.” His brow was creased in thought.

“Get her both,” Brant said.

“You are right.” Zane stood. “The trackers checked in while you were out, there have been no more sightings of wolves in any of our territories. I have officially requested that the alpha swear allegiance but have heard nothing back.”

“This could still mean war.”

“I doubt it. We have the bigger numbers,” Zane said.

“They are cunning and have an uncanny ability to disappear though.”

Zane shrugged. “Let the cowards run and hide. We have yet another more pressing matter.”

The look on Zane’s face made Brant want to sit. “I don’t want to ask.”

“Katar called…he wanted to visit with his new son-in-law and his beloved daughter, wouldn’t take no for an answer. We will need to go and see him to try and explain things or you will need to convince Xavier to mate her. Time is running out.”

Brant cursed. “Tanya promised the elf princess that she could date our males.”

Although Zane’s expression softened at the mention of their female, his words came out sounding harsh. “Not happening. That would spell war and although I wouldn’t mind taking down Katar’s son, I don’t want to see the elven people destroyed.”

“I will speak with Xavier.”

“Thank you. I will let you know if Tanya accepts the gift.”

Although his chest tightened at the thought of another rejection, he plastered on a half-smile. “I hope it goes well.”

From the pinched look on Zane’s face, he knew that the other male was feeling it too. A longing, an unrelenting need that only their human could fill. They had to get her back. They just had to.

 

****

 

Tanya put a second batch of muffin trays into the oven. She didn’t have long before the lunch rush. Although she currently didn’t have a wide selection to offer, it seemed the townsfolk were still eager to see the woman that had somehow managed to escape the vampire kings’ clutches. Both men and women alike. Some bought her books while others just sat in the restaurant section and gawked at her while they ate their pastry or drank their coffee. Most just looked, but some actually straight out asked about her time with the vampires. It was something she hoped would blow over quickly because although the money was good, being gawked at on a daily basis was emotionally draining.

Why?

It was the most asked question. Why had she left? Was it bad living with a coven? Had she been hurt? Mrs Marsh from down the road even had the audacity to ask her if vampires had big dicks and if the sex had been painful? Although she didn’t like the constant reminder of the life she had left behind, she considered it harmless curiosity.

After closing the oven, she’d gone back to shelving her new book delivery. She still couldn’t believe that she’d already had to order new books for the store just one week after reopening. Tanya sighed, realizing that the hard covers in her hands were science fiction novels that had somehow gotten mixed in with this batch of romance novels. She put the books to the side and reached back in to the box, wrapping her hand around a paperback. The cover looked interesting but instead of turning the book to read the blurb on the back like she normally would’ve done, she shelved it and moved to pick up the next novel. Tanya hadn’t felt much like reading lately. A broken heart and a romance novel just didn’t mix well. There would be no happily ever after for her and so it hurt to read about others who found happiness.

The next paperback had two muscled males who sandwiched a female. They were in an embrace, pure rapture on all of their faces. She practically threw the book back into the box. Fantasy and reality were two very different things. Something she’d found out the hard way. The doorbell jingled as a man walked in. He looked to be in his early forties and although he sported a small belly, he had wide set shoulders and a muscled frame.

She smiled in his direction and moved to stand as he walked to one of the tables. The two ladies in the far corner continued to talk amongst each other. Since Tanya had just taken them their coffee and cupcakes, she was sure that they would be okay for a bit longer.

“Good morning.” She handed the man a single page menu and grabbed her notepad and pencil from her apron pocket.

He took the menu, glancing at it for a mere second before tossing it on the table. “I’ll take a grilled cheese and a cup of black coffee.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t make sandwiches…yet. Maybe a croissant or a custard slice?”

He put his cold, hard eyes on her for the first time. “You women are all the same. Doing everything in your power to upset a man must be built into your genetics.”

The words escaped before she could stop them. “Excuse me?” Part of her couldn’t believe that a total stranger would say something like that to her.

“You heard me, girl.” He spoke quietly, not taking those hard eyes off her once. He didn’t seem to blink or even to breathe. “Two slices of bread and some cheese. It aint so hard,” he paused. “Why are you back anyways? Did the vampire king not want ya?” His eyes snapped down the length of her, his face pinched. “Can’t says I blame him. Looks like you ate all that bread and cheese yourself.”

“I think it would be best if you left,” she blurted still in shock.

“I’m a paying customer.” He picked up the menu. “I’ll take one of those custard slices and a cup of coffee.” He smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes.

The two ladies at the corner table continued to talk, oblivious to the turmoil that she felt inside. The last thing she wanted was a scene so she nodded once and started to turn but his voice stopped her. “Make sure the coffee is real hot, girly.”

She took in a deep breath tramping down her anger.

“Before you rush off…” her heart rate picked up a notch. She got the feeling she wasn’t going to like what he had to say next. “Did you fuck one of those blood suckers?”

She gasped. Stunned at the crassness of his question.

“Women,” he sighed. “You’re all a bunch of hussies.” He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “I can tell by your reaction that you opened those thighs of yours. You probably fucked more than one of um. It’s why you’re back isn’t it? Couldn’t keep those knees together could ya?”

When she looked down, she realized that she had crushed both the menu and the notepad. “Get out,” it started as a whisper. “Get out.” She repeated louder this time until she screamed the words over and over.

The man smiled. This time it did reach his eyes. His whole face lit up in sheer joy and she had to clutch her hands to her sides to stop herself from smacking him. He didn’t move from the chair. Just sat there grinning at her.

Thank God Griffin arrived. He lifted the man like he weighed nothing. It was the asshole’s turn to scream. “I’ll remove him, my lady, and I’ll have a little chat”—he gave the man a shake—“outside.” The big vampire talked above the noise, inclining his head once before leaving. Up until five seconds ago, she’d thought of her vampire shadows as annoying pains. Not so much anymore.

She was panting with one hand to her chest. Tanya pulled out a chair and sat trying hard to control the rampant fear and anger that still rolled through her.

“Are you okay?” One of the women who she had served earlier touched her on the arm and she had to stop herself from shrieking at the contact.

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

“Are you sure?”

Tanya tried to smile. “I just need a few moments.” An alarm sounded. “That’ll be the muffins. I need to get them out of the oven,” she added making to stand. “Your coffee is on the house. I’m really sorry you witnessed that.”

“Don’t be silly. We’ll pay. What did he say?” The woman’s eyebrows shot up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. Forget I asked.”

“He was really sexist and racist and just a fat jerk.”

“That was Carl Jackson. His wife left him a few years ago for another man. Rumor has it that he used to beat her.”

“I’ll bet,” was all she could muster.

“He’s a nasty piece of work. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

The older woman smiled warmly at her. “Don’t listen to anything he said. I’m sure it was all a bunch of bull.” She reached out and touched the top of Tanya’s arm.

“I know.” But deep down inside, she couldn’t help but to think that maybe Carl Jackson was right in a roundabout way.

Donning a pair of mittens, she opened the oven and had just grabbed the tray when the first pain hit.

Deep.

Piercing.

Enough to take her breath. To have her clutching at her stomach. The air in her lungs seized. Her mouth widened and she doubled over as another soul shattering ache lanced through her like someone had shoved a red hot poker into her abdomen. There was a gush of warmth between her legs.

“Are you okay?” It was the lady she had just had the conversation with. “Honey?” Her face was a mask of concern.

“My phone,” she managed to get out between rugged pants. She pointed to the counter top and the lady picked up the device.

“Call Stephany. Hurry.” She moaned falling to her knees next to the still open oven. Tanya tried hard not to topple over but it felt like the ground was sucking her down. Another sharp pain sliced through her and she landed on her side.