Three days later…

“So, you just weren’t going to go?” Cadon asked, clenching his teeth. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Can you drop it already. I explained to you why.”

“Money,” Cadon still sounded pissed. “Because of something stupid like money?”

“Yes, money and the fact that I don’t have any. Money may be stupid to you but it’s not so stupid to me. I actually hate money. I wish I didn’t need it but…” she sighed. “Forget it.”

“I’m not forgetting anything. I told you I would pay you for having to remain a prisoner in this house,” he whispered so softly that she could hardly hear him. “That includes any doctor’s appointments you need.”

She glanced up at Magnar who was sitting on the other side of the room. Kerry still couldn’t believe it was the same man who had arrived at the house four days ago. He winked at her when he caught her looking. She narrowed her eyes back at him.

His hair was neatly styled and gelled. His beard was trimmed. The very pregnant lady sitting one seat up from him was checking him out something fierce. It made her want to laugh. If only that lady knew what he was, she’d probably have her baby right there at that very moment. Only, she was looking at him with lust, despite being nine months pregnant.

The receptionist was checking Cadon out. Make that, the receptionist and the other two ladies in the room. The one woman had the good grace to blush and stare back down at her magazine after being caught. For all intents and purposes Kerry and Cadon were together. He was holding her hand. “Don’t do it again. You need to tell me if you need something. Especially if it’s for the child. Are we on the same page?”

“Yes, okay, fine…I’ll tell you.”

“Good. Glad to hear it.” He leaned in a bit closer, pretending to nuzzle into her hair. “I’m so glad Magnar has agreed to let us go in to see the healer without him.”

“Me too. We would have had a hard time explaining…things.”

Cadon hummed his agreement.

“Um …” the receptionist called, blushing when Cadon looked up. “Kerry Thomas…the doctor will see you now.” Funny how the receptionist was still looking at Cadon and not at her. Her face turning a bright red.

“Thank you.” They both rose to their feet. She watched how Magnar was looking at them. She could see the distrust written in his narrowed eyes.

“There is only one entrance and therefore only one exit,” Cadon remarked, obviously picking up on his animosity as well.

“We won’t be long,” Kerry quickly added.

Magnar smiled, it didn’t reach his eyes and looked tense, as did his shoulders. “Five lives depend on it,” he said, referring to Cadon’s team back at the house.

It was at times like this that she was reminded of what Magnar was. She wasn’t referring to him being a shifter but rather to him being a cold-blooded killer. Make no mistake, he was. He would kill Cadon’s team given half the chance.

“I’m still not sure why we are here.” Magnar looked around them “There is no need. Not if you are the father.” It was delivered as a statement of fact and yet, it sounded questioning.

“We don’t know that,” Cadon said, under his breath. “I explained this to you already. I’m not going through all of it again.” As far as Magnar was concerned, Kerry was carrying the first Feral clutch and there was risk involved. Significant risk.

“You sure it’s okay?” He widened his eyes. “To see a human,” he whispered.

“Very sure,” Cadon said, there was a growl to his voice. “We spoke about this already as well.”

Magnar was referring to the doctor knowing too much and giving information to the press. They had lied and had said that Doctor Jenkins already knew everything. That she was bound by her oath as a doctor not to reveal any information to anyone.

“We’ll see you in a little while. Happy reading!” He glanced at the magazine in Magnar’s hand. The Feral couldn’t read so it was definitely a dig at him.

“Won’t be long,” Magnar muttered. “I’ll ace it before you.” The shifters were trying to learn how to read on some app. Crazy but true. They were very fast learners but that fast…? She doubted it.

They headed into Doctor Jenkins’ office and examination room. Her gynecologist smiled as she walked in. “So, this must be the dad. So glad you could finally come for one of Kerry’s appointments.”

Cadon’s jaw clenched. “I won’t be missing any more from here on out.”

For just a second, Kerry allowed herself to imagine that Cadon was this baby’s father and that what he was saying was true. The feeling of warmth, of euphoria didn’t last. He wasn’t! He was a sweet guy, who happened to be a shifter, who happened to have attracted a whole lot of trouble. Right now, they were stuck with one another. He wouldn’t be here if he had any kind of choice.

“Glad to hear it.” Doctor Jenkins gestured to the bed. “Why don’t you take your shoes off and lie down? I’m sure you’re eager to see the baby.”

“Very much so.” Cadon smiled. It looked so real, like he really meant it.

Kerry swallowed thickly and did as the doctor said, lying down on the hospital type bed.

“Right, let’s take a look.” Doctor Jenkins picked up a bottle. “You can lift your sweater to your rib cage and undo the first few buttons of your jeans.”

Reaching beneath her sweater, Kerry removed the hairband before lifting the garment up.

Cadon’s golden eyes seemed to be transfixed on her belly. She felt self-conscious for a moment.

Then the doctor squirted some gel onto her stomach. It was warm. Kerry folded down her jeans to her hairline, feeling her cheeks heat. She was acting like a teenager. So silly!

Next thing, she felt Cadon slip his hand into hers and squeeze. When she looked up, he smiled. Out popped those dimples of his and his eyes shone. He really was a good-looking guy. He looked excited. Doing such a good job of playing the role of doting father.

She felt the scanning device against her belly, which drew her attention back to her gynecologist.

“There he is,” the doctor said. “Your son.” She looked at Cadon, which made Kerry look at him.

Cadon looked up at the screen, his mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. Then he grinned, looking excited. He squeezed her hand, his eyes filled with wonder and amazement. For just a moment she wished he was her son’s father. Every child deserved a father. One who actually cared. She of all people knew how important that was in a child’s life. She felt tears well and blinked them away.

Your son.

For just a second, he let the thought wash over him, allowing himself to believe it to be true. That the silhouette of what looked like an honest to god baby was his. The infant had two arms and two legs. He was sure if he counted, that the boy would have all of his fingers and toes as well. So perfect, a lump formed in his throat.

His.

The little guy kicked and both he and Kerry shared a laugh. Her eyes were bright, her smile wide. Her hand warm in his. It felt good. It felt real, even though it wasn’t. In a few weeks ‒ if he could help it ‒ Magnar would be gone and Kerry’s life could get back to normal.

There might be a female in his future, but that female was not going to be this particular one. Leukos would never allow it. This wasn’t real! None of it! He needed to keep that at the very forefront of his mind.

With one final squeeze, he let go of her hand.

“Would you like to hear his heartbeat?” the healer asked.

“Yes, please.” Kerry nodded. A galloping noise filled the room. The sound powerful and bold. He watched as a tear rolled down one of Kerry’s cheeks. To hell with it! He took back her hand. She smiled and sniffed as a few more tears escaped. “That’s probably the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.”

“He is doing great,” the healer announced. “I’m happy with all his measurements.” She removed the device from Kerry’s stomach and handed her a wad of tissue paper so that she could clean her belly.

“How is the nausea? I know you were feeling a lot better when you came to see me a month ago.”

“Yes.” Kerry nodded. “That’s one hundred percent now. Aside from having to use the bathroom about twenty times a day, I feel fine.”

The healer took out a device and she put it around Kerry’s arm. It expanded slowly and then nothing happened for a good few seconds. There was a beeping sound. The healer made a note. “Your blood pressure is normal.” She removed the device from Kerry’s arm. “I’d like to weigh you.” She gestured to a piece of equipment in the corner of the room.

Kerry fixed her pants and pulled her clothing back down. He was still blown away by how soft her skin had looked. Kerry got off the bed and stepped onto the device. There was another notation made. “Otherwise, you’re feeling fine?”

“Feeling great. My energy levels are back up. My appetite is back to normal.”

“That’s great,” the healer said. “Do you have any questions for me?” She raised her brows.

“No.” Kerry shook her head. “I’m just glad he’s okay.” After being beaten by this Jeff asshole, he could understand why she would feel that way.

“What about you?” The female turned her gaze to Cadon, momentarily surprising him. “There must be something you want to know or are unsure about? Especially since this is your first time at an appointment.”

Cadon lifted his eyes in thought. “When do we need to return for another appointment?” He didn’t want Kerry to miss any because of money.

“Ah!” The female smiled. “Eager to come back and do this again?”

“Yes, definitely. I’m sorry I missed the other appointments.” Anger burned in him. Magnar was right, that male deserved death.

“In four weeks’ time. My receptionist, Maud, will help you with that when you leave. Anything else?” She paused. “There has to be something. At this stage I know most dads to be are keen to start having sex with their partners again.” She gave him a knowing smile, like she’d hit the nail on the head.

Cadon nodded and smiled, not sure what to say. What could he say? Sex would be great. He’d love to have sex with Kerry and often. Sleeping with her every night was like torture. Holding her hand, kissing her very sweet lips, even more so. Kerry looked uncomfortable. It was that or her nails had suddenly become interesting.

“Expectant dads also worry about how long sexual relations will be possible. To the eighth month? Or right up to the end? If certain positions will hurt the baby?”

“Will they?” The question just fell from his lips.

“No.” She shook her head. “As long as Kerry is comfortable and enjoying herself.” She turned to Kerry. “If anything hurts, or strains in any way, then stop. You need to listen to your body.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “That makes sense.” Her cheeks were pink. He noticed they turned that color easily.

“You should enjoy yourselves as a couple. Many women have an increased libido during pregnancy due to all the hormones.”

Cadon felt himself frown. That’s not what Kerry had told him. In fact, she’d told him the opposite. Kerry’s cheeks turned red and she looked at the floor and then the far wall before reluctantly looking at the healer.

“You have increased blood flow to your pelvic region, so very often the reproductive organs become swollen and way more sensitive.” The female winked at Kerry. “You have my full permission to go a little crazy. Have plenty of sex and often.”

“Sounds good to me.” His voice was too deep. His pants suddenly a little tight. He told himself that he was playing along, but there was a part of him that wanted to test Kerry. To prod her a little for lying to him. “You hear that, honey?” She had used the endearment on him. Hopefully it was correct to use it back.

She glanced his way and nodded. “Yes, sounds good.” Her eyes were a little wide, her chest moving up and down in a rhythm that was faster than normal. She stood up, her chair scraping on the tiles. Yup, she’d definitely lied to him. That much was clear. “Um…thank you, Doctor Jenkins. I appreciate your time.”

“Wait.” The healer stood up as well. “I took a few pictures of your son. For the fridge at home.”

Fridge? What did the refrigerator have to do with anything? “Do we need to keep the pictures in the refrigerator?” He frowned.

The healer cracked up laughing.

“You do tell the lamest jokes.” Kerry was smiling broadly but it looked forced.

“Oh, my word.” The healer laughed some more. “For a second there I thought you were serious.”

Cadon chuckled. “Of course not.”

Smiling, the female walked towards the machine that had shown them inside Kerry’s belly. She walked back, handing him a strip of black and white pictures. “The third one is irrefutable proof that your son is a he.” She winked.

It looked like a black and white blur. The silhouette of an infant he could do, but this…he held up the picture, looking at the third one, turning it so that he could view it from a different angle.

“Here.” The healer laughed. “Those are his thighs and that…”

“Oh!” Cadon chuckled as he finally realized what he was looking at. Balls and a prick. “I see. Yup, definitely a male.”

“Without a doubt! I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” She walked them to the door.

“Yes.” Kerry nodded.

Cadon folded the strip of pictures, carefully tucking them into his pocket. He couldn’t have Magnar seeing them. The male might just figure out what they were of. He was no fool. He would question why there was a single child. He would question the lack of eggs even more. Couldn’t take that risk. If Magnar found out they weren’t together, he would take Kerry for himself in an instant. He might not let her keep a human child either. He wouldn’t put it past a bastard like Magnar. He needed to get the male a mate and soon.